Outgoing West Perth president Neale Fong has ended his reign at the Falcons on a high, leaving the WAFL club with record profits.
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WAFL 2024: Outgoing West Perth president Neale Fong leaves Falcons on a high
Lotto: One Australian pockets $50 million in Tuesday’s Oz Lotto draw
One Australian has scored the ultimate gift this festive season after taking a punt on Tuesday’s Oz Lotto draw.
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O inferno astral de um juiz
Alexandre Mesquita enfrentou uma semana difícil no Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro
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Controversial MAFS star Polly shows off incredible transformation as she reveals she’s lost FOUR stone in nine months
MARRIED At First Sights star Polly Sellman has shown off her impressive weight loss, which sees her four stone lighter.
MAFS star Polly, who was partnered with her MAFS UK groom Adam Nightingale, looks happy and healthy as she showed off the results of a nine month weight loss plan.
The careers adviser has undergone a dramatic transformation since filming for the E4 series wrapped, which she revealed to fans on Instagram.
The star was previously told by husband Adam that she wasn’t his type when they met, as he said that he usually goes for “petite brunettes”.
Sharing a picture of herself to her Instagram Stories, she explained: “I’ve just weighed myself (I know you shouldn’t at night) and I’m honestly gobsmacked that I’ve now lost nearly 4 stone… 4!!!! Since March!!!
“I finished filming and I was 16 stone (have been there or there abouts for 2 years) and now I’m 12.5.”
Last month Polly showed off her ongoing body transformation in a plunging black swimsuit, when she told fans she had lost two stone but has since gone on to lose more.
Previously The Sun exclusively revealed that Polly is no longer in a relationship with Adam, who she married on the E4 show.
Earlier this year, Polly revealed the secret to her two-stone weight loss as she explained how she was transforming her body.
She told fans that she has followed a simple three-part method since March; upping her water intake, eating less and moving about more.
Polly added that she has found a “real passion” for fitness, and keeps to a regular workout routine.
Alongside a ‘before and after’ comparison, she said: “It’s not until I look at these photos back that I really do see how different I look.
“It’s been a case of upping my water intake, eating less and moving more. And I love that I’ve found a huge passion for fitness again because of the routine I really kept to, and still do.”
Revealing that she’s not ready to stop, Polly continued: “I still have a little way to go to get to my goal weight then when I’m there it’s going to be building strength and maintaining the weight I’ve lost without living a restricted lifestyle and keep a healthy relationship with food and drink.
“I’ve always been confident, however not so much with my body. Now have a lot more self confidence and feel so much more comfortable in certain clothing whereas I didn’t before.
“I dressed well for my shape and size but never felt hugely comfortable just the fact I knew how to dress to hide certain insecurities.
“However that’s now changed and I don’t think as much about covering certain things when I’m ordering clothes and it feels sooooo good 
Roll on the next 8 weeks to see what we can achieve.”
I don’t have space for a Christmas tree so made my own staircase decorations with FOOD WASTE – B&M buys were key too
A SAVVY woman has revealed that she doesn’t have space for a Christmas tree, so decided to get creative with her other decorations this festive season.
Instead of having a huge tree take over her living room, Vick Natzy paid close attention to giving her staircase a glow up for December.
But keen to keep the costs low, not only did she nab bargains from B&M and eBay, but she also got savvy with food waste too – yes, you heard that correctly.
Rather than throwing her pear branches into the bin, Vick got imaginative and turned them from drab to fab in seconds.
So if the cost of living crisis has made your purse feel tighter than ever before, and you can’t afford to splash the cash on pricey decorations, you’ll need to check this out.
Keen to share a close up look at her stunning staircase, Vick, who describes herself as a ‘frugal queen’, took to social media to reveal all, leaving many open-mouthed.
Posting on BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range, a public Facebook group with 620,000 members, Vick posted pictures of her hallway, which has been decorated with greenery, bows, baubles and pear branches.
Alongside her images, the savvy woman, who is from the UK, penned: “With me being the queen of frugality and having hardly any space for a Christmas tree, I focused on the staircase.
“I sprayed dried out pear branches with gold paint, attached it to the staircase and started decorating it like a tree.”
Not only did Vick use pear branches to give her staircase an overhaul, but she also used decorations that she has been collecting over the years.
Vick hung her gorgeous decorations from the gold branches, creating a stunning display, without breaking the bank.
She continued: “My decorations are from previous years – charity shops, Poundland, B&M, The Range and Home Bargains, eBay and One Below.”
Not only did she hang her decorations from her stairs, but she also dressed up her photos with beautiful bows too.
Social media users were clearly very impressed with Vick’s post, as many quickly flocked to the comments to praise her DIY skills.
Fabulous idea and it looks amazing!
Facebook user
Not only did people describe her decorations as ‘gorgeous’, but others were stunned by her ‘fabulous idea’ to use her pear branches.
One person said: “Brilliant, it looks lovely.”
How to look after your real Christmas tree
HERE'S what you need to know if you're buying a real Christmas tree:
First thing’s first: buy a pot (if it doesn’t come in one already).
You’ll need to treat your tree just like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage – and it’s a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil everyday to make sure it’s not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels moist, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check the LED bulbs on your tree lights aren’t too hot as they could burn it, and keep your tree away from radiators.
When Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
It’s a good idea to take it out of its pot when you do re-plant it though, as large trees don’t survive well in pots as their roots need space to grow.
Another added: “Looks gorgeous.”
A third commented: “Fabulous idea and it looks amazing! Love it.”
Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “Gorgeous, well done you.”
At the same time, one DIY fan simply wrote: “Lovely job.”
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Mysterious ‘Disease X’ outbreak that’s killed 31 spreads as WHO warns it could be two diseases
A MYSTERIOUS flu-like illness that’s spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has caused at least 31 deaths – and two diseases could be to blame, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
The unidentified disease, which the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling ‘Disease X’, has infected 406 people in recent weeks, with the majority of cases recorded in the Kwango Province, approximately 435 miles southeast of the capital Kinshasa.
More than half of the 31 people who have died were children under the age of 5 who were severely malnourished, the WHO said in a statement on Sunday.
The actual number of deaths, which are occurring in the remote Panzi region, is difficult to determine, with some reports saying as many as 143 have died.
A team of scientists from the WHO are currently on the ground investigation the illness that’s believed to have started circulating in October.
Samples are being collected for laboratory testing to provide a more detailed characterisation of the illness, to find out the transmission dynamics, and to actively find additional cases.
But WHO officials have said they’ve struggled to uncover the origin of the pathogen.
Because the outbreak is in a remote area with poor road conditions and there’s been heavy rain, it took the WHO’s team around two days to get there.
It’s also been harder to trace the exact source of ‘Disease X’ as the most serious cases of the illness have also involved the patient suffering from severe malnutrition.
“These challenges, coupled with limited diagnostics in the region, have delayed the identification of the underlying cause,” the WHO said.
The WHO’s initial findings suggest the deaths might be related to other diseases currently spreading in the south west of the DRC.
“Given the clinical presentation and symptoms reported, and a number of associated deaths, acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles and malaria are being considered as potential casual factors with malnutrition as a contributing factor,” the WHO said.
Another common disease in the area it said may be causing or contributing to cases is malaria – a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The likelihood of ‘Disease X’ spreading to Europe
According to Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University, there’s no cause for widespread concern at this stage.
The only way for a virus of this nature to spread to Europe is if an infected individual were to travel to the region and act as an index case.
He explained: “The likelihood of a virus from the DRC reaching the UK depends on multiple factors, including its transmission mode and global travel patterns.
“Currently, no direct evidence suggests a high probability of significant outbreaks from recent DRC-related cases or other emerging infections spreading globally.
“However, monitoring is essential as outbreaks in the DRC often involve regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, which can amplify disease spread if containment measures are not implemented effectively.”
Symptoms of the mysterious illness
Doctors have said the disease, which has killed at least 31 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, presents much like a respiratory infection.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Body aches
Concerns first raised in October
An alert was sent to WHO on October 29 by the DRC’s Ministry of Public Health raising concerns over a mysterious illness that had caused “increased” deaths.
In a press briefing on December 5, the WHO said the mortality rate was about 8 per cent and that several deaths had been reported outside health facilities.
Channel 4 star lands her own spin-off show with rarely-seen husband after quitting the UK for good
A LONG-STANDING Channel 4 star has landed a spin-off show with her husband – after having quit the UK for good.
Jasmine Harman, 49, has been a presenter on A Place in The Sun since 2004.
Having helped British families for two decades, Jasmine and her family are pursuing their own dreams in a new show.
Last year, she made the life-changing decision to swap the UK for Spain.
In Jasmine’s Renovation in the Sun, Jasmine, husband Jon and their two young children buy and renovate a rundown Spanish villa.
The 15-part series follows the family transforming the dilapidated property into a perfect family home.
For inspiration, they seek advice from locals and compare their new home with other renovated Spanish properties.
Not to mention having to juggle learning new skills, young children, making friends and busy jobs.
Jasmine said: “Moving abroad has been completely different to what I expected and dreamed of.
“I never wanted to take on a renovation project but somehow, we fell in love with this house.
“I’ve seen it so many times with my own house hunters – sometimes it just feels right.”
She added: “Moving house can be stressful at the best of times.
“But, changing country, renovating a property, raising our family – all the while having a TV crew following you around, is next level!
“All the same, we feel like this is the best move for our family and we’re so excited to get started.”
Michelle Heeley, Executive Producer for Freeform Productions, added: “Like so many of our House Hunters over the years who have made the move, Jasmine is now doing this for herself.
“Being able to follow her journey and highs and lows along the way will be an entertaining watch.”
A Place in the Sun presenters - past and present
CURRENT PRESENTERS
Ben Hillman
Craig Rowe
Leah Charles-King
Lee Juggurnauth
Lucy Alexander
Sara Damergi
PAST PRESENTERS
Adrian Simpson
Luke Doonan
Microsoft down UPDATES: Thousands hit by outage at website as servers crash
THOUSANDS of Microsoft users have been hit with an outage to its website this morning.
According to Downdetector, the issues started about 9am this morning.
Follow our blog below for all the latest updates …
Epic Games forced to pay Fortnite players refunds from $72m pot over ‘dark patterns’ – and you can still claim yours
FORTNITE has been forced to pay $100 to hundreds of thousands of players, and you may be eligible for a payout.
The US Federal Trade Commission ordered Fortnite developer Epic Games on Monday to pay more than $72million dollars in refunds to 629,344 players.
Fortnite is compensating players in the US who were charged for unwanted purchases made over a five-year period.
The payout comes after Epic Games settled with the FTC in 2022 when the agency ruled that the Battle Royale game tricked players into making accidental purchases.
Then, the US consumer watchdog found that Epic was unlawfully charging players for unwanted items and letting children make purchases without their parents’ permission.
Fortnite’s deal with the FTC now requires the game to explicitly ask for player consent before charging users for in-game purchases.
It also bans Epic Games from locking a player’s account when they try to dispute unauthorized charges.
The FTC is now starting to send payments to everyone who filed a claim October 8, 2024, and is reviewing claims filed after that date.
How to claim the Fortnite FTC refund
You might be eligible for the $100 compensation, and there is still time to apply for a refund with the FTC.
If you think you might have made an accidental purchase in the game, read on to see if you’re eligible and how to claim.
To apply for this payout, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022
- Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018
- Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges
Only people aged 18 and above are allowed to file a claim, so if you’re not 18 yet, you should ask a parent or guardian to do this for you.
The FTC has set up a special Fortnite Refunds webpage, giving all the necessary details for players who want to claim their compensation, with a link to the application form.
Eligible players have until January 10, 2025, to claim their refunds, so make sure you apply before that date.
For more on the game, check out the latest price changes to Fortnite’s Battle Pass and the revamped Crew subscription.
Harry Potter cast are unrecognisable as they reunite for picture 13 years after final film
TOM Felton has shocked fans with a sweet reunion snap from a recent meeting with some of his former costars.
The original Draco Malfoy star, 37, could be seen posing with some of his pals from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter franchise.
Posing on November 23, but sharing the image on December 9, the snap was taken at the Deam It Conventions in Paris, France.
At the event, some of the actors and actresses reunited from the original Harry Potter movie as well as the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them spinoff prequel.
“Wizarding world selfie,” Tom penned in the caption alongside the sweet snap, which sent fans wild.
Fans of the Harry Potter franchise then commented on the snap, with many completely stunned and overjoyed.
“I love how much Tom loves Harry Potter lol,” said one.
“Simply iconic!! Also Jamie!? I love everything about this,” added another.
“OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS,” penned a third.
A fourth then said: “I love love love this picture. Looks like you all had a blast. Thank you for sharing it with us. Made my Monday brighter.”
While a fifth added: “Tom and Jamie together?! Ugh, I love it.”
THE SLYTHERIN TRIO REUNITE
And a sixth said: “Love the Slythrtin trio.”
In the reunion snap, Tom was joined by two fellow Slytherins – Scarlett Byrne who played Pansy Parkinson, and Louis Cordice who played Blaise Zabini.
Also in the snap was Devon Murray who played Seamus Finnegan, and Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower who played Gellert Grindelwald in the HP franchise.
Stanislav Yanevski, who played Victor Krum, was also in the snap, as was Predrag Bjelac who played Igor Karkaroff.
Dan Fogler, who played Jacob Kowalski in Fantastic Beasts, was also beaming in the snap.
How to spot a rare Harry Potter book
AS JK Rowling’s popularity has rocketed, so has the value of the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
If you think you might have one, then first look to see if Bloomsbury is listed as the publisher on the title page at the bottom.
The copy should be a first edition – which will be noted within the first few pages.
The latest date listed in the copyright information must by 1997.
It should be credited to “Joanne Rowling” and not “J.K Rowling” and carry a print line that reads ” 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1″ on the copyright page.
There is a mistake on page 53 where “1 wand” appears twice in the list of school supplies Harry receives from Hogwarts, which was corrected in later print runs.
For the other titles in the Harry Potter series, it is only the first hardback editions with the dust jacket that have any collectable value.
‘WE’RE ACTUALLY A BIT OF A POTTER FAMILY’
Back in May, Tom revealed how close he really is to Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, with the Draco star getting candid in an interview.
Speaking to Reader’s Digest, Tom was asked if he and Daniel get along in real life.
“The obvious question I get asked a lot by youngsters is: Are you and Harry actually friends in real life?” he said, adding, “Like, me and Daniel [Radcliffe, who played Harry].
“And obviously I say no at first, and of course I’m joking!
“It took a long time to make those films, so we only spent maybe 10% of the day in our characters, but we spent a lot of time together as Daniel, Rupert, Emma and Tom.
“People, for some reason, seem to ask that quite a bit, and they’re quite surprised that Dan’s one of my best friends, and Emma’s very close to me—well, everyone is.
“It sounds cheesy, but we’re actually a bit of a Potter family. It’s quite fun.”
He then added something sad about their bond, noting how it’s “unfortunate” that they’re never really in the same part of the world at the same time.
Tom noted how they “rarely get a chance to get together”.
