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Former soap star jailed for 28 years

<p>Former soap star Phil Hamer has been sentenced to 28 years in jail after being found guilty of raping and sexually abusing seven girls between 2010 and 2023. </p> <p>Hamer used social media to target and groom children, with one of his victims only being 11-years-old. </p> <p>He targeted his first victim, a 14-year-old girl, on Facebook in 2010. </p> <p>The 34-year-old, who appeared on UK dramas <em>Hollyoaks</em> and <em>Coronation Stree</em>t, received a 36-year sentence including an eight-year extended licence period after he was found guilty of 33 rape and assault charges.</p> <p>Hamer was convicted of a total of 41 charges, including eight counts of rape, six counts of sexual assault, six counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual activity with a child.</p> <p>“These were no relationships. You manipulated and groomed these young girls, inexperienced and impressionable as they were, in a way that was controlling and coercive,” Judge Sarah Johnston reportedly told Harmer, per the <em>BBC</em>. </p> <p>Other offences include taking indecent images of his victims, many of them teenagers at the time they were abused, according to Greater Manchester Police.</p> <p>“After one victim came forward, Hamer’s phone was seized which enabled police to trace further victims,” the police said.</p> <p>“In his police interview, Hamer showed a denial for any wrongdoing in his actions. He did not believe that he was a sexual predator and that his actions caused severe harm and distress to his victims,” Detective Constable Denise Garde said. </p> <p>“He incited his victims to send him hundreds of pictures and videos over a period of seven years. One victim was in fear that Hamer may disclose the pictures to others or come to their address.</p> <p>“After seizing his devices, we later found voyeuristic videos and pictures Hamer had taken of people in changing rooms who were not aware they were being filmed.”</p> <p>Hamer would also send unsolicited pictures to his victims and tracked their movements. </p> <p>During his trial, one of Hamer's victims read out a heartbreaking statement about the toll of the abuse in court. </p> <p>“Philip Hamer, the man who took away my innocence at such a young age,” the victim said.</p> <p>“The man who made me feel so ashamed of myself for so many years. The man that made me feel disgusted in myself. The man that made me feel so lonely as I was too afraid to open up to anyone, I couldn’t even speak to my mum, my friends, my family.</p> <p>“He made me feel fear, distress and trauma no young girl should have to go through. He took away my spark and gave me so much anxiety.</p> <p>“For years I was too ashamed to look at myself in the mirror, as all I saw was the girl that a man lusted over.</p> <p>“He will never earn my forgiveness for what he did to me. He doesn’t deserve it. But I am no longer going to let him have a hold on my life like he once did.</p> <p>“I can now continue to succeed in life, knowing I finally have the justice me and the other girls whose lives he impacted deserve.</p> <p>“This man changed the course of my life, what he did to me impacted on my schooling massively and it isolated me from my friendship group.</p> <p>“When I should have been enjoying school, growing up having new experiences with friends, I was controlled by that man, making me believe that he would disclose my worst secrets to my friends.</p> <p>“This impacted on my relationships, making me feel guilty for what he did to me.”</p> <p><em>Image: Manchester Phoenix</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Nine star Liz Hayes calls it quits after 44 years

<p>Veteran journalist and news reporter Liz Hayes is bidding farewell to Channel Nine after an incredible 44-year run, leaving fans and colleagues alike in shock.</p> <p>The iconic reporter, known for her work on shows like <em>60 Minutes</em> and <em>Today</em>, announced she'll be "pursuing new opportunities" outside the network in 2025.</p> <p>Hayes, who's been a fixture on Aussie TV screens for decades, joined Nine way back in 1981 with nothing but "a notebook and a typewriter". She quickly made her mark, working her way up from a reporter on <em>9News</em> to co-hosting <em>Today</em> with Steve Liebmann for a solid decade. But it was her role as a correspondent on <em>60 Minutes</em> that really cemented her status as a journalism legend.</p> <p>Throughout her career, Hayes has covered everything from US presidential elections to natural disasters across the globe. She's sat down with prime ministers, Hollywood A-listers, music legends and world-class athletes. But it wasn't just the glitz and glamour that defined her work. Hayes had a knack for shining a light on everyday people caught up in extraordinary situations.</p> <p>In recent years, Hayes fronted <em>Under Investigation with Liz Hayes</em>, a show that dug into unsolved crimes and complex social issues. Her work on the program even snagged her the 2024 Media Diversity Australia Award for her efforts.</p> <p>Reflecting on her time at Nine, Hayes said, "When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories. I was blessed. I had found my tribe."</p> <p>But Hayes isn't calling it quits on storytelling quite yet. She's made it clear that she'll "continue to tell" good stories, hinting at exciting new ventures on the horizon. While she's leaving her full-time gig at Nine, the network has said she'll still be part of the family, popping up for special stories and events.</p> <p>Nine's Director of TV, Michael Healy, sang Hayes' praises in a statement. “Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine," Healy said. "She will leave an undeniable legacy.</p> <p>“Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller. I’d like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years.</p> <p>“We know Liz’s next chapter will be just as successful as her last, and she has our full support.”</p> <p>As for that next chapter, Liz is keeping her cards close to her chest. But with a book on Australian astronomer Trevor Barry in the works and a promise of more stories to come, it's clear she's not ready to hang up her microphone just yet.</p> <p>"This is not goodbye," Hayes assured her fans. "This is the beginning of what I see as a great, new, exciting chapter in my life. I hope you'll come along for the ride."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine \ Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Man reveals what it's like to spend 25 years at sea

<p>Mario Salcedo has mastered life at sea, living on cruise ships for 25 years and completing his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean. </p> <p>Salcedo, also known as "Super Mario" in cruise circles revealed that he spends around  $101,000 on on cruises per year for a cabin with a balcony. </p> <p>The senior funds his ocean-bound lifestyle through investment management work. </p> <p>His loyalty to Royal Caribbean has earned him some recognition among the crew, with some ships creating makeshift offices for him on deck, complete with cordoned-off tables, chairs and signs reading "Super Mario's Office".</p> <p>Salcedo spoke about his love for cruising in an interview with <em>allthingscruise.com. </em></p> <p>"Cruising never gets old," he began. </p> <p>"I'm so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land."</p> <p>The full-time cruiser began his life at sea after "tiring of the suit-and-tie business world and the long flights to international clients."</p> <p>The Cuban-born businessman went on his first cruise in 1997 and became hooked since then. </p> <p>In 2000 he began living on Royal Caribbean ships, spending only a few days per year on land, and taking a short 15 month break during the Covid pandemic. </p> <p>Salcedo said he spends about five hours a day working and "has fun" for the rest of it. </p> <p>"It's zero stress," he said. "The best lifestyle I can find."</p> <p><em>Image: Wayleebird / Shutterstock.com</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Father and four-year-old son killed in Australia Day crash identified

<p>A father who was killed alongside his four-year-old son in a horror car crash on Brisbane's bayside has been identified as Chris Vrbesic.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to Ransome just before 9am on Australia Day, after a blue Holden Commodore collided with a red Mitsubishi Lancer on Rickertt Road at an intersection. </p> <p>Vrbesic, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene and his son was taken to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he died.</p> <p>The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 29-year-old Birkdale man, suffered minor injuries and was helped by bystanders before he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Vrbesic, from Manly West, has been remembered by his friends and loved ones as a "family man" with a "big heart". </p> <p>A friend who stopped by the crash site told <em>The Courier Mail</em>: “I think you’re going to find this will be one of those tragedies … thousands of people it is going to affect.”</p> <p>"He helped so many people, he had such a big f***ing heart." </p> <p>The father-of-three was a project manager at Innate Developments - a company that specialises in residential and commercial construction.</p> <p>Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie shared their condolences for the family, saying: "Any life lost on Queensland roads is one too many and we must do anything we can to ensure safety on our roads." </p> <p>"If it's under police investigation obviously police must investigate the circumstances of what happened but there are communities hurting and families hurting."</p> <p>Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the collision. </p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Image: LinkedIn</span></em></p>

Caring

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"Cheeky and playful": Five-year-old remembered after being killed by parking meter

<p>Tributes have poured in for a five-year-old boy who was tragically crushed by a parking meter at a museum in Western Australia. </p> <p>Paramedics were called following reports the five-year-old, known as Sammy, had been critically injured by the disused parking meter outside the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, about 170km south of Perth, on January 15th.</p> <p>Sammy was airlifted to Perth Children’s Hospital where he later died from his injuries. </p> <p>In a statement, Sammy’s family thanked everyone for their support following the death of the young boy who “brought so much joy”. </p> <p>“We are so grateful for the support that we have received from family, friends and the general public,” the family said. </p> <p>“We would also like to acknowledge the support from the staff at the museum, first responders and the care given to Sammy at the BRH and PCH, which was so loving and respectful." </p> <p>“Sammy impacted everyone he met. He was wise beyond his years and brought so much joy with his cheeky, playful nature.”</p> <p>More than $21,000 has been raised by the community for the boy’s family as they come to terms with the tragedy.</p> <p>The GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with ongoing expenses “during this difficult time”. </p> <p>“This tragedy has deeply impacted those who know and love this family, as well as the hospital staff, colleagues, friends, and community members who have been involved,” the GoFundMe campaign said.</p> <p>“No family should have to face such heartbreak while also worrying about financial burdens. Let’s come together as a community and show this family they are not alone."</p> <p>A spokesman for WorkSafe WA previously told media the boy had been hit by a disused parking meter in a courtyard at the Bunbury Museum, not the parking area.</p> <p>City of Bunbury chief executive Alan Ferris told the ABC the city would work closely with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, as an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

Caring

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New road initiatives rolling out this year

<p>Several new road initiatives are set to be introduced this year, as government plans to trial out new technology in 2025. </p> <p>From wireless solar powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, these initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government's $5 million Smarter Highways program. </p> <p>Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road, which will activate the Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) to warn drivers about hazards. </p> <p>The system will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorist, including bad weather and animals approaching the road. </p> <p>The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications. </p> <p>The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said that the introduction of the technology aims to "reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions". </p> <p>They are also trialling a new in-road 4G traffic counter device which can detect and provide info on vehicle volumes, speeds,  road temperatures and system health among other information in real time. </p> <p>It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo, with its use particularly important for the start and end of holidays and during special events. </p> <p>“The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told <em>Yahoo News</em>.</p> <p>“We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”.</p> <p>The NRMA supports the trials and introduction of the new technology, with Khoury saying: "the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.”</p> <p><strong>Here are the five Smarter Highways trials this year </strong></p> <p><strong>1.  Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)</strong>- Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards.</p> <p><strong>2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer</strong> - 4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues. </p> <p><strong>3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System</strong> - Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow and large vehicle entering from a side road.</p> <p><strong>4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions</strong></p> <p><strong>5. Permanent Congestion Management</strong> - Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Govt</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Bruce Willis makes first public appearance in three years

<p>Bruce Willis has been spotted out in public for the first time in three years for one very good reason. </p> <p>After living away from the spotlight for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, the 69-year-old stepped out to share his gratitude to the firefighters battling the LA fires. </p> <p>The actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, took to Instagram to share a video of Willis shaking hands and chatting with firefighters before posing for a picture.</p> <p>"Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a "thank you for your service."," Emma wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙".</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This is the first time the Hollywood icon has been seen in public since his family announced he has been diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia in 2022, before also being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.</p> <p>The actor stepped away from the spotlight after his dual diagnosis, with his family regularly sharing updates about his health battle on social media.</p> <p>In December, Emma shared a touching tribute to her husband on their 17th anniversary.</p> <p>"Anniversaries used to bring excitement – now, if I'm honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach," she wrote beside what appeared to be a throwback image of the couple in Turks and Caicos.</p> <p>"I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the 'why him, why us,' to feel the anger and grief. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it's because of him. I'd do it all over again and again in a heartbeat 💞".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Most adults will gain half a kilo this year – and every year. Here’s how to stop ‘weight creep’

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>As we enter a new year armed with resolutions to improve our lives, there’s a good chance we’ll also be carrying something less helpful: extra kilos. At least half a kilogram, to be precise.</p> <p>“Weight creep” doesn’t have to be inevitable. Here’s what’s behind this sneaky annual occurrence and some practical steps to prevent it.</p> <h2>Small gains add up</h2> <p>Adults <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3151731/">tend to gain weight</a> progressively as they age and typically gain an average of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23638485/">0.5 to 1kg every year</a>.</p> <p>While this doesn’t seem like much each year, it amounts to 5kg over a decade. The slow-but-steady nature of weight creep is why many of us won’t notice the extra weight gained until we’re in our fifties.</p> <h2>Why do we gain weight?</h2> <p>Subtle, gradual lifestyle shifts as we progress through life and age-related biological changes cause us to gain weight. Our:</p> <ul> <li> <p>activity levels decline. Longer work hours and family commitments can see us become more sedentary and have less time for exercise, which means we burn fewer calories</p> </li> <li> <p>diets worsen. With frenetic work and family schedules, we sometimes turn to pre-packaged and fast foods. These processed and discretionary foods are loaded with hidden sugars, salts and unhealthy fats. A better financial position later in life can also <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00953.x">result in more dining out</a>, which is associated with a higher total energy intake</p> </li> <li> <p>sleep decreases. Busy lives and screen use can mean we don’t get enough sleep. This disturbs our body’s energy balance, increasing our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945708700133">feelings of hunger</a>, triggering cravings and decreasing our energy</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>stress increases. Financial, relationship and work-related stress increases our body’s production of cortisol, triggering food cravings and promoting fat storage</p> </li> <li> <p>metabolism slows. Around the age of 40, our muscle mass naturally declines, and our body fat starts increasing. Muscle mass helps determine our metabolic rate, so when our muscle mass decreases, our bodies start to burn fewer calories at rest.</p> </li> </ul> <p>We also <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807660">tend to gain a small amount</a> of weight during festive periods – times filled with calorie-rich foods and drinks, when exercise and sleep are often overlooked. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807660">One study of Australian adults</a> found participants gained 0.5 kilograms on average over the Christmas/New Year period and an average of 0.25 kilograms around Easter.</p> <h2>Why we need to prevent weight creep</h2> <p>It’s important to prevent weight creep for two key reasons:</p> <p><strong>1. Weight creep resets our body’s set point</strong></p> <p>Set-point theory suggests we each have a predetermined weight or set point. Our body works to <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-weight-set-point-and-why-does-it-make-it-so-hard-to-keep-weight-off-195724">keep our weight around this set point</a>, adjusting our biological systems to regulate how much we eat, how we store fat and expend energy.</p> <p>When we gain weight, our set point resets to the new, higher weight. Our body adapts to protect this new weight, making it challenging to lose the weight we’ve gained.</p> <p>But it’s also possible to <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-weight-set-point-and-why-does-it-make-it-so-hard-to-keep-weight-off-195724">lower your set point</a> if you lose weight gradually and with an interval weight loss approach. Specifically, losing weight in small manageable chunks you can sustain – periods of weight loss, followed by periods of weight maintenance, and so on, until you achieve your goal weight.</p> <p><strong>2. Weight creep can lead to obesity and health issues</strong></p> <p>Undetected and unmanaged weight creep <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5817436/">can result in</a> obesity which can increase our risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and several types of cancers (including breast, colorectal, oesophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic and liver).</p> <p>A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5817436/">large study</a> examined the link between weight gain from early to middle adulthood and health outcomes later in life, following people for around 15 years. It found those who gained 2.5 to 10kg over this period had an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, obesity-related cancer and death compared to participants who had maintained a stable weight.</p> <p>Fortunately, there are steps we can take to build lasting habits that will make weight creep a thing of the past.</p> <h2>7 practical steps to prevent weight creep</h2> <p><strong>1. Eat from big to small</strong></p> <p>Aim to consume most of your food earlier in the day and taper your meal sizes to ensure dinner is the smallest meal you eat.</p> <p>A low-calorie or small breakfast <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073608/">leads to increased feelings of hunger</a>, specifically appetite for sweets, across the course of the day.</p> <p>We burn the calories from a meal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073608/">2.5 times more efficiently</a> in the morning than in the evening. So emphasising breakfast over dinner is also good for weight management.</p> <p><strong>2. Use chopsticks, a teaspoon or an oyster fork</strong></p> <p>Sit at the table for dinner and use different utensils to encourage eating more slowly.</p> <p>This gives your brain time to recognise and adapt to signals from your stomach <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28718396/">telling you you’re full</a>.</p> <p><strong>3. Eat the full rainbow</strong></p> <p>Fill your plate with vegetables and fruits of different colours first to support eating a high-fibre, nutrient-dense diet that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.</p> <p>Meals also need to be balanced and include a source of protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and healthy fat to meet our dietary needs – for example, eggs on wholegrain toast with avocado.</p> <p><strong>4. Reach for nature first</strong></p> <p>Retrain your brain to rely on nature’s treats – fresh vegetables, fruit, honey, nuts and seeds. In their natural state, these foods release the same pleasure response in the brain as ultra-processed and fast foods, helping you avoid unnecessary calories, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.</p> <p><strong>5. Choose to move</strong></p> <p>Look for ways to incorporate incidental activity into your daily routine – such as taking the stairs instead of the lift – and <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-exercise-help-you-lose-weight-198292">boost your exercise</a> by challenging yourself to try a new activity.</p> <p>Just be sure to include variety, as doing the same activities every day often results in boredom and avoidance.</p> <p><strong>6. Prioritise sleep</strong></p> <p>Set yourself a goal of getting a minimum of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945708700133">seven hours of uninterrupted sleep</a> each night, and help yourself achieve it by <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms3259">avoiding screens</a> for an hour or <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1477153515584979?journalCode=lrtd">two</a> before bed.</p> <p><strong>7. Weigh yourself regularly</strong></p> <p>Getting into the habit of weighing yourself weekly is a guaranteed way <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-often-should-you-really-weigh-yourself-223864">to help avoid the kilos creeping up</a> on us. Aim to weigh yourself on the same day, at the same time and in the same environment each week and use the best quality scales you can afford.</p> <hr /> <p><em>At the Boden Group, Charles Perkins Centre, we are studying the science of obesity and running clinical trials for weight loss. <a href="https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=RKTXPPPHKY">You can register here</a> to express your interest.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244186/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/most-adults-will-gain-half-a-kilo-this-year-and-every-year-heres-how-to-stop-weight-creep-244186">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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"29-year-old child": Footy great slams Nick Kyrgios

<p>AFL Premiership winner Kane Cornes has slammed Nick Kyrgios after the tennis superstar has been making headlines for his Australian Open exit. </p> <p>There have been plenty of stories about the tennis player's fitness and his future in the sport, and Cornes, who is now one of the most outspoken members of the sporting media has had enough of the Kyrgios drama.</p> <p>“I just feel we talk about this guy too much,” Cornes began on SEN 1116 radio.</p> <p>“I understand why, but he’s absolutely dominated the headlines in the last two-to-three weeks in the lead-up to the Australian Open.</p> <p>“That’s not unusual, that happens, and we’re not going to hear the last of him.</p> <p>“I feel like his role in the game will be significant whether he’s playing or not because he is box office.</p> <p>“And despite him being our most disappointing Australian athlete ever, he will still have a role to play because people are interested in him.”</p> <p>“This is a guy who sits there and criticises everyone else,” Cornes continued.</p> <p>“He sits on his high horse and criticises everyone, be that ball kids, line judges, other opponents.</p> <p>“Look at the class which Roger Federer or other players with a similar level of talent as Nick carried themselves.</p> <p>“He’s a child. He’s a 29-year-old child. The way that he carries himself, the ambassador that he’s been, put all that in the mix, I think no one has disappointed more.</p> <p>“No one has been spoken about more with less results than this guy over a long period of time.</p> <p>“Yet still, here we are, and I get it and it’s a credit to him that people are interested in him, that we’re still talking about him.”</p> <p>Kyrgios has hit back at the comments on X, saying that Cornes' criticism was unfounded. </p> <p>"Gotta love comments from an athlete who didn't play a global sport," he posted. </p> <p>Social media users were quick to share their own opinions on disappointing athletes in response to Cornes' comments, with one person writing: “He’s not even the most disappointing tennis player. Tomic has him well covered.”</p> <p>Another sports fan said:  “Cmon guys... Nick is Nick but that Raygun could not even be defined as an athlete so she leads the list of ‘international disgraces’ and its daylight to second, whoever that may be.”</p> <p>However others backed Kyrgios, with one writing: “Nick has played in an era where there are 3 absolute legends of the game who have dominated and he’s beaten all 3 something no one else has managed to do!! Wake up you clowns comparing Nick to Raygun, Ben Simmons, Tomic, Jarryd Hayne etc absolute disgrace you guys are!”</p> <p><em>Image: Channel 7/ </em><em>Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Retirement Life

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Sir Rod Stewart's sentimental post as he turns "80 years young"

<p>Sir Rod Stewart has celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday. </p> <p>The veteran rocker marked his milestone birthday by sharing a series of photos throughout his life and 60-year career, including being knighted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace. </p> <p>"Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes – 80 years young!" he wrote in the caption with an emoji of two champagne glasses. </p> <p>“What an incredible journey it’s been – from unforgettable moments on and off the stage to earning some truly special honours along the way.</p> <p>“But above all, my greatest joy has always been performing for you.</p> <p>“Cheers to the memories we’ve made and the ones still to come! #80YearsOfRod.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEpv23UJb3u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEpv23UJb3u/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Among the photos, he also included images of him performing on stage in his younger years, attending his son's wedding and racing Sir Elton John on a football field, as well as a photo of him and wife Penny Lancaster when they were younger. </p> <p>His wife, who he married in 2007, shared her own special tribute to him, saying that she felt “so blessed” to share his 80th birthday with him and their children.</p> <p>“Building more memories to carry with us into the future and to be held close to our hearts forever, I love you xx”, she captioned the post, alongside a photo of Sir Rod while they were on holiday. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoZPPiMmWg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoZPPiMmWg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Lancaster (@penny.lancaster)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The rocker's celebrity friends were also quick to send their birthday wishes, with Sir Elton John sharing a special tribute to his "great mate" on his stories with a series of images of them over the years and the caption:  “Hope you have a brilliant day celebrating. Much love.”</p> <p>TV presenter Davina McCall commented: “Happy Birthday Rod! Thank you for all the joy and dancing!!! Hope you all have the best day.”</p> <p><em>The Rolling Stones </em>star Ronnie Wood shared a picture of the pair in their younger days with the caption: “Happy 80th birthday @sirrodstewart! My lifelong pal is having a big birthday today! Please join me in wishing him a wonderful day.”</p> <p>Drummer Kenney Jones also shared his birthday wishes and hoped that Sir Rod had “a great day”.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Woolies shopper shocked by 15-year-old grocery receipt

<p>A Woolworths shopper has been left stunned after unearthing a 15-year-old grocery receipt and comparing what the same order would cost today. </p> <p>Amy Coulston took to TikTok after finding her mum's grocery receipt from January 14th 2010 and decided to do a comparison to 2025 supermarket prices. </p> <p>"It's been 15 years since this shopping trip and I wanted to see the difference in price from then and now," she said.</p> <p>"I added in as much as I possibly could (but) there's brands on here that just don't exist anymore."</p> <p>The overall price for 30 items, which included chicken pies, salami, cereal and a DVD of the Pixar animated film <em>Up</em>, came to $127.26 in 2010.</p> <p>She looked for all the same items, or close comparisons, on the Woolworths website and the January 2025 bill came to $170.45.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEopeK3yGWq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEopeK3yGWq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Amy │ Aussie Side Hustles 📲 (@amycoul.money)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"That's an increase of 35 per cent," Ms Coulston said.</p> <p>While many people took to her comment section to say the price comparison wasn't as significant as they thought it would be, others took another factor into consideration. </p> <p>"A 35 per cent (increase) over (that) period isn't actually that bad. It's the fact that the product is shrinking as the price goes up," they wrote.</p> <p>While Ms Coulston did not claim that all, or even most, of the products had shrunk in size over time, she did mention one popular treat in particular. </p> <p>"There's definitely a lot of discrepancies on here when it comes to things getting smaller, so for example, the Turkish Delights were 55 grams and now they're 50 grams," she said.</p> <p>One commenter spoke for many, though, in pointing out a glaring detail in the most recent shop.</p> <p>"It doesn't seem like a big increase over that period of time. The majority of the increase was over the last two years!" they wrote. "Like cheese prices didn't gradually increase, they just jumped from 6 dollars to 10 dollars overnight."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Woolworths / TikTok</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"An enormous privilege": Karl Stefanovic celebrates 20 years on Today

<p><em>The Today Show</em> team has surprised Karl Stefanovic with a trip down memory lane as he celebrates 20 years hosting the popular morning show. </p> <p>After first joining the show in 2005 alongside the then host Tracy Grimshaw, Stefanovic has covered events such as the Beaconsfield Mine disaster in 2006, Royal deaths, US presidential elections, multiple Olympic Games and the biggest natural disasters from across the globe.</p> <p>To celebrate his time at the helm, the team surprised him with a look back at some of his biggest highlights from this time.</p> <p>"That's two whole decades of passion, dedication, fun, and of course, the cheeky Karlos we all know and love," current co-host, Sarah Abo said.</p> <p>"We are lucky to work alongside this man each and every day, so to celebrate all things Karl, we thought we'd take a little walk down memory lane."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEvfvkWTacY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEvfvkWTacY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by thetodayshow (@thetodayshow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I can't believe it's 20 years, I'm very grateful to have been here this long and to have worked with the best people in the business," Karl said.</p> <p>"And to be able to come into people's homes every morning is an enormous privilege, so I'll just keep on keeping on as long as I can."</p> <p>Sarah Abo added, "We are so lucky to sit next to you and all the viewers at home are so lucky to have you in their lounge rooms and their kitchens every single morning on their devices, listening to you and your shenanigans."</p> <p>The team also surprised Karl this morning with a special message from his former co-host and current <em>A Current Affair</em> host, Ally Langdon.</p> <p>"Karl, I love you, I don't miss those 3am wake up calls, but I do miss sitting next to you in that chair because you are the very best, we talk about how good you are in the big news stories, but I reckon when there's no news around is actually when you shine," she said.</p> <p>"That's when you just, you know, you've got that magic touch, you create something special that gets us through."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

TV

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19-year-old dies after battle with rare genetic condition

<p>TikTok star Beandri Booysen has died at the age of 19, her mother confirmed in a heartbreaking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19b59a3bfL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tribute</a>. </p> <p>Booysen died following a battle with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. </p> <p>According to the Mayo Clinic, children battling the condition  typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.</p> <p>In a tribute shared to Facebook, her mother said that Booysen was "one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women" and said she "radiated hope and joy" despite her battle.</p> <p>"In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen," the post began.</p> <p>"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women."</p> <p>The 19-year-old had more than 278,000 followers on her original TikTok account, becoming a symbol of awareness for the rare genetic condition and inspiring people worldwide. </p> <p>"Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely.</p> <p>"Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy. She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide."</p> <p>"The Booysen family kindly requests privacy during this profoundly difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Beandri. Further details regarding the memorial service will be shared in due course," she added. </p> <p>Followers were quick to share their condolences to her heartbroken family, with one writing: "So sad. What an inspiration she was. Fly high with the angels sweet girl." </p> <p>"Rest in peace and without pain Beandri," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Lindt Cafe siege remembered ten years on

<p>Ten years on since the horrific Lindt Cafe siege, Louisa Hope quietly placed flowers outside the former eatery where she was held hostage for almost 17 hours - a private ritual she has performed every year since. </p> <p>“It’s something that does not go away,” she said, reflecting on the tragic day. </p> <p>“One of my fellow hostages said to me that, every morning when he wakes up and every night before he goes to bed, he thinks about the Lindt Cafe.”</p> <p>Hope was one of 18 people, including her mother, who were taken hostage by Man Haron Monis on December 15 2014 after he stormed into the cafe armed with a gun and explosives. </p> <p>While a dozen people managed to escape, two of the hostages were killed, including cafe director Tori Johnson, who was executed by Monis at 2.13am the next morning, and barrister Katrina Dawson, who was caught in the crossfire when officers stormed the building.</p> <p>On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese laid flowers in Martin Place  alongside state and federal leaders, and Dawson's parents. </p> <p>The decision to hold a muted memorial without speeches came after discussions with the hostages and their families. </p> <p>"It was a terrible event that traumatised this city," Albanese said. </p> <p>Hope, who had battled PTSD symptoms, has been managing her "excruciatingly violent" thoughts and now feels a “sense of duty” to share how things can be better.</p> <p>In August, she helped launch Victims of Terrorism Australia in August, a support and advocacy group for victims and survivors of terrorism.</p> <p>“After the siege, when I was lying on Phillip Street, the one thing I knew in my heart was that we had to get something good out of what happened,” she said.</p> <p>“What happened in the Lindt Cafe happened to our entire country.”</p> <p>“There’s nothing like being in the company of people who just get it ... but also, there’s a lot of advocacy that we need to do in Australia to bring us to the international standard,” she said.</p> <p>She has formed a friendship with Ben Besant, a former tactical operations unit officer who killed Monis.</p> <p>Besant, who has only recently been named publicly after a suppression order forced him to be referred to as ‘Officer A’, has also opened about about his PTSD. </p> <p>“I’ve nearly spent 20 years in the police force ... but for me, Lindt (Cafe) was always the one that I couldn’t deal with,”  he told AAP. </p> <p>The one thing he still struggles to forgive himself for was having to watch Dawson die in his arms, and the revelation that she died from fragments of police bullets. </p> <p>“I’ve always blamed myself for that. Ultimately that’s still where a major part of the emotion comes from: that job. It was the just the one job that I couldn’t manage or deal with myself.”</p> <p>Now a carpenter, Besant is advocating for more Australians to have an open conversation about PTSD, especially fellow police officers, first responders and military. </p> <p>“Take the plunge, apply yourself to a fight, you have to fight to beat PTSD.”</p> <p><em>Image: 7NEWS</em></p> <p><strong><em>Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone.</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Lifeline 13 11 14</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>beyondblue 1300 22 4636</em></strong></p>

Caring

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Why cicadas are louder this year

<p>Anyone who's been outside in the last month may have noticed the loud buzz of cicadas and while there isn't an exact count of how many there are, a specialist has confirmed that "there are a lot more out there than usual".</p> <p>Dr Michael Elias, from the CSIRO's Australian National Insect Collection, told <em>9News </em>that part of the origin of this year's cicada crop may date back to the 2017-2019 drought. </p> <p>Cicadas have a life cycle of six to seven years, with the eggs laid by adult cicadas in the soil surviving on sap on tree roots. They need wet conditions to survive, and because the drought ended, more of them are now able to thrive. </p> <p>"I think what's causing it is partly, if you think about the amount of rainfall we've had this century, (we) started off in a bit of a drought there, and then had a few rain years, and back into drought," Elias said. </p> <p>"There was another drought that ended in different parts of Australia between 2017 and 2019," he continued. </p> <p>"So that was about seven years ago now, five to seven years ago, that that drought ended. </p> <p>"So the cicadas are becoming more noisy than they have been for quite a while, just because we haven't really had a good patch of seven years."</p> <p>The wetter conditions over the last few years have ensured the trees and roots they need to eat are abundant. </p> <p>"It's really probably just the fact that the ground is very wet, so there's a lot of tree roots out there for them to feed on," Elias said. </p> <p>"So you're getting lower mortality in the juveniles."</p> <p>He added that "it is possible that we're getting multiple generations emerging this year, just because we've had a few warm years."</p> <p>Adult male cicadas are the ones that make all the noise as they rub their wings against a membrane on their back to attract a mate. </p> <p>Cicadas can produce a noise intensity of up to 120 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of thunder or a jet plane taking off. </p> <p>Australia has about 250 described species of Cicadas, with potentially 500 to 1000 undescribed species of the insects. </p> <p>"The level of our knowledge of the insect ecosystems is well below what the common person thinks it is," Elias said. </p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Karl Stefanovic celebrates six year wedding anniversary

<p>Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine have celebrated their six year wedding anniversary on Sunday. </p> <p>The <em>Today </em>show host marked their special day with a heartwarming tribute to his wife, sharing a series of loved-up photos of the couple to Instagram. </p> <p>"Six years. Your strength. Your courage in the face of it all," he wrote in the caption. </p> <p>"How you accidentally mispronounce our order at the local Chinese every time. Lucky Karl I’m in awe of you. Every part of you. And I’m so grateful to be loved by you."</p> <p>Jasmine responded to his post in the comments, writing "Love you." </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSoR4LzfD0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSoR4LzfD0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by karl stefanovic (@karlstefanovic_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple's friends also sent their well-wishes including Stefanovic's <em>Today</em> co-host Sarah Abo, who said: "You two!!" </p> <p>"Miracles do happen!" commented entertainment reporter  Richard Wilkins.</p> <p>"Beautiful words, congratulations and all the best you two," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Aww thats so cute," commented another. </p> <p>Stefanovic proposed to Jasmine in February 2018, with a $100,000 engagement ring. </p> <p>They tied the knot in December 2018 with a lavish wedding at the  five-star One&amp;Only Palmilla resort, surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family. </p> <p>The couple welcomed their first child together, daughter Harper on May 1 2020. </p> <p>Stefanovic already has three children Jackson, Ava and River from his previous marriage to former TV producer Cassandra Thorburn.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Young influencer's "sick act" while 80-year-old boyfriend is hospitalised

<p>Social media users have been left horrified by a young influencer's lack of sympathy after she shared a "disturbing" video of herself dancing next to her elderly boyfriend's hospital bed. </p> <p>Bronwin Aurora, 22, filmed herself doing a trending TikTok dance and boasting about being included in her 80-year-old boyfriend's will, dancing around the elderly man who was lying in his hospital bed surrounded by medical equipment. </p> <p>“Guys, I got on the will, should I pull the plug?” she captioned the clip. </p> <p>The video gained nearly half a million views, and while some thought it might be satirical, others expressed their concern and outrage. </p> <p>“Love your care for humanity," one commented sarcastically. </p> <p>“I’m going to cry. I hope he gives everything to his kids," another wrote. </p> <p>“A prelude to an episode of Law and Order,” commented a third. </p> <p>Some even suggested it was "elder abuse", while many called her out for the "sickening" and "outrageous" act calling it "a new low". </p> <p>The 22-year-old appears to have a "sugar daddy" arrangement with the man, who often buys her extravagant gifts, including a $20k Cartier bracelet, among other things. </p> <p>While the influencer did not disclose her boyfriend's medical condition, she has been documenting his health across multiple posts on social media, with the most recent one showing him in a wheelchair. </p> <p>In one video she even told fans that she "loves" him and doesn't shy away from sharing details of her relationship online. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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