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I’m a female solo traveller and I’ve felt unsafe in these four countries

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I’m a female solo traveller and I’ve felt unsafe in these four countries
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  • A TikToker has shared to 301,500 followers the countries she felt most unsafe in 
  • While nothing happened to the pro-traveller she warned followers to be vigilant 

For many people, especially women, travelling alone can be a rewarding experience. 

As the scenes in Eat Pray Love suggest, solo trips can be a great way to find yourself and learn important lessons along the way. 

And, over the last few years, the travel industry has somewhat shifted, leading to more women exploring the world on their own. 

Yet, despite the growing trend, women still face a unique set of challenges when abroad, arguably different to those faced by men. 

Sharing to her 301,500 followers, one TikToker highlighted four countries she felt unsafe in as a female traveller. 

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Captioning the now-viral video, Chloe Jade said: ‘This was a video that was requested by many people so I decided that I should make it.’

The travel-pro stressed that she has never run into any serious issues in these countries, but told her followers that it’s important to always be ‘vigilant’ and ‘aware’ wherever you go. 

Chloe said that while she has felt ‘unsafe’ in these countries, her experiences should not dissuade you from visiting these ‘amazing’ countries. 

I’m a female solo traveller and I’ve felt unsafe in these four countries

TikTok traveller Chloe Jade has shared four countries she has felt unsafe in as a woman, warning her followers to be ‘vigilant’ and ‘aware’

Though Chloe said she never fell into any serious trouble in any of these places, she said the video has been requested countless times by her followers

Though Chloe said she never fell into any serious trouble in any of these places, she said the video has been requested countless times by her followers

Paris

The first location the US-based traveller felt uneasy visiting was Paris. Though she has visited the city around six times, she felt most at risk during her first trip. 

Chloe, who was 22 at the time, said she had met up with a local while there, but it became clear to her the two had ‘different intentions.’

She said the man had ‘lured’ her into getting a beer with him and tried to get her to go down a dark alleyway far from her hotel room.  

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Chloe said: ‘I told him to f-off and I ran back to my hotel.’

She said: ‘I passed out as soon as I got back, I had cold sweats the whole night and I felt like he definitely put something in my drink.’

Marrakesh

 Chloe said that while she enjoyed her trip to Morocco and didn’t feel ‘super unsafe’ in Marrakesh, that her Turkish friend felt uncomfortable walking through the streets of the city. 

‘Now overall, I loved my trip to Morocco and I actually enjoyed my time in Marrakesh as well but Dilar was with me and she did not feel super safe on the streets in Marrakesh.

The TikToker said: ‘It’s a very old city so the walls are very tight together and there’s little passageways everywhere although I personally did not feel super unsafe a lot of the young men were pretty aggressive.’

While nothing bad happened on the trip, she the pro-traveller felt it was important to mention.  

Pattaya, Thailand

Chloe told her followers that while she ‘absolutely loves’ Thailand, they should avoid Pattaya. 

Explaining why she felt unsafe, she said: ‘It just feels gross, there’s so many foreign men that are coming there to you know do terrible things and it made me feel extremely uncomfortable.’

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Belgrade, Serbia

Chloe warned her American followers that she was met with ‘hostility’ while entering the country. 

While nothing bad happened to her, she said she experienced the disapproval from the moment she entered the country.

Contemplating why, she told her followers: ‘Overall I think it was just that they really did not like Americans.

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Michelangelo secretly painted a common women’s health condition into his Sistine Chapel masterpiece. So, can you spot it?

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Michelangelo secretly painted a common women’s health condition into his Sistine Chapel masterpiece. So, can you spot it?
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Researchers from the University of Paris-Saclay have identified signs of breast cancer in a woman featured in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece, ‘The Flood’.

This includes a deformed nipple and a slight bulge in her breast, which is ‘consistent with a lump’.

The researchers believe the representation of breast cancer may have been a message on the inevitability of death.

‘Michelangelo’s depiction in “The Flood” suggests characteristics of breast cancer,’ the researchers wrote in their study.

‘The evidence of the pathology is fully corroborated by the symbolism and the theological meaning underlying this representation of life and death.’

The Sistine Chapel – Cappella Sistina in Italian – is known for the stunning frescoes that decorate its ceiling, which were painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.

Despite their worldwide fame, scientists are still spotting new details in his works. 

Michelangelo secretly painted a common women’s health condition into his Sistine Chapel masterpiece. So, can you spot it?

In a new study, researchers from the University of Paris-Saclay have identified signs of breast cancer in a woman featured in ‘The Flood’ fresco

Every year, around five million people flock to Rome to visit the Sistine Chapel. The chapel – Cappella Sistina in Italian – is known for the stunning frescoes that decorate its ceiling, which were painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512

Every year, around five million people flock to Rome to visit the Sistine Chapel. The chapel – Cappella Sistina in Italian – is known for the stunning frescoes that decorate its ceiling, which were painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512

Michelangelo began painting figures in the Sistine Chapel in 1508, after being ordered to do so by Pope Julius II. 

The key theme is the story of the Genesis in the Old Testament, with ‘The Flood’ showing a group of people fleeing from the rising water. 

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One young woman included in the left side of The Flood is almost naked, wearing only a blue headscarf and a blue cloak. 

In their new study, the researchers noticed that her left breast appears to have several signs of breast cancer, including a deformed nipple, and a slight bulge. 

‘The contrast with the right breast is evident,’ the researchers, led by Andreas Nerlich, wrote in their study, published in The Breast. 

‘Although slightly elevated by her right arm, there is a significantly retracted and deformed nipple. 

‘The areolar/periareolar skin is retracted, the medial part of the areola seems eroded, the skin cranial to the nipple is deeply indented and scar-like retracted. 

‘No overt ulcer is depicted. The upper medial quadrant shows a slight bulge consistent with a lump.’

In their new study, the researchers noticed that her left breast appears to have several signs of breast cancer, including a deformed nipple, and a slight bulge

In their new study, the researchers noticed that her left breast appears to have several signs of breast cancer, including a deformed nipple, and a slight bulge

Symptoms of breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:

  • a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit 
  • a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or redness
  • a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts 
  • nipple discharge which may have blood in it 
  • a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards or a rash on it 
  • pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away

The researchers acknowledge that some might argue that the woman depicted is quite young for a breast cancer diagnosis, given that today, 85 per cent of patients with the diease are over 50. 

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‘However, applying modern data to the Renaissance period is not entirely accurate, as the average life expectancy then was around 35 years, which could have influenced the presentation and characteristics of cancer at that time,’ they added. 

The team note that Michelangelo began assisting in autopsies when he was 17 years old, so would have likely seen cases of breast cancer before. 

As for why he decided to include it in the fresco, the researchers have several theories. 

One theory suggests that the people fleeing the Flood may represent the seven deadly sins, with the woman depicting Lust.  

‘There are a few types of individuals who “represent” the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth (the man with the barrel), anger (the people fighting in the boat), covetousness (the woman carrying her household assets). 

‘All these details indicate the reasons for their punishment. 

‘Perhaps BC [breast cancer] may represent a personal punishment for lust.’

Alternatively, the representation of breast cancer may be linked to the concept of death, according to the researchers.  

‘As an expression of Neoplatonism, by which Michelangelo was influenced, the pursuit of beauty and harmony could lead to immortality, whereas physical disfiguration or illness was an expression of spiritual abyss,’ the team added. 

‘This metaphor shall be taken into consideration when the woman lifts up her breast so that it can be clearly observed by the viewer. 

‘Michelangelo’s individuals are painfully aware of their destiny rather than being petrified by the danger that hovers over them.’

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WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE RENAISSANCE MASTER MICHELANGELO?

Michelangelo Buonarroti, who lived from 1475 to 1564, was the first artist recognised by contemporaries as a genius, according to the National Gallery in London.

He was a painter, on panel and in fresco, as well as a sculptor, architect and writer of sonnets.

He was the only artist of whom it was claimed in his lifetime that he surpassed Antiquity.

He was born in Caprese in the 1470s and trained first as a painter with Ghirlandaio, and then as a sculptor under the patronage of Lorenzo de’ Medici. 

In 1496, already known as sculptor, he went to Rome, where he carved the ‘Pietà’ for St Peter’s.

Back in Florence in 1501 he began work on many sculptural and painterly projects most of which were left unfinished.

In 1505. he was summoned to Rome to begin work on a sculpted tomb for Pope Julius II, a project that dogged him until 1545.

From 1508 to 1512 he painted the vault of the Sistine Chapel with scenes from the Old Testament, from the Creation to the Story of Noah. 

Immediately celebrated, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, with its innumerable figures in complex, twisting poses and its exuberant use of colour, is the chief source of the Mannerist style.

Although he always considered himself a Florentine, Michelangelo lived most of his life in Rome, where he died at age 88. 

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Spain deploys soldiers in Valencia to boost aid efforts

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Spain deploys soldiers in Valencia to boost aid efforts
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Spain deploys soldiers in Valencia to boost aid efforts
Around 1,000 soldiers have been deployed in the Valencia region to deliver water and essential goods to those in need, with more on the way. 

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The real winners from Reeves’s bombshell Budget… and how they might make YOU richer: Read our expert’s invaluable picks for canny investors

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The real winners from Reeves’s bombshell Budget… and how they might make YOU richer: Read our expert’s invaluable picks for canny investors
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All eyes were on changes to capital gains tax last week, but investors mustn’t ignore the impact that the Budget’s £40 billion tax raid will have on UK businesses.

The repercussions could have a far larger impact on the value of our portfolios in the long run.

Wednesday’s Budget briefly spooked markets and the London stock exchange took a hit as Reeves’s tax rise on National Insurance (NI) for employers, together with a minimum wage increase, made it a tough budget for businesses.

However, despite the initial shock – it’s not all bad news. There are several businesses and sectors that will do well from Labour’s funding plans.

Reeves unlocked extra cash for infrastructure, reiterated support for house building and green measures and gave certainty on corporation tax and research and development incentives.

Savvy investors can cash in on these growth plans. Here are some of the companies that are tipped to do well and could see their share prices rise.

The real winners from Reeves’s bombshell Budget… and how they might make YOU richer: Read our expert’s invaluable picks for canny investors

Wednesday’s Budget briefly spooked markets and the London stock exchange took a hit as Rachel Reeves’s tax rise on National Insurance (NI) for employers, together with a minimum wage increase, made it a tough budget for businesses

Kier Group – £4bn revenue shows bad times are over

Companies that build new roads, railway lines and public buildings have had mixed news from the new Labour Government.

But Kier – name resemblance to our Prime Minister purely coincidental – sits at the heart of new Government priorities.

It is part of the consortium building four new prisons including HMP Millsike.

Kier is also involved in building education facilities, HS2, a number of highway projects, and earned more money from the Government than any other contractor last year. On top of that, the Chancellor announced more funding for prisons, schools, rail and roads last week.

Although there are some ‘unfunded’ projects that have been cancelled. These include the A303 tunnel that was meant to take traffic away from Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Also axed is the A27 Arundel bypass project in West Sussex and a scheme called Restoring Your Railways that was due to reopen closed rail lines and stations that serve isolated communities.

There are headwinds for infrastructure firm Kier from the Budget, partly in the form of increased labour costs from the rise in employer NI and a higher national minimum wage. However, the company tends to be good at passing on its costs to those buying its services, making inflation and increased wage costs less of a worry

There are headwinds for infrastructure firm Kier from the Budget, partly in the form of increased labour costs from the rise in employer NI and a higher national minimum wage. However, the company tends to be good at passing on its costs to those buying its services, making inflation and increased wage costs less of a worry

Kier has been through tough times since a profit warning in 2019 which sent shares tumbling.

However, its most recent figures in September showed it back on the front foot, with revenue including from joint ventures totalling £4 billion. Average net debt halved to £116 million from £232 million in the previous year.

Andrew Davies, the group’s chief executive, said that the years of penny-pinching that came after the profit warning were now over.

‘The past three years have seen the group achieve significant operational and financial progress,’ he said.

The hard work of the past few years puts Kier in a good place to benefit from the coming infrastructure spending boost and the business is looking relatively cheap too, as the shares still have not recovered from their profit warning, which badly shook confidence in the stock.

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There are headwinds for Kier from the Budget, partly in the form of increased labour costs from the rise in employer NI and a higher national minimum wage. However, the company tends to be good at passing on its costs to those buying its services, making inflation and increased wage costs less of a worry.

There’s also an order book of £11 billion, with non-Government clients including local councils. At 142p this week, the shares are up nearly 21 per cent over the past few years but have not recovered to the nearly £20 they sat at before their profit warning.

The company’s dividend, which was cut at the height of its problems, was reinstated in March, and Davies says he’s ‘confident’ of increased payouts.

Vistry – affordable homes at a reasonable price

The Treasury committed £5 billion to housebuilding in the Budget, which included reforms of Right to Buy, a top-up for the Affordable Homes programme and £3 billion to support small house builders and developers building homes to rent.

That won’t affect many of the house builders you can invest in, though, as they are too big to get much of a benefit. But it might be time to snap up Vistry, which focuses on the affordable housing side of things – a major focus for the Government.

You might remember Vistry as Bovis Homes – it renamed itself in 2020 after acquiring the housing arm of infrastructure group Galliford Try and is a constituent of the FTSE 100.

It might be time to snap up Vistry, which specialises in affordable housing – a major focus for the Labour Government

It might be time to snap up Vistry, which specialises in affordable housing – a major focus for the Labour Government

Vistry was motoring nicely until October, outperforming the rest of the housebuilding sector.

Investors liked its model of partnership with private and public clients, which effectively bulk sold them homes.

Then came a shocker of a profit warning. The company had underestimated costs, denting full-year profits for the year by 20 per cent. The shares plummeted and have not recovered.

They were already down 30 per cent in the past month before the Chancellor spoke on Wednesday, and post-Budget volatility has brought them down further, so that the shares now stand at £9.08.

For investors considering whether this is a good time to get into Vistry, the key is to understand why the warning occurred and whether it is a blip or a chronic problem with the company’s model.

Finding unforeseen costs like this may indicate an issue with accounting, which is enough to worry any investor, and although this problem only affects the South of England division, you would be forgiven for wondering what else might be found.

Another point to note is that Vistry’s partnership model means they take on some cost risk – they sell to their end clients at one price but then if their own costs rise (for example if the Government introduces an expensive tax on employment) they can’t claw back all of that increase.

But the company’s shares are currently looking cheap. Vistry’s shares were more highly valued than those of its peers before the profit warning. Now they are cheaper.

The company has cut its dividend but is buying back shares, which should push up prices over time – so if you’re a long-term believer in the Government housing strategy this one is a buy.

Loungers – home from home and open all hours

The AIM market for smaller shares has been crippled by fears that Ms Reeves would take an axe to one of the perks that make investment in the index so attractive, namely inheritance tax relief. That means the stocks listed on the exchange have had their valuations dampened, regardless of the soundness of their fundamentals.

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Now that we know what we are dealing with – a partial blow from the Chancellor’s axe, with AIM stocks now eligible for 20 per cent IHT rates, half of the normal 40 per cent, if held for at least two years before an individual dies – AIM stocks can once more be assessed on their merits.

Midas is a fan of AIM-listed Loungers, which puts small all-day drinking and dining spaces on to Britain’s high streets. The company is expanding fast and has a winning ‘home from home’ formula, offering breakfast in the morning, somewhere to take the kids for coffee in the day, and a buzzing but non- threatening bar atmosphere in the evening.

Loungers, which puts small all-day drinking and dining spaces on to Britain's high streets, is expanding fast and has a winning 'home from home' formula

Loungers, which puts small all-day drinking and dining spaces on to Britain’s high streets, is expanding fast and has a winning ‘home from home’ formula

Its strategy means almost half its sales come from Monday to Thursday trading and are spread evenly from lunchtime onwards. Though, with more than 270 sites, the company will suffer from the increase in minimum wage and employer NI, so this must be borne in mind.

However, if you believe in its ethos and plans to open 30 new sites a year, the AIM uncertainty has slightly dampened the upward trajectory of the shares, creating a buying opportunity.

Shares are down nearly 7 per cent in the past month, so if you love to lounge, now might be the time to take a small slice.

Eneraqua – green future plays to its strengths

Despite a surprise freeze in fuel duty, Reeves dutifully delivered on other green ambitions, with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero the biggest winner in terms of extra cash to be spent.

Outside of the big green projects announced by the Chancellor, such as hydrogen plants and carbon capture, is the requirement for more homes to be greener. These include a vast pool of social housing that will need decarbonising, insulating and upgrading.

One company that could benefit from this is heat pump and water efficiency group Eneraqua. The company helps companies and individuals decarbonise their properties and save water. Clients include local councils such as Camden, Leeds, and Kensington & Chelsea, all of which have responsibilities to green their housing stock, hospital trusts and schools.

One company that could benefit from Labour's green ambitions is heat pump and water efficiency group Eneraqua, which helps companies decarbonise and save water

One company that could benefit from Labour’s green ambitions is heat pump and water efficiency group Eneraqua, which helps companies decarbonise and save water

Eneraqua says that residents living in buildings where it has installed new heating and hot water solutions cut their bills by an average of 45 per cent, while carbon emissions are reduced by 70 per cent.

The requirement for rented property to be energy efficient under Labour’s new rental bill plays to its strengths, while the company also spends money on R&D to develop new patented technologies to make our heating and water more energy efficient.

Given how squarely Eneraqua sits in the Labour priority zone, one might have expected its shares to soar. However, they are down over 5 per cent this year, and 86 per cent over the past five years at 41p.

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One reason for the recent volatility is that Eneraqua is floated on AIM, like Loungers (left), but recent uncertainty over the stock market’s tax perks is not the only reason the shares have been depressed.

The company’s work was delayed by the election, with councils not starting projects and pushing back high-value work into the second half of the year.

With Sir Keir safely installed in Downing Street, we can only hope councils can get cracking on more projects. The company is forecasting a return to profit in the second half of the year, which should buoy investor sentiment.

At this level the shares are worth snapping up.

Babcock – defence and nuclear security experts

Labour ministers aren’t well-known for their defence spending, but Ms Reeves said on Wednesday she would provide the Ministry of Defence with an extra £2.9 billion next year and promised an annual £3 billion for Ukraine would continue for ‘as long as it takes’.

Her clear commitment to defence will be crystallised after the Strategic Defence Review report in 2025, but the tone is encouraging for the sector.

That’s good news for Britain’s Babcock International, the defence engineering group working on the Dreadnought Class nuclear submarine.

Babcock is already benefiting from Labour’s continued commitment to the nuclear deterrent, and further defence spending should filter through to its bottom line.

Labour ministers aren't famed for their defence spending, but Ms Reeves said on Wednesday she would provide the Ministry of Defence with an extra £2.9 billion next year - which is good news for Britain's Babcock International. Pictured is a render of its Type 31 frigate

Labour ministers aren’t famed for their defence spending, but Ms Reeves said on Wednesday she would provide the Ministry of Defence with an extra £2.9 billion next year – which is good news for Britain’s Babcock International. Pictured is a render of its Type 31 frigate

Under its Cavendish Nuclear brand, Babcock also works on the new Sizewell C power station in Suffolk and other nuclear power plants and should benefit from Labour’s reiteration of support for nuclear power.

Budget documents stated: ‘New nuclear will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. The settlement provides £2.7billion of funding to continue Sizewell C’s development.’

A final decision on the next stage of Sizewell C will not be taken until the Spending Review next year.

Other defence stocks have performed well this year but Babcock has trailed somewhat.

That’s partly because it isn’t as exposed to the uplift its rivals are experiencing from European countries rearming, because about 70 per cent of its profits are from the UK defence and civil market.

Now that defence spending is on the up in the UK though, it is good news for the company.

Babcock shares are down 12 per cent over the last five years. At 472p they are trading on under 11 times forward earnings, meaning that the combined value of all Babcock’s shares is 11 times the profit it is expected to make next year. Its competitors are more highly valued than this.

Now might be the time to add these shares to your portfolio.

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France delivers aid to war-torn Lebanon

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France delivers aid to war-torn Lebanon
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France delivers aid to war-torn Lebanon
France delivered nearly 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after pledging €100 million to support the conflict-stricken country. Last week, France helped to raise $1 billion in aid at an international conference in Paris.

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Qantas frequent flyer hacks that could save you BIG on Christmas flights: Our guide to maximising your points without even trying – including one as simple as WALKING

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Qantas frequent flyer hacks that could save you BIG on Christmas flights: Our guide to maximising your points without even trying – including one as simple as WALKING
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With the festive season creeping up, many of us are busy planning our holidays for Christmas and the New Year.

But with the cost of living putting pressure on everyone’s wallets, smart travellers are looking to save money on flights wherever possible.

As Australia’s largest loyalty program with more than 15 million members nationwide, Qantas’ points-based Frequent Flyer program is a great way to save money on travel.

And chances are you are making purchases every day without realising you could be accumulating Qantas points in the process.

So, here’s our guide to the easy things you can do today to start racking up as many points as possible. And remember, even the small stuff adds up!

Getting fuel

Qantas has partnered with BP to offer up to two Qantas Points for every litre purchased of BP Ultimate Unleaded and one point for every litre of other fuel.

You can also collect additional Qantas points by buying eligible products in-store.

Qantas frequent flyer hacks that could save you BIG on Christmas flights: Our guide to maximising your points without even trying – including one as simple as WALKING

As Australia’s largest loyalty program with more than 15 million members nationwide, Qantas’ points-based Frequent Flyer program is a great way to save money on travel 

To redeem, customers need to join BP Rewards, link it to their Frequent Flyer account and scan their Qantas card when making transactions.

Shop smart for groceries

Members of the Everyday Rewards program – the loyalty membership for Woolworths, Big W, BWS and select Ampol locations – can choose to earn Qantas Points rather than discounts.

To redeem, simply switch your redemption preference to Qantas Points in the Everyday Rewards app and you’ll earn 1,000 Qantas Points for every 2,000 Everyday Rewards points accumulated.

Members can also use the app’s features, such as Boosts or special offers, to accumulate points up to six times quicker.

Everyday Extra members, Everyday Rewards’ paid program, will earn points twice as fast as they earn double the Rewards points and have access to exclusive offers. 

Qantas has partnered with BP to offer up to two Qantas Points for every litre purchased of BP Ultimate Unleaded and one point for every litre of other fuel

Qantas has partnered with BP to offer up to two Qantas Points for every litre purchased of BP Ultimate Unleaded and one point for every litre of other fuel

Walking

Whether it’s running errands or a regular afternoon stroll, any kind of movement can earn you Qantas Points on the airline’s Wellbeing app.

Once downloaded, the app will record how many steps you take every day and reward you with points for meeting movement goals.

Additional points can also be earned by completing quizzes under the app’s ‘Check-up’ sections. These include prompts to check your vehicle’s brakes, fire alarm batteries and blood pressure. Each questionnaire earns up to 15 Qantas Points.

Using up your leftovers

Qantas has partnered with food waste reduction company Saveful to reward Frequent Flyers for using up their leftovers.

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The free app allows users to search for recipes using the ingredients they already have.

To redeem Qantas Points, Saveful users need to link their app to their Frequent Flyers accounts and complete four weekly in-app surveys to earn 100 points.

Linking Frequent Flyers and Saveful also puts users one step closer to Qantas’ Green Tier – which includes a reward of choosing either 50 Status Credits, 10,000 Qantas Points, or to offset three tonnes of carbon emissions.

Members of the Everyday Rewards program - the loyalty membership for Woolworths, Big W, BWS and select Ampol locations - can choose to earn Qantas Points rather than discounts

Members of the Everyday Rewards program – the loyalty membership for Woolworths, Big W, BWS and select Ampol locations – can choose to earn Qantas Points rather than discounts

Users of the Qantas Wellbeing app can earn Qantas Points for meeting their movement goals

Users of the Qantas Wellbeing app can earn Qantas Points for meeting their movement goals

Online shopping

Frequent Flyers members can download Qantas’ free web extension called the Points-Prompter which will alert users when they could be earning points.

When searching for products online, results in Google will show how many points can be earned by purchasing the same product through Qantas shopping.

A similar prompt will also appear when shopping on one of Qantas’ partner stores – such as Country Road, Apple, Jeanswest and more.

The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

Credit cards

While it requires a bit more effort than our other point-earning hacks, Qantas has partnered with a range of banks to offer credit cards with Qantas Points perks.

The card with the highest earning potential is the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black with up to 130,000 Qantas Points up for grabs for an annual fee of $425.

Several cards also offer complimentary access to Qantas lounges – including the CommBank Ultimate Awards credit card, which offers two lounge visits and can earn a rate of up to 1.2 Qantas Points per $1 spent.

To browse all the credit cards that offer Qantas perks, check the Frequent Flyers website.

Uber offers Frequent Flyers members Qantas Points for rides to and from select major airports

Uber offers Frequent Flyers members Qantas Points for rides to and from select major airports

Getting to the airport

Uber offers Frequent Flyers members Qantas Points for rides to and from select major airports.

Reserved rides are worth one point for every $1 spent, while normal rides are valued at one point for every $2 spent. 

To start earning, users must link their Uber account to their Frequent Flyers account and can book eligible rides through either app. 

M+ BONUS ARTICLE: Confessions of a flight attendant – Secret rules that determine who gets stellar service on a flight and who gets ‘accidentally’ hit by the trolley 

By Neil Simpson 

Have you ever wondered what happens on the other side of the galley curtain on your holiday flight? Want to know why some passengers get five-star service (‘another gin for later, sir?’) while others get their elbows ‘accidentally’ bashed by each passing drinks trolley?

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Then welcome to the secret world of flight attendants – and I should know because I used to be a member of the cabin crew of a well-known national carrier.

Here are the secret codes, pet hates and top perks, plus what to do for better service and free champagne.

We’re watching you

Just remember that you’re being watched from the moment you step on board.

‘We checked you in and we check you out,’ says one of my former flight attendant colleagues. Gossip in the galley focuses on the best-looking or most charming, with crew keen to pick their ‘BOB’ (‘Best on Board’).

Earn BOB status and get a pleasant surprise. ‘If I say: “You left this in the galley, sir,” I’m probably giving my BOB a duty-free bag full of free champagne from up front,’ says Jennie.

Top tip to be a BOB? It’s about behaviour, not just looks. ‘If we need someone to move so a tricky family can sit together we’ll go the extra mile for anyone who helps,’ one crew member tells me.

Being polite can only get you so far when striving for an upgrade because big spenders often fill the available seats

Being polite can only get you so far when striving for an upgrade because big spenders often fill the available seats

Want an upgrade?

‘Can you collect your bag and follow me?’ They’re the words to hear before being led through the curtain to a better cabin.

But on-board upgrades are rare – even if you’re famous. Even VIPs are now overlooked in favour of big-spending CIPs (Commercially Important People). Often top travel agents’ computers select CIPs for better seats before boarding begins.

Once onboard, there are few things that can swing an upgrade.

‘Claim it’s your birthday, honeymoon or you’ve got a bad leg and we can only offer an extra drink,’ says a crew member.

Nowadays even a broken TV screen may only get you vouchers off future flights.

Bad passengers

Behave badly and crew can take revenge. They may all stumble and bang into the back of one seat as they walk by – particularly effective on night flights when the passenger is trying to sleep.

Crew may hand a person a can of drink shaken in the galley and ready to explode. Or they may get shaky hands at key seats.

‘I’m trained to work in turbulence so if I spill something it’s on purpose,’ says my old colleague.

Working for hours on end in the sky can be stressful enough without rude passengers making things worse

Working for hours on end in the sky can be stressful enough without rude passengers making things worse

Flying coffins

Not seen your favourite crew member for a while? They’re probably asleep in a coffin.

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That’s because long-haul planes have crew rest quarters hidden behind ‘secret’ doors most passengers miss. Climb the ladder behind the door (often next to a toilet in economy) to find rows of bunks above the cabin ceiling.

After the first meal, half the crew take first break then swap with the others.

But don’t be jealous because the bunks look like coffins and claustrophobic crew ‘hate them’.

Party time

Conventional wisdom says cabin crew party hard, and layover hotels do tend to be of a good standard – usually with pools and bars.

But the reality is less racy.

‘We’re permanently jet-lagged so while young crew like to say, “What happens in layover hotels stays in layover hotels,” most of us just want to sleep.’

It’s also wrong to assume two crew who call each other ‘babe’ all flight are a couple.

‘Crews normally meet for the first time at the pre-flight briefing and never fly together again,’ says a flight attendant.

‘I call everyone “babe” because I can never remember names.’

How to be a ‘Best on Board’ 

Do

  • Step out of the aisle to let others pass while you rearrange your bag on boarding. Block aisles too long and planes miss take-off slots. Crew hate delays and remember who causes them.
  • Wait till the meal service is over before heading to the loo. Crew hate having to drag trolleys back to let passengers pass.
  • Wait 30 minutes after meals before going to the galley to ask for something. That’s the magic half-hour when crew perch on jump seats to eat their own meals.
  • Give the sink a wipe after using it. Crew have to clean and restock toilets regularly. The nicer they find them the better.
  • Use the call bell if you’re in a middle or window seat. Crew don’t like regular bell-ringers, but it’s fine if you’re blocked by a sleeping stranger.

Don’t

  •  Talk through safety demonstrations. Crew say being ignored isn’t just disrespectful, it puts passengers and people around them at risk.
  • Ask ‘what have you got?’ when the drinks trolley comes round. Crew hate reciting the full list. Just ask for what you want. If they haven’t got it, they will suggest alternatives.
  • Pile up empty cups and containers on meal trays. Crews have to slide used trays into slots on trollies. Piled high, they won’t fit.
  • Rely on crew for independent reviews of duty-free fragrances. The one they like best is probably the one they earn most commission on.
  • Flag down a flight attendant walking past with a blanket. They’re probably starting their rest break. Instead, go to the galley to ask someone still on duty.

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Teenage boy shot in French drug gang shootout dies from wounds

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Teenage boy shot in French drug gang shootout dies from wounds
A teenage boy died on Saturday after being shot in the head during a bloody shootout between drug gangs in the western French city of Poitiers on Thursday evening, the regional prosecutor announced. In response, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has said drug crimes have reached a “tipping point” in the country.

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Alzheimer’s drug hailed as major breakthrough could actually triple risk of dying, new research warns

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Alzheimer’s drug hailed as major breakthrough could actually triple risk of dying, new research warns
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An Alzheimer’s drug that had been hailed as a major breakthrough may actually increase patients’ chance of dying, according to new research.

The treatment, lecanemab, was found to triple the risk of death within a year, compared with dementia sufferers not prescribed the drug.

Previous studies have suggested it slowed the progression of the incurable brain disease by 25 per cent, providing patients with an estimated four to six months more of healthy life.

However, earlier this year the NHS spending watchdog, NICE, refused to fund the drug because it provides ‘relatively small benefits… which means it cannot be considered good value’.

And last month the watchdog also rejected donanemab, another drug that had showed promise in suppressing symptoms.

Alzheimer’s drug hailed as major breakthrough could actually triple risk of dying, new research warns

An Alzheimer’s drug that had been hailed as a major breakthrough may actually increase patients’ chance of dying (stock photo)

The treatment, lecanemab, was found to triple the risk of death within a year, compared with dementia sufferers not prescribed the drug (stock photo)

The treatment, lecanemab, was found to triple the risk of death within a year, compared with dementia sufferers not prescribed the drug (stock photo) 

Both lecanemab and donanemab are given every fortnight as an infusion. They work by reducing a toxic protein in the brain called amyloid, which is linked to dementia symptoms.

Although not available on the NHS, lecanemab has been approved as safe for use by the UK regulator, so is available to patients privately for a cost of around £20,000 a year.

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However, the new research, which used data from America where the drugs have been used since last year, found that the risk of death was significantly higher than reported in the clinical trials.

This equates to an extra 21 excess deaths per 10,000 patients who take lecanemab.

Experts say that about 3,000 patients have started taking the drug since it was approved by US health officials in July 2023.

Patients taking the drugs are at an increased risk of life-threatening swelling and bleeding in the brain.

The experts behind the study warn that ‘there is a precedent for the removal of drugs if their side effects or mortality signals are of concern’.

Professor Robert Howard, one of the authors of the paper, said: ‘The idea that lecanemab is a miracle drug is not supported by the evidence from the trials. It’s even dubious to say that they slow down progression, as that is just an interpretation. Off the back of the NICE decision, these are important findings.’

Experts say that about 3,000 patients have started taking the drug since it was approved by US health officials in July 2023 (stock photo)

Experts say that about 3,000 patients have started taking the drug since it was approved by US health officials in July 2023 (stock photo) 

Prof Howard, an expert in old-age psychiatry at University College London, added: ‘We should thank NICE for their leadership in this area, evaluating the true costs – tiny benefits and huge risks with these drugs.

‘Anybody who has the money to afford lecanemab privately needs to carefully consider this, as the risks are real.’

The research is not currently peer-reviewed and Prof Howard notes that ‘the data is currently preliminary and there is uncertainty over the true numbers’.

The real-world data from the drug’s use in America follows a series of deaths during trials.

About one in ten trial participants experienced swelling in the brain and one in six had small brain bleeds, which in rare cases led to life-threatening symptoms.

Three patients died in the trial. One death was confirmed by Dr Lawrence Honig, a neurologist at Columbia University, New York. A second death was reported by the science website Alzforum.

Neither patient has been identified but, according to Dr Honig, one carried a gene called APOE4, which puts patients at greater risk of brain bleeds.

About 15 per cent of Alzheimer’s patients carry this gene.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disease can cause anxiety, confusion and short-term memory loss

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disease can cause anxiety, confusion and short-term memory loss

The Mail on Sunday was first to report the third death, that of lecanemab trial participant Genevieve Lane, 79, from Florida, who had a fatal seizure in 2022, just a week after her third dose.

An autopsy concluded that lecanemab was likely to have triggered the burst blood vessel in her brain that led to her death.

A spokesman for manufacturer Eisai said: ‘The manuscript posted online features a warning stating that it ‘should not be considered conclusive, used to inform clinical practice or referenced by the media as validated information’.

‘It is also important to note that these data have not undergone peer review nor been published in a journal.

‘Data presented at recent medical meetings demonstrates that lecanemab reports received to date have been consistent with the safety profile observed in

the clinical development programme and are continuously reviewed by the FDA [US Food and Drug Administration] and Eisai’s pharmacovigilance team.’

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Spain to send 10,000 soldiers and police to Valencia after deadly floods

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Spain to send 10,000 soldiers and police to Valencia after deadly floods
Spain is sending 5,000 more soldiers and 5,000 more police to the eastern region of Valencia after deadly floods this week that killed at least 211 people, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Saturday. Sanchez also mentioned a “naval ship” that would soon dock in the port of Valencia with “more helicopters and machinery” on the way to assist with relief efforts, FRANCE 24’s Sarah Morris said, reporting from Madrid.

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West Ham ‘eye £30m-rated Botafogo striker’ in shock deal that could see ‘Lucas Paqueta return to Brazil’ amid betting probe

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West Ham ‘eye £30m-rated Botafogo striker’ in shock deal that could see ‘Lucas Paqueta return to Brazil’ amid betting probe
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  • Igor Jesus has scored five goals in the Brazilian Serie A since return from the UAE
  • Botafogo’s owner is a fan of Paqueta and would sanction move for West Ham star
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

West Ham reportedly want to sign Botafogo’s £30million-rated striker Igor Jesus in a move that could see Lucas Paqueta return to Brazil. 

Jesus has scored five goals in the Brazilian Serie A this year after returning from a four-year spell in the United Arab Emirates. 

The 23-year-old earned a call-up to the national team for the first time last month and featured against Chile and Peru. 

Botafogo, despite signing the striker earlier this year, will sell if the right offer comes in, with West Ham keen to bolster their forward line according to The Sun. 

See also  Hosts Ivory Coast on brink of AFCON exit after Equatorial Guinea humbling

The club’s owner John Textor is said to be a fan of Hammers attacker Paqueta, whose move to Manchester City fell through last year amid a betting probe. 

West Ham ‘eye £30m-rated Botafogo striker’ in shock deal that could see ‘Lucas Paqueta return to Brazil’ amid betting probe

West Ham want to sign Botafogo’s £30million-rated striker Igor Jesus, according to reports

Botafogo's owner is a fan of Lucas Paqueta and would sanction a move for the West Ham star

Botafogo’s owner is a fan of Lucas Paqueta and would sanction a move for the West Ham star

The 27-year-old was charged with spot-fixing in May and is accused of being deliberately booked in four games between 2022 and 2023.

Paqueta has been overshadowed by the allegations since they were first made before the start of last season. 

He had emerged as one of West Ham’s key stars on their way to Conference League glory in 2023, and had been widely linked with a move to Manchester City with Pep Guardiola thought to be keen. 

However, once the story of Paqueta’s betting probe back in August 2023 emerged, broken exclusively by Mail Sport, his prospective £85million move collapsed.

If found guilty, Paqueta could face a lifetime ban. The Brazilian, who denies any wrongdoing, will face a hearing in March.

However, Botafogo would still take Paqueta and try to come to an arrangement with West Ham.   

A swap deal that would see Jesus join West Ham could suit West Ham given their struggles in front of goal this season. 

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The East London club signed Niclas Fullkrug in the summer but the move is yet to come to fruition, with the German failing to score in any of his three league appearances. 

Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since September having joined from Borussia Dortmund

Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since September having joined from Borussia Dortmund

The former Borussia Dortmund star has been sidelined  since September due to an achilles problem and his return date remains unknown. 

The Hammers continued their poor start to the season with a 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. 

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‘Worse and worse’: UNESCO reports surge in journalist killings

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‘Worse and worse’: UNESCO reports surge in journalist killings
UN cultural body UNESCO on Saturday reported a surge in killings of journalists across the world with 162 deaths recorded in 2022 and 2023. The situation is getting “worse and worse, year after year”, said Richard Laurent, journalist and founder of Forbidden Stories. Pointing to the relative impunity of perpetrators due to high-level corruption, Laurent said it is now more crucial than ever for journalists to continue reporting on stories of corruption, money laundering as well as climate change.

See also  Des responsables de l'ONU mettent en garde contre l'impact sur la Corne de l'Afrique si l'accord sur les céréales de la mer Noire prend fin
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