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Michael Douglas: We are doing fine!

Michael Douglas: We are doing fine!

Michael Douglas proves he’s as tough off-screen as he is in his movies.

He’s cancer-stricken and appears fragile, with some US tabloids giving him just three months to live, but Michael Douglas is determined to go about life as usual, undertaking regular and lengthy journeys to visit his older son in jail.

The actor often makes the three-hour, 300km trip from New York to Pennsylvania, where Cameron Douglas is serving five years on drugs charges.

Michael, 66, seems to be making up for lost time with his 31-year-old son – and this gruelling journey is hardly the behaviour of a man at death’s door.

Almost a month after completing eight weeks of chemo and radiotherapy for his advanced throat cancer, the star himself tells Hello! magazine, “I’ve always been a positive person and I will kick this thing … A lot of my energy has gone and I have increased soreness in my mouth, but overall I feel good.”

Laughing, Michael adds, “I’m looking forward to enjoying a good glass of wine when I get my tastebuds back again.”

Related video: Michael Douglas looking good!.

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The Block’s Mark and Duncan reveal their tradie bunch!

The Block's Mark and Duncan reveal their tradie bunch!

Our favourite chippies are mates off-screen too, and their wives and eight kids – four each – get along like a house on fire.

Between Mark’s four daughters and Duncan’s four sons, it’s easy to see why the lovable TV larrikins were quickly dubbed The Brady Bunch by fellow contestants on reality renovations series The Block.

But when Woman’s Day pops around for a visit, the close family friends reveal they’ve recently come up with an even better name for their combined clans.

“Forget the Brady Bunch – we’re the tradie bunch,” laughs Duncan. “Which is great because I would gladly swap the lot of them,” jokes Mark, playfully punching Duncan’s eldest son, Josh, on the arm.

It’s a rugged sense of humour – one that has seen these knockabout blokes and their families through their fair share of hard knocks, and also one that saw them quickly become firm friends after meeting in a timber yard more than 20 years ago.

And the jokes don’t stay on the construction site for these chippies. Even their wives, Jen and Jan, aren’t immune to the light-hearted jibes after having their hair and make-up done for our photoshoot.

**Read more in this week’s Woman’s Day,

on sale November 8, 2010.**

Related video: The Block.

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I gave birth in a helicopter, on my wedding day!

I gave birth in a helicopter, on my wedding day!

Kerrie Richardson always dreamed of becoming a wife and mother … just not on the same day!

Standing barefoot on a sun-soaked tropical beach, childhood sweethearts Kerrie and Ben Richardson thought nothing could possibly be more exciting than exchanging wedding vows in front of their family and friends.

But hours after saying “I do” on the golden sands of Queensland’s Hamilton Island, Kerrie – who was 26 weeks pregnant – went into early labour. As she was being airlifted to hospital in an emergency chopper, she gave birth to a baby girl weighing just 980 grams, whom they’ve named Taylor.

“I was in a complete shock,” says Kerrie, 30. “One minute I’m celebrating my marriage and the next thing I’m a mother – it’s just crazy.”

“It was just a total state of disbelief,” adds Ben. “We’re 5000 feet above sea level in a noisy helicopter over some sort of mountain range. It was like a scene out of the movies.”

Just hours earlier, the newlyweds had been celebrating their “relaxing” wedding day with the help of their guests. “It couldn’t have been more perfect,” says Kerrie. “The beaches were idyllic and the food fantastic. We were having the time of our lives.

Related Video: Premature births.

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Heidi Klum was told to lose weight

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Heidi Klum on the run way for Victoria's Secret and as a model at 17-years-old.

It’s hard to believe that supermodel and former chief Victoria’s Secret model Heidi Klum was once told she needed to lose weight and chop off her long blonde hair to be a successful model.

Now the 37-year-old mother-of-four has revealed she refused to bow down to the pressure of the cutthroat modelling industry.

“People were trying to squeeze me into boxes saying, ‘Oh, you’re too happy, maybe we’ll cut your hair really short, maybe you’ll lose some weight to be thinner’,” she told Access Hollywood.

“And I was like no, my hair is the way it is and my body is fine and I would just go with what I believed in.”

The German-born beauty, who quit Victoria’s Secret in September this year after 13 years as the face of the brand, said she has loved every part of her career.

“I loved all of it, doing Victoria’s Secret, doing shows with all those models,” she said.

“It was Naomi Campbell, Tyra [Banks], Laetitia Casta, Karen Mulder — you name it they all did it. It was amazing to be surrounded by all these woman that I wanted to be.

“Then you get a title and get to be put in the New York Post and it was all happening.”

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Ann Ann answers Woman’s Day readers’ questions

Ann Ann answers

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Sell, definitely! If you wait too much longer, you will lose a lot more financially than you can recover. November is a brilliant time to look at selling. You will have no regrets once you have done it.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Nothing can make you happy for the rest of your life because you constantly keep changing your mind about everything. You will walk away from this relationship when you are ready, but I do not see that happening in the near future. You should stop living in fairy land young lady and get back to reality.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Just add “O.N.O” to and you will find a buyer. Please remember that what you lose in the short term you will recoup later on somehow. You will have no regrets long-term for having dropped your asking price.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

You will break free within the next two years. This business is finished, and it has been for three years. If you weren’t around they would be forced into make decisions that are well and truly overdue. Don’t allow them to make you feel guilty for wanting to have some space. I can assure you that you owe them nothing, and it’s time you saw them for what they really are – manipulators of the worst kind, your husband included, with only their own interests at heart.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

You got it right when you said someone else. It also seems you’re going to have some problems with a female. The best advice I can give you is for you not to try to vindicate yourself, because the more you try to protest that you’re innocent, the more seems to have the opposite effect. For once, just walk away and it will all blow over.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Your mum says to hold that thought, so I take this to mean that you have been toying with an idea and are not sure if you should make the move or not? From April onwards is the right time to go for whatever it is. Do not allow anyone to tell you it won’t work, she says. How often have you felt as if someone was giving you a slight push in your right shoulder with their finger? Well, now you know who it is – she is trying to tell you to move on. She will always be there to support and protect you. Also, buy yourself a bottle of Australian Bush Flower Essences Angelsword and take two drops morning and night for seven days in a row. This will help clear your mind of self-doubts.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Firstly, go out and buy six whistles. Give one to your son and make sure he has it on a chain or cord around his neck at all times while he is at school. Tell him to keep it out of sight – this is his secret weapon. Also, arrange a meeting with his principal and tell them that from now on any time your son is being bullied that he will blow his whistle to make the teachers aware that he needs help. Also tell your son to make sure that he blows it as hard as he can – it will have the desired affect on the bully and others will soon follow your lead.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

No apologies necessary. Take a really good look through his room and you will learn exactly what he is spending his ill-gotten gains on.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Yes to both your questions. There is also something about an unexpected move or trip, and I can see you are not sure what to do – go or stay. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

This is one battle you can’t help him with, but a good hypnotherapist could find the cause and get rid of it. What happened either to him personally or to the family unit when he was around 12 or 13 that made him feel that nothing in his life was secure?

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Go speak with a solicitor and also take all legal documents you have previously signed with you. Somewhere in there is a loophole in your favour.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

I do no see it happening this year. Next year, things will have eased a lot financially, and any time from August onwards would be best to go for it, but lock it in for two years only.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

This has nothing to do with your gambling or him being younger than you at all. It’s coming to the time for the both of you to move on. You are both finishing off a past lifetime connection.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Long term Sydney is the place you need to be.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Don’t become involved in this unless you want to get hurt, really hurt that is.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

ANN REPLIES

Don’t worry about the grandchildren. They will be OK, but your daughter is not completely out of the woods yet. She needs to let go so that she can move on.

Woman’s Day Psychic Ann Ann, has the answers to readers’ dilemmas.

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Puppy Carers

When Vision Australia merged with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia a year ago, they welcomed a new breed of volunteer — the puppy carer!

These canine-friendly helpers give round-the-clock service by providing loving homes for the puppies that go on to train to be Seeing Eye Dogs.

Dennis and Gail Rowatt had wanted to become puppy carers for many years. It wasn’t until their beloved family pet passed away last year that they decided the time was right.

The couple from Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast began caring for Gary the pup in January and have since been steadily training the black labrador in preparation for his formal “studies” with Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs, Orientation & Mobility division.

“We wanted to do something for the community and we’re dog lovers,” Dennis said soon after Gary’s arrival. “This gives you the flexibility and you’re not tied down for another 14 years.”

Dennis’s main responsibility as a trainer is to familiarise the pup with a range of environments. Gary sits under his desk as he works from home, accompanies him to medical appointments and sits beside him in restaurants.

“I’ve also taken him to the airport to get him used to the noise and public transport,” says Dennis.

“The first few months you’ve got to imprint in their minds what’s right and wrong.”

Find out more

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Credit card ‘hidden’ rates soar during Christmas

Looks as though that little piece of plastic can get you into even more trouble at Christmas, with credit card providers giving you a gift of their own in the form of higher rates.
women with credit card near christmas tree, thinkstock

WELL that’s not so festive, is it? Around the season that’s meant to be jolly, shoppers are being warned to watch their credit card rates and think about switching to a better deal.

The warning follows research by RateCity, which found that many credit card providers have increased their interest rates for purchases on their balance transfer credit cards when the introductory period ends (also known as the revert rate) by 385 basis points on average since December 2007.

It can be dangerous for Australians to use their balance transfer credit cards to make purchases, because often the interest rates are a lot higher than what’s on the market.

When you switch to a balance transfer credit card you will be given an introductory rate, for instance 0 per cent for six months. This is the rate that the debt you transferred will receive. You will also have another interest rate for purchases you may make after you receive your new card, such as 12 per cent per annum.

What many people may not realise is that after the introductory period of six months for this example, not only does the interest rate for your transferred debt increase but also the purchase interest rate may rise as well.

While many savvy Australians will start their Christmas shopping now to get it all out of the way before the festive season, it’s not worth paying down the added debt if you are using the wrong credit card. For instance, a $2000 bicycle purchased in October using a credit card rate of 19 per cent, could end up costing you an extra $62 by Christmas.

If you do plan to get your Christmas shopping out of the way before December, there is a way to help tackle your debt. You should first pay off your debt before attacking the Christmas shelves and set yourself a budget to avoid clocking up a bill you can’t afford to pay back.

Balance transfer credit cards are a great way to avoid paying interest after racking up a debt, but only if they’re used properly. In this case, after completing your Christmas shopping, compare your card’s interest charges to balance transfer cards from other providers. As long as you plan to pay off the debt before the introductory period ends and don’t use the card for expenses, you will be able to enjoy Christmas without the headache of paying interest.

Your say: Do you have a credit card? Do you regularly check out other options? Are you concerned about your credit card spending around Christmas time? Email us on [email protected]

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The Weekly wins magazine of the year

I am thrilled to announce that The Australian Women’s Weekly has won Magazine of the Year Awards!!!

Against tough competition Better Homes and Gardens and Vogue, The Weekly came out on top.

We also walked away with the crown in the Mass Women’s category.

Thanks to you all for your continued support and keep your eye out for our fabulous Christmas issue.

Cheers,

Helen

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Rocking the red

If your make up routine is in need of a summer overhaul, a red lipstick could be just what you need.

With one simple swipe of colour your whole look can be brightened and updated. Don’t be afraid to try wearing a ruby hue next time you head for a night out with the girls, a hot date or even the work Christmas party.

These celebs know there is more than one way to guarantee attention on the red carpet, wear a lipstick that stands out instead of or as well as a knockout dress.

Vanessa Paradis

Salma Hayek

Gwen Stefani

January Jones

Marilyn Monroe

Charlize Theron

Naomi Watts

Jessica Biel

Kate Bosworth

Marion Cotillard

Liv Tyler

Audrey Tautou

Emily Blunt

Prada Spring/Summer 2010

Donna Karan Autumn/Winter 2010

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Emma Bunton pregnant!

Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton has announced she is pregnant with her second child.

The former Spice Girl announced via Twitter that she and her boyfriend of 10 years, singer Jade Jones, are expecting.

“So our family grows, we are so excited to announce we’re having our second baby and beau’s wish for a brother or sister has come true!” she tweeted.

The pair is already proud parents of their three-year-old son Beau Lee.

Although she is more famous for her role as Baby Spice, the 34-year-old is now known for her role as a judge on UK TV show Dancing on Ice and as the host of talent show Don’t Stop Believing.

Emma Bunton pregnant

Happy couple: Emma Bunton and Jade Jones.

Proud parents: Emma and Jade with their four-year-old son son Beau Lee.

Early days: Emma with her fellow Spice Girls on stage in 2007.

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