Sunday Edition

Good morning

Happy Sunday, dearest SDC members! The weather’s been a lot cooler than the last couple of weeks, and I (Jarred), for one, cannot make up my mind as to whether I like it (as a lover of soups and burying myself in warm blankets while reading a good book!) or am indifferent to it (as anyone can be to how cold or hot their surroundings are). As of now, I’m swinging more toward the former. 😉

Anyway, last night, I was at a friend’s ‘going-away party’. You see, on Tuesday, she sent me a message inviting me to her place for a small gathering with friends and family. Now, I was thinking that maybe she and her beau were heading off on an extended holiday elsewhere, which was why there was the need for a small gathering (odd, I know, but she’s a dear friend, and I could use a trip out of my lair — er, house). So after the usual pleasantries upon arriving at her place, it was then that I found out she was planning to relocate entirely to another country and start a new life there. To say my heart was split was an understatement. On one hand, I was happy for her because she was getting a fresh start in life. I will always love and support her in all her endeavours. But on the other, a part of me was grieving, for lack of a better word, at the thought of a dear friend moving halfway across the globe. That said, I must clarify, I do not wish to make her leaving about me — heavens, no! I am simply sharing the confusing mix of emotions I felt upon hearing the rather sudden news of her departure.

That is why for this Sunday, one quote, in particular, jumped out. It was sent in by our dear member Jane R.:

‘To say goodbye is to die a little.’

I’ve already shared with you all how I am not a goodbye person, and this perfectly captures why. There’s always a little bit of mourning when people part ways, and when you think about it, it’s true in a wide array of situations. But you know, after the sadness of it all, I also realised there’s always the silver lining of hope. The future still has so many possibilities in store, including that one day when my friend and I meet again and go back to the same old routine of updating each other. So until that time comes, I’ll keep looking forward and hoping.

Now, that’s enough from me! Let’s look at what happened across Australia and around the world this week:

• Coles, Woolies, ALDI, and IGA gave us some amazing half-priced deals, such as Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast for $8 per kg, Heinz Chunky Soup or Classic Soup 520g-535g for $2.20, and some winter bedding essentials like flannel blankets starting at $14.99. These deals are still available today!
• This week, the world was absolutely heartbroken when an Oscar-nominated actor who starred in films like Elf and Godzilla, an ABBA band member, a designer behind the ‘60s miniskirt craze, and an Aussie art scene legend passed away. May they all rest in peace.
• POSTIE SCAM ALERT: A new email scam is making the rounds! The tricky part? Even experts say it’s hard to spot — but don’t worry, there are telltale signs you can watch out for, including a dead giveaway spotted by our members.
• Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa, panic-stricken Aussies saw an eerie and familiar sight in supermarkets. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members in this part of Australia at such a difficult time. If you need any help in relation to this, please feel free to post in our Members Helping Members forum.
• Oh no! Woolworths confirmed that a service offering loyal customers monthly grocery discounts would be discontinued, leaving many shoppers disappointed. Are YOU affected by this change?
• Let’s face it: scrubbing can be a hassle. But fret not! A $3.50 Woolworths buy received rave reviews online, and many swear it will leave your bathroom sparkling clean with no scrubbing required!
• YOUR SAY SUNDAY: Voluntary Assisted Dying is a contentious measure that remains illegal only in the ACT and NT. Should it be legalised in all Australian states and territories? We want to hear from YOU.
• Toxic non-stick pans? Dementia-causing aluminium cookware? Unsafe scratch-ridden skillets? You’ve probably heard at least one of these rumours, but how true are they? One expert set the record straight.
• Energy pricing relief is on the way for Australians who could use a helping hand in today’s trying times, but it’s not what many were hoping for: ‘We’ve got to do it in a responsible way.’
• A high-tech laundry gadget that could revolutionise drying clothes caused quite a stir online — but our dear members are having none of it. Read here and find out why!
• Today’s Karl Stefanovic hit the headlines again, but it’s not for something he said — this time, it’s because of what he lost!
• Many Aussies associate Kmart with affordable buys. But recently, many shoppers have aired their frustrations over unpleasant store experiences. Is this a sign of its decline?
• At the height of the COVID pandemic, many turned to pets for companionship during a time of uncertainty and loneliness. Now, animal shelters are bursting at the seams with unwanted pets. How did we get here?
• Is ALDI still the place to go to if you’re on a tight budget? A mum’s $60 shop from the store has sparked intense conversations online: ‘I feel like I’m being robbed in broad daylight.’
• Brrr! Do you feel that persistent autumn chill? Soup would be perfect for times like these — so check out this delicious and nutritious recipe you could whip up in a jiffy!
• And lastly, feast on a cheeky joke from member @mOiOz about alphabet soup! Er, on second thought, don’t — you’ll see why.

I hope what you’ve read so far made for some great Sunday reading! But of course, we still have a lot more prepared for you, including a joke from member @Skipton, a ‘must-see’ ‘Picture of the Day’ from member @Ian1, deals handpicked just for you, and a trivia question sure to get the ol’ noggin working!

Before we move on to our games, did you know you could get dental, optical, and physio cover from under $9 per week?* You could be eligible for latest government rebates which assist in getting cover from just $1.15* per day. Talk to an advisor now and find out if you're eligible and discover how much you could be saving.*

Take the time to enjoy our Alphabetical Bands/Groups Game, Alphabetical Australian Places Game, Change A Letter Game, and 3x3 Word Thread. We still have our beloved classic games, including Word Pairs, Abbreviation Game, 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, classic OzWord, and Ozword (expert edition). 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.