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World's oldest practicing doctor shares his secrets to a long life

<p>While most people slow down with age, Dr Howard Tucker has spent more than a century proving that passion and purpose are the best medicine.</p> <p>At 102 years old, the American neurologist has lived a life so extraordinary it earned him a Guinness World Record as the oldest practicing doctor – an honour he received just before turning 99. Though he officially hung up his white coat at 100, Tucker remains as active and engaged as ever.</p> <p>Today, he lectures future physicians at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and consults on medico-legal cases – work made possible by a law degree he earned at 67. His message? Retirement is not a requirement.</p> <p>“Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity,” Dr Tucker recently told Al Roker on NBC’s <em>Today</em>. “You have to have some purpose in life and get up in the morning and know what you’re about.”</p> <p>Even after the hospital where he worked shut its doors in 2022, ending his medical practice at 100, Tucker hasn’t ruled out returning to clinical work. “If it wasn’t for the closure, I’d absolutely still be seeing patients,” he told <em>People</em>. “Nobody wants me at my age – but I’ll keep trying.”</p> <p>His enthusiasm for life has captured the public imagination, especially through <em>What’s Next</em>, a documentary about his life produced by his grandson. The film has gone viral on TikTok, turning the centenarian into an unexpected social media sensation.</p> <p>Dr Tucker credits his longevity not just to good genes – his parents lived to 84 and 96 – but to lifestyle choices. “Heredity and family history of longevity is a healthy start,” he wrote in his Guinness World Record submission. “However, it must be supported by moderation of nutrition, alcohol and happiness.”</p> <p>His daily routine reflects that philosophy. He snowshoes in the winter, walks on the treadmill for at least four kilometres a day, and eats a mostly clean diet – fruit and cereal in the morning, fish and vegetables at night. Lunch is often skipped to maintain mental clarity. Dessert, however, is a staple – typically fruit or ice-cream, enjoyed with his wife of over 70 years.</p> <p>And while he rarely drinks, he allows himself the occasional martini. One thing he’s always avoided: cigarettes.</p> <p>Dr Tucker also says its important to keep the brain stimulated. “If they retire from their work, they should at least do something as a hobby,” he told <em>Today</em>. “You need a stimulus for the brain daily.”</p> <p>Science backs him up. Research shows that ongoing learning, social connection, and a sense of purpose contribute to mental acuity and longevity. Tucker’s life is a blueprint for all three. He remains close to his four children and 10 grandchildren and is an avid sports fan.</p> <p>Despite a fall in his late 80s that ended his skiing days with a broken neck, Tucker hasn’t let injury slow him down. Instead, he’s adapted, always finding new ways to stay active.</p> <p>With his 103rd birthday on the horizon in July, Dr Tucker says he isn’t concerned about the end. “I never think of death,” he said. “To be alive is to know that you’re going to die because life is a fatal disease. And so I live it.”</p> <p>For a man who’s devoted his life to healing others, Dr Howard Tucker’s greatest lesson might be how to truly live.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Pope serves up hilarious banter with tennis' world number one

<p>Mayhem, mirth and match-point energy erupted inside the Vatican Wednesday as world No.1 tennis star Jannik Sinner met Pope Leo XIV, the newly appointed, tennis-loving American pope, for what may be the holiest pre-match warm-up in Italian Open history.</p> <p>The two racquet-swinging celebrities exchanged gifts, laughs and playful jabs – though thankfully, no actual serves were fired indoors (a mercy for the priceless 15th-century frescoes).</p> <p>Ahead of his quarter-final showdown with Casper Ruud in Rome, Sinner, fresh off a match against Francisco Cerundolo, visited the Vatican armed with racquets and respect. “Pleasure to meet you, it’s an honour,” Sinner told the Pope in Italian. The Pope, a self-confessed racquet-head and the first American to wear the papal whites was quick to size up the holy hardware.</p> <p>“This is the racquet you play with?” asked Pope Leo, eyeing Sinner’s sacred gear.</p> <p>“Yes, this is very, very similar,” Sinner replied, diplomatically avoiding divine confusion over string tension.</p> <p>“Only the colour is a little different, but the rest is the same.”</p> <p>“Wimbledon would let me play!” the Pope cracked, before adding (surely to the horror of Vatican furniture conservators everywhere)“Do you want to play a little bit?”</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/DJot0gvMjdO/?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/DJot0gvMjdO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jannik Sinner (@janniksin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sinner, detecting the rising risk of breaking either a vase or several commandments, offered a tactical retreat. “Maybe best to leave it,” he said.</p> <p>During the audience, the head of Italy’s tennis and padel federation, Angelo Binaghi, presented the Pope with an honorary membership card. “We all felt the passion that Leo XIV has for our sport and this filled us with pride,” said Binaghi. The pair also posed beside the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup, Italy’s recent trophies, which were placed nearby just in case the Pope felt like blessing any silverware. </p> <p>And in case anyone thought this was a one-sport pope, don’t forget: Leo is also a Chicago White Sox fan, which proves two things: his capacity for faith and his understanding of long-suffering.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram / Vatican Media</em></p>

International Travel

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Carlton mourns the loss of one of the greats of the game

<p>The Australian football world is in mourning following the passing of one of the game's most electrifying figures, Peter Bosustow, aged 67.</p> <p>Bosustow, affectionately known as "The Buzz", died early Monday morning in Perth after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Shelley, son Brent and daughter Brooke, who were by his side to say their final goodbyes.</p> <p>The son of former Carlton player Bob Bosustow, Peter lit up Princes Park from the moment he crossed from Perth in 1981, joining fellow Western Australian Ken Hunter. Both became instant sensations, but it was Bosustow's acrobatics, sharp goal sense and larger-than-life personality that quickly made him a Carlton cult hero.</p> <p>In just three seasons and 65 games for the Blues, Bosustow made an indelible impact, booting 146 goals and helping lead the club to back-to-back premierships in 1981 and 1982. His inaugural season remains one of the most memorable in AFL history, winning both the Goal of the Year and Mark of the Year awards, alongside lifting the premiership trophy.</p> <p>Former teammate Ken Hunter remembered Bosustow fondly, saying, “I think of what a character ‘Buzz’ was and how much he took to the big stage. He was a unique character and a rare football talent in equal measure. The Carlton people loved ‘Buzz’ and he loved Carlton.”</p> <p>Bosustow's highlight reel moments – none greater than his soaring mark over Geelong's John Mossop at Princes Park and his instinctive goal against Ian Nankervis at VFL Park – are still cherished by Blues fans. His ability to turn a game in a few magical moments made him a constant crowd favourite.</p> <p>Former Carlton coach David Parkin paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Bosustow as “an exceptional talent” who was "probably as exciting a player to watch as we ever had". Parkin recalled Bosustow's breathtaking smother, gather and goal during the 1981 semi-final as the quintessential example of his rare brilliance.</p> <p>After three seasons, Bosustow returned to WA in 1984 due to his father's illness. He continued to shine at WAFL level with Perth, where he played 141 games and kicked 379 goals, also representing WA against Victoria and South Australia. He topped Perth’s goalkicking three times and was later named in the club's Team of the Century.</p> <p>A comeback attempt at Carlton in 1986 ultimately fell short, but his connection with the club and its supporters never wavered.</p> <p>Bosustow's final years were marked by courage in the face of illness. Diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer, he fought valiantly and even celebrated a brief cancer-free period in 2023. However, his second battle with cancer recently became public, and earlier this month he was hospitalised in Perth.</p> <p>Remarkably, Bosustow spent his final evening watching his beloved Blues claim a stirring victory over Geelong at the MCG – the same club against which he once performed some of his most iconic feats. According to reports, he raised a fist in celebration at the final siren.</p> <p>Throughout his illness, Bosustow received widespread support from the football community, with fundraising efforts in 2022 attended by many of his former teammates and friends.</p> <p>Peter Bosustow leaves behind a legacy as one of football’s most charismatic and spectacular talents. His high-flying marks, impossible goals and infectious spirit will forever be part of Carlton's rich history — and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to witness "The Buzz" in full flight.</p> <p><em>Images: Carlton FC</em></p>

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"Of course it's Demi!" World's Most Beautiful Person named for 2025

<p>Demi Moore has been named <em>People</em> magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Person for 2025, joining the ranks of past honourees like Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer. At 62, the actress is not only making headlines for her timeless beauty but also for her candid reflections on body image, ageing and self-worth.</p> <p>In an exclusive interview accompanying the annual issue, Moore opened up about her evolving relationship with her body. “I think I've evolved into greater gentility toward myself,” she shared. Admitting that she once had a tendency to "punish" herself, the <em>Ghost</em> star revealed that she's now in a more accepting and appreciative place.</p> <p>“I have a greater appreciation for all that my body has been through that brought me to now,” she said. Though she still experiences moments of insecurity – “It doesn't mean that sometimes I look in the mirror and don't go, 'Oh God, I look old,' or 'Oh, my face is falling' – I do” – Moore said that acceptance has become a key theme in her life.</p> <p>Moore’s resurgence in the spotlight has been bolstered by her acclaimed performance in the 2024 thriller <em>The Substance</em>, alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The film, which delves into the pressures of ageing in the entertainment industry, drew strong reviews and generated significant Oscar buzz.</p> <p>While she ultimately lost the Academy Award for Best Actress to Mikey Madison, Moore took home her first Golden Globe for the role. In her emotional acceptance speech, she urged the audience to reevaluate how they measure self-worth. “Know the value of your worth,” she said, “by putting down the measuring stick,” drawing cheers from the crowd.</p> <p>With a celebrated career spanning decades, Demi Moore’s new title is not just a recognition of beauty – it’s a tribute to reinvention and the power of self-acceptance.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Remains of 4 Australian soldiers discovered just days ahead of Anzac Day

<p>The remains of four Australian soldiers who perished in World War I have been uncovered in northern France, more than a century after they were killed in the brutal Second Battle of Bullecourt.</p> <p>According to the Australian Department of Defence, the discovery was made during a recent fieldwork operation conducted by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit. The soldiers were among the thousands who fought in the battle in May 1917, a fierce attempt by the Australian Imperial Force to penetrate the German Hindenburg Line.</p> <p>Up to 10,000 Australian troops were either killed or wounded during the operation, with approximately 3,700 confirmed dead between April and May 1917. Tragically, more than half of these fallen soldiers are believed to lie in unmarked graves across the region.</p> <p>The site of their final stand lies near Villers-Bretonneux, where the Australian National Memorial to the Missing was erected to honour the many who have no known grave.</p> <p>Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart acknowledged the emotional timing of the find, just days before Anzac Day. “As we approach Anzac Day, recovering these four Australian soldiers reminds us the search for the missing is tireless and ongoing,” Lieutenant General Stuart said. “We do not forget the service and sacrifice of those who serve our nation.”</p> <p>Efforts are now underway to identify the soldiers using forensic analysis and historical research. The Defence Department has vowed to ensure they are reburied with full military honours and the dignity they deserve.</p> <p>The Unrecovered War Casualties unit continues to receive dozens of leads each year regarding the locations of Australian war dead. Discoveries like this are not uncommon: nine soldiers from the Battle of Fromelles were identified in 2018, with another five identified as recently as 2023.</p> <p>More than 44,000 Australians died on the Western Front during World War I, and around 17,000 remain without known graves.</p> <p>This Friday, Australians around the world will pause to reflect at dawn services in honour of the more than 103,000 servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in conflicts past, with the latest discovery serving as a reminder of the war's enduring legacy.</p> <p><em>Image: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

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Cricket world in mourning after passing of Ashes legend

<p>Vale, Keith Stackpole. Australia is in mourning following the passing of the Test cricket great and revered broadcaster, who has died at the age of 84.</p> <p>A giant of the game both on and off the field, Stackpole leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a celebrated Test batter and beloved media figure. A proud Victorian, he represented Australia in 43 Test matches between 1966 and 1974, amassing 2801 runs, including seven centuries. His highest score – an unforgettable 207 against England in Brisbane in 1970 – remains etched in Ashes history.</p> <p>Stackpole made his Test debut in Adelaide in 1966 and went on to play alongside some of the greatest names in Australian cricket, including Ian Chappell and Dennis Lillee. He served as vice-captain and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973 – a testament to his skill and leadership.</p> <p>His final Test appearance came in 1974 against New Zealand, where he bowed out with a pair of ducks – a humbling end to a storied career. Not long after, a back injury forced his retirement from the sport, but it was far from the end of his involvement with the game.</p> <p>Stackpole seamlessly transitioned into the media world, becoming a cornerstone of Australian cricket commentary. He was part of Kerry Packer’s groundbreaking World Series Cricket and continued to share his deep knowledge of the game through radio and print, including a long-running newspaper column in Melbourne. His honest insights and affable presence made him a household name beyond the boundary ropes.</p> <p>In 1974, Stackpole was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket – a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport and to Australian culture.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing and media worlds. Channel 7 presenter Jim Wilson shared his heartfelt condolences:</p> <p>“Very sad news, loved our catchups and his advice over a coffee and a sanga,” Wilson said. “Always generous with his time, called it the way it was and all our thoughts with Stacky’s family. Vale Keith Stackpole.”</p> <p><em>Herald Sun</em> journalist Glenn McFarlane also expressed his sorrow: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of the great Keith Stackpole. He was the voice of my childhood on TV and radio, then I was privileged to be one of Stacky’s ‘ghost’ writers for a number of years. Great cricketer; and an absolute gentleman! Condolences to his family.”</p> <p>Stackpole is survived by his wife Pat and children Peter, Tony and Angela.</p> <p><em>Images: News.com.au / 3AW</em></p>

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Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world. Is it time for mandatory limits?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Gambling prevalence studies provide a snapshot of gambling behaviour, problems and harm in our communities. They are typically conducted about every five years.</p> <p>In some Australian states and territories, four or five have been conducted over the past 20 or so years. These have provided a snapshot into how gambling has changed – and how it has not.</p> <p>So, how has gambling in Australia changed in the past two decades or so, and where may we be heading?</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world.<br />Australia should: <br />🚫 Ban gambling ads<br />🎰 Introduce loss limits on pokies and online gambling<br />📉 Progressively cut the number of pokies in each state</p> <p>Our new report shows how governments should prevent gambling harm.… <a href="https://t.co/7U3IgzOLSp">pic.twitter.com/7U3IgzOLSp</a></p> <p>— Grattan Institute (@GrattanInst) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrattanInst/status/1831297414080176469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <h2>The intensification of gambling</h2> <p>In 1997-98, the Productivity Commission found <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/gambling/report/summary.pdf">about 82% of Australians</a> had gambled in the previous 12 months.</p> <p>Almost all further prevalence studies show the proportion of adults gambling has declined substantially over time.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">2024 NSW prevalence survey</a>, for example, found 54% reported gambling in the previous 12 months, down from 69% in 2006.</p> <p>While fewer people are gambling, the proportion of people experiencing problems has not changed much, <a href="https://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/statistics/theme/society/gambling/australian-gambling-statistics">nor has gambling turnover</a>.</p> <p>In some states, gambling turnover has increased, even when you take inflation into account.</p> <p>So while a smaller proportion of people are gambling, those who do gamble are doing so more frequently, and spend more money – a phenomenon we have described as the “intensification” of the industry.</p> <p>As figures from the Grattan Institute show, the vast majority of gambling spend comes from a very small proportion of people who gamble.</p> <p><iframe id="Z6EYJ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z6EYJ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>What’s the problem?</h2> <p>Typically, the focus in gambling studies has been on “problem gamblers”, a term we now avoid because it can be stigmatising.</p> <p>This refers to those experiencing severe problems due to their gambling, which is typically <a href="https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">about 1% of the adult population</a>, and around 2% of people who gamble.</p> <p>This doesn’t sound like much, until you remember 1% of adults in Australia is more than 200,000 people. That’s a lot of people struggling with severe problems.</p> <p>Based on recent prevalence surveys in Australia, these gamblers spend <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">about 60 times as much</a> as people who do not experience problems.</p> <p>However, that’s just the most severe cases.</p> <h2>How gambling harms people</h2> <p>When most people think of gambling harm, they think about financial harm. But gambling can cause problems with relationships, work and study, emotional and psychological harm, and <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-2747-0">even cause health issues</a>.</p> <p>Some degree of gambling harm is experienced by <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 10-15%</a> of people who gamble.</p> <p>Some groups are overrepresented: young men typically experience very high levels of harm compared to others. Other overrepresented groups are:</p> <ul> <li>those who have not completed tertiary education</li> <li>people who speak a language other than English</li> <li>people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.</li> </ul> <p>Harm isn’t just experienced by people who gamble, though – it impacts the people around them.</p> <p>While young men are more likely to experience harm from their own gambling, <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">women, particularly young women</a>, are most likely to experience harm from someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>When we take all of these sources of harm into account, we get a much better picture of gambling harm in our community: <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 15-20% of all adults</a> (not all gamblers) experience harm.</p> <p>That’s very different to the figure of 1% we’ve focused on in the past.</p> <p>We’re still missing some accounting, though: we don’t know how much harm is experienced by people under 18, for example, because prevalence studies typically only include adults.</p> <h2>Where does the harm come from?</h2> <p>The most problematic form in Australia is pokies, responsible for <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260219/#:%7E:text=EGMs%20are%20responsible%20for%2051,problems%20due%20to%20low%20participation.">about 51-57% of problems</a>.</p> <p>Casinos are responsible for <a href="https://ftp.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">another 10-14%</a>, although fewer people have been gambling in casino games in recent years.</p> <p>Sports betting and race betting together account for about another 19-20% of harm.</p> <p>Between them, pokies, casino games and sports and race betting account for about 90% of harm to Australian gamblers.</p> <p><iframe id="w2wEY" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/w2wEY/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>Availability is an issue</h2> <p>This widespread availability of pokies is the biggest single driver behind gambling harm in Australia.</p> <p><iframe id="hIgeD" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hIgeD/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>In other countries, pokies are limited to venues that are specifically used for gambling, like casinos or betting shops.</p> <p>We have pokies in a huge number of our pubs and clubs, except in Western Australia.</p> <p>A couple of years ago, we used national prevalence data to compare gambling problems in WA <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/12/3/article-p721.xml">to the rest of the country</a>.</p> <p>A higher percentage of adults in WA gamble, but mostly on the lotteries which are typically <a href="https://theconversation.com/pokies-lotto-sports-betting-which-forms-of-problem-gambling-affect-australians-the-most-240665">not associated with much harm</a>.</p> <p>Gambling on pokies is far less prevalent in WA because they’re only available in one casino. Gambling problems and harm are about one-third lower in WA, and our analysis shows this can be attributed to the limited access to pokies.</p> <p>This also tells us something important. If pokies are not available, people will typically not substitute them with other harmful forms. It points to the role of the availability of dangerous gambling products in gambling harm, rather than personal characteristics.</p> <p>Online gambling has also become a lot more available. Most of us now have a mobile phone almost surgically implanted onto our hand, making online gambling more accessible than ever. Not surprisingly, <a href="https://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/publications/second-national-study-interactive-gambling-australia-2019-20">online gambling continues to increase</a>.</p> <h2>An obvious solution to try</h2> <p>Governments have taken increasingly proactive measures to help address gambling harm, such as the <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/gambling/resource/national-consumer-protection-framework-online-wagering-national-policy-statement">National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling</a>, strategies for minimising harm such as NSW’s investment into <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/gambleaware-week-0">gambling harm minimisation</a>, Victoria’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/26/victoria-pokies-changes-limits-new-laws">proposed reforms on pokies</a> including mandatory precommitment limits, Queensland’s <a href="https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/gambling-harm-min/resource/84d444db-97e0-4be0-8e87-0c6f0cb412d6">Gambling Harm Minimisation Plan</a> and the ACT’s <a href="https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1436580/Strategy-for-gambling-harm-prevention.pdf">Strategy for Gambling Harm Prevention</a>.</p> <p>Voluntary limits have been trialled to help people keep their gambling under control, but have had <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-03/nsw-government-cashless-gaming-trial-findings-released/104679384">virtually no uptake</a>.</p> <p>For example, the recent <a href="https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/1340136/evaluation-of-the-nsw-digital-gaming-wallet-trial-2024.pdf">NSW Digital Gaming Wallet trial</a> was conducted in 14 venues. Only 32 people were active users, and 14 of these were deemed genuine users. <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/saces/ua/media/652/evaluation-of-yourplay-final-report_0.pdf">Another study</a> found only 0.01% of all money put through machines in Victoria used the voluntary YourPlay scheme.</p> <p>The problem with voluntary limits is, no one volunteers.</p> <p>Mandatory limits though are almost certainly necessary, just like we have mandatory limits for how fast you can drive, or how much you can drink before the bartender puts you in a taxi.</p> <p>There will almost certainly be push back against this, just like the introduction of mandatory seatbelts in the 1970s, or <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-04/road-safety-history-australia-toll-increase/102903364">the introduction of random breath testing</a>.</p> <p>Now, we accept them as important public health measures.</p> <p>History tells us the same will happen with mandatory gambling limits, even if we’re a bit uncomfortable about it at first.<!-- 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/252389/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>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-russell-133860">Alex Russell</a>, Principal Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-browne-97705">Matthew Browne</a>, Senior Lecturer in Statistics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-rockloff-569">Matthew Rockloff</a>, Head, Experimental Gambling Research Lab, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></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/gambling-in-australia-how-bad-is-the-problem-who-gets-harmed-most-and-where-may-we-be-heading-252389">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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Rory McIlroy conquers Augusta at last with agonising final hole victory

<p>Rory McIlroy has finally done it! In a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat finale at Augusta National, the Northern Irish superstar captured his long-awaited first Masters title, ending an 11-year major championship drought in unforgettable fashion.</p> <p>After years of close calls and crushing near misses, McIlroy delivered a performance packed with drama. His road to the iconic green jacket was anything but smooth – and that's what made this triumph so electrifying.</p> <p>Sunday at Augusta began with fireworks as McIlroy double-bogeyed the first hole, immediately falling into a share of the lead with Bryson DeChambeau. But true to form, the four-time major winner stormed back, building a commanding five-shot lead midway through the final round over DeChambeau and English veteran Justin Rose.</p> <p>Just when it seemed McIlroy might cruise to victory, the course bit back. Disaster struck at the treacherous 13th when McIlroy found water and carded another double bogey, watching his lead evaporate as Rose surged to 11-under, becoming the shock leader.</p> <p>But Augusta’s relentless drama wasn’t finished yet. Rose bogeyed shortly after, and McIlroy steadied himself to reclaim the lead. DeChambeau, too, stumbled out of contention with a costly trip to the water hazard.</p> <p>As the tension mounted, Rose delivered under pressure with a brilliant birdie at the 18th, pulling level with McIlroy at 11-under and setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion. McIlroy birdied the 17th and had a golden chance to seal the victory with a simple par on the final hole. But golf, as ever, proved unpredictable – McIlroy’s putt went millimetres astray, forcing a playoff that had the gallery roaring with anticipation.</p> <p>In the playoff showdown, McIlroy's grit and class shone through. With unwavering focus, he outduelled Rose to capture the elusive green jacket, completing his career-defining triumph at Augusta on his 11th attempt.</p> <p>This moment was more than just a victory – it was the culmination of a decade-long pursuit of golfing glory. For McIlroy, it’s a Masters win for the ages, and for fans around the world, it’s a reminder of why we love this sport: the drama, the heartbreak, and the unforgettable joy of watching a champion finally reach the mountaintop.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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Princess Diana’s largest-ever wardrobe auction set to dazzle the world

<p>Get ready for royal fashion history to be rewritten... This June, the largest collection of clothing ever owned by Diana, Princess of Wales, will hit the auction block – and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular.</p> <p>Julien's Auctions, the house behind this extraordinary event, has announced that over 200 breathtaking pieces will go under the hammer, many of which have never been seen by the public before. From the timeless elegance of Princess Diana to the grandeur of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, plus historic treasures from Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and even royal heirlooms dating back to the 19th century – this auction is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime event.</p> <p>Fittingly titled <a href="https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/auctions/princess-diana-s-style-a-royal-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Princess Diana's Style & A Royal Collection"</a>, the auction will unfold at the glamorous Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 26. According to Julien’s, the sale offers fans and collectors a rare and intimate chance to own a piece of history and connect with Diana’s iconic style legacy.</p> <p>"Princess Diana holds a special place in the heart of Julien's Auctions, and we are honoured to continue to preserve her legacy," shared Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien's. "This collection is the most significant offering of her wardrobe ever presented at auction – each item a window into a moment in history and a tribute to a woman whose humility, style, and personal warmth continue to inspire the world."</p> <p>Among the crown jewels of the collection is the charming 1988 Bellville Sassoon floral day dress, affectionately known as Diana’s "caring dress." The late princess famously wore this bright, cheerful ensemble during hospital visits and engagements with children, knowing its joyful print would lift spirits. Diana even skipped the matching hat, saying, "You couldn't cuddle a child in a hat."</p> <p>While Julien’s is keeping the full list of auction items under wraps for now, excitement is mounting. Some pieces originally featured in Diana’s legendary 1997 Christie's auction – which raised an astounding $5 million for charity – will make an encore appearance.</p> <p>Before the big day, the dazzling collection will go on display in museums in Seattle and Ireland, giving fans worldwide the chance to admire these royal treasures up close.</p> <p>The auction follows a streak of record-breaking sales for Diana’s wardrobe. In 2023, her unforgettable ballerina-length black and blue evening gown by Jacques Azagury fetched a staggering $1.4 million, shattering records at 11 times its estimate. And let’s not forget her beloved emerald green Kurt Geiger shoes, which sold for an eye-watering $693,000.</p> <p>Perhaps most astonishing of all: Diana's famous sheep-print jumper by Warm and Wonderful, which leapt to an incredible $1.7 million at auction last year – a jaw-dropping 14 times its expected price.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c3338; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Julien's Auctions</span></em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

<p>A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season.</p> <p>According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash.</p> <p>While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came.</p> <p>“Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision.</p> <p>The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter.</p> <p>Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries.</p> <p>The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted.</p> <p>The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries.</p> <p>Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer.</p> <p>The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action.</p> <p>“This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.”</p> <p><em>Images: ATSB</em></p>

Legal

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Cricket world mourns passing of Ashes legend

<p>Peter Lever, the former England fast bowler and a key member of the victorious 1970-71 Ashes side, has passed away at the age of 84. His former county, Lancashire, confirmed the news on Thursday.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84,” Lancashire posted on X. “Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 — taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”</p> <p>Lever played 17 Test matches and 10 One-Day Internationals for England, including the famous inaugural One Day International in 1971. Known for his aggressive pace and sharp movement, he left a lasting impact on the game.</p> <p>His England career began in 1970 against a Rest of the World XI at The Oval, where he took an impressive 7-83, dismissing cricketing greats such as Garry Sobers, Mushtaq Mohammad, Graeme Pollock, Clive Lloyd and Mike Procter. Although the match was later stripped of its Test status, his performance earned him an official England debut later that year in the Ashes series opener in Perth.</p> <p>Lever played a crucial role in England's 1970-71 Ashes triumph, which remains the last time Australia was whitewashed at home. He returned to Australia in 1975 and delivered a career-best performance, taking 6-38 in Melbourne. On the first day of that Test, he dismissed four of Australia’s top five batsmen for just two runs. Despite England securing an innings victory in that match, it was their only win in the six-Test series.</p> <p>However, one of the most defining moments of Lever's career came in 1975 during a Test match against New Zealand in Auckland. A bouncer he bowled struck debutant Ewen Chatfield on the unprotected left temple, causing him to collapse on the pitch. Chatfield's heart stopped, leading to fears that he had died, but he was revived through CPR by England physiotherapist Bernard Thomas. The traumatic incident deeply affected Lever, who later admitted that he contemplated retirement.</p> <p>Lever played only one more Test match after that, featuring in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in 1975, where he took two wickets in a drawn game. He retired from first-class cricket the following year, concluding a distinguished career with Lancashire.</p> <p>Peter Lever will be remembered as a fierce competitor and a dedicated servant of English cricket. His contributions to the sport, particularly his role in England’s historic Ashes win, ensure his legacy will endure.</p> <p><em>Images: Daily Mail UK</em></p>

Caring

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Aussie TV star wins $9.2m on game show – the largest in history

<p>In an electrifying moment that will surely go down in television history, Australian reality TV star David Genat has claimed a jaw-dropping AUD$9.2 million prize on US television, securing the largest single cash payout ever seen on American TV.</p> <p>The 44-year-old, widely recognised by Aussie audiences from <em>Survivor Australia</em>, <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em>, <em>Rush</em> and <em>Getaway</em>, delivered a masterclass in risk-taking and intuition in NBC’s <em>Deal or No Deal Island</em>.</p> <p>Genat, dubbed the “Survivor golden god” after his 2020 <em>Survivor Australia: All Stars</em> victory, knew he had the upper hand early in the final showdown. But the real twist came when the show’s notorious banker was revealed as none other than Chrissy Teigen.</p> <p>Faced with 26 cases – one containing the life-changing sum of AUD$12.2 million – Genat navigated a nail-biting elimination round, fuelled by his father’s memory and a razor-sharp strategy. Rejecting a staggering seven offers, including multiple million-dollar deals, he played with nerves of steel until just two cases remained.</p> <p>Then came the final offer: a mind-blowing $US5.8 million ($AUD9.2 million). With tension at an all-time high, Genat made the call – he took the deal.</p> <p>It was a decision that paid off in monumental fashion. When his chosen case was opened, it contained just $75. Had he gambled one step further, he would have walked away with next to nothing. Instead, he etched his name into television history with the record-breaking win.</p> <p>“It was surreal,” Genat later shared with <em>USA Today</em>. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“The offer came in at US$5.8 million and I started thinking about it, and that is just so much money. I was having a spiritual experience, man. I just knew where that money was. I knew which cases to open. I was looking for signs from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. I felt his presence there, and he was just guiding me on what cases to open.”</span></p> <p>That deep connection gave him the clarity to seize the moment and walk away with a life-altering fortune. “My frequency is on another level,” he added. “I fully feel like I’m floating.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">With his newfound millions, Genat already has a few indulgences in mind, including a new motorcycle, a luxury watch and some sleek new cars for his four kids.</span></p> <p>But the adventure might not stop here. Rumours are swirling that Genat could be gearing up for another reality TV showdown on the upcoming <em>Survivor: Australia vs. the World</em>, set to air later this year.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Game changer": Aussie women welcome new early-detection cancer test

<p>Australian women will soon have access to a revolutionary blood test designed to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The innovative test, known as BREASTEST plus™, was developed by BCAL Diagnostics and is set to complement traditional breast cancer screening methods such as mammograms and ultrasounds.</p> <p>BCAL Diagnostics chair Jayne Shaw <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/australian-first-blood-test-to-help-early-detection-of-breast-cancer-comes-to-sydney-before-nationwide-rollout-c-18153750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed to 7NEWS</a> that the development of the test had taken 15 years, describing it as a "game changer" for women worldwide.</p> <p>“The breast test is a game changer for all women everywhere because it’s a blood test to detect breast cancer alongside other diagnostic tools like ultrasound and a mammogram,” Shaw said.</p> <p>She pointed out that a similar blood test for prostate cancer, which has been available since 1989, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for men. “Early diagnosis for all cancers will lead to improved survivability rates, and it was only inevitable that a blood test would be developed to diagnose breast cancer earlier,” she added.</p> <p>One of the major advantages of the new blood test is its ability to detect breast cancer in women with high breast density. Around 40-50% of Australian women undergoing screening have high breast density, which can obscure abnormalities on mammograms and make diagnosis more difficult.</p> <p>With the ability to identify breast cancer markers, the blood test will provide a valuable additional tool for detecting cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed.</p> <p>Breast Cancer Network Australia director Vicki Durston welcomed the new test, especially for its potential to improve the reporting of high breast density cases, where cancers are often missed. “Breast Cancer Network Australia has long been calling for the uplift in the breast density statement nationally to see standardised reporting across the country,” Durston said.</p> <p>She also noted that while high breast density is just one of many risk factors, the new test represents an innovative step forward in improving early detection and treatment.</p> <p>Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, accounting for approximately 28% of all new cancer cases. In 2024 alone, around 21,194 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, including 20,973 women and 221 men. However, survival rates have improved dramatically, with Australia’s peak breast cancer body reporting that the five-year survival rate has risen from 78% in 1994 to 92% in 2020, with many people living long and healthy lives beyond this period.</p> <p>While the test currently comes at an out-of-pocket cost, there is hope that the Australian government will eventually provide subsidies under Medicare to make it more accessible. The first tests will be available at the <a href="https://www.sydneybreastclinic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Breast Clinic</a> starting Thursday, followed by a rollout in Melbourne, with plans to expand nationwide by the end of the year.</p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock / 7NEWS</em></p>

Body

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Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

<p>A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). </p> <p>A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo.</p> <p>The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials.</p> <p>Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving."</p> <p>"What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications."</p> <p>The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study.</p> <p>"More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a></em>.</p> <p>"Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol."</p> <p>Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

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200 unexploded WWII bombs found underneath playground

<p>Almost 200 unexploded bombs dating back to World War II have been unearthed from beneath a children's playground in the north of England. </p> <p>The discovery was made in Scotts Play Park in Wooler, Northumberland, with 176 bombs recovered and fears that more could be discovered. </p> <p>The first of the devices, which still contain a charge, were found in January and was followed by much larger finds in the following weeks.</p> <p>It is believed the area was used as a Home Guard training ground during the war, and the explosives were buried at the end of Second World War in 1945.</p> <p>After two bombs were recovered by the British Army, the local parish council was then advised that a full survey of the area was required. </p> <p>“I never thought as a parish councillor I’d be dealing with bomb disposal,” Conservative councillor Mark Mather said, as reported by the <a title="www.bbc.com" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0821yqr4wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>BBC</em>.</a></p> <p>“It’s quite something to think the children have been playing on bombs and it’s been a really challenging situation.</p> <p>“We’ve only cleared about a third of all the park and we could still find another pit with more bombs in.”</p> <p>The bombs were first discovered in January after the parish council received a grant to build a fully inclusive playground to be added to the existing area.</p> <p>While digging foundations at the site on January 14th, the first bomb was found, with another 150 explosives being found in the following two days. </p> <p>Experts from the local Barracks confirmed the first device was a training bomb and the UK’s Ministry of Defence said a full site survey was needed.</p> <p>“They are called practice bombs so they’re not live,” Mather said.</p> <p>“But they do still carry a charge and were found with the fuse and contents intact so they could be hazardous."</p> <p>“The story we’re getting from locals is that Wooler was a centre for Home Guard training and officers came here from all over the country. After the war it looked like they just buried all the ordnance in one of the pits.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Wooler Parish Council</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Bakery offering free food if you beat the boss at a simple game

<p dir="ltr">After struggling with dwindling customer numbers during the pandemic, a small bakery in Melbourne has come up with a unique way to drum up more business. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Pie Place in Coburg, north of Melbourne, is offering a free pie to any customer who can defeat the owner, Justin Talbot, in a simple game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justin admitted to <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/free-pies-melbourne-baker-unique-offer-for-customers-who-beat-him-at-rock-paper-scissors/483a1355-d491-4b77-a1b0-50b0c72fe503">Today</a></em> that while the idea is unconventional, he said that when free food is involved, “you can’t go wrong”. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I was at home having a few beers and I thought, how can I drum up more business?" he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So I thought, why not have a bit of fun with my customers? We've been here for 40 years this month. I've been here for 10 years and I love being here, I love interacting with my customers, having a yarn with them, having a joke with them - it's pretty much my favourite part of work.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Rock Paper Scissors is something out of the ordinary, everyone knows how to play, it's fun and if you win, you get a free pie."</p> <p dir="ltr">The initiative has gone down a treat with locals, with many claiming the shop has the “best pies” and are willing to risk their hand for a freebie. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Justin’s game gets more and more popular, he said he is willing to fork out whatever it costs to give out the free pies in order to connect with the community. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1TKgHxU0m8E?si=Rs9-G3TCQhQako8o" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Guy Pearce's secret split with Game of Thrones star

<p>Aussie actor Guy Pearce and Carice van Houten, the mother of his son, have split.</p> <p>The <em>Game of Thrones </em>actress took to Instagram to confirm their split, and that the pair have remained close as they co-parent. </p> <p>“I don’t usually engage in discussions about my personal life, but because of a number of conclusions in the media last week regarding my relationship with Guy, I wanted to make something clear,” she shared on her Instagram story alongside a photo of the pair. </p> <p>“He and I are great friends and love each other very much, but we haven’t been a ‘couple’ for years.</p> <p>“I am, however, very proud to say we are in a wonderful partnership raising the true love of our lives - our beautiful son. And his hamster. The end.”</p> <p>Rumours of their split first began last month, when Pearce revealed during an interview that his first wife Kate Mestitz was the "greatest love of my life" but now that love is for his son.</p> <p>"My ex-wife, Kate, was the greatest love of my life, but I’ve moved on from her now and the greatest love of my life is my child, Monte," he told <em>The Guardian</em>. </p> <p>Pearce and van Houten first started dating in 2015, just months after the actor split from his ex-wife Mestitz. </p> <p>A year later, Pearce and van Houten went on to have a child together named Monte. </p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

<p>Global travel brand <em>Time Out</em> has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. </p> <p>From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. </p> <p><strong>10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. </strong></p> <p>This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". </p> <p>The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. </p> <p>These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks.</p> <p><strong>9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia</strong></p> <p>These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders.</p> <p><strong>8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park </strong></p> <p>The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. </p> <p><strong>7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train</strong></p> <p>Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue."</p> <p><strong>6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism</strong></p> <p>Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. </p> <p><strong>5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York</strong></p> <p>The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. </p> <p><strong>4. Fly directly to Greenland </strong></p> <p>The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">more accessible</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Fenix museum in </span>Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. </p> <p><strong>2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia</strong></p> <p>"The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said <em>Time Out’s</em> Saffron Swire. </p> <p>With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. </p> <p><strong>1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy</strong></p> <p>Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." </p> <p>Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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The most turbulent flights in the world revealed

<p dir="ltr">While many travellers have experienced a bumpy ride while on a plane, there are some routes that are rougher than others. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://turbli.com/historical-data/most-turbulent-flight-routes-of-2024/">Turbli research</a>, the most turbulent flight routes in the world for 2025 have been announced for worried flyers to avoid when booking their holidays. </p> <p dir="ltr">All destinations are situated in just two continents and four countries, and all involve flying over high altitudes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turbulence is measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which describes turbulence levels without regard to aircraft characteristics, meaning the same levels of turbulence may be experienced differently depending on the size and build of the aircraft.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dramatic changes in land altitude, particularly mountain ranges, create eddies, or swirls of disrupted airflow all create turbulence. </p> <p dir="ltr">With 0-20 on the EDR scale is considered light turbulence, these flight paths measure double digits in their levels of severity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Most of these destinations are located in South America, so if you’re particularly adverse to a bumpy flight, maybe take these stats into account before booking your next holiday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the list of the 10 most turbulent flights in the world below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Santiago (Chile). 18.475 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Chengdu (China) to Xining (China). 18.482 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). 18.563 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Santa Cruz (Bolivia) to Santiago (Chile). 18.598 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Chengdu (China) to Lhasa (China). 18.644 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Kathmandu to Lhasa. 18.817 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">4. Mendoza (Argentina) to San Carlos de Bariloche. 19.252 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina). 19.825 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Córdoba to Santiago. 20.214 average EDR</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Mendoza to Santiago. 24.684 average EDR.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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