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"I thought I was going to die": Mat Rogers' secret health struggle

<p>Former NRL star Mat Rogers claims he thought he “was going to die” as an autoimmune disease left him in crippling pain, even fearing he may have to say goodbye to his family.</p> <p>The 46-year-old began to suffer from seronegative inflammatory arthritis earlier this year, also known as spondyloarthritis.</p> <p>The autoimmune disease affects the joint of the vertebral column and symptoms include pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, fever and low appetite.</p> <p>The symptoms are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis however, the two conditions affect the body differently. Spondyloarthritis starts in the lower back or shoulders.</p> <p>Speaking ahead of the release of his book, “<em>A Father’s Son</em>”, Rogers recalls how a mild shoulder tickle turned into unbearable pain.</p> <p>“I thought I was going to die. I literally got a condition where my immune system started attacking my joints and I was just like an old man."</p> <p>"It started out rather mild in my shoulder then it sort of riddled my body. I thought this was it, I thought I had some sort of blood cancer."</p> <p>The former dual code star feared he may leave his five kids and wife prematurely.</p> <p><em>A Father's Son</em> is available now at all major book stores and online.</p>

Body

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Home and Away star opens up on traumatic ordeal

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article includes descriptions of mental illness and sexual assault.</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Home and Away</em> star Mat Stevenson has shared his story about being “drugged and raped” as a teenager in the hope that sharing his experience could help others struggling with their mental health.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stevenson admitted he was “uncomfortable” talking about his experience on Sunday’s episode of <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/spotlight/former-home-and-away-actor-mat-stevenson-says-he-was-once-drugged-and-raped-in-bombshell-episode-of-spotlight-the-fame-game--c-6702234" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotlight: The Fame Game</a></em>, which tackled the dark side of fame in light of Brummer’s death by suicide in July last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actor said he decided to speak out in case his story “helped someone” struggling with their own mental health.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m a bit uncomfortable opening up about my life because not many people know about it, but if it’s going to help someone, that whole notion of being vulnerable, then I’m all for it,” Stevenson said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was basically drugged and raped and dragged into a spa and I thought I was going to drown, and then woke up naked somewhere.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was 18. And then I won my role in <em>Neighbours </em>the next day. I was a pretty fit guy back then too, but when you’re paralysed there’s nothing you can do.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The then 18-year-old played Skinner on the show between 1988 and 1989, before landing his breakout role as Adam Cameron in <em>Home and Away</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Sunday’s episode, Stevenson explained that he “suppressed” the traumatic ordeal at the time and “suffered in silence”, with his emotions being expressed as “toxic behaviours” like drinking and gambling.</p> <p dir="ltr">He admitted that, after leaving <em>Home and Away</em> in 1999, he had “wanted to find the bottom” as quickly as he could.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When you’re backing slow racehorses and drinking a lot, they’re two voices that’ll get you where you want to go pretty quickly,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And when I found the bottom, I rang my brother up to snip him for some cash, and he said, ‘Aren’t you tired of making s**t decisions?’ And I said, ‘Yea. I am, mate. I think I am.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Stevenson describes his life as “bloody good” and that his greatest role has been as a dad to his daughter Grace and her friend Belle Bambi - who he symbolically adopted last year after her father allegedly rejected her for being trans.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My greatest role has been [as] a dad. I’ve come through it. So [Dieter’s] death ripped my heart out and I just don’t want to lose another bloke. So, if you’re suffering, reach out is the message,” he said on the program.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you or anyone you know struggles with topics raised in this article, contact lifeline at any time on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.</em></strong></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a0f85945-7fff-20b3-89d3-b7d241d7bc82"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News Spotlight</em></p>

Caring

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ALDI issues recall after four-year-old spots embarrassing mistake

<p>ALDI has pulled a popular kid’s item from shelves after a four-year-old boy pointed out an embarrassing mistake.</p> <p>The supermarket’s Learning Desk Mat – sold in their May 20 Special Buys sale – includes math times tables, so children can learn while they eat.</p> <p>But a clever four-year-old quickly realised something wasn’t right on the $3.99 chart, as it read “12 x 12 = 60” instead of “12 x 12 =144”.</p> <p>A spokesperson for ALDI has issued an apology for the mistake, confirming that the item will be removed from stories.</p> <p>Mum Melanie pointed out the error on a popular Facebook page, saying she was “disappointed”.</p> <p>“Check your placemat guys,” wrote Melanie on the ALDI Mums Facebook page.</p> <p>“My number obsessed four-year-old (with autism) is upset that the times tables contain a big stuff up... I’ll be returning it tomorrow, so disappointed.”</p> <p>Fellow ALDI Mums members were impressed by the boy’s math skills.</p> <p>“Oh no! Good pick up little one,” said one.</p> <p>Added another: “Wow! Well done! Took me a while to find the mistake.”</p> <p>Said a third: “My six-year-old autistic son would lose it if I got him this. Numbers and language are his thing. Oh my.”</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><em>7News</em>, a spokesperson for ALDI has urged shoppers who have purchased the mat to return it to their local store.</p> <p>“There are at least 144 reasons why this printing error on the Learning Desk Mat Special Buy is awkward,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“We agree, that 12 x 12 does actually equal 144.</p> <p>“We take every effort in ensuring our products are of the highest quality and apologise to kids learning their times tables (and their parents) for this oversight.</p> <p>“We are in the process of removing this product from our stores and encourage any customers who have purchased this product to return it to their local store for a full refund.</p> <p>“We always encourage customers to contact ALDI directly through the Customer Service Team so we can promptly and thoroughly conduct an investigation into any issues.”</p>

Money & Banking

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DIY macramé place mat

<p>Following these instructions will give you a place mat that measures 45 x 33cm.</p> <p><strong>Knots used (refer to gallery above):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Horizontal clove hitch (HCH)</li> <li>Left-facing square knot (LFSK)</li> <li>Alternating square knot (ASK)</li> <li>Reverse lark’s head knot (RLHK)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Materials:</strong></p> <ul> <li>60m of twined 2.5mm cotton rope</li> <li>55–60cm, dowel, at least 2cm in diameter (only used during the knotting)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <p>Cut the following:</p> <ul> <li>20 cords, each 2m (21/4 yd) long</li> <li>4 cords, each 80cm (311/2 in) long</li> <li>52 cords, each 30cm (12 in) long</li> <li>2 cords, each 50cm (193/4 in) long</li> <li>Fold each of the 2m (21/4 yd) cords in half and attach to the dowel, using a reverse lark’s head knot (RLHK).</li> </ul> <p>Note: the dowel is only used during the knotting; it is removed at the end.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="670" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40711/place-mat-diagram_499x670.jpg" alt="Place Mat Diagram"/></p> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>1. Take 1 of the 80cm cords and lay it across so it’s centered underneath the dowel. Using this cord as a filler cord, work a row of horizontal clove hitches (HCH) using each of the vertical cords, a total of 40 knots.</p> <p>2. Skip 2 cords, tie a left-facing square knot (LFSK), skip 4 cords, tie another left-facing square knot, repeating to the end so you have 5 square knots. Tie 10 alternating square knots (ASK) for the second row. For the third row, skip 2 cords at the start and tie another 5 alternating square knots as in the first row.</p> <p>3. Take a second 80cm (311/2 in) cord and centre it beneath the knots just made. Using this cord as a filler cord, work a horizontal clove hitch with each of the vertical cords, a total of 40 knots.</p> <p>4. Tie a left-facing square knot using the 4 centre cords. Then work 2 alternating square knots underneath, then a line of 3 alternating square knots. Continue to create a pair of alternating square knots on each side to make the diamond in the centre of the mat as in the diagram, placing each pair of square knots just underneath the previous pair. Finish with a single left-facing square knot using the 4 centre cords. You’ll have a total of 64 square knots.</p> <p>5. Repeat steps 1–3 to create the border at the bottom of the mat. Turn the place mat 90 degrees.</p> <p>6. Attach 26 of the 30cm (12 in) long cords to what is now the bottom cord using reverse lark’s head knots (RLHK). Position the first 3 lark’s head knots between the 2 filler cord ends, then work 10 before the square knot of the centre diamond. Repeat in reverse with the rest of the cords on the other half of the mat.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40712/step-7_500x333.jpg" alt="Step 7 (3)"/></p> <p>7. Take 1 of the 50cm cords and lay it across so it’s centred right underneath the lark’s head knots. Using this cord as a filler cord, make a horizontal clove hitch with each cord from left to right, a total of 56 knots.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="365" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40713/step-8-placemat_498x365.jpg" alt="Step 8 Placemat"/></p> <p>8. Turn the place mat 180 degrees and repeat steps 6 and 7 for the other side.</p> <p>9. Remove the dowel and untangle the ends. Cut the loops to make a fringe, and then</p> <p>trim the ends on both short sides to the same length. Trim the remaining long side to the same length as the other side.</p> <p>*This project is symmetrical and the illustration only shows half of the design.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Macramé by Fanny Zedenius published by Quadrille RRP $27.99 (NZ price) and is available in stores nationally. Photographer: © Kim Lightbody</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Make your very own pebble mat

<p>Add a touch of the outdoors indoors with this fun and whimsical DIY pebble mat. You can use this idea to create coasters, table centre pieces, place mats and anything you can glue pebbles on!</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Rubber mat</li> <li>Decorative pebbles and rocks  </li> <li>Contact cement/adhesive</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Starting from the middle of the mat, add small amounts of glue to the mat and stick pebbles on. Continue spreading glue onto mat and arranging the pebbles until the mat is covered. Alternatively, if you’re using large pebbles squirt a little bit of glue onto the rock and stick onto mat.</li> <li>Wait for the glue to set for 24 hours before using it.  </li> </ol> <p><strong><img width="320" height="206" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14812/pebble-mat-2.jpg" alt="Pebble Mat 2 (1)"/></strong></p> <p><strong><img width="318" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14813/pebble-mat-3_318x354.jpg" alt="Pebble Mat 3 (1)"/></strong></p> <p><strong>Related link</strong><strong>s:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/diy-garden-stepping-stone/">DIY stepping stone for your garden</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/art-and-craft-for-grandkids/">DIY art and craft projects you can do with the grandkids</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/household-tricks-from-the-1900s-2/">More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a></strong></em></span></p>

Home & Garden

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7 simple DIY welcome mats to try

<p>Is your home’s curb appeal a bit lacking these days? Don’t worry! This weekend why not try one (or more!) of our do-it-yourself options to upgrade your welcome mat. From brights to neutrals, there’s something for everyone. With a doormat like these, you’ll be fighting off eager guests.</p> <p><strong>Pebble doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="290" height="320" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7553/finished_medium.jpg" alt="Finished _medium" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>For this mat, you’ll need several bags of decorative rocks, which can be found at the dollar store, a rubber mat, and a strong adhesive. Working from the centre out, glue the rocks to the rubber mat, let sit for 24 hours and you’re done!</p> <p><em>Photo source: Curbly/Lilybee </em></p> <p><strong>Painted fruit doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7554/watermelon_500x334.jpg" alt="Watermelon" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Using stencils or free-hand, if you fancy yourself an artist, try painting colourful fruit slices on your welcome mat. Watermelon, orange slices, grapes; the sweet possibilities are endless.</p> <p><em>Photo source: dreamgreendiy</em></p> <p><strong>Wood slat doormat</strong><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521150988102912019/" target="_blank"><br /></a></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="310" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7555/506b3d70d9127e30da0017d7_w540_h336_sfit__498x310.jpg" alt="506b 3d 70d 9127e 30da 0017d 7._w .540_h .336_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>For this effort you will need wood slats, rope, and a drill. In each slat, drill a hole through the middle of each end, width-wise, making them linear when laid side by side. From there, slide each slat onto the ropes, tying each one off on either end as you go. You can even paint or varnish your slats before stringing to add even more personality to your rustic new doormat.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Letter/number stencil doormat</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="373" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7557/552ee631697ab0323900293f_w540_sfit__500x373.jpg" alt="552ee 631697ab 0323900293f ._w .540_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Using a stencil, spray paint your family’s initial or street number on your doormat for a simple personalized feel.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Geometric lines doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="445" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7556/diy-welcome-mat-7_498x445.jpg" alt="DIY Welcome Mat 7" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Using a stencil once again, spray paint lines of varying thickness and colour for a bright, geometric effect.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Hello goodbye doormat</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-welcome-mat-roundup-218050?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=managed" target="_blank" title="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-welcome-mat-roundup-218050?utm_source=facebook&amp;amp;utm_medium=social&amp;amp;utm_campaign=managed Ctrl+Click or tap to follow the link"><br /></a><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7558/552ee62e697ab031b9003009_w540_sfit__500x333.jpg" alt="552ee 62e 697ab 031b 9003009._w .540_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>If you’re a fan of the Beatles, or even if you’re not, using a stencil, spray paint an opposing “Hello” and “Goodbye” message on your mat and your guests will be greeted in either direction!</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="345" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7559/38-560x388_498x345.jpg" alt="38-560x 388" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Take a cue from this example and stencil or free-hand your own catchphrase on your mat to set your greeting apart from everyone else.  We bet your neighbours will be jealous.</p> <p><em>Photo souce: lifestyle.allwomenstalk</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/leaf-stepping-stones/">Make beautiful leaf-shaped stepping-stones</a></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/diy-river-pebble-trivet/">Create this gorgeous river pebble trivet for your kitchen</a></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/photo-frame-shelves/">How to: Wooden photo frame shelves</a></strong></em></p>

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