Thursday Edition

Good morning

Good morning, members, and happy Fri- oh wait, it’s Thursday. Whoops! We almost got ahead of ourselves there. Is it obvious that we’re excited for the weekend? I guess we just can’t help it. There’s just so much fun waiting for us! But for those retired members among us, every day is the weekend! Lucky ducks! Whether you’re retired or not, we hope you enjoy today’s newsletter. We have another fantastic lineup for you, so let’s get started, shall we?

First up, it’s time to give you all the answer to yesterday’s tricky riddle. For those of you who don’t remember, the riddle goes:

What has sails but does not go into the water, has a mouth but does not speak?

So, the answer is a windmill! The sails are the blades that spin in the wind, and the mouth is the hole in the centre of the blades. This was a good one and a few of you had no problems solving it. If you got this one correct, congratulations! Stick around, and you’ll find a shout-out waiting for you at the end of the newsletter.

Next on the agenda, it’s time to share a Fascinating Fact!

Did you know that Ethiopia is seven years behind the rest of the world? While most of the world is living in 2022, Ethiopians are in 2015! This is because Ethiopia uses a different calendar from the one most of the world uses. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, and each month has 30 days. The 13th month has five or six days, depending on whether or not it's a leap year. According to BBC, the country calculates the birth year of Jesus Christ differently. When the Catholic Church amended its calculation in 500 AD, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ethiopia, check the calendar first and make sure you’re booking for the right dates! How's that for a Thursday fact, eh?

Now then, members, what’s happening in Australia and around the world in the news today?

• This is not a drill! A new line of treats from a beloved cult ice-cream brand has hit Woolworths shelves, with one fan calling it the ‘best ice cream the company has released by far'.
• Can’t keep up with ALDI’s notoriously fast checkout service? This comedy duo pokes fun at the supermarket in a hilarious new skit. This had us in stitches!
• Bunnings is now selling one of Woolworths' most popular novelty items, which has been flying off the shelves - but with a few key differences.
• Coles is launching a new delivery system that will deliver goods within minutes. Will you be among the first to enjoy the convenient albeit futuristic-feeling service?
• This clever mum transformed a pair of $12 Kmart sandals into a believable Birkenstock dupe. Can you tell the difference?
• Attention drivers! Fill your tanks now, petrol prices are expected to skyrocket to $2.14 per litre within a week!
• Had too much to drink last night? This woman's 'hangover drink' will help you feel better in no time (and it only requires four ingredients)!
• Thinking of buying a ticket for tonight's Powerball draw? Check out these secrets from Australia’s richest lottery winner ahead of this week’s record 160-million dollar prize draw.
• This mum has sparked a debate after putting her festive decor up in October. But when is the right time to put up your Christmas tree? Should you really wait until December 1st?
• LOOK: This 57-year-old supermodel looks flawless as she strips down to promote her new project.
• Sunrise star Sam Mac has taken a surprising swipe at Robert Irwin as the pair engaged in a playful competition. Whose side are you on?
• Here’s a nerdy joke for all you science lovers out there! Get ready to laugh at this clever chemistry pun from @mOiOz!
• And finally, are you craving a hearty yet healthy salad? This roast potato and pea salad will hit the spot!

Oh, and if you do not receive our afternoon newsletter, we think it’s really important you read this story about the Federal Budget that was released on Tuesday night. We have taken a deep dive into what’s happening and EVERYTHING that is going to impact you. Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Is this what you were expecting? What did you want to see? What didn’t you want to see? Tell us everything you think here.

So there you have it, members! Your Thursday news, all wrapped up nice and neat. But don’t go anywhere just yet! We’ve still got plenty more in store, including a lovely memory from @Caroleboxsell in our 'Yesterday's Australia' segment, a stunning 'Picture of the day' brought to us by @Piet56, and an interesting trivia question.

If you're looking for something a little more challenging, check out our Word Association Game, Song Lyric Story Game and Rearrange, Add or Subtract Word Game!

Of course, as always we have our classic games including 3 Word Story, Can you name 5? and Be careful what you wish for. As well as our Sudoku puzzles, OzGrid and OzWord, and our Keep a Word, Drop a Word Game. And our card games, including Solitaire and Blackjack.

Lastly, don't forget to enter our ‘best piece of advice’ competition. We want to hear the best piece of advice you’ve ever received or given, and the person with the best advice will receive a $100 voucher to your choice of Coles, Woolies, ALDI or IGA!

As always, members, stay safe and happy reading!

- Jonathan, Vella, Sean, James, Sethia, April & Maddie.