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"You were our whole damn sky": Tributes flow after alleged murder of young teacher

The family of a young teacher from Victoria are in mourning after the body of 23-year-old was found in a burnt-out car just hours after she was reported missing. Hannah McGuire was found near State Forest Rd in Scarsdale, an area near Ballarat surrounded by bushland, on Friday after her family had reported her missing just before. On Sunday, two young men were arrested over her death, and on Monday, a 21-year-old was charged with one count of murder. The young man is believed to be Hannah's ex-boyfriend, who had been living with Ms McGuire for about a year before their recent separation. Police will allege the man drove her body to a remote national park and set the car on fire, before posting a loving tribute on social media and telling her friends she had taken her own life. The man will appear in Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. As news of Hannah's untimely death broke, her parents shared a heart-wrenching tribute to their daughter on Facebook. Her parents run the National Hotel in the regional town of Clunes, and shared their tribute on their business Facebook page to inform patrons that the pub will remain closed until Wednesday. "Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken," the post read." "You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky. Miss you Princess!" A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-hannah-mcguire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by the Clunes Cricket Club supporting McGuire’s family, and has already raised over $45,000. “As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude and Fletcher,” the club said. “Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold.” Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe

Legal

"I'd ban their whole operation": Tiny sticker highlights huge crisis

From advertisements to artwork there’s no escaping stickers on street poles, but one that was spotted in Melbourne has made waves, calling out a glaring issue that is impacting so many Australians. The sticker in question was stuck to a traffic light in Melbourne and appears to take aim at homeowners who are worsening the national housing crisis by listing their properties as short-term Airbnb stays rather than long-term rentals. The sticker, shared to social media reads, “You wouldn’t open an Airbnb in a housing crisis” a spoof of the mid-2000s ‘Piracy. It’s a crime.’ public service announcement that was played before movies. Images of the sticker have been shared across a number of social media platforms, with many people quick to praise the “genius” DIY PSA and requesting copies to stick around their suburbs on lockboxes in their own apartment complexes. While some found the funny side of the message, others were more critical of the sticker calling out landlords and Airbnb. “You wouldn’t incentivise opening an Airbnb by making it less onerous and more profitable than renting out your property,” someone said. “Course they would,” another responded. “The ‘f**k you, got mine’ mindset is getting stronger.” “If I had my way I’d ban their [Airbnb] whole operation overnight.” The issue of short-term holiday letting and the growth of Airbnb across the country is that it's eating up potential long-term rentals, which is a The calls come amid the rental crisis in Victoria, with vacancy rates reaching a record low of 0.8 per cent in Melbourne in April 2023, which is one of the better rates recorded across Australia as new rental listings dropped by 18.9 per cent. The only capital city to have rental vacancy above one per cent is Canberra, at 1.6 per cent. While Adelaide holds the tightest rental market with a mere 0.3 per cent vacancy. Perth is close behind at 0.4 per cent. Sydney’s new listings fell by 17 per cent in April 2023 and 5.1 per cent in the past year while Melbourne dropped by 20.8 per cent in the span of a month, and 17.9 per cent in the past year, according to PropTrack. The NSW government introduced regulations to limit the time a property could be on the market to 180 days a year. The Victorian Greens have called on the Andrew’s government to strip it to 90 days. A similar, “tourism tax” has been introduced to cities overseas, where a small payment is added to the guest’s bill in certain tourism hot spots each night in a big to funnel money back into local communities’ infrastructure. Airbnb told The Age that a statewide tourism levy was the preferred way to regulate the industry as it is more consistent than a council-by-council approach. “We believe tourism levies are a fair and sustainable way to raise revenue for local communities, especially in areas of high tourism, as they broaden the revenue base without imposing an additional burden on local ratepayers or businesses,” Airbnb Australia and New Zealand’s head of public policy Michael Crosby told the outlet. Speaking to news.com.au, Airbnb's country manager for Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon said the platform had proposed a series of measures to “help build stronger communities, foster sustainable tourism growth, and equip governments across Australia with tools to help address important issues, such as housing affordability and amenity”. It included a statewide registration scheme to document new listings, introducing consistent Codes of Conduct for guests, hosts, and communities, as well as support for government reviews of eviction protections. “Airbnb is keen to work together with a broad range of stakeholders and help play a part in helping to provide meaningful solutions and tackle the issue of housing supply and affordability,” Wheeldon said. “While short term rentals generally comprise a tiny proportion of the overall property market, we’re keen to keep finding ways that we can make a positive contribution to this important issue.” Image credit: Reddit

Real Estate

National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck whole roasted duck with a cinnamon and orange glaze

The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career. Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck whole roasted duck with a cinnamon and orange glaze Serves: 6-8 Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: Approximately 3 hours INGREDIENTS: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 x Luv-A Duck whole duck </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 lemon, sliced into wheels </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 5 cloves of garlic, chopped </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 2 cinnamon quill </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Cooking salt to rub </li> </ul> For the cinnamon and orange glaze: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> ½ cup balsamic vinegar </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> ¼ cup honey </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Juice of ½ a lemon </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Juice of 1 whole orange </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Pinch of salt </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tsp ground cinnamon </li> </ul> Buttered greens: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 200g green beans, blanched in boiling water </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 2 garlic cloves minced </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 50g butter </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Pinch of salt and pepper </li> </ul> To garnish: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Freshly chopped coriander </li> </ul> METHOD: <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Preheat the oven to 180C. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> To prepare the duck, remove the giblets from inside the duck. Rinse the duck, inside and outside, with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Set the duck on the working surface. Score the duck's skin on the breast in a diamond pattern, making sure you only cut the skin, without reaching the meat. Poke the other fatty parts of the duck with the tip of the knife all over, to ensure fat releases. Season the duck very generously with salt both inside the cavity of the duck and outside on the skin, legs, all over. Place the duck breast side up. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Put the chopped garlic, sliced lemons and cinnamon quills inside the duck cavity (NB:these are just for flavor, not for eating - you will discard them after cooking). The duck will have flapping skin on both ends - fold that skin inwards, to hold the garlic and lemon inside. Tie up the duck legs with butcher's twine. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Place the duck breast side up on a large roasting pan with a rack within (roasting pan should have a roasting rack to lift the duck from the bottom of the pan and allow the fat to drip below the duck). </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Roast the duck, breast side up, for 1 hour at 180C. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> After 1 hour of roasting, flip the duck on its breast and roast it breast side down (roast the other side) for 40 minutes at the same temperature. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Remove the roasting pan with the duck from the oven and carefully pour off all the duck fat juices from the roasting pan into a large glass or metal bowl. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Flip the duck, breast side up again, and place back on the rack in the roasting pan. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Add to the bowl with the juices from the duck fat, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Brush all over the duck with the balsamic mixture and cook the duck, breast side up for another 40-50 minutes at 180C, brushing every 10 minutes with the mixture. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> You can carefully use the grill function in the oven to crisp up the duck skin for the last 10-15 minutes (do it carefully, checking the duck regularly to make sure it doesn't burn). </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> In the meantime, prepare to cook the beans. Using a pan over medium heat, add in the butter. Once melted add in the garlic and toss for a few seconds before adding in the beans to coat through. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> After the duck is cooked, remove it from the oven, let the duck stand for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove and discard the lemon from the cavity (being careful not to get burned). Carve the duck and serve with the beans as a side. </li> </ol> Image credit: Luv-a-Duck

Food & Wine

Fun camping activities for the whole family

Dust off the tent and grab the sleeping bags because it is well and truly camping season! A traditional summer pursuit for many families, camping is not only great fun for all ages but a wonderful family bonding times. If you’re camping with the extended family this season, here are some activities that will engage even the most disinterested kid. Get ready for some wholesome fun that does not involve technology! Scavenger hunt Make it a competition so everyone, even the adults, get involved and active! As you will likely be around nature, create a nature-themed hunt. It can be as simple as collecting items like leaves of certain colours, different shaped rocks, snail shells or even spotting different types of bugs and animals. In this case, get everyone to take a photo of the item. Make sure you warn kids of things to avoid like certain poisonous or prickly plants that might be around. Obstacle course Create the ultimate outdoor obstacle course to challenge the whole family. It can be as easy or hard as you want so set it to accommodate all ages and activity levels in the family. Obstacles like crawling under picnic tables, skipping stones, long jumps on a beach, hanging off a branch are all options. Use what is at your campsite and race each other with the ‘losers’ having to cook dinner or collect firewood. Nature watching Since the whole family will be in the thick of the bush, take the time to get to know nature better! Most national parks and campsites will have brochures of types of animals and birds in the area or grab a guidebook and go bird and animal watching. Or learn about the different types of flora in the area. Just be sure to respect nature and not damage anything. Learn new skills A camping trip is a great time to teach the kids how to read maps and compasses (or brush up if you are rusty). Reading a map and compass is quickly becoming a lost skill but one which is still important. Make it a bit more fun by going orienteering. Create an easy compass course and see how well the family follows directions. Cook up a treat If you are lucky enough to have a big campfire blazing away at night don’t waste the opportunity and cook up some camp favourites. The classic damper is a great option, otherwise toasting marshmallows while sharing stories is the perfect way to unwind at night. Or you can create s’mores, an American favourite of marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between crackers. Ghost stories Even the most disinterested grandkids will be engrossed with a night time session of ghost stories around the campfire. Engulfed in the blackness of night with not much signs of civility, the scare factor is heightened. If nobody can think of any good ones (we recommend you have some prepared to scare everyone!) or the grandkids are too young, play the game where everyone contributes a sentence which slowly builds an often outrageous and hilarious tale. Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

“My whole heart”: Paris Hilton shares new photos of baby boy

Paris Hilton took to Instagram to share a series of intimate mother and son portraits with her newborn, Phoenix Barron Hilton Reum. The heiress, 42, simply captioned the photos with: “My whole heart. #MommyMonday”. Hilton uploaded four black and white photos showing her cradling her baby boy in both candid and posed shots. "I feel like my life is so complete now," she said. Friends and fans took to the comments to share their love. “You were made to be a mom Paris 💗💗💗,” commented celebrity hairstylist, Brittney Conkle. "Paris. Beautiful mummy, two angels love you," wrote one of her friends. “So happy for you!!! He’s absolutely precious!!!” commented another. “I can already tell that you're an amazing mum!! ❤️ Phoenix is so lucky to have you as a mother,” wrote another. Hilton and her husband Carter Reum welcomed their baby boy via surrogate early this year, after admitting that they hoped to start a family following their wedding in 2021. The star has previously gushed about her son in an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she called him a "little angel". "I'm so obsessed with him. My whole heart feels so full," she said, adding that her life feels “complete” now. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Have you been using expired beauty products this whole time? Here’s when to toss them

Let go of your loofah every few weeks We all have our beauty besties. Whether it’s a love connection with brushes or a match made in heaven with mascara, saying goodbye is never easy. But it’s important – especially when we’re talking about spoilage, expiration dates, or skin infections. One potential hotbed of bacteria is the loofah you use in the shower, which collects your dead skin cells and literally redeposits them – dirt, grime, and all – right back onto your body the next time you use it. Be prepared to replace that body sponge every few weeks, or sooner if it smells or changes colour. Or skip the loofah entirely and just apply a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, using your fingers, advises cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Anjali Butani. Mix up your mascara every three months As much as you love your lengthening, feathering, dramatically lash-boosting mascara, you have only one pair of eyes and you can’t afford to lose them. That’s why you’ll need to chuck your mascara every three months, or face risks from contamination with bacteria and cold viruses. “Anything moist that’s touching wet parts of the body – eyes, lips, open skin – lasts a shorter period of time,” explains dermatologist, Dr Joshua Zeichner. A good rule to follow: if the product can’t be sterilised, toss it. Swap your beauty sponge every three to four months “If these disposable sponges are not replaced every few months, or if there are any colour changes, they could be a breeding ground for mould,” Dr Zeichner says. Always wash and thoroughly dry your beauty blender after each use to minimise the bacterial build-up that could cause breakouts. And definitely chuck the sponge sooner than three to four months if it starts to crack or crumble, or if you used it when you had a bad cold or an infection. Re-up your eye cream every three months Once you open a jar of any cosmetic product, the active ingredients are exposed to air and begin to break down. You’re also inviting contamination with every dip of your finger, which is probably not sterile even if you just washed it. Expect to switch out your eye cream every three months – unless it comes in a pump. Dr Zeichner says pumps are a better option because they can last several months to years due to the lower likelihood of contracting bacteria. Turn over your toothbrush every three months To keep up with your dental hygiene, you need your toothbrush to be in good working order. “When bristles are not standing straight anymore, they don’t clean as well, so you should throw it out,” says Dr Zeichner. Kiss lip balm goodbye every six months to a year Licensed aesthetician Jennifer Aimi, cautions lip balm lovers to part with their lip treatments every six months to a year, especially if they come in a pot that you dip your finger in (see eye cream). “Follow the instructions that come with the product,” Aimi urges, “and always resist the urge to share it – especially during cold season.” Zap those zits for six months at a time If your acne cream seems to be losing its pimple-fighting power, it may be a sign to pop it in the wastebasket. Dr Zeichner says that if the product is used past the expiration date, its active ingredients may not work as well. Slather on that sunscreen for two years Sunblock is not something you can take chances on, especially when you’re holidaying at the beach and there’s a real possibility of getting fried. Look to a sunscreen’s expiration date for guidance, or figure you’ll need to toss it two years after opening. But don’t abandon common sense. If a formula looks, smells, or feels different than when it was originally purchased, Dr Zeichner says to dump it. Give your eyelash curler two to three years It’s a good idea to consider replacing an eyelash curler every two to three years, according to Aimi. And if the rubber part starts to crack or look old, replace that part sooner. The good news is that they’re sold separately. Don’t forget to wipe down the curler with rubbing alcohol between uses. Spritz on perfume for two years (or more) The longevity of a perfume will depend on how you care for it over time. “Keep the bottle out of heat, humidity and sunlight,” Aimai says, “and don’t shake it, because that causes a chemical breakdown that can alter the scent quickly.” Expect to enjoy a fragrance for about two to three years, and obviously bin it sooner if the colour changes or if it starts to smell a tad like vinegar (obviously you won’t want to wear that). Clip and snip for under five years Even nail clippers and scissors have a shelf life – and it’s two to four years. Of course, the lifespan of these beauty necessities depends on their quality and how often you use them, according to beauty experts behind the brand Japonesque. Definitely don’t use tweezers, clippers or scissors if they’re nicked, dented, misshapen, misaligned, or rusted. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/beauty/have-you-been-using-expired-beauty-products-this-whole-time-heres-when-to-toss-them?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

6 delicious cheesecake recipes to delight the whole family

Whether your sweet tooth steers you towards something bejewelled in berries or coated in chocolate, cheesecakes make for an excellent dessert all year round. In no particular order, here are 10 recipes to try at home, whether you want to impress the whole family at your next event or want to dig in solo for a cheesecake demolition (no experience required). <ul> <li><a href="https://justamumnz.com/2016/10/23/caramello-chocolate-cheesecake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caramello cheesecake</a> </li> </ul> Caramel and chocolate go hand in hand, so it only makes sense to pair Caramello with cake. And with a prep time of only 20 minutes (though 4 hours are recommended for setting), this sweet treat can be yours in record time after the cake craving strikes. <ul> <li><a href="Custard%20apple%20cheesecake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Custard apple cheesecake</a> </li> </ul> In another take on a classic combo, Woolworths’ recipe promises a 45 minute prep time, with only four steps. Best yet, it doesn’t require baking, so there’s no fear of burning it before you even get the chance to enjoy it. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/no-bake-mango-cheesecake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No bake mango cheesecake</a> </li> </ul> RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi credits bargain mangoes for this recipe, and no matter its humble origins, the multitude of ways this one can be played with makes it the perfect base to experiment. Plus, Nagi lists her notes, tips, and tricks to help any baker through the process. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/ultimate-choc-mint-cheesecake-recipe/zwfw4gs8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ultimate choc-mint cheesecake</a> </li> </ul> For KitKat lovers, and avid fans of mint chocolate, this recipe is a must. It provides a grand opportunity to get creative with decorating too, though it could be a bit of a challenge to improve upon the surewire winner KitKat ring. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.readersdigest.ca/food/recipes/lemon-curd-cheesecake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lemon curd cheesecake</a></li> </ul> With lemon curd involved, is there ever any need to say more? This recipe, although from a Canadian, gives bakers the option to swap their measurements to metric for an easier experience. And even more, you can edit the portion size, so no more guessing while adjusting the recipe to suit. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.modernasianbaking.com/recipes/the-best-japanese-cheesecake-recipe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foolproof Japanese cheesecake</a> </li> </ul> And last but certainly not least is the bouncy and brilliant Japanese cheesecake. These cakes, also known as a cotton cheesecake or a soufflé cheesecake, cannot be missed. And with notes from recipe author Kat Lieu to assist, now is as good a time as any to give it a go. The OverSixty team shared their favourite cheesecake flavours too, and though they may not all be family friendly, they’re certainly nothing short of absolutely scrumptious. Coming in first? Baileys. Indulgent and creamy, any cheesecake recipe that features the liqueur is sure to be a winner. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/baileys-cheesecake-recipe/633f1u7z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baileys cheesecake</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipes/caramilk-baileys-salted-caramel-cheesecake-recipe/9bnmlwmn?r=baking/66odb6fv&h=baking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caramilk, Baileys, and salted caramel cheesecake</a></li> <li><a href="https://bakeplaysmile.com/baileys-chocolate-cheesecake-no-bake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No bake Baileys chocolate cheesecake</a></li> </ul> And second up, though no less desirable, are fruit cheesecakes (lemon, blueberry, and raspberry topping our lists). Typically a more humble option, but certainly no less delicious, with hundreds of flavours available to make them shine inside and out. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/blueberry-cheesecake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blueberry cheesecake</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/lemon-and-blueberry-cheesecake-1489" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lemon and blueberry cheesecake</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipes/no-bake-lemon-cheesecake-recipe-2/z5ltaea8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No bake lemon cheesecake</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/25642/white-chocolate-raspberry-cheesecake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White chocolate raspberry cheesecake</a></li> </ul> Images: Getty

Food & Wine

A whole new can of worms for gardeners

Every year, people all over the world set their resolutions for the next 12 months and beyond. While some may not see them all the way through, most dive in with only the best intentions in mind. And whether it’s because of a love of the outdoors, a desire to keep their hands busy on a free day, or even mounting climate anxiety, many take to gardening as a way to give their life a fresh spin. A crucial part of that process? Composting. No matter the crop, composting boasts the growth of healthier and stronger plants. Additionally, it can improve the likes of soil density and its available nutrients, as well as discouraging all kinds of unwanted pests. However, composting has not historically been everyone’s cup of tea. From the smell to the sheer effort, the fear of trying something new, space, flies, and so on, many have opted to steer clear of setting up their own station. But any budding - or established - gardener need not fear, with new innovations in the art of composting making the entire process easier each and every day. The latest trend helping gardener’s around the world find success is commercial vermiculture - better known as “worm farming”. It is said that worm farming - or a similar practice - dates all the way back to Cleopatra VII’s reign. But modern practices, thankfully, prove much simpler, and much easier for the average to maintain at home. While most organic materials leaving the home have the potential to become a nutritious dish of soil for the garden, it’s advised to avoid the likes of oil, meat, orange peels, dairy, pet waste, and plastic when first starting out. So, with the materials likely already at hand, all it takes is someplace to put them - and that’s where the worms come in. Worm farms (or worm composting systems) are the answer to a whole range of composting concerns, and are cited as being easy to maintain, taking minimal time and effort, and able to be installed in even small spaces. Earthworms, reportedly, are even some of the fastest - and best - composters out there. They get to work converting organic household waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden in the form of worm castings (otherwise known as poo). These castings lead to worm tea, a natural liquid fertiliser that comes from soaking said castings in water. To get started, a gardener needs somewhere for the worms to live and work. For those who want to dive right in, farms are readily available for purchase (like this <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/maze-worm-farm_p0137788" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian designed farm by Maze</a>, made from recycled materials, or <a href="https://mazeproducts.com.au/product/3tray-worm-farm-with-legs-and-worms-copy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a kit with an additional tray and worms included</a>). For gardeners after something of a larger scale, it’s possible to make a worm farm at home with an old bath or even a spare wheelie bin. These <a href="https://wormsdownunder.com.au/shop/140l-worm-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be purchased</a> as well, but if craft is more your style, or you want to save a few dollars, then a quick Google search will provide a host of tutorials to follow. The amount the worms will eat varies depending on a number of factors - how many worms are living there, the size of the farm itself, and environmental conditions such as the weather, as worms will typically eat less during the winter. For food, the worms do require more than just the household waste - “bedding” that’s carbon-rich will go a long way for them, so make sure to keep a steady supply of the likes of shredded newspaper and cardboard on hand. For a little extra helping hand, <a href="https://tumbleweed.com.au/products/worm-blanket-rectangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worm blankets</a> can help to increase activity in the farm. The four key levels to remember when structuring such a farm - from bottom to top - are the lining, the worm bedding, the food scraps/household waste, and the worm blanket/cover. It’s important to note that regular garden worms will be no good for this process, as they’re surface feeders and won’t burrow deep into the soil like <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/worm-affair-live-organic-worm-starter-pack-approx-1000-worms_p3011353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthworms (or compost worms)</a> will. Top of their list of things to snack on are fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, grains, paper tea bags, coffee grounds, and newspapers. Once a farm is up and running, and the worms’ castings have been collected, a successful gardener has multiple options at their disposal with the output. From using it in the garden for the soil or with mulch to helping when planting seeds, incorporating it into potting mix, and - of course - making it into some nutritious worm tea. Images: Getty

Home & Garden

“Our whole world is shattered": Days of our Lives actor found dead at just 34

American actor Cody Longo, best known for his role as Nicholas Alamain on the soap Days of our Lives, has died at the age of 34. Cody’s wife, Stefanie, confirmed the news. While no cause of death has been determined, it is reported that Stefanie grew concerned when she was unable to contact Cody from work, and called the police to check in on him. They found him unresponsive in his bed at home in Austin, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Stefanie, and their three young children - Lyla, Elijah, and Noah. “He was an amazing father and the best husband,” Stefanie told TMZ. “Our whole world is shattered." In a statement to The Post, a grieving Stefanie added, “Cody was our whole world. The kids and I are shattered and beyond devastated. He was the best dad and best father. We will always and forever miss you and love you.” Friends, fans, and former co-workers have joined Stefanie in paying tribute to the late star, with many expressing their disbelief over the unexpected loss. “Rest In Peace … I can’t believe it. No words,” wrote singer songwriter Daphne Jean. Cody’s representative, Alex Gittelson, said, “Cody was a dear friend for over a decade, before he was a client. My heart breaks for his beautiful family. “He had taken some time away from acting to pursue music and spend more time with his family in Nashville, but we had kept in touch regularly and he was excited to get back into acting this year. Cody was such a loyal, loving and talented person and he will be greatly missed.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Devastated beyond words at the tragic loss of my dear friend and client, Cody Longo. My heart breaks for his beautiful family. You will be missed, brother. <a href="https://t.co/D0lKsUnBmK">https://t.co/D0lKsUnBmK</a> — Alex Gittelson (@alexgittelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexgittelson/status/1624181703253307392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote> Despite having found acting success with the likes of Days of our Lives and as Eddie Duran on Hollywood Heights, Cody also made a name for himself in the music industry, where he went by the name Cody Anthony. Cody took a break from Hollywood upon moving to Austin, dedicating himself to creating his music and spending more time with his family. The actor had been struggling with alcoholism for years beforehand, and is said to have attended rehab over the last summer. TMZ have reported that his family suspect a relapse may have something to do with his death. 2020 was the last year in which Cody was credited with an acting role, and is also the same year he was arrested for domestic assault. He was allegedly involved in a drunken fight with his own wife. In 2021, Cody pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour assault charge after being linked to an incident of sexual assault with a 9-year-old girl. The plea deal led to the felony sexual assault charge against him being dismissed. Image: Getty

News

Shaynna Blaze on divorce: "My whole life was turned upside down"

Shaynna Blaze has shared the emotional details of her divorce from ex-husband Steve Vaughan, saying she felt blindsided by her sudden marriage breakdown. On Nine's Country Home Rescue, Shaynna opened up about her separation while speaking to her adult children Carly and Jess about the importance of having a family home as they embarked on a bold renovation together. The Block judge, 59, announced her split from her personal trainer ex-husband in August 2018 after years of marriage. Now, she has reflected on what the marriage breakdown meant for her family. "I really need them to understand this is important to us as a family," Shaynna said. She then hinted her break-up took her by surprise, telling producers, "In only a few minutes, my whole life was turned upside down." "We sold our family home, my marriage broke down and all those things that give you security suddenly vanished." Jess agreed the divorce was "quite shocking to our family". At the time of her separation, Shaynna's children had bought a 130-year-old run-down house in regional Victoria to use as a location for a low-budget horror film they were making. Carly and Jess had plans to flip it and sell it at a later date, but Shaynna now wants it to be a proper family home that will accommodate all of them, while documenting their renovation journey on Country Home Rescue. Shaynna rarely speaks about her private life, but did tell TV Week magazine last year she was "very happy". She added, "I'm taking my love life private. My life has been splashed out there more than I ever wanted." Image credits: Nine / Instagram

Relationships

Trevor Noah brought a new perspective to TV satire - as well as a whole new audience

After seven years of hosting <a href="https://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Show on Comedy Central</a>, a hit comedy show produced in the US but with global reach, South African born comedian Trevor Noah has announced <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/29/entertainment/trevor-noah-daily-show/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plans to leave</a> and focus on his stand-up comedy. During his tenure as host of the political satire series, which he took over from the revered <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/jon-stewart/?sh=35f2ad793fbc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jon Stewart</a>, Noah has offered important takes on issues in the US – and the world. Considering that the late-night television satire scene in the US remains <a href="https://theconversation.com/trevor-noah-is-leaving-the-daily-show-how-did-he-fare-191699" target="_blank" rel="noopener">populated by white men</a>, Noah has offered unique “black” African insights into issues that affect black Americans. He has also been lucid in talking about issues that have an effect on Africa and Africans. Noah’s knowledge of Africa and African politics has helped him demonstrate that there are few differences between America, lauded as one of the greatest democracies in the world, and global south countries that Trump once called “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcMFmoTCdcU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shithole</a>” states. Noah’s approach attracted more African Americans than was the case during Stewart’s tenure. A 2017 study <a href="https://decider.com/2017/10/16/trevor-noah-tds-nielsen-ratings-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by Nielsen Media Research</a> showed that during Stewart’s final season, 84.5% of the viewers were white. Noah lost 40% of the white viewers and gained 16% more black viewers than his predecessor. He spoke with great clarity on issues such as the <a href="https://theconversation.com/black-lives-matter-protests-are-shaping-how-people-understand-racial-inequality-178254" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Lives Matter</a> protests against racism, discrimination and racial inequity experienced by black people, the turbulent Trump presidency, the rise in white supremacy and the global COVID pandemic. By commenting on these different issues, he was able to bring home the inequalities that continue to be seen and experienced in the US. Noah has defied the odds, offered a youthful, “black” perspective and drawn in a new audience. He will be a hard act to follow - which is what people said of his predecessor. <h2>Noah’s particular past</h2> Growing up and coming of age in South Africa has undoubtedly shaped Noah’s worldview. In his book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29780253-born-a-crime" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Born a Crime</a> (2016), and in his numerous stand-up comedy shows, he set out what it meant growing up in apartheid South Africa, with its white-minority rule and policies of racial segregation. Because his father was white and his mother black, he could not have a normal childhood in which he could grow up in the same home as both his parents. It was legally impossible. the <a href="https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/omalley/index.php/site/q/03lv01538/04lv01828/05lv01829/06lv01884.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Immorality Act</a> prohibited sex between people of different races. Noah drew on his experiences in South Africa in his role as chief anchor of The Daily Show. In particular he was able to show the striking parallels between present day America and apartheid-era South Africa. He explains this reality in one of the <a href="https://www.ccn.com/trevor-noah-frightening-us-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">episodes</a> of the show at the height of the global coronavirus pandemic: <blockquote> Living in this period in America, as much as I hate to say it, a lot of the things that I’m seeing are similar to what we experienced in South Africa. Mass unemployment, a government that doesn’t seem to have the best interests of the people at heart. People who are getting angrier and angrier. </blockquote> He explained in another <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPrJxTvgdQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">episode</a> of the show during the run-up to the 2016 US elections that <blockquote> as an African, there’s just something familiar about Trump that makes me feel at home. </blockquote> He went on to talk about striking resemblances between former US president Donald Trump and several former African presidents such as Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Idi Amin of Uganda and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. <h2>Comedy and political satire</h2> I argue in a <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-81969-9_3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book chapter</a> on political satire that the comic offers important ways of criticising those in power. During his tenure at The Daily Show, Noah has used comedy and satire to discuss diverse pressing contemporary issues, in the US and globally. As he has <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-08-27/daily-show-trevor-noah-emmys-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a>: <blockquote> I believe in the importance of jokes. I will never lose that. I always tell people, ‘Jokes are what made me’. That’s how I see the world. </blockquote> Before joining The Daily Show, Noah was an established stand-up comedian. In South Africa, he was known for satirising Jacob Zuma during his presidency for corruption and his role in state capture. Comedy has allowed him to deal with difficult subjects in a lighthearted way. He has <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/29/entertainment/trevor-noah-daily-show/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a> that: <blockquote> I’ve loved trying to find a way to make people laugh, even when the stories are particularly s—, even on the worst days. </blockquote> Noah has infused the comic into his anchoring of The Daily Show and managed to tackle controversial topics in a cheerful yet hard-hitting way. <h2>Poking holes in American exceptionalism</h2> Being a foreigner in the US, Noah has the necessary distance to offer sobering analyses of current affairs in that country. Through his examination of the Trump presidency and the Black Lives Matter movement, he has shown that the idea of America being “exceptional” is an illusion. At the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in the US, he took to The Daily Show to give a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb4Bg8mu2aM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grim yet poignant monologue</a> about race in the US. Noah traced the chain of events that went beyond the killing of George Floyd, a black man who was suffocated to death on the side of a road by a group of white policemen, to show the precarity of black lives in contemporary America. The monologue is sharp, knowledgeable and nuanced in its explanation of what was happening in the US. He grounded it on historical events to show that nothing was new. The US was not exceptional. The US democracy was as imperfect as that of the many countries that it had preached to for many years. It has taken a late-night host from outside the US to point to the failings of the US and its democracy. <h2>Late night TV without Noah</h2> The late-night circuit will be different without Noah, the only black and African host of a late-night show in the US. Because of his intimate knowledge of global popular culture, he has had a youthful viewership. His peers do not have the same perspective or viewership. If Noah replacing Stewart was seen as a daunting exercise, filling the shoes of Noah might prove to be even more challenging. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/trevor-noah-brought-a-new-perspective-to-tv-satire-as-well-as-a-whole-new-audience-191800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Facebook

How to score a whole row of seats to yourself on a plane

A seasoned traveller has shared her simple tricks for ensuring you get a whole row of seats to yourself on your next flight. Chelsea Dickenson, from London, shared a video to TikTok to tell her followers of the hack she uses when travelling in a pair. “Row to yourself travel hack. This actually works,” she said. According to Chelsea, when selecting your seats online, she suggests booking the aisle and the window, leaving the middle seat free in between you. “The theory here is that someone is much less likely to book a seat in between two strangers and they’ll opt for another row,” Chelsea said. “And even if they do book that middle seat, you can always ask them if they want the aisle or the window and it works out for everyone.” Chelsea suggested the best rows to book are “towards the back of the plane” because it “tends to work a bit better”. Testing out her own theory, Chelsea and her friend James booked the seats in row 13 on a flight. “I’ve gone for row 13 as lots of people think it’s unlucky,” she said. The video shows Chelsea and James waiting patiently in their seats before the cabin crew completed boarding. “Here we go, here’s the moment of truth,” she said. “Yes, the row is clear. We bloody smashed it.” Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Coles takes the BBQ Chook to a whole new level

The humble rotisserie chicken – a widely loved dinner staple, has been taken to a whole new level. Coles have announced a new flavour of their iconic roast chicken. After the success of their Mexican-flavoured BBQ chook, the grocery giant has debuted another special addition that is honey BBQ flavoured. Marinated in honey, garlic and liquid smoke for a delectable flavour hit, the Honey BBQ roast chicken is filled with a paprika, garlic, honey, herb and breadcrumb stuffing. Coles Product Developer for Seafood & Deli, Tim Hickox, said the supermarket is excited to offer customers a fresh new take on the product. The roast chicken happens to be the third top-selling item in the country, right behind bananas and strawberries. “We are always looking for ways to innovate across our existing product range and provide our customers with interesting new meal ideas,” Mr Hickox said in a statement. “We think customers will love our brand-new Coles Honey BBQ Hot Roast RSPCA Approved Chicken, the perfect weekday meal base to grab-and-go and add to their favourite recipes, such as tacos with charred corn salsa and chipotle mayo, or sliders with coleslaw and ranch dressing.” Off the back of the Mexican-flavoured chicken’s popularity, he said Coles “discovered our customers are looking for original and flavour-packed alternatives to a standard roast chook”. Coles were also inspired by the success of their Honey Soy Chicken Kebabs, which are a firm customer favourite. The special edition Honey BBQ roast chickens are available now across Australia in all Coles’ delis (excluding the NT) for only $12. Image: Coles Supermarket

Food & Wine

Have you been storing eggs wrong your whole life?

One thing is for sure, we’ve learned a ton of helpful kitchen hacks the past few months thanks to TikTok… Most recently, we learned that there is a right way and a wrong way to store your eggs. Here’s what we discovered: This trick keeps your eggs super fresh Besides focusing on getting a container of eggs home and into the fridge without breaking one, it turns out we should be paying a little more attention to how we’re storing them once we get home. According to TikTok user theshilohfarm, there is a right way when storing eggs… and it’s probably not how you’ve been doing it. Eggs should be stored with the pointed end down and the blunt, more rounded side facing up. Why? It will keep the yolk more centred inside the egg and will help your eggs stay fresh longer. One follower commented, “Just made me go into my fridge and check every egg in my container!” Same for us. So, How does it work? Turns out there is an air bubble at the blunt end of every egg. Air and bacteria enter the egg through the blunt end into the air sac located there. By storing eggs blunt end up, the pocket of air stays away from the yolk, which is far more likely to be contaminated by any bacteria that enters the egg than the non-bacteria friendly white. Now you know! <p style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 26px; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial !important;">

Food & Wine

Why you've been cooking bacon wrong this whole time

A popular foodie blogger has shared his secret hack to making the perfect crispy bacon. The chef and bacon connoisseur, who posts as Flavour God on the app, revealed his trick to achieving the fried bacon and it is as simple as adding water to the pan. In the viral video, the man poured water over his bacon before it started cooking, which ensured it was fried to perfection and didn't splutter in the pan. "OK before you yell at your phone, hear me out," he began the video. "Adding water to your bacon while cooking does two things: It makes crispy bacon and also keeps your bacon from splattering." He explained you should cook over medium-high until the water fully evaporates which will leave you with delicious crispy bacon. Most commenters were fascinated by the breakfast hack and promised to try it themselves. "Tried this tonight. Thank you! WORKED," one person wrote. "I seriously do this when I cook sausage patties," another said. For those concerned about mixing oil and water, the chef added: "The water cooks off before any fat renders to liquid." Another TikTok user suggested running the bacon under water before frying, which achieves a similar result. Image: TikTok

Food & Wine

Woman horrified to find who’s hoodie she wore for a whole week

A UK woman <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/woman-wearing-boyfriends-hoodie-twitter-builder/8bc46bce-a3ad-47a4-b01d-98b4e7de608d" target="_blank">has shared</a> an awkward experience online, after she discovered an item of clothing she had been wearing didn’t belong to her boyfriend, but to someone else entirely. Comedian Fern Brady tweeted about the experience, saying she had been “wearing my boyfriend’s hoodie around the house for the last week” - yet was told it wasn’t his when she tried to give it back. She soon came to the realisation that she had picked up a hoodie belonging to a builder working at their home. “Realised with horror I’ve been wearing our builder’s hoodie,” she wrote. “In front of the builder.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I've been wearing my boyfriend's hoodie around the house for the last week. I tried to give it back last night. "That's not my hoodie." Realised with horror I've been wearing our builder's hoodie. In front of the builder. — Fern Brady (@FernBrady) <a href="https://twitter.com/FernBrady/status/1465449354425159688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> She later tweeted: “I had a little sleep in it at one point. Came out of my room. Said good morning to the builder. Wearing his clothes.” After realising her mistake, Brady said she threw the hoodie into the room the builder was working on, later finding it had been placed in their living room. “What does it mean? Am I going out with the builder now?” she wrote in a follow-up tweet. “He’s pretty old.” Hundreds of people have since commented on her post, with many sharing similar stories. “When I was a kid we had a painter doing some inside painting. He wore inside trainers while painting and when he finished he couldn’t find his outside shoes. My dad went down to the pub wearing the painters shoes,” one person recounted. One woman recalled leaving a note for her dad which read: “Thank you, love you x” after he stayed at her house to let a carpenter in while she was at work. “He didn’t move the note when he left the carpenter to do the work. The carpenter wrote back…” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sorry... Didn't realise you were all so invested in this... Have found the photos of the original note. I was initially relieved. Then slightly offended. He didn't even acknowledge it. <a href="https://t.co/irWiIgRSIg">pic.twitter.com/irWiIgRSIg</a> — Holly Harwood (@hollylharwood) <a href="https://twitter.com/hollylharwood/status/1465631942196539396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote> “Hi Holly. Left you what’s left of the stain if you need to touch up at any point! Sam. Nice Biscuits.” Image: Getty Images

Relationships

Everyday items you’ve been using wrong this whole time

It’s time to properly learn how to use everything in and around the home. From the right way to tear plastic wrap to having wrinkle-free button-down shirts, we’re here to help you on this journey of discovery. Food storage containers Glass vs. plastic aside, not all food containers are ideal for the microwave. The corners of rectangular containers usually attract more energy than other areas, leaving the food in those spots overcooked. A round container will allow food to reheat more uniformly. Blender There’s a reason your blender keeps stalling after every few seconds – the order of your ingredients makes a huge difference. Start with your liquid base or yoghurt, then layer ingredients from smallest to largest, keeping the toughest pieces, such as ice, at the top. The liquids will let the blades run smoothly without catching on the hard ingredients. Toaster The type of bread you’re toasting affects how hot you should set your toaster. While white and sweet breads heat quickly, heavier ones like rye take more time. Even slices from the same loaf might need a different setting after a few days. Once bread starts to dry out, you might need lower heat for the less fresh slices, which don’t take as long to toast. Grill Leaving the door of your oven closed when grilling can make heat and steam build up. Venting the steam lets your food develop the crustiness you’re going for, and letting the hot air out ensures the heat stays concentrated on the top instead of effectively baking the entire dish. Slow cooker Opening the lid of your slow cooker lets heat out and messes up the cooking time, so resist the temptation to take a quick look or give it a stir until there’s less than an hour left of cook time. As long as your pot is between half and three-quarters of the way full, your dish should cook up just fine. Dishwasher A University of Birmingham study found that the best spot in your dishwasher depends on the type of mess your plate has. The middle of the machine gets the strongest spray of water, which makes it best for carb-based stains like potatoes or tomatoes. On the other hand, the detergent is at its highest concentration at the edges, where it flows back down like a waterfall, making it the most effective spot for protein-based messes like eggs, which need more time to soak. Knives Big kitchen knives are scary enough without having to focus on how you hold them. Many people just wrap their hand around the handle. However, you’re supposed to hold your thumb and pointer finger on the sides of the blade. This grip will help you get more precise cuts. Plastic wrap Isn’t it annoying when cling wrap folds on itself and you need to rip out a new sheet? Keeping the tube still will help. Turn that box to the side and you should see a tab that you can press inwards, holding the tube in place. Aluminium foil has the same feature on its box. Toothpaste That image on the toothpaste package of a smear big enough to cover the bristles isn’t what the doctor recommended. Dentists say the ideal amount is about the size of a pea. Written by Marissa Laliberte. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/everyday-items-youve-been-using-wrong-this-whole-time" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home & Garden

Turns out you've been mashing potatoes wrong this whole time

Images: Tiktok and Getty When it comes to producing the perfect creamy mashed potatoes, the internet is full of conflicting advice and information. Some swear by peeling and cutting them before boiling, then mashing them while still hot. Others are convinced the way to do it is to keep the skin on while boiling and remove it later, just before mashing them up to make that creamy consistency. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845866/new-project.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/be568044463347f38c5f1a7ab19415e8" /> One of the problems with this method is, it can be difficult to peel the potatoes while still hot so they mash properly, which could be where The Wiggles drew their inspiration for the song ‘Hot Potato’. Instead, there is a kitchen hack you can use to peel hot potatoes without burning your fingers that will also help you mash them. Cooking ‘guru’ Lora McLaughlin Peterson has shared her method on TikTok @lorefied. Lora explains she boils her potatoes before slicing them in half. Once this is done, she places a wire cooking rack over a glass pie dish. The next step is pushing the potatoes down and through the wire rack, which serves to both mash them and remove the skin. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845867/new-project-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f49cf08674724a83a473e9a732590d65" /> Once this is all done, she is left with rustic mashed potatoes that can be placed in a bowl and finished with salt, butter, milk and whatever else you desire. <img style="width: 500px; height: 349.5145631067961px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845865/new-project-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e495c69ccf9743fa9831a2e1656f7f80" /> This is the latest cooking hack to go viral and the perfect advice ahead of the festive season.

Food & Wine

"Whole family saddened": Queen responds to Oprah interview

The Queen has made a statement addressing Harry and Meghan’s groundbreaking interview with Oprah, saying the whole family is “saddened”. Buckingham Palace released the brief statement on Wednesday morning. "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," she says. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members." Interestingly enough, the short statement did not mention any trace of Harry and Meghan’s claims that they sought treatment for her mental health struggles. “I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that I’d never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution," the Duchess said during the interview. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNsu_FjttZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNsu_FjttZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Keefa Bronson (@thiccslayer2765)</a> </div> </blockquote> Oprah went on to ask: “So, the institution is never a person. Or is it a series of people?” “No, it’s a person. It’s several people, but I went to one of the most senior people to get help,” Meghan responded. “So I went to human resources. And I said, ‘I just really need help.’ Because in my old job there was a union, and they’d protect me. And I remember this conversation like it was yesterday, because they said, ‘My heart goes out to you, because I see how bad it is. But there’s nothing we can do to protect you, because you’re not a paid employee of the institution.’ <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNsjymjOds/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNsjymjOds/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by @manny_a_r_c</a> </div> </blockquote> “This wasn’t a choice. This was emails, and begging for help, saying very specifically, ‘I am concerned for my mental welfare.’ And people going, ‘Oh yes, yes, it’s disproportionately terrible, we see out there, compared to anyone else.’ “But nothing was ever done. So we had to find a solution.”

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“Slept through the whole pandemic”: Teen wakes from year-long coma

Jokes were thrown around last year about "skipping 2020", but for one family it was an unfortunate reality. UK teen Joe Flavill was just 18 when he was hit by a car in Burton on March 1 last year, causing a traumatic brain injury. Until only a few weeks ago, he was in a coma - just a few short weeks before the UK entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. But even though he was completely unaware of the pandemic wreaking havoc around the world, Mr Flavill ended up contracting the virus while in hospital. Although he regained consciousness a few weeks ago and is gradually becoming more responsive, his aunt Sally Flavill-Smith said they weren't sure how much he understood of what had been happening in the world while he had been "away". "We also don't know how much he understands as his accident was before the first lockdown and it's almost like he has slept through the whole pandemic," she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/burton-news/teenager-coma-before-covid-pandemic-4915032" target="_blank">Staffordshire Live</a>. "It's hard as we know he is more alert, but how do you explain the pandemic to someone who has been in a coma? "A brain injury is very much the unknown, so we haven't been given an idea of what to expect really." Ms Flavill-Smith is helping raise money for Mr Flavill's recovery and to support his mother, Sharon. "He has been following commands, for example, touching his left and his right ear when asked to do so, he is able to move both of his legs, he is answering yes and no through blinking and the most amazing step is that he has shown us his incredible sense of humour," she wrote online last week. The family hopes that soon Mr Flavill will be able to undertake physiotherapy, which has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. He had been studying for his A-Levels (roughly equivalent to an ATAR) and was a passionate sportsman. He had been achieved a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he would have been due to receive at Buckingham Palace in May last year.

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“Slept through the whole pandemic”: Teen wakes from year-long coma

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