Michele’s new boyfriend was ‘escort’

New beau ... Glee's Lea Michele has a new boyfriend who reportedly was once a male escort. Source: Getty Images

LEA Michele is moving on after the tragic death of her boyfriend Cory Monteith. However it has been revealed that her new beau is a former male escort.

TMZ reports that the Glee actress' boyfriend, Matthew Paetz, used to work as an escort for hire.

Met on set ... Matthew Paetz is seen here in Lea Michele's On My Way film clip. Source: Supplied

Paetz has worked under the alias Christian for Cowboys4Angels, a company that offers male companions for women and is featured on Showtime's Gigolos.

Although his profile is no longer visible on the website, it indicates he's a life coach, dating expert and a massage therapist.

Spending time with Paetz isn't cheap. The gossip site claims he charges $US350 for one hour to $US6000 for a weekend. Interested parties can book Paetz for $US17,500 for an entire week.

Michele, 27, and Paetz reportedly met on the set of Michele's video, On My Way.

Former boyfriend ... Lea Michele and Cory Monteith laughing. Source: Twitter

In an interesting case of life imitating art, Michele's character on Glee, Rachel Berry, started dating a guy after breaking up with Monteith's character, Finn Hudson, who turned out to be a male escort.

Her character broke up with the character, Brody, was played by Australian Dean Geyer, after his secret was revealed.

On screen escort ... Rachel (Lea Michele) meets Brody (Dean Geyer) in New York. Source: Supplied

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Cops forced to turn a blind eye

A blind eye ... the AFP are warning against changes to compensation laws. Source: Supplied

FEDERAL police officers may be forced to ignore potentially life-threatening criminal situations while on short work breaks, under proposed changes to workplace compensation laws.

The Australian Federal Police Association has sounded the alarm over the federal government's Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill, which would alter the current Commonwealth compensation arrangements for injuries sustained by employees while they are on a designated "recess" break.

The proposed amendments would also wind back compensation arrangements for AFP employees who "voluntarily and unreasonably submitted to an abnormal risk of injury" — which police claim, could include most of their day-to-day work.

The AFPA's chief executive Dennis Gellatly has warned parliamentarians in a strongly-worded submission to the Senate that the "potential ramifications for police are severe".

He told News Corp Australia that lives could be at risk if a police officer has to think twice about whether to intervene in a situation.

"Sometimes life and death decisions are instantaneous decisions, if a police officer has to second guess themselves, the chance may have passed where their reaction and response could have saved a life," he said.

Crucial to stopping crime ... the Australian Federal Police. Source: Supplied

Mr Gellatly said the proposed changes would see police officers exposed to "an unacceptable level of risk and possible cost" should they be injured in the course of duty.

"A police officers Oath of Office compels him or her to act in all circumstances thus potentially exposing the officer to injury while off-duty, on a recess break or during travel to or form the workplace," Mr Gellatly warns in his submission.

Law firm Slater and Gordon, which frequently handles workers compensation cases, has also warned the changes could be highly detrimental to police.

National practice group leader Rachael James said reintroducing an exclusion that would leave workers injured during a recess uncovered would severely impact on emergency workers.

"Those who work for the police force and other emergency services do not always have a designated place to take recess, let alone somewhere that is guaranteed to be safe," Ms James said.

"Emergency services workers who put their lives at risk everyday should be covered under Comcare legislation (if) they're taking a break from their frontline duties."

Mr Gellatly wants federal police exempt from the changes, but it is understood the government will argue it is highly unlikely that police officers discharging their duties would be seen as 'voluntarily and unreasonably submitting to an abnormal risk of injury'.

The government is also expected to argue that an existing subsection of the act covering employees who are temporarily absent from their place of work when undertaking an activity at the direction or request of the Commonwealth, would sufficiently protect AFP officers on the road.

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What they won’t tell you about your painkillers

GlaxoSmithKline say it's twice as fast. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS are paying up to five times more for painkillers with flashy names when they contain virtually the same ingredients as typical drugs.

That's the claim made by consumer watchdog Choice, who say Aussies are forking out too much for premium versions of Panadol and Nurofen.

"The fast and flashy names such as Zavance, Panadol Rapid and Optizorb dress up paracetamol and ibuprofen to get you to pay up to five times more for effectively the same product," spokesman Tom Godfrey said.

This is fast and flashy, too. Picture: Panadol ad Source: NewsComAu

The consumer group pointed to two different medications, Panadol Osteo and Panadol Back and Neck Long Lasting brands.

The painkillers contain virtually the same ingredients — but Panadol Back and Neck is up to four times more expensive.

A spokeswoman for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), who own Panadol, said the prices are different because Panadol Osteo is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Panadol Back and Neck is not.

Choice said it purchased the Osteo medication over the counter without prescription.

ARE 'RAPID' PAINKILLERS ACTUALLY FASTER?

Dissolved. Picture: Thinkstock Source: ThinkStock

Associate Professor Greg Kyle from the University of Canberra said drugs can be tweaked for quicker absorption. But it doesn't make a big difference.

"It doesn't make a huge amount of difference at a clinical level," Mr Kyle told news.com.au.

Choice says you shouldn't be fooled. Most painkillers can be absorbed within 15 to 30 minutes.

The major factor that affects how long it takes for a painkiller to kick in is whether or not you have eaten.

GSK said Panadol Rapid can be absorbed twice as fast as a regular Panadol because of a special formulation including sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

The spokeswoman said Panadol with Optizorb also absorbs faster because of a unique combination of ingredients.

Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of Nurofen, was approached for comment.

CAN PAINKILLERS 'TARGET' PART OF YOUR BODY?

Mr Godfrey said claims that some medicines can target particular parts of your body for, say, a headache or period pain, are hard to swallow.

Pharmaceutical expert Greg Kyle agreed. He said painkillers claiming to directly target headache, back or period pain are a "heap of garbage".

"There's no specific road map the drug follows," Mr Kyle said. "It's a molecule. It's not an intelligent life entity."

Drugs get absorbed into your bloodstream and travel through your entire circulatory system acting where they needed.

GSK said it has never claimed Panadol could target particular types of pain. Reckitt Benckiser did not respond to comment by deadline.

Greg Turnbull from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said consumers should consult their pharmacists if they are unsure about a medication.

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What they won’t tell you about your painkillers

GlaxoSmithKline say it's twice as fast. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS are paying up to five times more for painkillers with flashy names when they contain virtually the same ingredients as typical drugs.

That's the claim made by consumer watchdog Choice, who say Aussies are forking out too much for premium versions of Panadol and Nurofen.

"The fast and flashy names such as Zavance, Panadol Rapid and Optizorb dress up paracetamol and ibuprofen to get you to pay up to five times more for effectively the same product," spokesman Tom Godfrey said.

This is fast and flashy, too. Picture: Panadol ad Source: NewsComAu

The consumer group pointed to two different medications, Panadol Osteo and Panadol Back and Neck Long Lasting brands.

The painkillers contain virtually the same ingredients — but Panadol Back and Neck is up to four times more expensive.

A spokeswoman for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), who own Panadol, said the prices are different because Panadol Osteo is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Panadol Back and Neck is not.

Choice said it purchased the Osteo medication over the counter without prescription.

ARE 'RAPID' PAINKILLERS ACTUALLY FASTER?

Dissolved. Picture: Thinkstock Source: ThinkStock

Associate Professor Greg Kyle from the University of Canberra said drugs can be tweaked for quicker absorption. But it doesn't make a big difference.

"It doesn't make a huge amount of difference at a clinical level," Mr Kyle told news.com.au.

Choice says you shouldn't be fooled. Most painkillers can be absorbed within 15 to 30 minutes.

The major factor that affects how long it takes for a painkiller to kick in is whether or not you have eaten.

GSK said Panadol Rapid can be absorbed twice as fast as a regular Panadol because of a special formulation including sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

The spokeswoman said Panadol with Optizorb also absorbs faster because of a unique combination of ingredients.

Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of Nurofen, was approached for comment.

CAN PAINKILLERS 'TARGET' PART OF YOUR BODY?

Mr Godfrey said claims that some medicines can target particular parts of your body for, say, a headache or period pain, are hard to swallow.

Pharmaceutical expert Greg Kyle agreed. He said painkillers claiming to directly target headache, back or period pain are a "heap of garbage".

"There's no specific road map the drug follows," Mr Kyle said. "It's a molecule. It's not an intelligent life entity."

Drugs get absorbed into your bloodstream and travel through your entire circulatory system acting where they needed.

GSK said it has never claimed Panadol could target particular types of pain. Reckitt Benckiser did not respond to comment by deadline.

Greg Turnbull from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said consumers should consult their pharmacists if they are unsure about a medication.

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Dumb and Dumber sequel drops

20 years after the dimwits set out on their first adventure, they head out in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney.

TWENTY years after Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels made us laugh as the Farrelly brothers, they're at it again with a sequel, Dumb and Dumber To.

The first trailer for the movie was aired on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon .

The film sees Harry Dunne and Lloyd Christmas in similar geeky clothes to the original, together in the same old apartment. They are searching for Harry's lost daughter.

Back together ... Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber To. Source: Supplied

Already, the internet has had mixed reactions to the film, with Mashable.com saying the trailer "is every bit as awful, absurd, gross, distasteful, clueless, embarrassing and hopelessly tone-deaf as fans of the original could possibly hope it to be".

Forbes.com described the trailer as "weirdly not-funny", and said the 20-year reunion was "just another symptom of...generational nostalgia".

Hilarious ... Jim Carrey as Lloyd Christmas. Source: Supplied

Others on social media also shared their first reactions.

Watch it above and tell us what you think below.

The original ... Dumb and Dumber. Source: News Limited

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Single parents have fat kids

Overweight children ... the numbers are increasing, endangering their health. Source: ThinkStock

SINGLE parents are far more likely to have fat kids: that's the shock new finding of a national snapshot that measures children's health and learning.

Being raised by a solo parent is the biggest risk factor for obesity, and experts are blaming it on low incomes, inability to pay for participation in organised sport and the unaffordability of healthy food.

There are also more overweight and obese girls than boys, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which has examined 15 key measures of child health and learning.

Almost one in four nine year olds are overweight and obese and by the time they are 14, 27 per cent of teens are overweight or obese.

Girls are facing a harder struggle with their weight with the figures showing while 25 per cent of boys aged under 15 are overweight or obese, 27 per cent of girls are fat.

Having a sole parent, a low income family and living outside a major city are also risk factors for childhood obesity.

The biggest gulf was between children in lone parent families and those in couple families.

More than 35 per cent of children with a lone parent were overweight or obese, compared with 24 per cent of kids those living in couple families.

The National Council of Single Mothers and their Children says one of the key factors driving obesity in these families is the children don't take part in organised sport because they can't afford it.

"Annual sporting fees are several hundred dollars and then you need footwear and shin guards and petrol to get the kids to training and games," NCSMC spokeswoman Terese Edwards said.

"Food is also a big issue," she said.

A study released earlier this year found a low income family would have to spend half its weekly wage to eat the healthy diet of lean meat, fruit, vegetables recommended in official national dietary guidelines.

Study author Professor Sharon Friel found eating healthy costs up to 30 per cent more than a diet high in carbohydrate, sugar and fat

Childhood obesity expert Sydney University Professor Louise Baur says obesity in children and adolescents is more common in people from disadvantaged backgrounds and lower income.

"So, part of the link with single parent households could be the link to lower income as well," she says.

These families are less likely to live close to public transport, parklands, green space and shops and "there is also a link between social stress and obesity and obesity-conducive risk factors," she says.

It was challenging enough for a couple family to get their kids to eat breakfast, eat without the TV, play outside, limit screen time and play outside for an hour a day and even harder for a single parent, she says.

The indicators of children's wellbeing is otherwise generally good news with a dramatic improvement in childhood literacy.

More than 96 per cent of Year 5 students now read at or above the national minimum standards, up from 91 per cent in 2008.

More than 93 per cent of Year 5 students are achieving at or above the national minimum standards for numeracy, up from 92.7 per cent in 2008.

Deaths from childhood injuries are stable at around 5 deaths per 100,000 children.

Infant deaths are continuing to decline from 4.7 to 3.3 per cent of live births.

And 94 per cent of all children are attended an early education program before they start school in 2013 up from 86 per cent in 2012.

The rate of births to teenage mothers has plunged from 17.3 per cent in 2006 to 15.4 per cent in 2011 with the rates highest in regional and remote areas of Australia.

One in eight mothers smoked during their first 20 weeks of pregnancy but the rate was much higher among mothers aged less than 20 (35.7 per cent) and indigenous women (48%).

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'Lovely to still be sexy at my age'

Oldest profession ... Sheila Vogel-Coupe, 85, is Britain's oldest known prostitute. Source: Supplied

THIS woman may be worthy of a Tony Abbott-style wink. At 85, Sheila Vogel-Coupe is Britain's oldest known prostitute and she has no plans to stop.

Ms Vogel-Coupe started turning tricks four years ago when her second husband died. In a new documentary entitled My Granny the Escort, Vogel-Coupe says she can charge upwards of 250 pounds-an-hour ($450) and has no shortage of gentleman callers, averaging 10 clients a week.

"Men, especially young men ... they see something about me which is a nice feeling," she said, according to the Daily Beast . "Often, men call me up and they say, 'Will you please go on talking because you're turning me on and I have such a wank when I'm talking to you.'"

"I know I'm very, very sexy," she said.

Ms Vogel-Coupe said none of her family knew about her sideline work until her granddaughter Katie Waissel appeared on reality singing series The X Factor and a UK tabloid splashed her picture on their pages three years ago under the headline "Gum and Get It".

Ms Vogel-Coupe said the revelation caused her to fall out with her family, with only one out of her three daughters still speaking to her.

"What happened as a result of it was you'd think I had committed a murder," she said. "They couldn't believe I'd do something like that. I told them, 'What do you think I've done?'"

"Everyone thinks about things differently. I tried very hard to patch it up, but then it got to the point where they wanted me to promise that I'd never ever do it again. I said, 'Tell them to stuff it up their…'" she said.

I know I'm sexy ... Sheila Vogel-Coupe says she loves the companionship that her work provides, Source: Supplied

One of her disguised clients says in the documentary that mature women "known their own bodies" better than younger women.

"It's almost, for me, a bit perverse, like 'Women of that age shouldn't be doing this.' That's different, isn't it? They're batting outside what is kind of expected of a grown-up lady and that … that's naughty," he said.

"If I compared the experience of a mature lady to that of a younger girl, it's a contractual interaction, but there feels more value to it and more depth to it. And it isn't just wham bam thank you ma'am. A mature lady will provide you with the feelings that you're important — you're the one — while at the same time clearly enjoying it themselves."

Ms Vogel-Coupe says she isn't doing anything illegal and that her line of work allows her to feel companionship that many people her age crave.

"It's lovely to still be sexy at my age," she said. "but I've been on my own now for the last eight, nine years, and I do get lonely. I like the companionship of a man, of a gentleman. Whatever may come with it, okay fine, but it is the companionship of being with somebody."

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‘Rapist’ flips out over prom date

Fuming ... Joy Morsi apparently lost it when she found out a student she was allegedly having a sexual relationship with was taking another girl to prom. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

A GYM teacher ​charged with rape for allegedly carrying on ​​a ​sexual relationship with a ​16-year-old student flipped out when she learned he was taking another girl to the prom, prosecutors ​revealed in court.

Joy Morsi, 38, ​a New York schoolteacher​, was charged with 20 counts each of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act for her​ alleged​ fling with the minor, The New York Post reports.

Morsi, a wife and mother, was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, and faces up to four years in prison if convicted, said Queens DA Richard Brown.

The affair ended a few weeks ago, when Morsi got "jealous" that her boy toy took a girl to the prom, Prosecutor Taylor Piscionere said at the teacher's arraignment.

A second student has since come forward to say he also had sex with the teacher, sources told The Post.

"This defendant violated the teacher-student trust," Piscionere said in court, where Morsi's dejected husband looked on.

Prosecutors said Morsi, who has since been suspended by the Education Department, befriended ​the boy, a wrestler at Grover Cleveland High School​, when he needed help losing weight to make the school's wrestling team.

Morsi, in an email, allegedly asked the student if he was a virgin, and he replied that he was.

Their relationship escalated and got physical on June 5, 2013, when Morsi brought the teen into a closet in the school's gym, exposed her breast to him, performed oral sex and had intercourse, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said the teacher and student had sex more than 20 times in the school last year in various places, including the basement and gymnasium, prosecutors said.

Morsi took their sexual escapades outside of the school to various deserted parking lots and sent him raunchy selfies of her breasts, prosecutors said.

Another student found out about their tryst and reported it to authorities, sources said.

Morsi's husband left court without comment, as did Morsi after she made bail.

"This case is particularly disturbing because the defendant is a teacher and schools should be safe havens for children," Brown said. "Instead, this defendant is accused of sexually preying upon one of her students during rendezvous all over the school."

After being released on $US10,000 ($10,800) bail on Tuesday, Morsi was later arrested again over the second affair, cops said. The details were not released.

Read more at The New York Post.

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Revealed: The price of winning the World Cup

The Socceroos' final 23-man squad for the World Cup has been confirmed, with Tom Rogic, Josh Kennedy, Mark Birighitti and Luke Wilkshire all missing out.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal would only make it as far as the round of 16 in the World Cup money game. Source: AFP

FACT No. 1: the total market value of the entire Socceroos' squad is less than that of our group rival Spain's highest paid player.

Barcelona superstar Andres Iniesta is worth $74,816,500. Australia is worth $61,119,810.

Spain's total market value? $673,567,074 – 11 times more than the Socceroos.

The figures refer to players' market values at club level, taking in salaries, stats, age and recent performances.

Spain, the reigning FIFA World Cup champion, slots in at No. 2 for total market value behind host Brazil ($718,299,900).

Argentina ($654,482,640), featuring the world's most valuable player Lionel Messi ($163,332,000), takes the No. 3 spot, while Germany ($621,815,994) and France ($555,070,372) round out the top five. England ($493,232,648) is sixth.

MORE: Dumb Americans know nothing about the World Cup

MORE: Socceroos shock as big guns miss out

MORE: Why hosting a World Cup is a waste of money

The good news for Australia is it is not the least valuable team at the World Cup, coming in at 29th out of 32 – one behind the 28th-ranked USA ($77,464,104)

Central American nation Honduras is the least valuable with a total value of $45,053,928.

Below we follow the World Cup money trail, showing which teams would win their groups and ultimately go on to the final if Brazil 2014 was a battle of the bucks.

For starters, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal would bow out in the round of 16 against darkhorse Belgium, even though the Real Madrid star is the second most valuable player in the world at $136,110,000.

THE WORLD CUP MONEY GAME

GROUP A

Brazil (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $718,299,900
Rank: 1
Highest-Valued Player: Neymar ($88,297,440)

Croatia (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $258,755,400
Rank: 13
Highest-Valued Player: Luka Modric ($54,444,000)

Cameroon
Total Market Value: $184,251,690
Rank: 18
Highest-Valued Player: Alex Song ($24,499,800)

Mexico
Total Market Value: $94,490,334
Rank: 26
Highest-Valued Player: Javier Hernandez ($21,777,600)

Group A MVP: Neymar, Brazil and Barcelona. Source: AFP

GROUP B

Spain (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $673,567,074
Rank: 2
Highest-Valued Player: Andres Iniesta ($74,816,500)

Netherlands (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $248,775,524
Rank: 14
Highest-Valued Player: Robin van Persie ($54,444,000)

Chile
Total Market Value: $200,026,562
Rank: 16
Highest-Valued Player: Arturo Vidal ($59,879,600)

Australia
Total Market Value: $61,119,810
Rank: 29
Highest-Valued Player: Mathew Ryan, Mike Jedinak ($3,402,250)

Group B MVP: Andres Iniesta, Spain and Barcelona. Source: AP

GROUP C

Colombia (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $311,013,926
Rank: 10
Highest-Valued Player: Falcao ($81,618,000)

Cote d'Ivoire (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $207,628,902
Rank: 15
Highest-Valued Player: Yaya Toure ($40,833,000)

Japan
Total Market Value: $167,655,654
Rank: 20
Highest-Valued Players: Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda ($23,138,700)

Greece
Total Market Value: $120,767,391
Rank: 23
Highest-Valued Player: Sokratis ($20,404,500)

Group C MVP: Radamel Falcao, Colombia and AS Monaco. Falcao pulled out of the World Cup injured overnight but it made no difference to his side's chances in the money game. Source: AFP

GROUP D

England (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $493,232,648
Rank: 6
Highest-Valued Player: Wayne Rooney ($61,249,500)

Italy (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $448,802,087
Rank: 8
Highest-Valued Player: Mario Balotelli ($40,833,000)

Uruguay
Total Market Value: $260,495,307
Rank: 12
Highest-Valued Player: Edinson Cavani ($81,666,000)

Costa Rica
Total Market Value: $51,751,080
Rank: 31
Highest-Valued Player: Bryan Ruiz ($10,888,800)

Group D MVP: Edinson Cavani, Uruguay and Paris Saint-Germain. Source: AFP

GROUP E

France (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $555,070,372
Rank: 5
Highest-Valued Player: Paul Pogba ($61,240,500)

Switzerland (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $194,773,250
Rank: 17
Highest-Valued Players: Ricardo Rodriguez, Xherdan Shaqiri ($27,222,000)

Ecuador
Total Market Value: $114,994,127
Rank: 24
Highest-Valued Player: Antonio Valencia ($21,777,600)

Honduras
Total Market Value: $45,053,928
Rank: 32
Highest-Valued Player: Emilio Izaguirre ($5,784,675)

Group E MVP: Paul Pogba, France and Juventus. Source: AP

GROUP F

Argentina (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $654,482,640
Rank: 3
Highest-Valued Player: Lionel Messi ($163,332,000)

Bosnia-Herzegovina (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $177,098,968
Rank: 19
Highest-Valued Player: Edin Dzeko ($32,666,400)

Nigeria
Total Market Value: $138,455,956
Rank: 22
Highest-Valued Player: John Obi Mikel ($27,222,000)

Iran
Total Market Value: $54,269,392
Rank: 30
Highest-Valued Player: Ashkan Dejagah ($4,083,300)

World Cup MVP: Lionel Messi, Argentina and Barcelona. Source: AFP

GROUP G

Germany (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $621,815,994
Rank: 4
Highest-Valued Player: Mario Gotze ($61,249,500)

Portugal (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $399,518,890
Rank: 9
Highest-Valued Player: Cristiano Ronaldo ($136,110,000)

Ghana
Total Market Value: $150,743,365
Rank: 21
Highest-Valued Player: Kwadwo Asamoah ($27,222,000)

United States
Total Market Value: $77,464,104
Rank: 28
Highest-Valued Player: Clint Dempsey ($9,527,700)

Group G MVP: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal and Real Madrid. Source: AP

GROUP H

Belgium (Group winner)
Total Market Value: $467,856,476
Rank: 7
Highest-Valued Player: Eden Hazard ($61,240,500)

Russia (Runner-up)
Total Market Value: $261,968,904
Rank: 11
Highest-Valued Player: Igor Akinfeev ($27,222,000)

Algeria
Total Market Value: $104,932,697
Rank: 25
Highest-Valued Player: Sofiane Feghouli ($16,333,200)

Korea Republic
Total Market Value: $83,329,629
Rank: 27
Highest-Valued Player: Heung-Min Son ($19,055,400)

Group H MVP: Eden Hazard, Belgium and Chelsea. Source: AFP

ROUND OF 16

Brazil ($718,299,900) bt Netherlands ($248,775,524)

Italy ($448,802,087) bt Colombia ($311,013,926)

France ($555,070,372) bt Bosnia-Herzegovina ($177,098,968)

Germany ($621,815,994) bt Russia ($261,968,904)

Spain ($673,567,074) bt Croatia ($258,755,400)

England ($493,232,648) bt Cote d'Ivoire ($207,628,902)

Argentina ($654,482,640) bt Switzerland ($194,773,250)

Belgium ($467,856,476) bt Portugal ($399,518,890)

QUARTER-FINALS

Brazil

Brazil ($718,299,900) bt Italy ($448,802,087)

Germany ($621,815,994) bt France ($555,070,372)

Spain ($673,567,074) bt England ($493,232,648)

Argentina ($654,482,640) bt Belgium ($467,856,476)

SEMI-FINALS

Brazil ($718,299,900) bt Germany ($621,815,994)

Spain ($673,567,074) bt Argentina ($654,482,640)

FINAL

Brazil ($718,299,900) bt Spain ($673,567,074)

Data courtesy of Valor, Transfermarkt and The Score. All figures in US dollars.

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Tedesco’s $500,000 Canberra backflip

James Tedesco is set to remain with the Wests Tigers, with his management team notifying the Canberra Raiders that Tedesco is now reneging on their agreed upon deal.

Wests Tiger's fullback James Tedesco during training at Concord Oval. Source: News Corp Australia

FULLBACK James Tedesco has dropped a contract bombshell on the Canberra Raiders by sacrificing nearly $500,000 to backflip and remain with the Wests Tigers beyond this season.

In a 11th hour snubbing just seven days after announcing he was moving to Canberra, the Tigers local junior has opted to renege on a $1.8 million three-year deal with the Green Machine.

TEDESCO TO CANBERRA, PROCTOR BACKFLIPS

Tiger's James Tedesco during Wests Tigers training. Source: News Corp Australia

Tedesco personally called Raiders coach Ricky Stuart on Wednesday afternoon to break the news that he would not be joining the team as a replacement for Brisbane-bound fullback Anthony Milford.

Under NRL rules, Tedesco had until round 13 to back away from the Raiders deal.

The Tigers stressed they did not increase their original offer, which was about $150,000 a season less than that from Canberra.

That was of little comfort to the Raiders on Wednesday night

"We are bitterly disappointed at the way it was handled," Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.

"We thought he was the ideal replacement for Anthony Milford.

"It's back to the drawing board."

DECISION LOOMS FOR TEDESCO

James Tedesco during Wests Tigers training. Source: News Corp Australia

The decision comes as a crushing blow to the Canberra Raiders recruitment drive, with Tedesco touted as the Green Machine's marquee signing to counter the loss of Milford to the Broncos.

Raiders coach Stuart also had a handshake deal with Melbourne Storm backrower Kevin Proctor also collapse at the last-minute, with the Raiders coach personally flying to Melbourne to have dinner with the Kiwi Test backrower.

Rubbing further salt into the wound, Penrith winger Josh Mansour also rejected the Raiders to remain at the Panthers last Tuesday.

The pain is unlikely to end there for the Raiders, with Canterbury captain and hooker Michael Ennis likely to choose Cronulla over Canberra as his future destination.

James Tedesco arriving from Canberra at Sydney Airport. Source: News Corp Australia

In a statement, Tedesco said: "I firstly need to apologise to the Canberra Raiders for my change of heart. They have been great throughout the whole process.

"That said, I never felt totally comfortable with my decision and after thinking it through I realised it would be too hard to leave my best mates. I understand that the Raiders and their fans will be disappointed and I apologise to all of them for making this decision and I only hope they will understand."

"Obviously it would have been a big decision for James to make," said Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer.

"I am sure he spent many hours talking to his parents and friends about this.

"From Wests Tigers' point of view, we are thrilled that he has decided to stay.

"It is a sign of great faith in what we are building at this club."

Tiger's fullback James Tedesco scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Wests Tigers have re-signed a cluster of rising stars and can now add Tedesco to that group.

Others include Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Moses and Curtis Sironen.

"Wow, what great news," said Tigers legend Ben Elias.

"James is a great player and I can tell you he never wanted to leave.

"He has great ties with young Brooks, Sironen and Moses.

"Wests Tigers future looks fantastic and that will only be enhanced by having Tedesco at the back.

"It is exciting news for Wests Tigers."

Only a week ago, Tedesco told the Canberra media of his desire to impress at the Raiders.

"Coming down there as a marquee player and someone Ricky expects a lot of, it's definitely going to be a lot of pressure to perform week to week," he said.

Tiger's James Tedesco tackled by South Sydney's John Sutton. Source: News Corp Australia

At the time of signing Tedesco, Furner said: "James is an outstanding young talent who we see as a big signing for the Raiders and we look forward to him joining the club at the beginning of the 2015 season.

"The Raiders have followed James' progress from his days at St Gregory's College Campbelltown and we know being from Camden, James will fit into the lifestyle and culture here in Canberra."

One of the driving reasons behind the backflip was Tedesco's extremely strong bond with Tigers playing roster, particularly stars Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods and captain Robbie Farah, who was in talks with the fullback for the past 48 hours.

James Tedesco arriving from Canberra at Sydney Airport with his manager and Josh Mansour. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Tigers fullback reported for training on Tuesday in a visibly distressed state before talking to a number of his fellow Tigers players and the club's coaching staff to convey his confusion.

Tedesco then went for a coffee with Tigers captain Farah to further discuss his desire to turn his back on the Raiders next season before again meeting the Tigers skipper for further crisis talks on Wednesday.

Once Tedesco had made the call to exercise his right to pull out of the three-year Canberra contract, it was decided he needed to personally telephone Stuart to convey his reasoning.

Tedesco then rang Stuart, where the pair discussed the surprise decision.

Did James Tedesco make the right decision in not joining Canberra?

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Neglected dog ‘ate neighbour alive’

Jailed ... Hayley Sulley, left, and Della Woods failed to take care of their dog who then made his way into a neighbour's yard and 'ate him alive'. Source: Supplied

TWO women have been jailed for a year after their neighbour was "literally eaten alive" by their hungry dog.

Hayley Sulley, 30, and Della Woods, 29, of Norris Green in Liverpool were at a barbecue when their presa canario crossbreed, Charlie, made his way into the backyard of the women's retired neighbour, Clifford Clarke, 79.

The dog had not been fed for 45 hours and was eating plastic bowls, cigarette butts and drinking dirty water. Clarke, who had celebrated his birthday just the day before, was cooking lamb and had left his kitchen door open.

Clarke was attacked so badly his left arm was amputated and the other one was "hanging by a thread."

Neighbours said they tried getting the dog off Clarke as he sank his teeth into the man's arm and dragged him around the backyard.

One neighbour described the dog as "snarling" and "foaming at the mouth" as Clarke kept yelling "get off of me."

Police said that when they arrived at the scene the dog was so crazed that he started eating the end of the rifle and even after being shot, got up and started attacking again.

In sentencing the two women, Judge Mark Brown said Clarke had "literally been eaten alive" and that both women would be banned from ever owning a dog again.

"Mr Clarke suffered a horrific death and you have taken away from his family the love and companionship he would have provided," he said. "I am satisfied this dreadful and forceful attack on Mr Clarke was entirely avoidable."

Gary Simpson, senior crown prosecutor with the Mersey-Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service, said Sulley and Woods should have time to reflect on their actions.

"The guilty pleas of these two women have thankfully brought this case to a relatively speedy conclusion and have saved Mr Clarke's relatives the ordeal of a trial," he said. "Hayley Sulley and Della Woods were both responsible for the dog's welfare and behaviour on that fateful day. Their failure to make sure the dog was cared for and under control has led to a man's death and they must now come to terms with that. Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Clarke at this sad time."

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Think of this before you renovate

DIY renovations .. which are popular on Australian TV shows like House Rules, can have their downsides. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS' addiction to home renovating could result in them being caught out by failing to be properly insured.

The nation's fixation on revamping the family home has been driven by prime-time TV shows including House Rules and The Block, but renovators are being urged to think twice before embarking on renovation projects.

Experts warn homeowners they could be left in hot water by failing to have proper insurance cover before allowing tradesman into their home.

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One in two Australians have no idea they need to contact their insurance provider before kickstarting a renovation project and 52 per cent are in the dark about what their home and contents policy covered.

Galaxy researched commissioned by Woolworths Insurance found 22 per cent of people believed their insurance covered them for all renovation work.

Woolworths Insurance's senior business manager Nicolle Glover said Australians needed to take caution before kickstarting renovations.

"People should make a 10-minute phone call to their insurer to make sure they are covered and work out what measures they need to do to make sure they are still covered while doing a renovation,'' she said.

"Let the insurer know how long it is going to take and the extent of the renovations and put your mind at ease."

Ms Glover said water damage and death were among unforeseen circumstances that might not be covered by insurance policies and urged homeowners to also check the tradesmen were licensed.

An Insurance Australia Council spokeswoman said it was vital homeowners contacted their insurer about their plans and to make sure they have home warranty insurance.

"Review and update your policy to ensure the renovations are covered.,'' she said.

"Before selecting a builder to carry out the work check they have home warranty insurance, the requirement for builders to have this type of insurance varies between states and territories.

"Generally, home warranty insurance provides consumers with a layer of financial protection if a builder is unable to honour their commitment under a contract due to death or insolvency."

The ICA also recommends homeowners contact there insurer once the renovations are complete to allow for any change in the value to their property.

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Call saved ‘Slender Man victim’

Crime scene ... Police investigate the spot where a passing cyclist found the injured 12-year-old. Source: Supplied

A 911 call shows how a good Samaritan most likely saved the life of a 12-year-old girl who was stabbed 19 times and left for dead by two of her friends.

The girls, named as Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, lured their friend into the woods in Wisconsin and took turns stabbing her before running off.

They told police they believed a fictional character called Slender Man would appear to them if they took their friend's life.

THE TERRIFYING SLENDERMAN CULT

Fictional ... Slender Man is a character that was created in 2009 on the SomethingAwful web forum. Source: Supplied

A cyclist saw the victim as he rode his bike along a trail in the woods and immediately stopped and called for help.

"She says she was stabbed multiple times," the cyclist told the operator. "She's breathing. She says she can take shallow breaths. She's alert."

Asked if he can see an assailant around, the man replies that he can't see anybody. He says he asked the girl who stabbed her but that she doesn't appear like she wants to talk.

"I think she is trying to save energy," he told the operator.

The cyclist tries to reassure the girl that help is on the way as he stays and comforts her.

"There's a squad car coming now," he told her. "Somebody's coming."

He says that she had one sandal off and lying a metre or so away from where he found her.

Geyser and Weier have been charged as adults with attempted first-degree intentional homicide but a judge is likely to decide if they will be tried in a juvenile or an adult court.

Geyser's family wept in court and released a statement expressing sympathy for the victim and her family.

"We have been overwhelmed with anguish," they said.

Shadowy figure ... One of the many "Slender Man" memes circulating on the internet. Source: Supplied

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