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Unbelievable moment man finds his aunt's artwork in op shop

<p>A man has broken down in tears as he found a painting done by his aunt in his favourite op shop. </p> <p>Influencer Christian Hull was sifting through an antique shop in Brisbane when something caught his eye from behind a cushion. </p> <p>"I walk into this stall and there on the ground is a beautiful brightly coloured art work from the 1980's that reminds me so much of my aunt," he said of his artist aunt, Helen McCosker, who is based in Sydney and has no connection to the Queensland city.</p> <p>"It was her style of drawing and just screamed at me," Hull shared on his social media accounts.</p> <p>"I thought to myself how strange that this drawing instantly reminded me of her. I wanted it... I knew it wasn't one of hers because the likely hood of that was 0%. No way a drawing she did in Sydney in the 80's would be in my favourite shop in Brisbane staring at me."</p> <p>His find was confirmed when he spotted his aunt's signature in the bottom corner of the artwork, as he said, "There in the corner I saw it and SCREAMED! It was her classic HMK in a circle."</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/DGKO1XCTd-h/?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/DGKO1XCTd-h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Christian Hull (@christianhull)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I was stunned, here was a work she had done before I was born. I needed to have it."</p> <p>The content creator was in tears at the find, and quickly snapped up the artwork which was priced at $200, before he promptly called his aunt to tell her of the news, as he found out the story behind the painting. </p> <p>"I was hoping it was a secret lover and that I had uncovered a scandalous family secret but sadly not the case," he shared.</p> <p>Hull relayed that the artwork was of a man named Andrew and was done in a life drawing class she used to go to, with it still being in it's original frame.</p> <p>"We both were shocked at the randomness of the discover... It's so crazy that I saw this thought of her and then realised it was one of her works!" he said of the "surreal" moment.</p> <p>Fans were equally amazed by the find, as one person commented, "That's crazyyyyy. But what an amazing find! Funny how things come full circle, it was meant to be hanging in your home."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Art

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Calls for major shops to ditch "toxic" product

<p>Common poisons sold at Bunnings, Mitre 10, Coles and Woolworths could potentially wipe out five species of carnivorous mammals.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972500467X" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:and a new study by Edith Cowan University;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="12" data-v9y="1">A new study by Edith Cowan University</a> has discovered the impact of these common rat poisons is more widespread than first thought, with predators also being impacted by the toxins as well as the pests.</p> <p>“This is the first documentation of pretty substantial rodenticide exposure in our entire suite of top marsupial carnivores in Australia,” researcher and adjunct lecturer Dr Michael Lohr told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-bunnings-mitre-10-coles-and-woolworths-to-ditch-toxic-product-going-to-kill-everything-063045604.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a>.</p> <p>“Tasmanian devils and quolls are potentially being exposed at rates that could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of their populations going forward, and not in a good way.”</p> <p>The use of second-generation rat baits is currently under review by a government regulator – the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), with Dr Lohr urging retailers to take them off shelves. </p> <p>"I think it's really important for Australia at this point to try to catch up to the rest of the developed world," he said. "Action is needed on this and the world has already agreed on that."</p> <p>The use and sale of these pesticides are heavily restricted in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, but are freely available in Australia.</p> <p>More than 7,000 people have signed a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-wildlife-and-pets-poisoned-dying-in-agony-bunnings-stop-selling-sgar-rat-baits" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Change.org petition;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="20" data-v9y="1">Change.org petition</a> calling for supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ditch these "highly toxic" rat baits which it said can kill pets and native animals.</p> <p>Veteran wildlife advocate Cat Coake told <em>Yahoo</em> retailers have a duty to stop non-targeted poisons, as she said, "Otherwise they're going to kill everything."</p> <p>In a statement, Bunnings noted that it's not the only major retailer in Australia selling second-generation rodenticides.</p> <p>"Like many retailers, we offer a range of rodent control products, including anticoagulant rodenticides and non-poisonous alternatives, to provide choice for customers on the best solution to their specific rodent problem," it said.</p> <p>Bunnings also said it's complying with government regulations on the sale of these poisons. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Best hotels in Australia revealed

<p>The <a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/award-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Forbes Travel Guide</a> has announced the winners of the Star Awards, with nine hotels and experiences in Australia being named in the list.</p> <p>Every property in the running for the awards is visited by highly trained inspectors who provide an evaluation based on up to 900 objective criteria.</p> <p>According to Forbes, the Star Rating system "emphasises service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks".</p> <p>Over 2000 hotels, experiences, restaurants and cruises were named on the global list, with nine Aussie winners featuring in the prestigious list. </p> <p>The only property in the country to receive a 5-star accommodation rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide was Crown Towers in Perth. </p> <p>Touted as "the pinnacle of Perth luxury", Forbes described the property as "Perth's most extravagant stay. Exuding understated glamour."</p> <p>In the spa category the Crown Spa Perth, which is tucked away in Crown Towers Perth, was awarded 4-stars for its "unbridled opulence".</p> <p>The Darling Sydney has once again received recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide for the ninth consecutive year, while The Darling's "world class" spa was also featured. </p> <p>Check out the list below.</p> <p>9. The Langham - Sydney</p> <p>8. Park Hyatt - Sydney</p> <p>7. Park Hyatt - Melbourne </p> <p>6. Capella - Sydney</p> <p>5. Como The Treasury - Perth</p> <p>4. The Darling Spa - Sydney</p> <p>3. The Darling - Sydney </p> <p>2. Crown Spa - Perth</p> <p>1. Crown Towers - Perth</p> <p><em>Image credits: Crown Hotels</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333;"> </p>

Domestic Travel

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Candid snaps of Scott Morrison unearthed in op shop

<p>A TikTok user has stumbled upon a relic so rare, so historic, that it may just belong in Australia's National Archives – or at least at a particularly niche pub trivia night.</p> <p>Charli Foo, presumably just looking for a cheap second-hand jacket or a quirky mug, was left stunned upon flicking through a random photo album at a Salvation Army store in Rockdale in Sydney's southwest. Nestled between the dusty board games and a collection of mismatched Tupperware was a scrapbook of memories featuring none other than former prime minister Scott Morrison.</p> <p>The photo album, a true time capsule of the mid-'90s, documented a young, fresh-faced ScoMo in his tourism executive days, before he ascended to the highest office in the land (and then swiftly to the nearest Bunnings). The first few pages capture his trip to Port Douglas, where he attended a Tourism Task Force director’s meeting – presumably working hard to put Australia on the map while also perfecting his beachside relaxation techniques.</p> <p>But the real gold lies in the candid moments. There he is, sprawled across a beach lounge at the Sheraton Mirage resort on the Gold Coast, the very image of a man who has had one too many networking beverages.</p> <p>Later, he’s seen posing in front of a friend’s home in West London, his <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">New Year's Eve 1996 </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">exhaustion hilariously documented by an enthusiastic yet slightly judge-y caption: “Scott very, very, very TIRED after spending the day with Steve Girvan. I think too many Guinnesses.”</span></p> <p>Now, in ScoMo’s defence, who among us hasn’t ended up “very, very, very TIRED” after a Guinness-fuelled evening with a mate named Steve? It’s the most Irish thing outside of accidentally calling everyone ‘mate’ in a thick Australian accent while attempting to order a Guinness in Dublin.</p> <p>And speaking of Ireland, the adventure continues with photos of a sightseeing ScoMo strolling the streets of Dublin on January 8, 1997 – a day of great personal significance. Not for him, mind you, but for his wife Jen, who, as the captions inform us, was back in bed, battling the flu on her birthday. “Scott went sightseeing without Jen. She was sick, sick, sick … in bed.” The triple emphasis on ‘sick’ is either a sign of deep sympathy or someone trying very hard to justify a solo pint or three at the Temple Bar.</p> <p>Naturally, social media exploded. Comments ranged from sheer disbelief to excitement at the historical significance of the find. One user suggested the album should be donated to a “museum or university”, arguing that “future historians would froth over having this kind of source material”.</p> <p>And they’re probably right. Imagine, in the year 2125, a PhD student writing their thesis on ‘The Leisure and Leadership of Scott Morrison’ using a second-hand scrapbook as a primary source.</p> <p>In the meantime, perhaps we should all be combing through our local op shops a little more carefully. Who knows? Next time, someone might find a VHS of Kevin Rudd’s karaoke nights or a collection of Tony Abbott’s forgotten speedo selfies.</p> <p>History is all around us – sometimes, it’s just hiding between an old Abba vinyl and a set of novelty salt and pepper shakers.</p> <p>Images: TikTok</p>

Family & Pets

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Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

<p>Dave Hughes has revealed the "rudest" A-list celebrity he's ever interviewed in the latest episode of  <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em></p> <p>The radio star was talking about all his celebrity interviews throughout the years with campmate Max Balegde, who then asked him: “I want you to be honest – who was the rudest?” </p> <p>“If we’re going to be honest … it hurts me to say it, but it’s … Ben Stiller. I was a big fan, and he was just a pain in the a**e," Hughes replied. </p> <p>Hughes then joked that he might've  “ruined his Hollywood career” by calling out the A-list actor and director known for films like <em>Zoolander </em>and <em>Meet the Parents</em>. </p> <p>The radio broadcaster didn't reveal when he'd encountered Stiller or why the actor was a "pain in the a**e" . </p> <p>In the latest episode of <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em> former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi was the first of this season's contestants to be evicted from the jungle. </p> <p>Last week, Aussie TV legend Sigrid Thornton was the latest celeb to join the show in its 11th season. </p> <p>It's the first time the actress appeared in a reality show during her 40-year career, telling <em>news.com.au</em>: “I felt like if I was going to say yes to a challenge like this, then this was the time for me. I mean, I’ve never done reality television; I’ve never done anything remotely like this.”</p> <p>“But I don’t hold any particular judgement around it; I’ve removed all potential judgement because I don’t know what it’s going to be. All I know is that it will be extraordinary, exciting, unexpected, and I hope a little bit wonderful.”</p> <p><em>Image: I'm A Celeb/ 10</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

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

International Travel

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Why one pizza shop is charging almost $200 for a divisive topping

<p dir="ltr">A trendy pizzeria is charging customers almost $200 AUD for one divisive pizza topping as they reignite the debate of putting pineapple on pizza. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lupa Pizza in Norwich in the UK have reluctantly added Hawaiian pizza to their menu, but the ham and pineapple combo comes with a catch.</p> <p dir="ltr">Diners will be charged £100 ($198 AUD) for it, with the restaurant taking to social media to share the news of the hefty price. </p> <p dir="ltr">"🍍🍕 Pineapple on pizza — love it or hate it?" they wrote. "We're not so keen, but if you are, it's now on our Deliveroo menu for £100 ($198). 🤷‍♂️”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Order the champagne too! Go on, you monster!" they added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The restaurant's owner and chef have defended the cost for a simple reason: their shared dislike of pineapple on pizza.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I absolutely loathe pineapple on a pizza," Francis Woolf, the co-owner of Lupa Pizza, told the <em>Norwich Evening News</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Head chef Quin Jianoran agreed, adding, "I love a piña colada, but pineapple on pizza? Never. I'd rather put a bloody strawberry on one than that tropical menace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Their views, however, are not shared with the majority of the British public. In the most recent YouGov survey on the subject, 53 percent of Britons admitted they enjoyed the taste of pineapple on pizza, while 41 percent of people do not.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lupa agreed to feature the Hawaiian special on its main menu if the people of Norwich voted in favour of the combination in an online poll, which closes on January 24th.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If pineapple wins the vote, I’ll make it,” said Mr Jianoran. “But I won’t be happy about it. And I might charge £200 next time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Food & Wine

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102-year-old woman fulfils bucket list dream of visiting Australia

<p>A 102-year-old woman has successfully fulfilled her bucket list dream of visiting all seven continents with the help of two Youtubers. </p> <p>Dorothy Smith, who lives in a retirement home in San Francisco, had travelled all over the world except Australia. </p> <p>When the guys behind the YouTube channel <em>Yes Theory,</em> Staffan Taylor and Ammar Kandil heard about this, they were determined to make her dream come true.</p> <p>The two men, who met her in the retirement village, asked her "‘is there anything on your bucket list you haven’t ticked off yet?’ and she said, ‘I’ve been to six continents but I’ve never been to Australia,’” <em>Yes Theory</em> filmmaker Staffan Taylor explained.</p> <p>The centenarian recalled how she received a note from them. </p> <p>“He gave me this little piece of paper that said something about ‘dreams come true’,” Dorothy told <em>Sunrise </em>on Tuesday.</p> <p>“I showed it to a friend, and they said, ‘look, there is no signature, there is no telephone number, there is no address — it’s fake’,” she added.</p> <p>But it wasn't a scam and with the help of Destination NSW and Qantas, the Youtubers made her dream come true, and shared a clip of her experience online. </p> <p>She chose Sydney as her Aussie destination because of the Opera House, which she is twice the age of. </p> <p>“This is like Disneyland for grown ups,” she joked while visiting the iconic landmark.</p> <p>She also visited visited Wild Life Sydney Zoo to see some koalas and kangaroos, the Botanic Gardens, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and went for a cruise on the harbour. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/38PwG3zGDDI?si=dqhuCIqOoKfokdCq" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>She described Aussies as “charming” and complimented the food, scenery and weather. </p> <p>“These two gentlemen have been delightful, and there is a whole crew, and each one is as nice as the other, and they have been around this town very well,” she told <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>“It’s just beautiful — I’ve seen things like the zoo and the real animals.</p> <p>“It is much more metropolitan (than I would have thought), and the people are charming,” she added. </p> <p>The centenarian said it is "never too late" for a new adventure, saying: “You can either rust out or wear out and I’m trying to wear out rather than rust out." </p> <p><em>Yes Theory</em> co-founder Ammar Kandil who went on the trip with Dorothy and her daughter, said he was in awe of the centenarian's curiosity during the trip and had been inspired by her. </p> <p>“One of the cornerstones of the experiences in our videos is actually whenever we go somewhere, we always try to ask the elders and get a lot of the wisdom out of them from their life experiences,” he said.</p> <p>“Staffan (and I) had the opportunity to double down and do a full episode on elders, only to meet the most epic one of all (Dorothy) — it doesn’t get better.</p> <p>“(As soon as we heard) we just went for it, and it was a no-brainer — as soon as she said she hadn’t been to Australia, we thought God bless her soul.</p> <p>“She is so powerful and still moves, and if anyone can go to Australia at 102 years old, it is Dorothy.”</p> <p>“Even at 102 years old she is still appreciating everything she is seeing,” he added. </p> <p><em>Images: Yes Theory/ Youtube</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

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Russell Crowe lists harbourfront apartment for sale

<p>Russell Crowe looks set to bid farewell to his stunning harbourfront apartment in Sydney. </p> <p>Sources have confirmed the 60-year-old actor will sell his 1000sqm property "if the price is right". </p> <p>The <em>Gladiator</em> star has reportedly listed the apartment off-market with a price guide ranging from $42 million to $45 million, however McGrath Double Bay agents William Manning and Luke Hogan, who are in charge of selling the property have refused to comment. </p> <p>The waterfront property is located on Finger Wharf in the upscale Woolloomooloo area, just 2km from Sydney's CBD. </p> <p>Initially designed to accommodate four separate private apartments, the property features 11 bedrooms, and has its own 35-metre marina berth.</p> <p>The property itself is rare as the new owner will get the entire floor that's north-facing to themselves, with buyers reportedly "lining up" to take a look, according to<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/russell-crowe-to-farewell-42m-wharf-apartment-if-price-is-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> realestate.com.au</a>. </p> <p>However, the new owner might also need to do a makeover of the residence before moving in as the actor hasn't renovated the property since buying it from Nutrimetrics founder Imelda Roche and her late husband, Bill Roche, in 2003. </p> <p>Crowe bought the lavish property for $14.35 million in 2003 and considered listing it for $25 million eight years ago. </p> <p>It was the highest priced apartment sale in Sydney at the time, and now prices for a penthouse at One Sydney Harbour in Barangaroo can go up from $140 million. </p> <p><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"This can't be real": Couple's unbelievable op-shop find

<p>An Australian man has made an epic discovery in his local op shop. </p> <p>Rob Klaric was browsing Lifeline's Mosman store on Sydney's north shore when he spotted two framed photos of himself and his wife, which they had lost while moving house more than 30 years ago. </p> <p>The photos were taken in 1988 when he and Leonie, his wife of 35 years, were backpacking across Europe. </p> <p>But turns out luck was on their side and they were reunited with their prized possession more than three decades later. </p> <p>"I'm still buzzing with this. I mean, what's the chances?" he told 2GB's Ben Fordham. </p> <p>"I've walked into a store and I see these pictures and I thought I was hallucinating."</p> <p>The photos hold special meaning for the couple, as it was taken in his mum's backyard when they went to visit her in Europe. </p> <p>"We backpacked across Europe, [went] to my mother's place in the north of Italy – so the photos are iconic because it's [taken] in my mother's backyard and Mum's just passed away a few years ago now."</p> <p>A year later, the couple got married, and the year following they had these images framed before they lost them in a move in 1993, when a removal company misplaced the boxes they were packed in. </p> <p>"I still tremble because I thought, 'this can't be real'."</p> <p>"The ironic thing is that my picture, apologies Leonie, mine was more expensive. It was $12 and hers was $8," he said. </p> <p>Klaric wondered if his late mother had something to do with the special find. </p> <p>"But look, it's got my mum, my beautiful old Italian mum, it's got her fingerprints all over it," he said. </p> <p>"Because those pictures were right in the middle [of the shop], on the floor, you would have never seen it unless you walked through the store. And if it was on the left or the right you wouldn't have seen it.</p> <p>"I think she's looking down from Heaven."</p> <p><em>Images: DailyMail</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Coles launches new AI-powered shopping trolley

<p>Coles is set to become the "first Australian retailer" to introduce AI shopping trolleys, letting shoppers pick, weigh and pay for their groceries without having to visit a checkout.</p> <p>The supermarket giant said its smart trolley uses advanced AI technology, sensors and an in-built scale to scan groceries, including fresh produce, directly into shopping bags.</p> <p>Shoppers can also use an interactive digital screen to identify and locate in-store specials as well as keep track the running total of their shop to help manage their budget and ensure “there are no surprises” when they go to pay. </p> <p>The trolleys are also designed to "streamline the checkout process" as each smart trolley comes with an EFTPOS machine attached.</p> <p>Coles Chief Digital Officer, Ben Hassing, said the introduction of its Smart Trolley showcases Coles’ commitment to delivering value and convenience to customers through innovative digital solutions. </p> <p>“As the first retailer in Australia to introduce AI-powered trolleys, we’re excited to offer our customers a convenient and engaging way to shop in-store, helping them save time, manage their budget and checkout faster – or at their own pace,” Ben said. </p> <p>“The Coles Smart Trolley illustrates our omnichannel approach, leveraging digital capabilities to enrich the in-store experience. </p> <p>“We are committed to testing and learning through innovative solutions to make sure we are delivering on customer needs, increasing convenience, and helping customers discover more value through their shop at Coles.”</p> <p>Coles’ smart trolley was created by New York-based software developers Instacart, which rolled out its AI-powered grocery carts in several supermarkets overseas earlier this year.</p> <p>However, not everyone is onboard with the smart trolleys, as many shoppers said they would "refuse" to use the AI-powered carts, blasting them as “lazy” and expressing fears supermarkets would also store personal data.</p> <p>“I don’t work for them, scan my products and pack my bags, as per your job description,” one raged on Facebook after Instacart launched in US supermarket ShopRite. </p> <p>“Not a chance I will use an AI trolley, I want a human to scan my groceries,” another added.</p> <p>Coles will trial the “all-in-one” shopping device at its Coles Richmond Traders store in Melbourne from January next year.</p> <p>The announcement comes after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/woolies-trial-bold-new-scan-as-you-go-trolleys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woolworths</a> also announced the launch of "scan as you go" trolleys, although the Woolies carts don't use AI technology to read what is being placed into the trolley, instead enabling shoppers to manually scan each item as they go.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Coles</em></p>

Technology

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No credit score? A grocery list could be the next best thing

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joonhyuk-yang-1548700">Joonhyuk Yang</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-notre-dame-990">University of Notre Dame</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jung-youn-lee-1548702">Jung Youn Lee</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/jones-graduate-school-of-business-at-rice-university-5411">Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University</a></em></p> <p>How you shop and what you buy at the grocery store can predict whether you pay your credit card bills on time, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02364">our new research shows</a>.</p> <p>As <a href="https://mendoza.nd.edu/mendoza-directory/profile/joonhyuk-yang/">marketing</a> <a href="https://business.rice.edu/person/jung-youn-lee">professors</a>, we wanted to learn about alternatives to traditional credit scores. So we teamed up with a multinational conglomerate that, among other things, runs a large supermarket chain and a credit card issuer.</p> <p>By analyzing consumer-level data from those two business units, we were able to see how 30,089 individuals shop and manage their finances.</p> <p>We found that people with more consistent grocery shopping habits are more likely to pay their credit card bills on time. These are people who tend to shop on the same day of the week, spend about the same amount each month, buy similar items across trips and take advantage of deals regularly.</p> <p>We also found that what people buy predicts how they manage their finances. For example, shoppers who frequently purchase cigarettes or energy drinks are more likely to miss credit card payments. Those who often buy fresh milk or salad dressing tend to be more diligent about paying their bills.</p> <p>In general, buying healthier but less convenient food predicted responsible payment behaviors. This was true even when we held consumer characteristics such as income, occupation, credit score and family size constant.</p> <p>Building on those findings, we developed a credit scoring algorithm that scores people based on their grocery shopping habits along with traditional credit risk indicators. When we simulated approval decisions with this algorithm, we found that using grocery data could help lenders predict defaults more accurately while boosting their per-customer profits.</p> <h2>Why it matters</h2> <p>According to the World Bank, <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex">more than 1 billion people</a> worldwide lack access to formal financial systems and, as a result, have no credit scores. In the U.S. alone, <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-reports/who-are-credit-invisibles/">about 45 million adults</a> have no credit history or not enough of one to generate a score.</p> <p>This makes it hard for them to access credit, even if they are responsible borrowers. And without credit, it’s harder to get a car, a job or even a place to live. It’s a problem that disproportionately affects <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex">underprivileged groups</a>, including people of color and women.</p> <p>In response, policymakers and researchers are increasingly interested in using alternative data sources to assess creditworthiness. For instance, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/17/how-on-time-rent-payments-help-credit-invisible-consumers.html">Fannie Mae now considers</a> mortgage applicants’ rent payment histories, allowing those without traditional credit histories to demonstrate their creditworthiness.</p> <p>Grocery data is especially promising because there’s so much of it. Pretty much everybody buys groceries, and not just once. Information about consumer preferences is continuously being generated in every aisle of grocery stores around the globe.</p> <p>Our study shows that this data has value far beyond the grocery industry.</p> <h2>What’s next</h2> <p>We believe that our study serves as a proof of concept, offering insights for the design and implementation of future research. However, several key questions remain. For example, what if this approach affects different groups unequally? And what about privacy concerns?</p> <p>Our follow-up research aims to address these issues. We’re collaborating with a conglomerate in Peru, a cash-reliant country with a significant unbanked population. Building upon our current findings, we’re working closely with that company to test the impact of our approach on low-income populations. We’ll be helping to evaluate credit applicants using retail transaction data, aiming not just to improve profitability but also to boost social inclusion in the region.</p> <p><em>The <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/topics/research-brief-83231">Research Brief</a> is a short take on interesting academic work.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234887/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/joonhyuk-yang-1548700">Joonhyuk Yang</a>, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Mendoza College of Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-notre-dame-990">University of Notre Dame</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jung-youn-lee-1548702">Jung Youn Lee</a>, Assistant Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/jones-graduate-school-of-business-at-rice-university-5411">Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice 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/no-credit-score-a-grocery-list-could-be-the-next-best-thing-234887">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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"What a score": Woman finds rare gems in Vinnie's op shop

<p>One lucky thrift shopper has stumbled upon a rare find in her local charity shop, spotting stunning opal earrings on sale for just $2. </p> <p>The shopper took to Facebook to share her find, posting a photo of the gold earrings adorned with a series of blue opals that she got from a Vinnie's op-shop in Queensland.</p> <p>Many were quick to agree that they were "such a rare find" because of the low price, as admirers described the jewellery as "Pretty", "amazing" and "beautiful".</p> <p>"Holy moly," one person exclaimed. "I can't breathe," one other said. "What a score," another agreed.</p> <p>While some people were skeptical that the gems weren't real, others said, "There's no way someone would set that many beautiful opals into costume jewellery so I'd say you have found a unicorn there."</p> <p>"They most certainly look genuine opal and diamond," another agreed — and so do the experts.</p> <p>Sebastian Heffernan from Lightning Ridge Opal mines told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/womans-rare-2-find-at-vinnies-op-shop-worth-1000-absolute-steal-042951545.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> that while it's difficult to determine based on photos alone, the opals "don't appear to be fake". </p> <p>"It's normally pretty obvious when they are," he explained. "They would look a little bit too perfect a lot of the time. Whereas these ones, you can see that some of them have little dots of colour, some have medium flashes."</p> <p>Assuming the opals are real but the diamonds are fake and the gold is plated, rather than solid, Sebastian guessed the earrings could sell for just couple of hundred.</p> <p>However, Wayne Sedawie, who owns Opal and Gem Stone Auctions, reckons the lucky thrifter could fetch close to $1,000 for the earrings, if resold or cashed in to a reseller, and suggested she get them valued.</p> <p>"It's definitely good to maybe get them looked at by someone in person because they do look quite nice from the photo, and the metal itself could be worth a little bit if it is actual gold," Sebastian added. "But either way, two bucks is an absolute steal".</p> <p>"That's such a great find. They're beautiful," Wayne agreed. "Just clean them up and they'll last a thousand years."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Kate Middleton helps teen with cancer fulfill "bucket list" dream

<p>Kate Middleton has taken another step back to public duties after inviting a teenage girl with a rare form of cancer to Windsor Castle. </p> <p>The Prince and Princess of Wales invited 16-year-old Liz, a budding photographer from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to Windsor Castle after the teen was told by doctors earlier this year that she only had between six months and three years to live. </p> <p>“A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote in a social media post shared on Wednesday, with a photo of Kate hugging the teenager.</p> <p>“A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAoPPEMNX6F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAoPPEMNX6F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Liz had a photography bucket list "to create a lifetime of memories" after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January. The cancer has no form of standard treatment. </p> <p>She first took up photography in Year 6 after saving up to buy her first camera. </p> <p>Liz was given the opportunity to take photos of cyclist Mark Cavendish and ex-footballer Ally McCoist's investiture ceremony, after Prince William heard about her through his  patronage of London Air Ambulance Charity.</p> <p>A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “Following the investiture both the Prince and Princess of Wales met Liz privately with her family to hear about her day and journey."</p> <p>Liz said she was "over the moon" after meeting the couple at the castle.</p> <p>“Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” she recalled on social media. </p> <p>The event is a rare appearance for the Princess who has been out of the public eye for most of the year following her own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.</p> <p>While the meeting is not being treated as an official engagement for the Prince and Princess, it was their first joint appearance this year. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Shock over op shop item listed for $2,000

<p>An Aussie charity shop has come under fire after a shopper spotted a luxury item with a hefty four-figure price tag. </p> <p>A woman was browsing the shelves at the Vinnies Op Shop in Tamworth where she spotted a forest green handbag by luxury brand Balenciaga for sale for a whopping $2,000. </p> <p>While the handbag retails at roughly $4,000, the eye-watering "sale" price has infuriated many after a customer spotted it isolated on a shelf in-store. </p> <p>"How in the world would a normal everyday person be able to afford that? At the stage now it’s cheaper to go to Kmart," a local woman hit out on social media.</p> <p>Others agreed, saying it's a "slap in the face when everything is donated in first place".</p> <p>"It’s ridiculous these days, all the op shops are so overpriced. Very much so in the suburb I live in because it’s a wealthy area, they think everyone who walks in is loaded," another said, commenting on the designer bag.</p> <p>Vinnies was quick to respond to the backlash over the expensive item, Vinnies North West area manager Julie Crosby reiterated that Vinnies shops are charity stores. </p> <p>"We're raising funds," she told the <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/tagged/social-media/" data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:ABC;cpos:8;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="18" data-v9y="1">ABC</a></em>. "We can spend that money on helping out homeless people, domestic violence issues where we're relocating families".</p> <p>Store manager Megan Moffat added, "It's a beautiful little handbag" implying the $2,000 is justified.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Facebook</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Readers response: How do you feel about online shopping compared to traditional in-store shopping?

<p>When it comes to shopping for things we want and need, many people have a preference over whether they shop in a physical store or online. </p> <p>We asked our readers which they prefer when shopping for food, clothes or anything else their hearts desire, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Ellen Polsen</strong> - Why would one buy online? I like to feel and see the things I purchase, particularly garments, as fabrics today are mostly rubbish.</p> <p><strong>Jennie Craven</strong> - I do a little of each. But usually use stores that I know or brands where the sizing is correct for me. I always use a payment system that I understand. </p> <p><strong>Gail Ladds</strong> - I love online shopping! I often forget that I’ve bought something then get a nice surprise when it arrives lol.</p> <p><strong>Debra Coats</strong> - Online is okay when you cant go to the store. I did online shopping for about 8 months after open heart surgery but when i was given the all clear to shop and drive, I was in my element as its a moment of getting out of the house and seeing others around me.</p> <p><strong>Karen Peardon</strong> - I have done some online shopping (mainly craft supplies) only because I have been very ill for months but I love in-store shopping more. Retail therapy!!</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte</strong> - Have not and will not ever do it, very old school and too wary of the dangers out there, besides I like getting out and choosing for myself.</p> <p><strong>Helga Bonello</strong> - I like to see feel and touch products before I buy. Online scammers are a worry, besides we need a reason to go out and be sociable.</p> <p><strong>Olimpia Palumbo</strong> - My family does on line shopping and usually end up with the worst fruit and sometimes the wrong items.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Aussies top global list for biggest gambling losses

<p>A new report has revealed that Australians are the biggest gambling losers in the world, with the average Australian adult gambling away $1635 per year according to the Grattan Institute think tank. </p> <p>That is more than most households pay for power and exceeds the average spend in similar countries like the US and New Zealand. </p> <p>Collectively, Australians lost $24 billion to gambling in 2020-21, with half of that amount lost through poker machines. </p> <p>The rest was lost on sports or race betting, in casinos, and on lotteries and Keno. </p> <p>The report also claims that there are more pokies than post boxes and public toilets across Australia, bringing light to the "lax approach" that has let the industry "run wild". </p> <p>"Gambling products are designed to be addictive, and the consequences can be catastrophic: job loss, bankruptcy, relationship breakdown, family violence, even suicide," the report's authors wrote.</p> <p>People in the Northern Territory and NSW lost the most amount of money, with the two states having the highest concentration of polies in their jurisdiction. </p> <p>The report recommended the federal government ban all gambling advertisements and urged them to cut the number of pokies in each state over time.</p> <p>They also suggested a mandatory pre-commitment system for online gambling and pokies, which would put a limit on daily losses. </p> <p>There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858; use <a href="https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/tools-resources/chat-counselling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online counselling</a>. </p> <p><em>Images: </em><em>SNEHIT PHOTO / Shutterstock.com</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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Oasis issue urgent warning after scalpers list tickets for $42,000

<p>Oasis have been forced to issue a warning to music fans who are searching for tickets to their highly-anticipated reunion tour, after resale tickets have been listed for thousands of dollars. </p> <p>Tickets to the UK and Irelands reunion show went on sale on Saturday, with tickets to the 17 shows selling out in a matter of hours. </p> <p>Tickets were originally posted on Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $190 AUD to $500 AUD, before prices were bumped up by the ticket merchant as being "in demand", with the cheapest tickets then priced at $475 AUD. </p> <p>Since all shows were officially sold out, some tickets have since been posted on resale sites such as StubHub and Viagogo, with prices ranging from $1,100 AUD to a whopping $42,000 AUD. </p> <p>After all the tickets were sold, ticket scalpers shared their tickets on the resale websites to turn a profit, with music fans sharing photos of the outrageous prices on social media. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it? <a href="https://t.co/uMSt0TS6K9">pic.twitter.com/uMSt0TS6K9</a></p> <p>— Jordan (@grahamjordan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/grahamjordan_/status/1829647325901570230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>"And it’s begun," one fan wrote alongside a screenshot of the resale websites.</p> <p>"Viagogo and StubHub all trying to rip off Oasis fans, with the highest priced ticket being on StubHub for £6,347 ($12,323 AUD). Hang your heads in shame."</p> <p>The music fan then added another photo of the $42,000 AUD ticket for sale, writing, "The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it?"</p> <p>Oasis themselves then stepped in to warn fans about paying the extortionate fees for tickets, saying according to the terms and conditions, tickets could only be resold at face value via Ticketmaster and Twickets.</p> <p>"Tickets sold in breach of terms and conditions will be cancelled by the promoters," they wrote in a post to X.</p> <p>Oasis promoters had previously issued a similar warning, telling fans tickets sold through "unauthorised resale platforms" would be in breach of terms and conditions and "may be cancelled".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

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5 foods to add to your shopping list to save money – and they’re good for you too

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p>Food prices are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-13/anglicare-cost-living-unemployment-groceries-fuel-rent-prices/103972166?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=sf273549397&amp;utm_campaign=abc&amp;utm_source=linkedin.com&amp;sf273549397=1">adding pressure on household budgets</a>, especially for Australians on the lowest incomes.</p> <p>To help save money on the weekly groceries, consider adding these five staples to your shopping trolley: eggs, oats, carrots, UHT milk and apples. These foods rate highly on the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20181811/">nutrient-rich foods index</a> and on cost, meaning they represent good value for money when it comes to buying nutritious food.</p> <p>Loading up on these items helps push more expensive, less nutritious foods out of your trolley. Keeping a supply at your place will also save extra trips to the shops, which saves petrol and time.</p> <h2>1. Eggs</h2> <p>Eggs are extremely good value at around A$6 a dozen (50 cents an egg).</p> <p>Meat, chicken and fish prices vary from $12 a kilo for mince, $12–$20 a kilo for chicken, to $20–$50 a kilo for steak and fish depending on cut or type. Selecting the cheapest cuts still costs $2–$3 a serve, compared to two eggs at a $1 serve.</p> <p>When you swap a red meat meal for an eggy dish, this can add up to a big saving. Try our egg recipes on the <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/filter/meals--dinner,lunch/superfoods--eggs">No Money No Time website</a>, from <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/sweetcorn-and-zucchini-fritters">fritters</a>, to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/mushroom-omelette">omelettes</a>, or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-rainbow-rice">fried rice</a>. These recipes also help use up other items you have in the pantry, fridge and veggie crisper.</p> <p>Eggs are a good <a href="https://www.australianeggs.org.au/nutrition/nutrients-and-vitamins">source</a> of protein and also contain choline, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamins A, B2, B12, D, E and folate, and minerals iron, zinc, iodine and selenium.</p> <p>For people concerned about eggs raising cholesterol, a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38370115/">recent review of research evidence</a> concluded there wasn’t likely to be any adverse effect on overall disease risk when consuming up to one egg a day.</p> <h2>2. Rolled oats</h2> <p>Rolled oats vary a lot in price from about $2 a kilogram for “own brand”, up to $9 for premium varieties.</p> <p>Oats are really <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/filter/keywords--Oats">versatile</a>. For breakfast you can make <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/microwave-porridge">porridge</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/easy-overnight-oats">overnight oats,</a> DIY muesli or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/gingerbread-granola">granola</a>.</p> <p>Oats make a pastry substitute for a <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-rolled-oats-quiche">quick and easy quiche base</a>. Or blitz them in a food processor and use as a breadcrumb substitute.</p> <p>For dessert, you can use them to top a comforting <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/wholegrain-apple-crumble">apple crumble</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/resource/oats-2/">Oats are a wholegrain</a>, meaning they retain every part of the original grain – the germ, bran and outer layers – and hence more fibre and nutrients.</p> <p>Oats are a rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34236436/">helps lower blood cholesterol levels</a> by binding with bile acids in the gut, meaning they can’t be converted into LDL (bad) cholesterol.</p> <p>They <a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/resource/oats-2/">also contain</a> B vitamins of thiamin (b1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid (B5) and folate (B9), as well as vitamin E and the minerals iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.</p> <h2>3. Carrots</h2> <p>It’s hard to get better value than a bag of carrots at about $2.50 a kilo. They last for ages in the fridge and can be eaten raw, as carrot sticks or with <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/moroccan-carrot-dip">carrot dip</a>, or baked to make carrot veggie “<a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/vegetable-chips">chips</a>”.</p> <p>Try grating carrot as an extra on a salad roll or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/basic-beef-burgers">burger</a>, or mixed into grated cheese to extend it when topping tacos, pasta or pizza, or even a dish like <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-and-cauliflower-macaroni-cheese">mac and cheese</a>.</p> <p>Other versatile uses include soup, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-puree">carrot mash</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/baked-carrots-with-honey-thyme">roasted carrots</a> or, for something sweet, carrot muffins or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/easy-carrot-cake-bliss-balls">bliss balls</a>.</p> <p>Carrots are rich in the carotenoids <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/">alpha-carotene and beta-carotene</a>, which get converted into vitamin A in the body and used in antibody production and to maintain <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/">healthy functioning</a> of your eyes, skin, lungs and gut.</p> <h2>4. Longlife skim milk</h2> <p>Longlife skim milk costs about $1.60 a litre.</p> <p>While some fresh varieties are around the same price, the value of longlife milk is that you can keep a store of it in the cupboard, meaning you never run out and it has a long shelf life.</p> <p>Milk makes great <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/banana-breakfast-smoothie">smoothies</a> and is an essential ingredient in dishes from quiche to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/cauliflower-cheese-bake">cauliflower cheese</a> to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-lemon-orange-delicious">lemon delicious</a> pudding.</p> <p><a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/milk#nutrients-in-milk">Milk contains</a> protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamins A, B2 and B12.</p> <p>Research shows regular milk consumption is <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/milk#milk-and-health-conditions">associated with</a> a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.</p> <h2>5. Apples</h2> <p>A bag of apples costs about $4 or 60 cents an apple and $4–$5 for a large can of stewed apple.</p> <p>Apples make a portable snack. Add <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/comforting-apple-porridge">them to porridge</a>, serve <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/pork-loin-rolls">with pork</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-and-apple-coleslaw-with-mustard-vinaigrette">in coleslaw</a> or in <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/wholegrain-apple-crumble">apple crumble</a>.</p> <p>Apples <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35502671/">contain</a> dietary fibre and pectin, vitamin B6 and C, and the minerals potassium, calcium, nitrogen, magnesium and traces of zinc, iron and copper.</p> <p>In <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31667463/">observational studies</a>, people who ate more apples had a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and death from any cause.</p> <p><em>For easy, tasty, economical meals that are quick to prepare, without too much effort, along with our food budget tips, visit our team’s <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/">No Money No Time</a> website.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229903/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/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</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/5-foods-to-add-to-your-shopping-list-to-save-money-and-theyre-good-for-you-too-229903">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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