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“A wall of people”: Aussie among 153 killed in Halloween stampede

<p dir="ltr">A young Australian is among 153 people who died in a Halloween crowd crush in South Korea.</p> <p dir="ltr">The news was confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Sunday, as “urgent inquiries” continue to help other affected Australians.</p> <p dir="ltr">At least one other dual citizen is in a stable condition in intensive care, as reports emerge that several other Aussies were injured after thousands of people crowded into a narrow street in Seoul to celebrate Halloween on Saturday night.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Australian embassy in Seoul has been notified of the death of an Australian at the tragic event in Seoul,” DFAT said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Consular officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular assistance to the individual’s family in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Consular officers are also assisting a number of other Australians who were present at the event.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Australian government sends its condolences to the family and others affected by this tragic incident. We ask for the family's privacy to be respected during this difficult time.”<br />Nathan Taverniti, who survived the incident, spoke to Yonhap News Agency, identifying himself as a friend of the victim, a 23-year-old woman, and later spoke about the lack of response from authorities on TikTok.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just can’t believe it. I was in the front of where it happened,” he said while wiping away tears outside Soonchunhyang University Hospital where some of the victims’ bodies were located.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All I could see was a wall of people.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Taverniti said it was “impossible” to save his friend.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People need to know how bad it was and how little help there was,” he said, adding that he spent Sunday desperately searching for her body.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t know where she is,” he continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t find any info … the consulate doesn’t know where she is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In his TikTok video, Mr Taverniti condemned South Korean authorities for their slow response time, claiming it took half an hour for police to arrive and even longer for other emergency services.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was there when she said she couldn’t breathe,” he said through tears.<br />“There was no stampede. It was a slow and agonising crush.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This crush was not caused by drunk people. It was a lack of planning (from the) police force and emergency services, and nobody was willing to help.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I watched as people sang and filmed and laughed while my friends were dying, along with many other people.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nobody was doing anything to make the crowd stop.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to officials, dozens of attendees went into cardiac arrest following the fatal crush of a 100-000 strong crowd at around 10.22 pm, with hundreds believed to be injured.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia Jacovic, an Aussie living in Seoul, told Channel Nine about how she managed to escape the crush, describing the crowd as “shoulder-to-shoulder”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was really hard, I had bruises on my arms from trying to manoeuvre out but we got on the sidelines luckily and we were standing up on this brick wall and we could see above,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was just shoulder-to-shoulder, people couldn’t breathe the shorter people were trying to look up in the air to get some air.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just wanted to get out of there... I don’t care that my clothes were getting ripped.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to local emergency responders, many of the victims were women in their teens or early twenties.</p> <p dir="ltr">Officials added that the incident was believed to have occurred after a large crowd began pushing forward in a narrow alley upon hearing that a celebrity was nearby.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-16cea9fb-7fff-ec20-c6b8-882c6dcecfe7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Along with 1700 emergency workers, 15 ‘disaster’ medical teams were also deployed to help in the aftermath, but emergency services were still overwhelmed by the sheer number of victims.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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7th century gold coins found hidden in wall

<p dir="ltr">A collection of coins have been found concealed in a wall at a nature reserve in what has been described as an "extremely significant archaeological find".</p> <p dir="ltr">During an excavation at the Hermon Stream (Banias) in Israel, archaeologists found 44 gold coins dating back to the 7th century.</p> <p dir="ltr">Weighing in at about 170g, experts estimate that the hoard was hidden during the Muslim conquest in 635 CE.</p> <p dir="ltr">They say the discovery sheds light on this significant moment in history which saw the end of the Byzantine rule in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We can imagine the owner concealing his fortune in the threat of war, hoping to return one day to retrieve his property," Yoav Lerer, the director of the excavation, told the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63122180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e2de019e-7fff-f560-1b33-b05e0737cf0b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">"In retrospect, we know that he was less fortunate."</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/ancient-coins1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Numismatic (currency) expert Dr Gabriela Bijovsky of the Israel Antiquities Authority said some of the coins were minted by Emperor Phocas (602-610 CE), while the majority were of his successor, Emperor Heraclius, with the latest coins the latter minted dating back to 635 CE.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eli Escusido, the director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said it was a significant find and that the public could soon see the coins for themselves.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The coin hoard is an extremely significant archaeological find as it dates back to an important transitional period in the history of the city of Banias and the entire region of the Levant," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The Israel Antiquities Authority, together with the National Parks Authority, will work together to exhibit the treasure to the public."</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with the coins, Israeli authorities said the excavation also uncovered remains of buildings and bronze coins, as well as water channels and pipes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1fc84529-7fff-21de-638e-0c0babadf54e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Israel Antiquities Authority (Facebook)</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Artist goes viral for “peekaboo” wall design

<p dir="ltr">A US artist has gone viral after revealing the results of an experiment she conducted with some paint and a wall in her loft apartment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kelly, an interior decorator and artist behind KRÜGERarts, has been praised by fans for starting a new trend online when she shared what happened when she painted a unique, nature-inspired mural over the top of blue matte paint.</p> <p dir="ltr">Using semi-gloss paint in the same colour as the flat matte paint, Kelly created a design that appears when hit by light but disappears into the background colour in shadow. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I love the way that this is going to add texture,” she says in a TikTok clip showing how she created the look.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It plays with the natural lighting, but because it’s the same colour, it won’t be too overwhelming in this small space.” </p> <p dir="ltr">In a clip revealing the final result, Kelly described it as a "peekaboo effect".</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think it looks beautiful," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's there, and then it's not."</p> <p dir="ltr">Her initial reveal video soon went viral, receiving 2.3 million views, nearly 700,000 likes, and thousands of comments - including plenty from fans, fellow artists and others planning to do something similar in their own homes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are so talented, I love what you created here,” one user wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My wife and I close on a house next Friday. We will absolutely be doing this. Thanks for the inspo!” another shared.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a7da5218-7fff-6119-ab02-da488ae50949"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I literally gasped. This is beautiful,” a third commented.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/wall-art1.jpg" alt="" width="1079" height="1879" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Kelly achieved her ‘peekaboo’ look by painting a semi-gloss pattern over matte blue paint. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">In response to the popularity of the video, Kelly revealed she will be releasing wallpaper and fabric featuring her design, available in multiple colours from Spoonflower.</p> <p dir="ltr">When we asked for her advice for those keen to achieve something similar in their interior spaces, Kelly, who has been working in interior decorating for the past ten years, told OverSixty that planning is key.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Choose a wall that makes sense in regards to lighting. Doing this technique on a wall with natural or varying light will give best results,” Kelly advises.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I planned my design ahead and mapped it out in chalk so it was easy to paint the semi gloss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I would freehand your design if you can. Using tape will leave edges on your paint that will be difficult to paint over in the future. Although for some designs it would be worth the tape edges for a perfect line.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with sharing artistic experiments, Kelly has been keeping fans up-to-date with the remodelling of her home, her paint-and-stick wallpaper designs, and other arty projects.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find Kelly online, head to her <a href="https://www.krugerarts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> or follow her on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kruger_arts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kruger_arts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a>with the handle @kruger_arts.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e9420b10-7fff-ae11-fcff-936a5523572b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @kruger_arts (Instagram)</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Olivia Newton-John’s daughter shares never seen before footage

<p dir="ltr">Olivia Newton-John's daughter has shared a beautiful behind-the-scenes video of a duet she did with her mother.</p> <p dir="ltr">Chloe Rose Lattanzi shared the video to Instagram of her and her mum singing <em>Window In The Wall </em>at Olivia’s home studio.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 36-year-old could be seen smiling at her mother as the pair hugged, smiled and began to sing the beautiful song.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are my lighthouse mama. My safe place. My heart space. It has been my honor and continues to be my honor to be your baby and best friend,” Chloe wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are an angel on earth and everyone touched by you has been blessed. I love you forever my life giver, my teacher, my mama.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The song was released in January 2021 and at the time Olivia knew it was one that she wanted to sing with her daughter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve always enjoyed singing duets more than singing on my own, and when I first heard this song, I knew immediately that I wanted to sing it with my daughter Chloe,” she previously said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The lyrics and melody really resonated with me, and I hoped Chloe would feel the same way – and luckily, she did!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Chloe at the time also knew it was a song she wanted to perform with her mother when she played it for her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When my mom played the song for me I knew I wanted to record it, not only because it was with my mom but, I felt the lyrics and message might help people see things from another perspective,” Chloe said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are all part of the same human race and if we listen to each other, respect each other and love each other - for both our likenesses and our differences - we might just understand each other a lot more.”</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/reel/ChC-Nr8j1_w/?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/reel/ChC-Nr8j1_w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The heartwarming behind-the-scenes video comes following the devastating news of Olivia’s death on Monday at her home in California.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 73-year-old fought her breast cancer diagnosis for 30 years but unfortunately succumbed to it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The news of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Olivia’s passing was announced by her husband</a> John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research:</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."</p> <p dir="ltr">Her daughter Chloe also shared a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series of heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family have also accepted a state funeral from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Neighbours at war over man’s 6m backyard wall

<p dir="ltr">Many of us got bored during lockdown, because, let’s be honest, there are only so many things you can bake and only so many episodes of<span> </span><em>Friends<span> </span></em>you can watch in a row. One man's solution for this was decidedly more unusual than everyone else’s boredom busters – he decided to build a 5.65-metre fence in his Chester Hill backyard in Western Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that he decided to build the fence both because he was bored in lockdown, and because he wanted some privacy. He dubs his new wall ‘The Great Wall of Chester Hill’, although there’s no word if this Great Wall can be seen from space. It’s three times the height of your typical suburban fence, and his neighbours are far from thrilled about Ali’s newfound hobby.</p> <p dir="ltr">Telling<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/sydney-nsw/neighbours-outraged-over-sydney-mans-ugly-6m-wall-in-backyard/news-story/382420d5a6cc4fa5c8789ceba8918063" target="_blank">A Current Affair</a><span> </span></em>that he must have had a ‘Covid brain explosion’, Ali said, “Well, when you’re sitting at home and you’re not allowed to go nowhere and the neighbours are looking at you, you say ’you know what? I’m going to build a bloody wall.” He added, “It‘s like going to an art museum when you look at it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The wall is made from a steel frame, posts and potted gum timber. It even includes a panel that lights up in the dark. Meanwhile, the back of the wall, the side Ali can’t see, has wires and nails sticking out. Ali explained that he was going to do a nice feature wall on the other side, “but when you have d**khead neighbours, then that‘s what happens.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Neighbours have complained to Cumberland Council numerous times, saying that the wall was incredibly high and blocked the view.</p> <p dir="ltr">In his defence, Ali pointed out that all he had done was replace a row of dying trees with this new structure that was the exact same height.</p> <p dir="ltr">But despite his protestations, Ali has been issued with a notice for the wall to be removed within two weeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ali said that he’s put in a late appeal, but will sell the fence if necessary. As for who might be interested in owning Chester Hill’s very own Great Wall, he didn’t say.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

Real Estate

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Couple makes shocking discovery in farmhouse walls

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Sara Weaver and her husband expected to put some work into their new home in Pennsylvania, they didn’t expect the 450,000 bees that had been living in the walls for 35 years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The couple bought the 1872 farmhouse in December last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The seller’s disclosure mentioned there were bees living in the walls, but the couple found that the buzzing insects didn’t pose much of a threat when they bought the home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On the seller’s disclosure it said ‘bees in wall’ and that was it,” Weaver said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think because one, we didn’t see them and two, we were just so floored that we actually found land in the [school] district that was within our price range that I didn’t really ask any questions about those bees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I didn’t think it would be that big of an issue.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It didn’t even cross my mind, but when spring arrived that’s when we started to see them.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842964/bees.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a2e8ea1bf244480e8ccb3f783354cc04" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: CNN</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When they bought the home, the seller was no longer living in the house and it had fallen into a poor state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The condition this house was in was horrendous,” Weaver said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was so dirty and now that I’m thinking about it, I originally thought it was dirt on the windows that I cleaned but it was probably honey because there were drip marks.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the couple didn’t do a home inspection at the time, Weaver admits that they should have in hindsight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They now have to fork out $NZD 16,766 to remove the bees and reconstruct the home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Weavers found Allan Lattanzi, a general contractor and professional experienced beekeeper, to take on the task.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, when he arrived at the home, he realised he had been there before.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Four years prior, he had been called to the property by the previous owner, but she couldn’t bear the cost of removing them and ended up selling the home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lattanzi estimates that 450,000 bees were living in the walls of the farmhouse.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ce3e925104b44616afba383da0360a01" /><img style="width: 500px; height:281.3636363636364px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842968/210802100229-01-pa-honeybee-removal-trnd-super-169.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ce3e925104b44616afba383da0360a01" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: CNN</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over a week, Lattanzi removed each tile from the portion of the home the bees occupied, and found the queen on Friday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He has since relocated the three honeybee colonies that were in the home, to Yerkes Honey Farm, his farm where he houses honeybees in man-made hives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The bees were docile for a colony that has been there for a while,” Lattanzi said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Normally when a colony is in a dwelling for a while they’re usually defensive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Normally when I pull a slate tile off a house I’m instantaneously covered in very defensive bees attacking me, but most of these girls were pretty docile,” he explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Throughout the entire process, I may have only gotten stung five or six times.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Weavers are currently renting the home out to tenants, with plans to eventually move into the house themselves in the future.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: CNN</span></em></p>

Real Estate

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Russell Crowe "put through a wall" on crazy night out

<p><span>NRL great Bryan Fletcher has opened up about his encounter with Russell Crowe that left the two scrapping on a boozy night out.</span><br /><br /><span>Featuring on Brett Finch’s '<em>Uncensored</em>' podcast, Fletcher revealed the wild night he had with his South Sydney teammates and Crowe in the mid-2000s.</span><br /><br /><span>Fletcher was the Rabbitohs captain in 2003 when he joined the club from the Roosters, however the team had suffered a nightmare season after winning only three games.</span><br /><br /><span>The 47-year-old said he'd never met Crowe before his move to South Sydney, but had heard a rumour that the Hollywood star had promised to take the 2002 team to the Playboy Mansion if they made the finals.</span><br /><br /><span>Fletcher says he was left with his mind in a scramble after Crowe contacted him near the middle of the 2003 season.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841241/rabbitohs-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/03710573c68e4e7699511d8951dec960" /><br /><br /><span>Fletcher however believed it was not actually Crowe on the other end of the line, and instead one of his teammates was pranking him.</span><br /><br /><span>“I said, ‘How’s Meg? Is she good in the cot?’” Fletcher told Finch, referring to Meg Ryan who Crowe was dating during that time.</span><br /><br /><span>“I said something more crude than that.</span><br /><br /><span>“Then there was awkward silence and he goes, ‘Fletch, it’s Russell. Russell Crowe’.</span><br /><br /><span>"And when he dropped his voice I knew straight away it was him and I’ve just gone, ‘F***, how do I get out of this?’”</span><br /><br /><span>It turns out Crowe had wanted the South Sydney players to bring a pair of nice clothes after their training in order to take them out.</span><br /><br /><span>“My imagination just starts going so by the time I get to Sutto (John Sutton) who’s the 17th bloke, I said, ‘Sutto, you’re not going to believe this bro, we are going to the Playboy Mansion’,” Fletcher said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Everyone is frothing, thinking they’re going to the Playboy Mansion.”</span><br /><br /><span>Sadly enough, the Rabbitohs didn’t go to LA, but instead arrived at a hotel in Woolloomooloo where cricket greats Shane Warne and Merv Hughes were waiting to kick them into gear with some inspirational words.</span><br /><br /><span>However the night took a turn around 9 pm when Crowe brought out some bottles of Absinthe.</span><br /><br /><span>“We went through 10 bottles. Ten bottles later and we’re going mad. It’s on. Blokes are cheering and carrying on,” Fletcher said.</span><br /><br /><span>He went on to say Crowe had challenged him to some footy.</span><br /><br /><span>“It was an odd time but I’m thinking, ‘You’ve got to humour Russ, he’s put this drink on for us’,” Fletcher said.</span><br /><br /><span>“So Russell comes running at me and I tackle him how I always have my whole career and I miss him. He runs behind me and dives down behind an imaginary set of posts.</span><br /><br /><span>“I said, ‘Good on you Russ’ and kept walking. I take two steps and I get pushed in the back. It’s Russ. He just stops in front of me and he goes, ‘You f***ing dog. You’re a f***ing cat. You’re a waste of money, you’re South Sydney’s worst ever captain’.</span><br /><br /><span>"He was right but he didn’t have to say it to my face.</span><br /><br /><span>“The boys have jerried to what’s going on … I got the s**ts and said, ‘Let’s just do this again’.</span><br /><br /><span>“He basically gets up and runs at me and I get under his ribs and drive him … and put him through a wall and the boys are just going, ‘What the f*** are you doing? Why are you doing this?’</span><br /><br /><span>“Russ pops up, just shakes his head and goes, ‘That’s what I want to see!’ That was his motivation, so we end up having a terrific night, getting on the p***.”</span><br /><br /><span>Crowe's motivational tactics seemed to do the job as the Rabbitohs would go on to thrash Melbourne Storm that weekend.</span><br /><br /><span>However their victory was short-lived.</span><br /><br /><span>“We beat them 42-10 and we did not win another game all year,” Fletcher admitted.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Can you spot the snake hiding in this wall?

<p>Moorabool Shire councillor and sometimes snake catcher Jarrod Bingham posted a photo of a hidden serpent on Facebook. Can you spot the snake hiding in the wall?</p> <p>Here’s the full image to get a better look:</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCrJarrodBingham%2Fposts%2F1933664790187643&amp;width=500" width="500" height="643" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p>Did you see it? For the answer, scroll through the gallery above.</p> <p>While there’s only one snake picture, apparently it wasn’t the only one present.</p> <p>Mr Bingham says there was another snake tucked away in the rock wall located near the factor in Melton, and it’s believed the two serpents were mating.  </p> <p>“Removing the snakes unfortunately is a very difficult task when they are in these rock walls,” he said.</p> <p>“Apparently there is two hiding in there (mating pair) - it is mating season after all.”</p> <p>While Mr Bingham has experience with snakes, he reiterated in his posts that normal people should never approach a serpent, not only for safety, but for legal reasons too.</p> <p>"They (snakes) are a protected species and without the proper training and licences it is also highly dangerous as like all wild animals they are unpredictable - I can't stress enough that no body should be copying the things that I do."</p> <p>"If you see a snake whilst out outdoors, stay calm and just relax.</p> <p>"If you are far enough away from the snake then feel free to slowly walk backwards.</p> <p>"If you're too close to the snake because you didn't see him in time then stay very still, and remember no sudden movements and a snake will not feel threatened.</p> <p>"Then call a snake catcher."</p> <p>Did you see the snake? </p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Facebook / Cr Jarrod 'snakecatcher' Bingham</em></p>

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DIY Indra wall hanging

<p>This easy-to-make, yet attractive, wall hanging is 75cm (291/2 in) high and 22cm (83/4  in) wide and uses a repeat pattern that can be extended to make it wider or longer.</p> <p><strong>Knots used (images in gallery):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lark’s head knot (LHK) </li> <li>Right-facing square knot (RFSK) </li> <li>Alternating square knot (ASK) </li> <li>Overhand knot (OK) </li> </ul> <p><strong>What you need:</strong></p> <ul> <li>51m of twined or braided</li> <li>2.5mm cotton rope</li> <li>35cm wooden dowel</li> <li>Tape</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cut the following: 18 cords, each 2.8m (31/8 yd) long</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Tape the ends of your cords to keep them from fraying. Fold each cord in half and attach it to the dowel using a lark’s head knot (LHK).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The chart (see below) for this wall hanging is divided into five sections. When section five is completed, the pattern repeats sections two to five until you have finished the pattern, ending with a repeat of sections two and three. To separate each section, leave a little space between the alternating square knots (about 6mm/1/4 in).</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="570" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39384/intext-1-wall-hanging-2-new_500x570.jpg" alt="Intext 1 Wall Hanging 2 NEW (1)"/></p> <p><strong>What to do:</strong></p> <p>1. For the first section, tie 2 right-facing square knots (RFSK) using the first 4 cords, skip 4 cords and then tie another 2 right-facing square knots using the next 4 cords, repeating this sequence to</p> <p>the end of the row. Then tie 1 right-facing square knot on each set of 4 cords that you skipped the first time, a total of 14 square knots.</p> <p>2. For the second section, skip the 2 first cords, then tie an alternating square knot (ASK) with every set of 4 cords. Skip the 2 last cords, to make a total of 8 square knots. Underneath each of these knots, tie another right-facing square knot to create a row of 8 sennits with 2 right-facing square knots in each.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="685" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39382/intext-2_499x685.jpg" alt="Intext 2"/></p> <p>3. For the third section, skip the first 4 cords, then tie an alternating square knot with the next 4 cords, skip the next 4 cords, tie another alternating square knot with the next 4 cords, repeating this sequence to the end of the row, to make 4 square knots. Underneath each of these knots, tie 2 more right-facing square knots to create a row of 4 sennits with 3 right-facing square knots in each.</p> <p>4. For the fourth section, skip the 2 first cords, then tie an alternating square knot with every set of 4 cords and a right-facing square knot beneath (the same as in step 2), a total of 16 square knots.</p> <p>5. For the fifth section, tie an alternating square knot with the first 4 cords, then tie 2 more right-facing square knots directly beneath it to create a sennit of 3 right-facing square knots. Make a right-facing square knot with the next 4 cords, placing it at the same level as the middle knot of the previous 3 knots. Repeat this sequence to the end of the row, a total of 19 square knots.</p> <p>6. Repeat sections 2–5 two more times, then tie sections 2 and 3 once more.</p> <p>7. Cut all the cords to the same length, then tie decorative overhand knots (OK) at the bottom of each cord. Fray the end of the cords beneath each knot to get a tassel effect</p> <p><img width="159" height="200" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39383/macrame-cover_159x200.jpg" alt="Macrame Cover" style="float: right;"/></p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>Macramé<em> by Fanny Zedenius published by Quadrille RRP $27.99 (NZ price) and is available in stores nationally.Image credit: Kim Lightbody</em></p>

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Family tormented by alarm clock stuck in wall for 13 years

<p>A US family has been tormented by their alarm clock for decades, forced to listen to the ring at the same time every day for the past 13 years.</p> <p>You see the alarm clock is wedge inside the wall of Jerry Lynn’s home in Ross Township, north of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania.</p> <p>So how did the bizarre set of circumstances occur in the first place?</p> <p>Jerry admitted to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/06/15/stuck-alarm-clock-13-years/" target="_blank">CBS Pittsburgh</a></strong></span> he’s the reason the alarm clock is in the wall.</p> <p>Back in 2004, he wanted to drill a hole in the wall in the bottom storey of his home for a TV cable. But he wasn’t sure where to drill so he came up with the idea to tie an alarm clock to a string and lower it through an air vent on the second storey and let the ring guide him.</p> <p><img width="499" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38462/jerry_499x375.jpg" alt="Jerry"/></p> <p>Setting the alarm for 10 minutes, Jerry lowered the alarm clock but it fell into the wall.</p> <p>“All of I sudden I heard it go thunk as it went loose and I thought ‘well that’s not a real problem, it’s still going to go off and it did,” he said.</p> <p>As the alarm clock had fallen from the string, Jerry couldn’t pull it back up. He thought he would just let it ring until it ran out of battery.</p> <p>“That was September 2004,” he said.</p> <p>“It is still going off every day. In daylight savings it goes off 10 minutes to eight every night and during regular standard time, 10 minutes to seven,” he told CBS.</p> <p>While you’d think that the daily dings would be enough to drive someone crazy, Jerry’s family is so used to the ring it doesn’t faze them at all anymore, but it does surprise their house guests.</p> <p>“It starts as a soft beep, beep, beep, beep, beep and it gets more louder and closer together and you get people saying ‘what is that?’,” Jerry’s wife said.</p>

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Spanish street artist turns walls into visual illusions

<p>Some artists will splash colours on a canvas. Others mould shapes out of clay. And there are those who choose an entirely different medium to bring their art into the world.</p> <p>Pejac, a street artist from Spain, is one such artist who has developed quite a reputation for creating eye-catching works using unconventional methods.</p> <p>His latest works are a great example of this.</p> <p>Taken from the streets of Paris, Pejac has transformed a series of innocuous looking walls into visual illusions that capture the attention of anyone who passes by.</p> <p>To see all the images, scroll through the gallery above. We’ve featured three of Pejac’s best pieces, and you can see more of his work <a href="http://www.pejac.es/outdoor/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Which image is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Pejac</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/05/10-gorgeous-photos-from-seaside-towns-in-italy/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 gorgeous photos from seaside towns in Italy</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/05/10-breathtaking-photos-new-zealand-beautiful-roads/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 breathtaking photos of New Zealand’s beautiful roads</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/05/aerial-tour-of-beautiful-flower-field-in-the-netherlands/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Aerial tour of beautiful flower field in the Netherlands</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Very proud granny covers cushions, tablecloths, walls, curtains and more in pictures of grandkids

<p>Could this be the world’s proudest grandmother? 66-year-old Carmen Baugh has taken her love of her grandchildren to the next level, wallpapering and decorating her house in their photos and even wearing their pictures.</p> <p>That’s right, this US grandma has her grandchildren’s photos covering her walls, curtains, cushions and tablecloths. While it may seem a bit overboard to us, her family love it. Baugh told <a href="http://press.spoonflower.com/worlds-proudest-grandma/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spoonflower</span></strong></a> that her husband Bob “thinks it’s great” but that her grandkids, aged 6 and 3, took a bit longer to come around.</p> <p>“My granddaughter exclaimed ‘Oh my!’ But she and her brother then rushed straight to the wallpaper and started picking out their own photos,” she says. “They loved it all, including the pillows.”</p> <p>See her family-filled world in the pictures above and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/grandma-photobombs-real-estate-pictures/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Grandma hilariously photobombs her real estate pictures</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/90-year-old-nana-love-to-keep-tabs-on-family-through-facebook/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>90-year-old Nana loves to keep tabs on family through Facebook</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/girls-gets-spelling-of-grandma-wrong/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Little girl gets spelling of grandma adorably wrong</strong></em></span></a></p>

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8 captivating images of snow on The Great Wall

<p>The only man-made structure visible from space, The Great Wall of China is a must-see.</p> <p>These pictures from winter on The Great Wall emphasise its beauty.</p> <p><img width="500" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11375/china-snow-one_500x330.jpg" alt="China Snow One"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11376/china-snow-two_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Two"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11377/china-snow-three_499x334.jpg" alt="China Snow Three"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11378/china-snow-four_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Four"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11379/china-snow-five_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Five"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11380/china-snow-six_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Six"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11381/china-snow-seven_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Seven"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11382/china-snow-eight_499x332.jpg" alt="China Snow Eight"/></p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></a> to read more about Over60 Travel Insurance. <br /></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p>

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8 pieces of wall art that you can easily make yourself

<p>Why struggle to find that perfect – and often expensive – piece of art for your wall when you can easily make it yourself? Try out one of these eight awesome DIY wall art ideas that are sure to add a personalised touch to your home.</p> <p><strong>1. CD mosaic</strong></p> <p><img width="340" height="604" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7414/creative-fun-for-all-ages-with-easy-diy-wall-art-projects_homesthetocsnet-2.jpg" alt="Creative -Fun -For -All -Ages -With -Easy -DIY-Wall -Art -Projects _homesthetocs .net -2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/><br /> <br /> If you’ve got an assortment of unwanted CDs and want to add a reflective flare to your wall, try this CD mosaic. All you need is scissors, an adhesive, CDs, and a sturdy canvas. Cut up CDs into various sizes using sharp scissors. If you find that the CDs tear or crumble under your effort, try industrial strength scissors. From here, just glue the CD shards, reflective side up, in an abstract pattern across your canvas, let dry, and you’re done!</p> <p><em>Photo source: http://homesthetics.net/</em></p> <p><strong>2. Rainbow rain drops</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="458" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7415/rain_500x458.jpg" alt="Rain" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>If you want to add a bit of colour to your or your grandchild’s room, try this simple wall piece using numerous colours of thick felt. Cut a large cloud out of a white or grey felt, then create rain drops in colour. Use fishing line to string the drops at alternating lengths from the cloud and hang. <a href="http://www.woohome.com/interiors/top-28-most-adorable-diy-wall-art-projects-for-kids-room"><br /></a></p> <p><em>Photo source: woohome.com</em></p> <p><strong>3. Doily canvas</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="666" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7416/img_5613-e1336408671169-500x666.jpg" alt="IMG_5613-e 1336408671169-500x 666" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong><br /> This piece can add a feminine touch to any room. All you need is a canvas, various-sized doilies (the number of which will vary depending on the size of your canvas) and spray paint in your desired colour. Just lay the canvas flat over a drop cloth, place your doilies where desired, and give the canvas a thorough coating of paint. Wait a few minutes and remove the doilies from the canvas, where they will have left their contrasting silhouette behind.<br /> <br /><em>Photo source: http://shealynnbenner.com/</em></p> <p><strong>4. Twined words</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="499" height="390" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7417/yarn-love-sign_10-1_499x390.jpg" alt="Yarn -Love -Sign _10-1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong><br /> <br /> This adorable wall piece can be created using a base of either cardboard or wire. For the cardboard, cut it into your desired lettering. For wire, bend its shape until it is manipulated into the word you wish to form. The rest is simple: tape or glue-gun your yarn to one end of the word, wrap it around continuously until the entire piece is covered, and hang!</p> <p><em>Photo source: http://diycandy.com/</em></p> <p><strong>5. Yarn wrap CDs</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="400" height="268" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7418/dsc_0153.jpg" alt="DSC_0153" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong><br /> <br /> This piece is a hybrid of number 1 and 4: yarn wrapped CDs. This one is more of a long term project, but that means you can enlist your grandchildren for help and work on it together. Using different coloured yarns, weave simple or intricate designs around the CDs: the funkier the better. Attach together and hang. The best part? You can continue the memories by adding to your collection over time.</p> <p><em><a href="http://makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/update-on-weaving-project.html"></a>Photo source: makeitawonderfullife</em></p> <p><strong>6. Fish scale canvas</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7420/let_s_go_sunning_hga3dt_500x500.jpg" alt="Let _s _Go _Sunning _hga 3dt" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong><br /> Care to add a little texture to your wall? You might want to try this fish scale wall canvas. Just cut out circles of poster board in your desired colour (you can spray paint these if you wish.) Apply these circles to your canvas, overlapping in layers. You will need to trim the outer circles straight to line up with the canvas. </p> <p><em>Photo source: sheknows.com</em></p> <p><strong>7. Geometric colours</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="380" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7421/dsc_01062_500x380.jpg" alt="DSC_01062" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Add an accent colour to your room with this technique. Using painting tape, tape off sections of a canvas in an abstract geometric pattern. Paint over the tape, let dry, and peel away to reveal a dynamic linear display.</p> <p><em><a href="http://thenewdomestic.com/2010/03/weekend-art-project/"></a>Photo source: http://thenewdomestic.com/</em></p> <p><strong>8. Magazine custom quote</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="499" height="373" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7422/diy-canvas-painting-2_499x373.jpg" alt="DIY Canvas Painting 2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>For a customizable, colourful quote, try this magazine project. Using old magazines and a canvas, tear up pages of the magazines and glue them over the surface. To encourage texture, there’s no need to be careful or formulaic in your gluing. Use the prettiest magazine pages where you intend to place your words. Next, spell out your phrase using adhesive lettering. To get your phrase to fit correctly, line up the last letter of each word first. Finally, paint over the entire canvas in white using a sponge brush, let dry, and remove your letters to reveal your quote.</p> <p><em>Photo source: www.six2eleven.net</em></p>

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DIY scalloped feature wall

<p>Add a talking point to your bedroom with this simple design idea for a lovely looking feature wall.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <p>• Scissors</p> <p>• Ink pen</p> <p>• Thick paper or cardboard to make a stencil</p> <p>• Jigsaw</p> <p>• Sharpie Metallic Pen</p> <p>• Roll of sandpaper</p> <p>• Mounting tape</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <p><strong>1. Make wood cutouts</strong></p> <p>Cut out two scallops on the cardboard, and then trace the outline of the smaller scallop onto a piece of 1/8” plywood. Use a jigsaw to cut around the edges and repeat until you have enough scallops to cover the area.</p> <p><strong>2. Stencil the wall.</strong></p> <p>Outline the arch of the larger scallop on your wall using the metallic pen, with the arches connecting on the sides. Under this row create your second row, staggering them so they fall between the arches of the previous row. Continue until the area is covered, then go back and trace the entire form of the smaller scallop inside each of the larger scallops.</p> <p><img width="499" height="360" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7235/gold-sharpie-wall-scallops_499x360.jpg" alt="Gold -Sharpie -Wall -Scallops" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>3. Smooth the edges.</strong></p> <p>Use a sander to smooth out the rough edges of the cutouts.</p> <p><strong>4. Mount.</strong></p> <p>To secure each scallop, place a two-inch strip of mounting tape on the back of each one. Line these up with the smaller outlines on the wall and attach.</p> <p><img width="500" height="319" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7236/apply-scallops-to-the-wall_500x319.jpg" alt="Apply -scallops -to -the -wall" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Photo source: classyclutter.net</em></p>

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