Wednesday Edition

Good morning

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Happy Wednesday and yes, it’s definitely Wednesday. I double-checked the calendar. How are you all doing? Safe, happy and healthy, I hope! And if not, that’s okay too 😊. This time of the year isn’t a fun and joyful time for everyone, so if you are struggling I encourage you to reach out to one of the many incredible professional services that are here to help. I don’t think enough people or media outlets really talk about how much of a struggle the holidays can be for some people and I’d love to break that stigma. As someone who has personally been through multiple years of awful Christmases where I felt very alone, I just want to remind anyone who is feeling that way right now, that you aren’t alone. There is ALWAYS someone you can reach out to. This is a big reason why I was adamant to keep these newsletters coming over the Christmas break. I didn’t want anyone to feel like they didn’t have someone with them through these tough times.

Please, try to do something today that lifts your spirits. For me, as silly as it may sound, it’s having a coffee and a piece of chocolate (or three) for breakfast. Not the healthiest option I know, but I know it brings me joy, and even that little bit of joy makes a big difference. I also encourage anyone who may be feeling a little lonely today to try posting on our forum (pick a thread, any thread!) and start a conversation with someone new, or try playing one of our games! They are a great way to feel a little less lonely. I play them all the time. I’ve popped the link to pretty much every game we have just below today’s news stories. So get chatting or get playing, I promise that doing a little something like this will make you feel a little less alone because you aren’t alone. You’re part of this community along with about 199,999 other Australians… That’s not lonely at all!

Now, what’s happening across Australia and around the world today?

• Are you like me and have already forgotten what happened this year? Here are the 22 events that defined 2022. 
• Scam Alert: Fraudsters are gaining access to and locking Aussie out of their own computers. Here’s how to stop them.
• Do you make people take off their shoes when they come into your home? Well, according to scientists that’s what everyone should be doing. Here’s why it’s ‘gross’ to wear shoes inside the house.
• An Aussie renter has been left horrified after receiving a ‘predatory’ letter from a local real estate agent. Is this okay or plain wrong?
• Eating habits are something people constantly analyse and criticise, but these four stories from women who grew-up with diet-obsessed parents will make you think twice.
• Are you a bit thrifty and shop for second-hand clothes where you can? Well, it turns out you thrifty folks are more stylish!
• A cruise ship worker has revealed the ‘secret luxurious areas’ for crew members and my, oh, my, this has made us rethink our careers a little…
• This talented woman completely transformed a budget coffee table into a designer-looking piece using this Kmart buy!
• Are you struggling to grocery shop on a budget? Here’s a grocery list to keep you healthy for under $70.
• Is the politeness of saying hello to strangers on the street a thing of the past? We investigate.
• We often choose them over their sugar-infused counterparts, but what does diet soft drink really do to your body?
• Ever feel like the 'markdowns' you're seeing at supermarkets are a little less compelling than they used to be? Aussies have called out supermarkets for trying to pull the wool over our eyes.
• Finally, we have an incredible fully loaded creamy potato salad recipe for you! It’s creamy, carby, and delicious. Nothing like your average salad. 😉

And that, members, is a wrap of your Wednesday morning news! But thankfully, it’s not the wrap of today’s newsletter. Oh no, I have plenty more good stuff for you below! Including a really interesting trivia question. I had NO idea a food and drink manufacturer popularised Santa’s red and white costume. Did you? We also have a stellar photo of the day thanks to member ​​@Big Al. 

Of course, we still have all the usual games and puzzles for you to enjoy while the team is on leave, including our 3x3 Word Thread, Word Pairs and Abbreviation Game for some fun brain training? We also have our classic games, including Word Association Game, Rearrange, Add or Subtract Word Game! Keep a Word, Drop a Word Game, and Can you name 5? As well as our Sudoku puzzles, OzGrid and OzWord. And our card games, including Solitaire and Blackjack.

As always, members, stay safe and happy reading!

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