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Karl's Origin bet sees NRL star run nude across Bondi Beach

<p>Nothing kicks off the weekend quite like your morning coffee, a cheeky croissant, and a surprise unblurred penis on national television. That’s exactly what <em>Today</em> show fans copped around 6am this morning when Channel 9’s breakfast crew decided, apparently, that broadcast standards were merely a suggestion.</p> <p>Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo were front and centre for the chaos, as sports reporter Danika Mason crossed live from Bondi Beach. Mason was joined by retired NRL star Aaron Woods – who, thanks to a State of Origin bet gone sideways, had only his dignity to keep him warm (spoiler: it didn’t).</p> <p>Woods had promised to streak if NSW lost Game 2. Queensland, being Queensland, delivered the goods in Perth on Wednesday night, so Woods kept his word, stripped down, and bolted starkers into the surf. The <em>Today </em>team howled with laughter as he made his break for the briny deep – so far, so PG.</p> <p>But then Woods did what no one expected. In what can only be described as a truly bold move, he turned to face the camera. Editors had roughly zero seconds to react. Viewers had roughly zero seconds to look away. And the <em>Today</em> show had roughly zero seconds before the complaints line started ringing off the hook.</p> <p>“No! Don’t show it!” shrieked Abo, as newsreader Jayne Azzopardi presumably contemplated her next career move. Meanwhile, Woods grinned like a man who knew exactly what he'd done.</p> <p>Danika Mason, ever the professional, summed up the moment with the sort of innuendo that will no doubt earn her a spot at next year’s Logies: “The smallest sporting event I’ve seen.”</p> <p>The man of the hour eventually reappeared on screen – mercifully clothed – declaring, “I’m feeling good, it was good fun. It was a long run, it was like ‘when is this water going to get closer?’” A sentiment shared by viewers who were wondering when their corneas might recover.</p> <p>It turns out Woods' bare-all sprint wasn’t just eyebrow-raising, but technically illegal. NSW Premier Chris Minns had warned him beforehand, but Woods seemed blissfully unaware that public nudity is frowned upon – even at Bondi. “But at the beach!” he protested, in what’s sure to become the rallying cry of accidental exhibitionists everywhere.</p> <p>Minns, showing off his dry wit, suggested Woods try his luck at one of Sydney’s many legal nude beaches next time. “It’s been illegal forever,” he deadpanned on radio. Woods could now be staring down a fine, though fans are hoping common sense (and perhaps a sense of humour) prevails.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Woods’ mate Beau Ryan said the footy star was “genuinely shocked” by the revelation. “You can’t be nude in public,” Ryan told him. Woods: “But at the beach!” Ryan: “Still public, mate.”</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/DLGNU0tToP9/?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/DLGNU0tToP9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by thetodayshow (@thetodayshow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>To add another layer to the inter-state banter, Minns himself has a State of Origin bet with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli – the loser must star in the other state’s advertising campaign. So at least if Woods ends up in court, he can rest easy knowing that somewhere out there, a Premier might soon be forced to smile awkwardly in a “beautiful one day, perfect the next” ad.</p> <p>In the meantime, <em>Today</em> producers are probably googling “delay button for live TV” and breakfast viewers are recovering from seeing a little more than they bargained for with their Weet-Bix.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em></p>

TV

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Amanda Keller breaks down in deeply moving on-air moment

<p>In an emotional and deeply moving on-air moment, beloved broadcaster Amanda Keller broke down in tears while marking her 35th wedding anniversary with husband Harley Oliver – a celebration tinged with sadness as the couple continues to navigate his battle with Parkinson’s disease.</p> <p>Speaking candidly on JAM Nation with Jonesy & Amanda, Keller reflected on the gravity of the milestone and the shifting realities of a marriage tested by illness and time. </p> <p>“I don’t want to get emotional,” she began, her voice trembling. “It’s my wedding anniversary today. And in the old days, Harley and I would have been going out to dinner tonight. But he’s not well enough to do that.”</p> <p>Keller, who has long been a staple of Australian radio and television, spoke of the moment so many couples take for granted: saying vows filled with promise, unaware of the storms that may lie ahead.</p> <p>“When you stand there on your wedding day and you say forever, what does that even mean?” she asked aloud. “You don’t even know.”</p> <p>Oliver was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, but the couple kept the news private until Keller spoke publicly about his condition in 2023 on her Double A Chattery podcast. She recounted the subtle early signs – his dragging leg, trembling hands – and the devastating confirmation of what they feared most: a degenerative neurological disorder with no cure.</p> <p>“In sickness and in health. And yet that’s where we are. And no concept of what that means until you’re living it,” Keller said. “I kind of fluctuate between taking great pride in the fight that we are alongside each other, and the strength that it takes to get up every day and still fight it and still live it.”</p> <p>“You don’t get to cherry pick life,” Keller continued. “If you’re living life, the sands shift beneath your feet. But we’re still in it together. And I’m grateful for that.”</p> <p>Despite her gratitude, Keller didn’t hide the hardship, admitting she sometimes has the “absolute sh*ts” with their reality. “It’s hard,” she said plainly.</p> <p>Still, there was a glimmer of joy. The couple’s sons would be joining them for dinner – a different kind of celebration, quieter but no less full of love. “We’ve lived a rich and wonderful life together, and we still do,” Keller admitted. “But it’s not the same as the old days.</p> <p>"Anyway, happy anniversary, Harley.”</p> <p>Keller closed with a reflection on the unpredictability of life and love – and the unbreakable bond forged through years of shared struggle and strength. “We all think that we’ll get to 90 and die in our sleep,” she said. “But people face stuff every day. That’s the meat of life. That’s the meat of a long-term relationship. So, I’m grateful to have that.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Car thief found guilty after running over young "hero" cop

<p>A man high on methamphetamine who killed a young police officer during a chaotic pursuit in Perth has been found guilty of manslaughter, bringing a painful but long-awaited moment of justice for a grieving family and police force.</p> <p>Reagan Ainslie Chown, 25, was convicted in the Supreme Court on Tuesday for the death of Constable Anthony Woods, 28, who was fatally injured on June 8, 2023, after being dragged under a stolen vehicle in the Perth suburb of Ascot.</p> <p>Constable Woods – described by colleagues and loved ones as a rising star and a true hero – had only just completed his probationary training when he was killed in the line of duty.</p> <p>The courtroom was heavy with emotion as the jury returned its guilty verdict after less than three hours of deliberation. Woods’ family members sobbed openly, clinging to each other as the decision was read.</p> <p>“We’re just overwhelmed. We’re absolutely so happy with the verdict,” said his mother, Natalie Woods, fighting through tears outside the courthouse. “It’s been a huge year-and-a-half and I just want to thank all the police and detectives and everyone that’s been there for us. Now we can let him rest and start just living his memory the best way we can.”</p> <p>Chown had tried to shift the blame, claiming Constable Woods had “put himself in a dangerous position” and that he had lost control of his body during the incident. But police leaders and prosecutors strongly rejected the defence.</p> <p>“Anthony was a hero to all of us,” said WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. “I reject any notion that Anthony should not have done what he did. He did his job. He never got to go home from his shift that night.”</p> <p>Blanch called the suggestion that Constable Woods was at fault “offensive and disgusting”, adding that the entire police force – often referred to as the "blue family" – had been mourning deeply since the tragedy. “But today is a small piece of justice,” he said.</p> <p>The court heard that Chown and two accomplices were fleeing police in a stolen Holden Cruz when they entered a cul-de-sac. As Constable Woods opened the driver's side door and attempted to arrest Chown, the officer deployed his Taser. In the chaos that followed, Woods fell and was dragged under the vehicle. He died days later from cardiac arrest caused by mechanical compression injuries.</p> <p>Prosecutor Justin Whalley said Chown had meth in his system at the time and was still in possession of the drug. Chown had earlier admitted to stealing the car and reckless driving, but pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.</p> <p>Constable Woods was laid to rest in a funeral attended by more than 2,000 mourners at Optus Stadium, including officers from around the country. The service was a solemn tribute to a man whose bravery and dedication touched the lives of many.</p> <p>“We will never stop missing him,” Constable Woods' mother said. “But today, we found a little bit of peace.”</p> <p>Chown is due to be sentenced on July 3. </p>

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Incredible footage emerges of plane crashing and flipping upside down

<p>Terrified passengers have recalled the moment they were left "hanging upside down like bats" after a plane crashed and flipped during an icy landing. </p> <p>The Delta Airlines plane was landing at Toronto Pearson Airport during snowy conditions, when the plane touched down and immediately caught fire. </p> <p>Skidding along the runway, the plane then flipped upside down with 80 people onboard before coming to a halt. </p> <p>Video obtained by <em>CNN</em> shows the plane landing hard on the runway, with the plane's rear landing gear buckling upon impact with the snow and erupting into a fireball. </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/DGN-pIIOR-G/?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/DGN-pIIOR-G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by CNN (@cnn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>According to passengers John Nelson and Peter Koukov, the rollover left travellers hanging aloft until they could be freed. </p> <p>"We were upside down hanging like bats," Koukov said. </p> <p>The man was able to unbuckle himself and stand upright on the ceiling of the plane, but some people needed help getting down from their seats.</p> <p>Officials said on Monday 21 people were taken to hospitals with injuries, including a child in good condition.</p> <p>All but two of them had been released from hospital on Tuesday morning.</p> <p>US man Pete Carlson was on board and told <em>CBC News</em> that it was "really amazing" he and his fellow passengers were alive.</p> <p>"Everything just kind of went sideways," Carlson recalled.</p> <p>"One minute you're landing, kind of waiting to see your friends and your people, and the next minute you're physically upside down."</p> <p>Koukov, a professional skier from Colorado, told the <em>New York Times</em> that the flight was completely normal up until the final descent.</p> <p>"The second that the wheels hit the ground, then everything happened," he said. "The next thing I know, we're sideways."</p> <p>"We ended up completely upside-down. I unbuckled pretty fast and kind of lowered myself to the floor, which was the ceiling. People were panicking."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Polish woman doubles down on Maddie McCann claims

<p>Polish woman Julia Wandelt has doubled down on her belief that she is Madeleine McCann, claiming to have new DNA evidence that "strongly supports" her theory. </p> <p>Wandelt has long claimed to be the missing child, after first posting her theories on Instagram in February 2023. </p> <p>A DNA test at the time found Ms Wandelt to be of Polish, Lithuanian and Romanian heritage, proving she could not be Madeleine, who is of British descent. </p> <p>She went on to tell the <em><a title="www.bbc.com" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-68139294" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em> in an interview last year that she “regretted” the ordeal, and had apologised to the McCanns for any pain she’d caused unintentionally by claiming to be their child who went missing in Portugal in 2007.</p> <p>After disappearing from the public eye, Wandelt has resurfaced online to share the “results” of a fresh DNA test she claimed were submitted to a “world expert”, who compared them to the crime scene following Madeleine’s disappearance.</p> <p>She also claimed they matched the toddler’s eyes, teeth and voice with her own.</p> <p>In a series of posts in which she referred to Kate and Gerry McCann has “my parents”, Ms Wandelt said her “actual dna results show that I am part British, part Irish” and that genetic evidence “strongly supports that Gerry McCann could be Julia Wandelt’s biological father”. </p> <p>Ms Wandelt’s “source” claimed her DNA results were a “perfect match” to the samples taken from the scene of Madeleine’s disappearance.</p> <p>The unnamed source allegedly analysed “hair obtained from the floor of the crime scene in Portugal” and “saliva obtained from the bed quilt at the scene”, resulting in a 69.23 per cent match which “suggests a biological connection between the two individuals”.</p> <p>“The genetic evidence strongly supports that (Gerry) McCann could be Julia Wandelt’s biological father, as the data aligns perfectly with a parent-child relationship,” they claimed. </p> <p>“If this analysis is accurate and properly derived from their DNA samples, the relationship between McCann and Julia Wandelt is biologically consistent with that of a father and daughter.”</p> <p>A spokesperson for Ms Wandelt told <em><a title="www.dailymail.co.uk" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14405073/Woman-claiming-Madeleine-McCann-releases-bombshell-new-DNA-test-results-18-years-British-toddler-disappeared-Portugal.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a></em> she remains determined for the McCanns and her Polish parents to take a DNA test, despite both parties’ repeated refusal to do so.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images </em></p>

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NSW Health workers stood down over anti-semitic remarks

<p>Two NSW Health workers have been stood down from Bankstown Hospital amid allegations of the pair making anti-semitic remarks online. </p> <p>Footage has emerged of the duo talking to Jewish influencer Max Veifer during a livestream, and making anti-semitic remarks after learning that Veifer was from Israel. </p> <p>One of the nurses, a woman, allegedly said that if patients from Israel came to the hospital, she would not treat them. </p> <p>"I won't treat them, I'll kill them," she said.</p> <p>The other nurse, a man, claimed that he had killed Israeli patients. </p> <p>NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said two nurses had been "stood down immediately".</p> <p>"Obviously, the investigative process now takes place, I do not want to leave a sliver of light to allow any of them to be able to think they will ever work for NSW Health again."</p> <p>"Everyone is entitled to access NSW health and hospital services without fearing for their life, and without having that hate-filled attitude come through some of our health workers," he said.</p> <p>"This video is disgusting. It is shocking. It is appalling."</p> <p>Park also confirmed that the pair have been identified, with investigations currently underway. </p> <p>The NSW Health Minister also issued an apology to the Jewish community. </p> <p>"To the Jewish community today, I say not only am I sorry, but I can assure you this - the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first class, we will investigate this uphill and down dale," Park said.</p> <p>"We won't just be looking at this incident per se, and going through previous cases to make sure that that hospital has been working in a way that reflects those values around safety and care."</p> <p>NSW Police confirmed it was investigating the video, with Strike Force Pearl, the police task force targeting anti-semitic violence and vandalism, taking carriage of the investigation. </p> <p>"NSW Health believe they have identified the individuals involved and are currently assisting detectives with their investigation," they said. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

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What is callisthenics? And how does it compare to running or lifting weights?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mandy-hagstrom-1180806">Mandy Hagstrom</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-keogh-129041">Justin Keogh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863"><em>Bond University</em></a></em></p> <p>Callisthenics is a type of training where you do bodyweight exercises to build strength. It’s versatile, low cost, and easy to start.</p> <p>Classic callisthenics moves include:</p> <ul> <li>push ups</li> <li>bodyweight squats</li> <li>chin ups</li> <li>burpees</li> <li>lunges using only your bodyweight.</li> </ul> <p>Advanced callisthenics includes movements like <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=muscle-ups&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=muscle-ups&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQABgeMgYIAhAAGB4yBggDEAAYHjIGCAQQABgeMgYIBRAAGB4yBggGEAAYHjIGCAcQABgeMgYICBAAGB4yBggJEAAYHtIBBzkzOWowajmoAgCwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:e41f29e0,vid:1fQdBZfIuIY,st:0">muscle-ups</a> (where you pull yourself above a bar) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFgk7ysG2fY">flagpole holds</a> (where you hold yourself perpendicular to a pole).</p> <p>In callisthenics, you often do a lot of repetitions (or “reps”) of these sorts of moves, which is what can make it a hybrid strength and cardio workout. In the gym, by contrast, many people take the approach of “<a href="https://theconversation.com/lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal-190902">lifting heavy</a>” but doing fewer reps to build serious strength.</p> <p>Traditionally, callisthenics was more of a muscle sculpting, strength-based work out. It is reportedly based on techniques used by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0757qbx/how-ancient-greeks-trained-for-war">ancient Greek</a> soldiers.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/callisthenic_adj?tab=factsheet#10451225">Oxford Dictionary</a> says the term callisthenics – which is said to be based on the Greek word κάλλος or <em>kállos</em> (meaning beauty) and σθένος or <em>sthenos</em> (meaning strength) – first started showing up in popular discourse the early 1800s.</p> <p>Callisthenics is often associated with high intensity interval training (HIIT) routines, where jumping, skipping or burpees are combined with bodyweight strength-building exercises such as push ups and body weight squats (often for many reps).</p> <p>Callisthenics exercises draw on your natural movement; when children climb on monkey bars and jump between pieces of play equipment, they’re basically doing callisthenics.</p> <h2>What are the benefits of callisthenics?</h2> <p>It all depends on how you do callisthenics; what you put in will dictate what you get out.</p> <p>When exercise programs combine resistance training (such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises) and aerobic exercise, the result is better health and a reduced likelihood of death <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article-abstract/26/15/1647/5925845#google_vignette">from a variety of different causes</a>.</p> <p>Callisthenics provide a low cost, time efficient way of exercising this way.</p> <p>With improvements in body composition, muscular strength, and <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/isokinetics-and-exercise-science/ies170001">posture</a>, it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular way to train.</p> <p>Research has also shown callisthenics is <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/physiotherapy-practice-and-research/ppr220688">better</a> at reducing body fat and controlling blood sugar for people with diabetes when compared to pilates.</p> <p>Research has also shown doing callisthenics can reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali-Erdem-Cigerci/publication/342339065_The_Effect_of_Calisthenics_Exercises_on_Body_Composition_in_Soccer_Players/links/5eee7aff299bf1faac68c131/The-Effect-of-Calisthenics-Exercises-on-Body-Composition-in-Soccer-Players.pdf">in soccer players</a>, although this research does not compare the benefits between different exercise program types.</p> <p>That means we don’t know if callisthenics is better than other traditional forms of exercise – just that it does more than nothing.</p> <h2>What are the potential drawbacks?</h2> <p>With callisthenics, it can be hard to progress past a certain point. If your goal is to get really big muscles, it may be hard to get there with callisthenics alone. It would likely be simpler for most people to <a href="https://theconversation.com/lift-heavy-or-smaller-weights-with-high-reps-it-all-depends-on-your-goal-190902">gain muscle in a gym</a> using traditional methods such as machine and free weights with a combination of various sets and reps.</p> <p>If you want to progress in the gym, you can increase your dumbbells by small increments, such as 1kg. In callisthenics, however, you may find the jump from one exercise to the next too big to achieve. You risk a plateau in your training without some challenging work-arounds.</p> <p>Another advantage of traditional strength training with bands, machines, or free weights is that it also increases flexibility and range of motion.</p> <p>However, 2023 <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-022-01804-x">research</a> found “no significant range of motion improvement with resistance training using only body mass.” So, given its focus on bodyweight exercises, it seems unlikely callisthenics alone would significantly improve your flexibility and range of motion.</p> <p>Unfortunately, there is no long-term research examining the benefits of callisthenics in direct comparison to traditional aerobic training or resistance training.</p> <h2>Is callisthenics for me?</h2> <p>Well, that depends on your goal.</p> <p>If you want to get really strong, <a href="https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2017/12000/Strength_and_Hypertrophy_Adaptations_Between_Low_.31.aspx?casa_token=77cmEPgUQr0AAAAA:MchrZRbKBGLl5WCJbqYN5X06rkBHReifOetdXfzJiBg22P62ZnZl6m8OZKov8975QRAjTbYK0Gf2ivA62W0NiAA">lift heavy</a>.</p> <p>If you want to increase your <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/jsc/2022/00000036/00000002/art00012">muscle mass</a>, try lifting near to the point of “failure”. That means lifting a weight to the point where you feel that you are close to fatigue, or close to the point that you may need to stop. The key here is that you don’t have to get to the point of failure to achieve muscle growth – but you do have to put in sufficient effort.</p> <p>If you want to get lean, focus first on nutrition, and then understand that either <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.12536">cardio</a>, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01562-2?fbclid=IwAR2NiI1tcKLIi0f0MLBlafT-hcHbObBvIrl6Sb5gBcSDImsmpEplSuJpRww">lifting</a> or both can help.</p> <p>What if you’re time poor, or don’t have a gym membership? Well, callisthenics exercises offer some of the cardio benefits of a run, and some of the muscular benefits of a lifting session, all tied up in one neat package.</p> <p>It can be a great holiday workout at a local park or playground, on public outdoor exercise equipment, or even on the deck of a holiday rental.</p> <p>But, as with all exercise, there are potential benefits and limitations of callisthenics.</p> <p>Callisthenics has its place, but, for most, it’s likely best used as just one part of a well-rounded training routine.<!-- 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/246326/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><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mandy-hagstrom-1180806"><em>Mandy Hagstrom</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology. School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-keogh-129041">Justin Keogh</a>, Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</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/what-is-callisthenics-and-how-does-it-compare-to-running-or-lifting-weights-246326">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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"We'll miss him terribly": Alex Cullen steps down from Today

<p>Alex Cullen is "stepping down permanently" from <em>Today</em> after accepting a huge cash prize from billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>After Cullen referred to Portelli as "McLaren Man" on the Channel Nine morning show and pocketed $50,000 for using Portelli's preferred moniker, Cullen disappeared from screens for several days for breaching the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>Despite handing the money back, which has since been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/billionaire-adrian-portelli-responds-to-50k-mclaren-man-controversy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated to charity</a>, Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo confirmed on Friday morning that Cullen would not be retuning to the show. </p> <p>“As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network."</p> <p>“Alex has, of course, been part of the <em>Today</em> family for five years now, he’s always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, that’s for sure."</p> <p>“Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.”</p> <p>The scandal began when Portelli put a call out on social media, challenging journalists to refer to him publicly as "McLaren Man" instead of his common nickname "Lambo Guy", which he earned after showing up to <em>The Block</em> auctions in a bright yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>Portelli said whoever completed the challenge would earn a hefty cash prize, and after Cullen used the new nickname live on <em>Today</em> just hours later, Portelli shared a screenshot of a bank transfer to Cullen for a whopping $50,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

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Olympic champion breaks down over drug scandal

<p>Olympic swimming champion Shayna Jack has broken down over the drug scandal that almost ended her career in 2019. </p> <p>After entering the jungle as one of this year's <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!</em> cast mates, Paris Olympics gold medallist Jack opened up about the 24-month ban she copped from her sport in 2019.</p> <p>She was banned for competing for two long years, for an anti-doping rule violation relating to her unintentional use of the anabolic agent Ligandrol. </p> <p>Jack then spent months embroiled in a case to prove her innocence in which she spent over $180,000, with the case putting her under intense emotional and financial strain. </p> <p>Jack broke down as she revealed to her campmates that her longtime partner, Kookaburras hockey player Joel Rintala, was scared to leave her at home alone for fear she might hurt herself. </p> <p>“Some nights I was in a bad place. He said those nights were the most fearful. He said he’d speed home because he just didn’t know if he was going to walk home into something that he wasn’t able to cope with. [If] I’d done something that I would eternally regret,” she said.</p> <p>Speaking directly to camera in the jungle's confessional, Jack went on to explain why she chose to share the story with her fellow cast members. </p> <p>“It’s using the people around me to continue to open up about it and face those difficulties and stop giving it so much power,” she said of the scandal. </p> <p>“I feel like the more I take it off my chest and take it off my heart, the more I can try to move forward with my life and not feel this huge aspect of my life pulling me back."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten</em></p>

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Nine reporter stood down over controversial $50k gift

<p><em>Today</em> show presenter Alex Cullen has been stood down after accepting a huge cash prize from <em>The Block</em> billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>Portelli, known for his attention-grabbing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/the-block-billionaire-s-generous-christmas-stunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antics</a>, recently announced that he was sick of his nickname "Lambo guy", which had stuck after turned up to a 2022 auction of <em>The Block</em> in a yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>The billionaire put a call out to the media saying that he would give $50,000 to the first journalist or presenter to publicly call him by his new preferred nickname "McLaren Man." </p> <p>Cullen dropped the nickname on-air during a <em>Today</em> show cross from the Australian Open on Friday morning, even sharing footage of the moment on his Instagram account afterwards, tagging Portelli in the post.</p> <p>“We have a winner! Well played sir,” Portelli wrote in an Instagram story, sharing a screenshot of a bank transfer. </p> <p>Cullen's employer, Channel Nine, said that the presenter had agreed to step down on Saturday while the network looked into the payment. </p> <p>“Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,” a Nine spokesperson told <em>news.com.au</em>. </p> <p>“Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned.</p> <p>“While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.”</p> <p>Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and inappropriately using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>It was created by journalists in 1944 to promote basic values for the Australian media industry.</p> <p>As news of the controversy spread, Portelli took to Instagram to speak out against journalists who still refer to him as "Lambo guy". </p> <p>“I wanted to show the media that I do have a large platform as well, and I’m not afraid to use it. Maybe be a bit more respectful, and I’ll respect you guys as well,” he said in a video posted on Saturday night.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p>

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"I’m saying that hands down": Matt Shirvo's bold prediction

<p>Matt Shirvington has made an enormous call about the future career of 16-year-old sprinter known as Gout Gout, saying he could be one of Australia's greatest athletes. </p> <p>The Brisbane teenager shot to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/i-don-t-want-my-son-to-be-called-a-disease-name-gout-gout-s-dad-weighs-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fame</a> over the weekend after blitzing the 200m track record, completing the race in just 20.04 seconds. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> host and former Olympic runner heaped praise on the lightning-fast teen, claiming “he will be the greatest athlete we have ever produced in this country”.</p> <p>“This kid, just on the fact that he is such an amazing athlete, the most coveted record in (Australian) sprinting was Peter Norman’s 1968 200m record that he did in that iconic race, of course that Black Power race in Mexico City,” Shirvington began on Channel 7’s Sunrise. </p> <p>“The fact he has come out as a 16-year-old — he is not 17 until the 29th of December — is a phenomenal thing."</p> <p>“The other thing, he ran a windy 10.04 — that’s the fifth fastest in all conditions by an Australian. He will be the greatest athlete we have ever produced in this country. I’m saying that hands down.”</p> <p>Shirvo's <em>Sunrise</em> co-hosts were taken aback by his claims, but his praise didn't stop there, as he even predicted he could be one of the greatest athletes in the world in years to come.</p> <p>“A lot of people are comparing Gout to the GOAT, which is Usain Bolt, of course,” Shirvington said. “I think he’s got more to produce the goods." </p> <p>“And I sat down with a British coach who has trained some of the best 400m runners in the world ever and he reckons over the 400 he could very well be the world record holder too.</p> <p>“Who knows, 100, 200, 400 — he may make it happen. In terms of the 100, breaking the 10 second barrier, it will not only be a blip on his radar, he will do it 100 times and it won’t even be a barrier for him.”</p> <p>“He’s so young, so talented, he has a great team around him, his coach Di Shepherd, his manager James Templeton, his parents are just beautiful people,” Shirvington continued. “He is one of 7 siblings, he’s got a great story. And heading into 2032, there is going to be a huge support for him. He has the world at his feet."</p> <p>“He’s going to train with Noah Lyles in January — of course Noah Lyles the Olympic champion. He’s going to be brilliant. For me, greatness is destined for Gout Gout.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: X / Sunrise</em></p>

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Eight-year-old cancer survivor pushed down stairs at NFL game

<p>Mia DeCamilla, an eight-year-old 49ers fan and cancer survivor was beyond excited to attend her first ever NFL game on Sunday. </p> <p>DeCamilla inherited her love for the team from her father, saying: “Me and my dad, [when I’m] in the hospital, we’ll watch football together, and then when I come home sometimes for breaks, I will sit down and just relax and watch football all day. That’s what I like and how I made my team.”</p> <p>The young girl - who battled and beat liver cancer twice - attended the event at the Highmark Stadium in New York Decked in 49ers red and a hand-drawn sign that read “I beat cancer! My first NFL game!” </p> <p>What should've been a night to remember turned into a nightmare situation when DeCamilla was shoved out of her seat and down the stairs by an allegedly drunk Bills fan, following the team's win. </p> <p>Her father, Mike DeCamilla told local news outlet <em>WIVB </em>that he saw the fan making his approach and heard him saying “‘I’m going to push through all these Niner fans'." </p> <p>“He actually bumped me and my son a little bit and then got past me and pushed her. [She] almost slid off the stairs…</p> <p>“He had to be six foot, and she is less than 100 pounds … I know that there’s competitiveness and whatnot, but there’s a point where it’s a family event.”</p> <p>While DeCamilla was not physically hurt, her family said they decided to leave the game after the incident. </p> <p>Her mother posted the incident on social media, and it has since gained traction, with many outraged over the adult fan's behaviour. </p> <p>“Mia DeCamilla beat cancer and wanted to go to her first football game and it ended poorly," one fan wrote. "Great game to go to, but what horrible fans.”</p> <p>“This cancer survivor got pushed down the stairs at a the bills game last night. I’m furious," another added. </p> <p>Buffalo fans have since rallied to show the family support, with many of them donating to a GoFundMe that was organised to ease the burden of DeCamilla's treatments, with the fund reaching over $20,000. </p> <p>Retired NFL cult hero Antonio Brown also commented on the situation, writing on X: “Is it true this little girl got thrown down the stairs at the Bills game? Someone get me in contact with Mia’s family please. I want to get her some gear.”</p> <p>The team’s official supporters group, Bills Mafia, also rallied behind the family, writing on X: “So sorry to hear about Mia’s experience at the game yesterday.</p> <p>“We all know one bad apple can ruin the bunch. Let’s show Mia that her experience yesterday is NOT what #BillsMafia is about.”</p> <p>Despite everything that happened, DeCamilla didn't let the incident ruin her night. </p> <p>“My favourite part was getting to see Brock Purdy,” the young 49ers fan told local radio station <em>WHAM.</em></p> <p>“He’s my favourite player and I have his jersey, too.”</p> <p><em>Images: X/ Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

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Track your spending, use cash and DIY gifts: how to keep your costs down this Christmas

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/angelique-nadia-sweetman-mcinnes-1361909">Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>Australians are expected to spend more this Christmas than last, with spending projected to rise to <a href="https://www.shopassociation.org.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/field_f_content_file/2024-australian-christmas-shopping-intentions-research-report-cpmaustralia-retailsafari-1.pdf">A$69.7 billion</a>. This is a 2.7% increase on what we spent last year on gifts, food and other treats for ourselves and others.</p> <p>This is a lot at a time when many people are experiencing mortgage stress and high inflation. But by employing smart budgeting and spending strategies we can enjoy a festive Christmas season without huge financial stress.</p> <h2>Know how much you are spending</h2> <p>Being aware of what you are spending is important. So you don’t spend beyond your means, you need to decide what you are going to buy and track what you spend.</p> <p>Using budgeting tools in your banking app will help you monitor your spending. Your bank’s app or a <a href="https://www.savings.com.au/savings-accounts/budgeting-and-saving-apps">variety of budgeting apps</a>, can also help you find deals and stick to your financial goals.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucac024">Research</a> shows spending decreases when you use an online budgeting app by 15%.</p> <p>Christmas budgeting means setting clear limits, like a gift allowance for each person of, for example, under $10, $25, $50 or $100. This helps us stay on track. Before shopping, we should also ask ourselves: “Is this worth buying?” or “Do I really need this?”.</p> <h2>How to bag a bargain</h2> <p>About <a href="https://www.shopassociation.org.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/field_f_content_file/2024-australian-christmas-shopping-intentions-research-report-cpmaustralia-retailsafari-1.pdf">63% of Australian consumers</a> say they start their shopping in November, before the last-minute push to fill the Christmas stockings. This enables them to take advantage of the Black Friday sales on now and Cyber Monday, next Monday.</p> <p>Online research can uncover decent bargains to lower Christmas spending. Or you could wait until the Boxing Day sales to buy discounted gifts for people you don’t see until after December 25.</p> <p>The post-Christmas sales are also good for stocking up on heavily discounted crackers and decorations for next year.</p> <p><a href="https://www.shopassociation.org.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/field_f_content_file/2024-australian-christmas-shopping-intentions-research-report-cpmaustralia-retailsafari-1.pdf">Most Australian shoppers</a> (89%) are combining online (websites, mobile apps, social media) with physical in-store shopping. <a href="https://www.shopassociation.org.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/field_f_content_file/2024-australian-christmas-shopping-intentions-research-report-cpmaustralia-retailsafari-1.pdf">Major online retailers</a> such as Amazon, eBay, and The Iconic (69%) are now more popular than department stores (59%).</p> <p>There are also thrift and discount stores which offer affordable gifts while using their income to help those in need.</p> <p>By using the internet to compare prices and set price alerts for goods you want to buy, you are more likely to get the best deals. Take time to search for store discounts. Using loyalty programs, coupons, promo codes, and free shipping also helps keep money in your pocket.</p> <h2>Why cash at Christmas is better</h2> <p>The <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/ensuring-future-cash-and-next-steps-phasing-out-cheques#:%7E:text=The%20Government%20will%20mandate%20that,will%20not%20be%20left%20behind.">federal government’s decision</a> last week to require businesses to accept cash, not just credit or debit cards, also has benefits for saving. Cash purchases encourage you to spend wisely, set your <a href="https://resources.depaul.edu/financial-fitness/tackle-overspending/Pages/solutions-for-overspending.aspx">spending limit, and prevent you from overspending, or paying interest and fees on cards</a>.</p> <p>There is also the old “<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/envelope-system-explained">cash envelope system</a>” used for centuries and popularised in the 1990s to help curb spending. This sees cash divided into envelopes, each labelled for a specific expense (for example, gifts for A, B, C). Once the money in the envelope is gone, nothing more can be spent.</p> <p>One way to help boost your Christmas budget; while simultaneously decluttering, your home is to sell items you no longer use. There are numerous online sites and bricks and mortar stores where this can be done.</p> <h2>Saving money with DIY</h2> <p>In 2024, Australians will spend an average of <a href="https://www.shopassociation.org.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/field_f_content_file/2024-australian-christmas-shopping-intentions-research-report-cpmaustralia-retailsafari-1.pdf">$660 per shopper on gifts</a>, with popular choices including clothing and shoes, books, and gift cards.</p> <p>However, it’s not necessary to buy all your gifts or Christmas decorations. Consider making affordable handmade gifts to add a personal touch. There are demonstration videos online showing you how to re-purpose old items, bake homemade festive treats, create a special moments photo album or scrapbook.</p> <p>Mix Epsom salts, essential oils and dried flowers to create relaxing bath salts or scrubs. Use natural pine cones or salt dough to make ornaments. Make wreaths using pine branches, holly or dried oranges. Sew fabric garlands to place on the tree, fireplace or mantle.</p> <p>Instead of buying multiple extravagant presents for each person, try doing a Secret Santa. This is the low-cost tradition where everyone buys only one gift for one recipient who is chosen using an online tool. Gifts are then given anonymously.</p> <h2>Festive food</h2> <p>Festive food spending is projected to be <a href="https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9736-ara-roy-morgan-media-release-christmas-spending-2024">$28 billion, up 4.2%</a>, this year, contributing to the overall increase in expected total Christmas spending.</p> <p>To save on food expenses, asks guests to bring a dish to share. Or celebrate Christmas with an economical picnic or BBQ, weather permitting.</p> <p>Get creative with food leftovers to make meals and reduce the amount of food waste, while stretching your wallet further once Christmas has come and gone.</p> <h2>Managing costs, avoiding debt</h2> <p>Sticking to your Christmas budget can feel rewarding. If you do overspend, reflect on why, and adjust your plan. If needed, explore debt options, like credit cards or personal loans, but only as a last resort.</p> <p>Thoughtful planning will help you manage your costs, while enjoying the festive season. After all, the true spirit of Christmas is about creating memories and enjoying time with loved ones, not about overspending.<!-- 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/244300/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/angelique-nadia-sweetman-mcinnes-1361909">Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes</a>, Academic in Financial Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</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/track-your-spending-use-cash-and-diy-gifts-how-to-keep-your-costs-down-this-christmas-244300">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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Readers response: Is there any item of memorabilia you’ve passed down to family or plan to in the future?

<p>As in many families, there are often sentimental items and memorabilia that are passed down from several generations. </p> <p>We asked our readers if there are any heirlooms that they have passed down to their younger family members, or if they plan to, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Marjorie Gale</strong> - The christening gown made by my Aunt in the UK in 1955 for my eldest daughter, worn by my two other daughters. Now been worn by my 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and another due soon. So far 24 babies have worn it.</p> <p><strong>Dawn Douglas</strong> - Yes, I have my Mums jewellery box and my eldest daughter will get it when I’m gone. I also have a brooch that belonged to my Nana.</p> <p><strong>Sue Crawley</strong> - I have a 1925 gold embossed book by AA Milne “When We Were Very Young”. My most cherished memory was sitting on my great grandfathers knee whilst he read it to me. Not sure yet which grandchild will receive it.</p> <p><strong>Greg Browning</strong> - A Winchester rifle my great grandfather bought in the 1800s. Have already passed it on.</p> <p><strong>Marion Ingram</strong> - Family bassinets. Now on its 4th generation!</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - My grandmother’s costume jewellery was stunning. She was a racehorse breeder always in the Flemington Racecourse members, even had many Group One winners, so her jewellery had to look special.</p> <p><strong>Paul Uttley</strong> - A silver pocket knife that belonged to my great grandfather now belongs to my oldest grandson (six generations apart)!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Family & Pets

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"I thought I was Bear Grylls": Woman speaks out after being trapped upside-down for 7 hours

<p>A young woman who spent hours stuck upside-down between two boulders has spoken out about her horrific <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/woman-rescued-after-getting-stuck-in-between-two-boulders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ordeal</a> as she was reunited with her rescuers. </p> <p>Matilda Campbell, a 23-year-old from Newcastle, was on a trip away with friends in Laguna, about a 30-minute drive from Cessnock, when she dropped her phone between two huge rocks.</p> <p>The young woman climbed down to retrieve her phone, and when she got stuck upside-down, her friends called 000 for help. </p> <p>Paramedics had to move the boulders using a specialist winch to reach Matilda, before facing the tricky task of “navigating” her out from her precarious position.</p> <p>After suffering minor injuries from the ordeal, Matilda has spoken out about how she ended up in the sticky situation. </p> <p>“We wanted to see nature ... and we saw these beautiful rocks so we sat there ... and then my friend had my phone and it slipped off the rock,” she told <em>7News</em>.</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/DBsj-x1CYI2/?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/DBsj-x1CYI2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 7NEWS Sydney (@7newssyd)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“And I thought oh no I’m still paying off that phone I need it ... so I ventured down and thought I was Bear Grylls ... and I slipped head first into the crevice where I was stuck for seven hours."</p> <p>“I didn’t freak out at the start ... it took me about half an hour to realise I was fully stuck and then I started to have a big cry."</p> <p>“I’m very thankful I was with my friends, otherwise it would have been a very different story.”</p> <p>Campbell has since been reunited with her rescuers, to whom she says she owes her life, as she said, “I’m just thankful to see them again ... I wouldn’t be here today without them. So, I’m really thankful.”</p> <p>Specialist rescue paramedic Peter Watts said the rescue was “challenging but incredibly rewarding”, saying after the rescue, “In my 10 years as a rescue paramedic, I had never encountered a job quite like this.”</p> <p>In total, the woman spent seven hours hanging upside-down before she was freed, with only minor scratches and bruises but still without her phone, which could not be retrieved.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Nova radio star breaks down in heartwarming interview with Kate Winslet

<p>Kate Winslet shared a heartwarming moment live on-air with Kate Ritchie on <em>Nova </em>radio on Wednesday morning.</p> <p>The Hollywood star appeared on <em>Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie </em>to promote her new movie, <em>Lee</em>, where Ritchie brought up the star's powerful comments about the scrutiny women in the public eye face. </p> <p>“I have to say to, I just want to thank you for the conversations that you have about body image," Ritchie said. </p> <p>“What we do have in common is that we somewhat grew up in the public eye; I grew up on a television show," the former<em> Home and Away</em> actress added. </p> <p>She then praised Winslet for continually speaking out about “women and young girls, growing up and having people comment about us and pass judgement and feel as though its OK to say certain things. I think we’ve always known that it's not OK."</p> <p>“But it’s been really hard conversation to have and it’s hard to sometimes stand up and say ‘This does not make me feel good’ and ‘it’s not OK for someone to speak that way’, and someone of your calibre, I hope you know the value of you having these conversations. Because it makes me, and I’m sure millions of other women …” she said while tearing up. </p> <p>“Oh she’s unravelling in here!” Winslet said in attempt to lighten the mood, as she shared a smile in agreement. </p> <p>“That’s really very kind,” said Winslet. “I think women are getting better at standing up for each other as well as standing up for ourselves.”</p> <p>Winslet has been very vocal about women standing up for themselves and has led by example, revealing in another interview that she was forced to defend herself to a crew member while filming the movie. </p> <p>“There’s a bit where Lee’s sitting on a bench in a bikini and one of the crew came up between takes and said: ‘You might want to sit up straighter.’ So you can’t see my belly rolls? Not on your life! It was deliberate, you know?” she told <em>Harper's Bazaar UK</em>. </p> <p><em>Images: Nova</em></p>

Movies

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"Heavy heart": Susie O'Neill breaks down as she resigns live on air

<p>Olympic swimmer turned radio host Susie O'Neill has broken down live on air as she announced her resignation from her role with the Brisbane Nova breakfast show.</p> <p>The 51-year-old tearfully told her co-hosts David 'Luttsy' Lutteral and Ashley Bradnam that she would be taking a step back from radio after 10 years with the network. </p> <p>"I do this with a heavy heart, the decision wasn't easy. It's hard for me to articulate exactly why I'm leaving," Susie began.</p> <p>"Turning 50 last year, I realised I'm at a whole new stage in my life. The next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally."</p> <p>Susie added that she was already contemplating what her next career moves would be, as she reassured listeners that she would stay on the air for another six weeks, with her final show being on November 28th.</p> <p>"I want to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve myself in the wider community. It's going to be an emotional final day, saying goodbye to everyone," she said.</p> <p>"Whatever this next chapter brings, my Nova family won't be far away."</p> <p>She went on to thank both of her co-hosts a she reflected on her time on the show, saying, "Thanks to Ash and Luttsy for bringing me into your world and life a bit over 10 years ago now, when I pretty much had nothing going on in my life to be honest."</p> <p>"I joked that it saved my life at the time. You were both so supportive of me. I was horrible at radio and I’d be upset and say, 'I can’t do it' and you would say, 'no, just keep going, just keep going'."</p> <p>Co-host Luttsy was quick to pay tribute to Susie, saying, "It's been an incredible adventure becoming great mates with you. Can't wait to see your next chapter."</p> <p>Before joining the world of radio in 2023 as a sports broadcaster, Susie rose to fame at the age of just 14, joining the Olympic team and going on to score 35 Australian titles and retiring after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Nova</em></p>

Music

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"We let you down": Karl Stefanovic speaks out on Nine report

<p>Karl Stefanovic has spoken out about the report into toxic workplace culture at the Nine Network, calling out the “perpetrators” of bad behaviour.</p> <p>On Thursday, a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/damning-report-exposes-toxic-workplace-culture-at-channel-nine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> conducted by independent investigators revealed that Nine has “has a systemic issue with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment”, with several employees sharing their own horror stories of working for the network. </p> <p>During Friday's episode of the <em>Today Show</em>, Karl took a moment to discuss the findings of the report, saying "many people are hurting" over the shocking allegations. </p> <p>Echoing the concerns of Nine stars including Deb Knight and Dimity Clancey who raised concerns at a meeting on Thursday, the Today show host said he understood concerns that the report didn’t “name names.”</p> <p>“They feel like what was the point of speaking out if perpetrators are not called out? I asked the same question yesterday and it’s my understanding several investigations are now underway and we have to be patient for the process of all that,’’ he said.</p> <p>“It’s essential and it’s critical. I want to say it’s not about us, but there are good men who do work here at Nine who find what happened absolutely intolerable, who struggle to understand how we didn’t know more and do something, how it grieved you." </p> <p>“I feel like we have all in a way, let you down. I love my work colleagues here. Women I have the honour to present with women on the floor of this great show."</p> <p>“Women behind the scenes who make us all better. I’m grateful women are this company and they are the way forward. They will show the way. We just have to listen and act.”</p> <p>"I genuinely, genuinely feel for the women who have given testimony, I can't imagine how hard that was and the courage that it took," Karl said.</p> <div> <div id="adspot-mobile-mobile-3-above"></div> </div> <p>"It's going to be up to all of us now to do better, to say enough - this stops now."</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Today Show</em></p>

TV

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"Absolute king of kings": Nedd Brockmann completes incredible 1600km run

<p>Nedd Brockmann has completed a 1600km run spanning 12 days at Sydney Olympic Park. </p> <p>The ultra-marathon legend raised $2.6 million for homelessness charity, We Are Mobilise, as part of the Uncomfortable Challenge on Wednesday. </p> <p>Brockmann was cheered by a crowd of thousands as he completed 3,760 laps of the track at Sydney Olympic Park, which is equivalent to 125.325 master laps (a master lap covers a distance of 12.84 kilometres).</p> <p>Upon crossing the finish line, Brockmann hugged his mum and burst into tears saying, "I can't wait for a shower," as he laid on the track. </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/DBKIBGLB2Sj/?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/DBKIBGLB2Sj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nedd Brockmann (@neddbrockmann)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>It was also the biggest day of donations, with over $770,000 raised for the charity.</p> <p>"12 days, 13 hours, 16 minutes, and 45 seconds. Average 128 kilometres a day. $2.6 million raised for Aussies experiencing homelessness and counting," Brockmann wrote on social media following his mammoth run. </p> <p>"CONQUER."</p> <p>Brockmann started his run on October 3, with the goal of beating the world record of running 1600km in 10 days, while trying to raise $10 million for We Are Mobilise. </p> <p>While significant injuries prevented him from beating the world record, he has still managed to raise $2.6 million for We Are Mobilise, an incredible achievement for a 25-year-old. </p> <p>Many have praised him for being an inspiration on social media. </p> <p>"You've lifted a nation, and deeply, deeply sunken a track that never stood a chance! You're special Neddy, we are all blessed to have witnessed this. Thank you," one wrote. </p> <p>"You’re an inspiration and an unbelievable human being. What a mountain to conquer!" added another. </p> <p>"Absolute king of kings. You’re an inspiration to every one mate. Truly unbelievable," commented a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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