NSW:O'Farrell should stop gas drilling: Greens

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2011
NSW:O'Farrell should stop gas drilling: Greens

The NSW Greens say Premier BARRY O'FARRELL should override his energy minister and
stop two coal seam gas exploration licences from being renewed.

The AGL exploration lease at Camden, southwest of Sydney, expired in March while Eastern
Star Gas' lease to drill near Narrabri in the state's north expired yesterday.

The Greens' mining spokesman JEREMY BUCKINGHAM says Energy Minister CHRIS HARTCHER
is out of his depth, and the premier should step in and impose a moratorium on coal seam
gas drilling.

He's seized on comments from Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
spokesman ROSS DUNN, who told a public hearing in Sydney that good management can't eliminate
the risk of contaminating water aquifers.

AAP RTV saj/tr/jmt

KEYWORD: CSG NSW (SYDNEY)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Collingwood shoulders burden for England.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

ENGLAND have taken a big gamble on Paul Collingwood's fitness by including the all-rounder in the 12-man squad for this week's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. The hosts were dealt a hefty blow just 24 hours earlier when Andrew Flintoff's return to the side was ruled out because of a side strain.

That means England will once again be without their talisman all-rounder, who is on the comeback trail from yet another ankle operation. With the Lancashire man injured, Collingwood'sA all-round skills are vital and the one-day skipper has been picked despite shoulder and back injuries. National selector Geoff Miller said: "Despite being faced with some injury concerns we've named what we think is an extremely strong England Test squad.

"Paul Collingwood received treatment to his right shoulder on Friday and we now need to see how he responds to that treatment before we have a definitive idea of his availability. "At this stage it's too early to say whether he will definitely play as he will be reassessed in the lead up. I know Paul and the England medical team will be doing everything to ensure he's given the best chance of taking his place in the side but should he not be fit to play we have options available.

"Andrew Flintoff was obviously unavailable for selection, which is a shame for Andrew and for England but I know he'll continue to work hard with Lancashire medical team and be in contention in due course."

Matthew Hoggard has won his place back after being dropped following a poor first Test in New Zealand. England hit back from 1-0 down to win the series 2-1 after axing Hoggard and paceman Steve Harmison. And although they have decided to call on the Yorkshire seamer, there is still no place for Harmison.

Miller said: "Clearly there is very healthy competition for places, which can only be good for England. The selection of this squad maintains a position of continuity from the winter. I had a chat with Steve the other day and explained the situation. We need Steve to be bowling, as he can bowl, at 90 miles-an-hour and if he is doing that, getting wickets and his confidence back we will reassess it.

"At this moment he needs those performances for Durham and we are allowing him to do that."

[c] 2007 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

FED:AFP legal advice on basis of scant info

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
FED:AFP legal advice on basis of scant info

CANBERRA, April 7 AAP - Scant information provided by defence led federal police to
advise initially that no offence was committed in the defence cadet sex scandal.

Australian Federal Police commissioner Tony Negus said the original information provided
by defence to police related to a very bare set of circumstances.

"That advice that was provided by defence didn't really fully comprehend the magnitude
of what we now know to be the case," he told reporters.

Mr Negus said AFP officers were continuing to investigate the case in which a male
cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy filmed himself having sex with the 18-year-old
fellow cadet, streaming the vision to six other cadets in another room.

Defence sought advice from the AFP and was initially advised it did not appear any
offences had been committed.

Mr Negus said defence conducted some original inquiries and some preliminary legal
advice was provided on the basis of that information.

"But then again the circumstances came out more fully later on," he said.

Asked if he thought this was intentional, Mr Negus replied: "No, there was preliminary
advice sought on a particular question, that advice was provided and the circumstances
then grew from there."

Mr Negus said until all witnesses had been interviewed and all evidence examined, it
could not be determined what offences may or may not have been committed.

"So it's very much premature to say no offence have been committed," he said.

"That is being examined as we speak with the Director of Public Prosecutions and our
legal staff."

Mr Negus said whether an offence had been committed would depend on a range of circumstances,
such as whether the imagery was transmitted across a telecommunications device.

"Until we speak to all of the people concerned, I am not prepared to say whether there
is or is not an offence being committed under ACT legislation," he said.

MORE mb/sb/nb

KEYWORD: CADET AFP

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

VIC:Princes Highway duplication to begin 2011

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2010
VIC:Princes Highway duplication to begin 2011

MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - A company has been chosen to duplicate the Princes Highway
between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea, southwest of Melbourne, clearing the way for construction
to start early next year.

BMD was revealed on Friday as the successful bidder for the $220 million contract.

The Princes Highway will be duplicated between the Geelong Ring Road, near Draytons
Road, and Lennox Street, Winchelsea.

The upgrade, which will be jointly funded by the federal and state governments, will
provide 23 kilometres of divided two-lane highway.

The works will include the construction of a new bridge to carry Colac-bound highway
lanes over the Geelong-Warrnambool railway line, as well as an upgrade of the existing
highway bridge, to carry Geelong-bound traffic.

AAP mj/nb/psm/

KEYWORD: HIGHWAY

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

News Diary for Tuesday Aug 10

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2010
News Diary for Tuesday Aug 10
Good Morning News Editors and Chiefs of Staff

Here is AAP's preliminary newslist for Tuesday (not for publication).

This is a guide only and stories, local times and locations are subject to change. In
some cases times and locations may not be available. Story coverage is subject to staffing.

POLL10
- Julia Gillard in Adelaide. AAP covering with pix.

- Tony Abbott expected to start day at event in Sydney 0900. AAP covering with pix.

- Confidential Treasury analysis shows an $840 million hole in coalition's budget costings.

COURTS
SYDNEY
- First mention 29-year-old Chinese man, mortgage broker charged with $17 million fraud
on home loans, North Sydney Local Court.

- Maha Sayour, Ibrahim sister, re money in roof, Downing Centre Local Court.

- Continuation of Keli Lane murder trial, King Street.

BRISBANE
- Mention in Rockhampton Industrial Magistrates Court for Qld company charged following
death of 16yo insulation installer
MELBOURNE
- Sentence for a Melbourne primary school teacher who sexually abused two of her eight-year-old
pupils during a sleepover at her home in 1970s
- Committal begins for former AFL player Andrew Lovett who is charged with rape
- Sentence for four men who pleaded guilty over a murder in a fight at a Diggers Rest oval

ADELAIDE
- Checking story that SA govt has launched a campaign to poach stressed and bored Brits.

BRISBANE
- Greens leader Bob Brown to meet with Qld farmers against coal seam gas mining
- Tim Flannery to address environmental debate hosted by Meat and Livestock Australia
at University of Queensland

CANBERRA
- Australia will appeal a WTO ruling that tough restrictions on the importation of NZ
apples are trade restrictive.

- Medicines Australia launches federal election paper, 1000
- Debate between Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, opposition communications spokesman
Tony Smith and Greens communications spokesperson Scott Ludlam, National Press Club, 1300

HOBART
- Forestry contractors to meet in Launceston, possibly calling for more govt assistance

MELBOURNE
1015 - Science Minister Kim Carr visits RMIT in Melbourne CBD to outline Labor's plans
for the future of science and research in Australia.

1200 - Jenny Macklin in Melbourne to join with federal Labor candidate for Melbourne Cath
Bowtell to pledge their support for equal pay for community sector workers.

1100 - Agriculture Minister Tony Burke press conference.

- State parliament sitting

SYDNEY
- Thursday's rail strike postponed.

- Kristina Keneally and Oppn Leader Barry O'Farrell among guests evacuated after security
threat at a Sydney hotel.

- Outwatching investigation into disapperance of 6yo Kiesha Abrahams.

- ICAC inquiry into lobbying in NSW continues
- Winners of $300,000 Moran Prizes 2010 to be announced. 1100.

1130 - Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek in Gosford to visit National Rental Affordability
Scheme apartments with labor Candidate for Robertson Deborah ONeill.

1200 - Victorian Senate candidate and Australian Sex Party president Fiona Patten to launch
drugs policy, with criminologist Professor Paul Wilson attending
1230 - ABC election specialist Antony Green to discuss the election

DARWIN
1045 - Peter Garrett joins Member for Solomon Damian Hale for announcement about Kakadu.

MEDICAL
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre annual symposium, from 1015, including the
release of new statistics on problematic alcohol use and dependence in Australia.

FINANCE
ECONOMIC NEWS:
Sydney - National Australia Bank's monthly business survey for July

EQUITIES NEWS:
Melbourne - National Australia Bank Ltd trading statement for its third quarter
Sydney - Bradken Ltd full year results
Sydney - Cochlear Ltd full year results
Sydney - Alumina Ltd first half results
Sydney - Reckon Ltd first half results
Sydney - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Graeme Samuel to address
Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce luncheon on `New competition & consumer regulations,
tougher sanctions & significant consequences for everyday business activity'

SPORT
LEAGUE
SYDNEY/BRISBANE - Judiciary update
SYDNEY - Manly player interviews (Brent Kite, Jason King and Kieran Foran), 0945, Narrabeen
SYDNEY - NRL teams named for round 23 matches

AFL
GEELONG - Media conference with Geelong coach Mark Thompson, 0950 Skilled Stadium
MELBOURNE - Tribunal news
BRISBANE - Media conference with Brisbane coach Michael Voss, 1300 Gabba

SOCCER
SYDNEY - Preview Socceroos v Slovenia in Ljubljana early Thursday AEST
SYDNEY - A-League news

SWIMMING
SYDNEY - Australian team departs for Pan Pacific Championships

NETBALL
MELBOURNE - Preview second Test Australia v Jamaica in Sydney on Wednesday

SQUASH
CANBERRA - Australian Open starts

RACING
SYDNEY - Cover Randwick races.

SYDNEY - Preview Canterbury Wednesday.

MELBOURNE - Preview Geelong Wednesday.

BRISBANE - Preview Eagle Farm races Wednesday.

AAP bwl

KEYWORD: DIARY NEWS TUESDAY AM UPDATE

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

AAP Backgrounders and Analyses for the weekend of Jan 1-3

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2009
AAP Backgrounders and Analyses for the weekend of Jan 1-3
AAP BACKGROUNDERS AND ANALYSES FOR THE WEEKEND OF JAN 1/2/3
For further information please contact Newseds on (02) 93228610/11.

CANBERRA - Kevin Rudd used his 15 minutes in the commentary box at the Boxing Day test
to push the case for Shane Warne's return to the Australian cricket team. (Newscope Federal,
AAP News Analysis, by Richard Lawson, about 800 words, on file).

CANBERRA - Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he will turn back boats carrying suspected
asylum seekers if elected. (Boat Abbott, AAP News Analysis, by Crystal Ja, about 600 words,
to come on Thursday)


PERTH - A bushfire near a small town wiped out more property than any single disaster
in Western Australia since 1963 - and the finger is being pointed at a fallen power line.

(Newscope WA, AAP Analysis, By Warwick Stanley, about 1,000 words, to come on Thursday).


MELBOURNE - Melbourne is set for its lowest road toll ever. With hours to go until the
end of the year, the state's toll stands at 295, compared to the previous low of 303.

Reporter Greg Roberts examines why the toll is so low, and warns against complacency.

(Toll Vic, AAP Newsfeature, by Greg Roberts, about 500 words, to come on Thursday.)


SYDNEY - It was outlawed in the 1940s and killed off by Space Invaders in the Eighties.

But for a few glorious decades pinball ruled. (Life:Pinball, AAP Feature, by Judy Skatssoon,
about 870 words, on file)


SYDNEY - Little by little, researchers in the race against time to save the Tasmanian
devil are understanding more about the mysterious cancer that is decimating the population
of the carnivorous marsupial. (Sci:Devil Tumour, AAP Feature, by Judy Skatssoon, about
675 words, on file - under EMBARGO)

FINANCE
MELBOURNE - Industry players say recent moves by the US government to tighten security
measures on aircraft will do little to deter people from visiting the land of Uncle Sam.

(AVIATION US, by Jordan Chong, about 685 words, on file)


SPORT
SYDNEY - It's the Australian Open final and Rafael Nadal is serving at 15-40, double break
point down, and he goes wide to Roger Federer's forehand. (Tennis Aust Technology, AAP
Sportsfeature, by Darren Walton, about 940 words, on file)

AAP NOMINATES THE TOP TENS FOR 2010 - TEN WITH A POINT TO PROVE, TEN TO LOOK OUT FOR,
and TEN WE WILL MISS. (Sport Aust, AAP Sportsfeature, Darren Walton, about 1,346 words,
on file)

ROUTINERS
* The Week (includes * Milestones * Quotes * Oddities)



AAP cdh

KEYWORD: WEEKEND READS

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Aust signs biggest ever resource deal with China

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2009
Fed: Aust signs biggest ever resource deal with China

Australia's secured its biggest ever resources deal .. by signing a 50 billion dollar
agreement to supply liquefied natural gas to China.

The gas will come from the Gorgon development off the West Australian coast .. and
comes a week after $25 billion deal to supply gas to India .. also from Gorgon.

It'll be the biggest single investment ever made in Australia .. breaking the record
set only a few years ago by the 12 billion dollar Pluto LNG project now under construction
in Western Australia.

AAP RTV kms/wf

KEYWORD: GAS (CANBERRA)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Extended caption for AAP's picture of the day

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2009
Fed: Extended caption for AAP's picture of the day

Australian actor Hugh Jackman abseils into the X-Men Origins: Wolverine media event
at Cockatoo Island in Sydney, Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Wolverine is scheduled for release
May 1. Jackman, 40, thrilled fans when he arrived by helicopter before catching a flying
fox from a cliff top to the ground. He says he's heartbroken that the new movie was leaked
on the internet a month before its official release. He has unveiled 20 minutes of completed
footage from the film to about 600 fans and media on Wednesday at Sydney Harbour's Cockatoo
Island, where much of the movie was shot. While he's upset for everyone involved in making
the movie, Jackman says he's heartened by the fact that the majority of the online community
had condemned the leak and thought fans will still go to see it at the movies. (AAP Image/Tracey
Nearmy) (PICTURE NUMBER: SYD805)

AAP dp/mo

KEYWORD: TOPSHOT (PIC AVAILABLE)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Qld: Cyber shopping beats Christmas crowds

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2008
Qld: Cyber shopping beats Christmas crowds

One in three Australians won't battle the Christmas crowds this year as more of us
turn to high-speed cyber shopping.

An AAPT survey of one thousand households has found that 13 per cent have already shopped
online for Christmas presents .. and another third are intending to in the next few weeks.

Consumer watchdog Choice warns if the website isn't a major player in the retail sector
it's vital to research the business before handing over credit card details.

AAP RTV ahe/af/bart

KEYWORD: XMAS ONLINE (BRISBANE)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

The French Connection

ORIT ARFA
Jerusalem Post
06-12-2008
Headline: The French Connection
Byline: ORIT ARFA
Edition; Weekend
Section: Features
Page: 12

Thursday, June 12, 2008 -- Catherine and Daniel Groner made aliya in March 2007 from the south of France with a dream: to create a mini- French oasis within Israel. They have succeeded with Villa Provence, a six-suite boutique hotel and spa in Moshav Manot, about 16 km. east of Nahariya.

The peach-colored two-story villa stands out in the hilly moshav, home to some 64 families. Dozens of plants and a small fountain fill the entrance corridor. The tabletops in the dining room, which also serves as the hotel's lobby, boast elegant earth-colored tiles. Antique French pantries stand against walls adorned with landscape paintings.

But the most scenic picture is located through the wide patio glass door: a bright blue pool and tanning deck surrounded by a lush garden.

Down the hall are two treatment rooms and a spa with a steam room and sauna. The jacuzzi is located outside.

The Groners' personal story of aliya is impressive. Catherine left her work as a corporate consultant and Daniel as an accountant and judge to realize their Zionist dream. This is his second marriage, her first.

"We opened a new page in Israel," says Daniel.

They scouted different communities in Israel until they came upon Moshav Manot. Most French olim, Daniel said, flock to the big cities, but they were intent on creating a suburban lifestyle similar to one they enjoyed in France. They came upon a home whose second floor once served as a guest house. As soon as they began remodeling, the Second Lebanon War broke out.

"We got our ID cards and war cards together," explained Daniel. "It was hard, but we didn't want to go back; we wanted to live in Israel." While the hotel was in construction, the couple lived in Nahariya while escaping to Tel Aviv when rockets started falling. Finally, the work was done, and in May 2007, Villa Provence opened.

Catherine applied her natural artistic flair to design the interior, with each suite designed in a different color scheme. I stayed in the Narcisse room, styled in white and silver, and felt like a French princess.

Rooms here are equipped with an LCD screen, DVD, stereo, Internet outlet, and mini-fridge. Conveniently placed on a small desk is a book of things to do in Galilee. French L'Occitane soaps, shampoos and moisturizing creams add a European scent to the bathrooms and spa.

Amidst all this luxury and elegance, only one thing was a little tough at Villa Provence: the lack of fuzzy warmth I have enjoyed as a guest at family-run log-cabin style tzimmers.

The Groners' living quarters are located through a glass door near the lobby, understandably off limits to guests.

When Catherine served me breakfast consisting of breads, Roquefort and feta cheese, cucumber and Waldorf salads, and a sunny-side-up egg, I didn't feel comfortable asking her to fetch me more water. When Daniel offered to take my luggage to my car, I declined; a former judge shouldn't be my valet.

I felt like I was interrupting the Groners when I wanted something - whether to inquire about a massage, or to figure out why the hot water in the spa's shower wasn't working.

Daniel explained that when the hotel is at full capacity, they hire outside help. But I am of the opinion that whoever attends such an expensive and well-groomed hotel should be treated like the VIPs the luxurious accommodations make them feel.

B&B with spa included (treatment extra): Weekday: NIS 1,000 per couple per night; Weekend: NIS 2,400 per couple for two nights; www.villaprovence.co.il; (04) 980-6246; (054) 308-1061. Children over the age of 16 are welcome.

Keywords:

Copyright 2008 Jerusalem Post. All Rights Reserved

WA: Cyclone watch declared for Pilbara coast

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2007
WA: Cyclone watch declared for Pilbara coast

Eds: Changes keyword from Cyclone WA



By Nicolas Perpitch

PERTH, Dec 28 AAP - A tropical cyclone watch has been issued for western Australia's
Pilbara coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) estimated category one tropical cyclone Melanie was
610km north-west of Broome and moving at 8km/h towards the coast at 4pm (WDT).

A cyclone watch has been issued for coastal areas between Exmouth and Broome.

"Tropical cyclone Melanie is not expected to cause gales on the coast overnight tonight
or during Saturday," the BOM said in a statement.

"However, gales may develop on the coast late Sunday."

WA's Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the State Emergency Services have not
yet issued community alerts.

At the major mining port of Port Hedland, harbourmaster Lindsay Coperman said the full
emergency plan had not been activated, but preparations were being made.

"We're taking preliminary precautions in terms of cleaning up rubbish and tying things
down," Mr Coperman said.

Shire of Roeburn deputy president Des Rothe said people in his town of Karratha would
not pay the cyclone much attention unless it came closer to the coast and became a category
three cyclone.

Many people were away over the Christmas holidays and had already tied down and secured
construction and other sites, Mr Rothe said.

AAP np/jl/de

KEYWORD: MELANIE NIGHTLEAD (CHANGING KEYWORD)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Qld: Haneef to learn visa fate tomorrow

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2007
Qld: Haneef to learn visa fate tomorrow

BRISBANE, Aug 20 AAP - Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef will learn tomorrow whether his
appeal to have his work visa reinstated has been successful.

Lawyers for Dr Haneef lodged the appeal last month, just days after Immigration Minister
Kevin Andrews cancelled the former terrorism suspect's work visa on character grounds.

In cancelling the visa, Mr Andrews said he had a reasonable suspicion Dr Haneef had
"associated" with terrorists, specifically his second cousins Kafeel and Sabeel Ahmed,
both allegedly involved in failed bomb plots in the UK in June.

However, at a Federal Court hearing in Brisbane on August 8, Dr Haneef's lawyers disputed
the minister's use of the word "association" and questioned whether any relationship with
an alleged criminal, even an innocent one, would be enough to justify a visa cancellation.

Solicitor General David Bennett QC had told the court that "association" in the minister's
usage was more like "mates" to the average Australian.

He said not only had Dr Haneef given his mobile phone SIM card to Sabeel Ahmed when
he left the UK last year, but he had borrowed money from Kafeel and stayed with the brothers
for a short time.

Following the day-and-a-half long hearing, Justice Jeffrey Spender reserved his decision
until noon (AEST) tomorrow.

Dr Haneef, who worked as a junior doctor at the Gold Coast Hospital, was charged with
providing support to a terrorism organisation on July 14, following 12 days of detention
under anti-terror laws.

A Brisbane magistrate granted him bail on July 16, before Mr Andrews intervened.

However, the charge against him was dropped within a fortnight after Commonwealth Director
of Public Prosecutions Damian Bugg found there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction
against the Indian doctor.

Dr Haneef returned to India a day later but has stated publicly he wants to return
to Australia to continue his physician training at the Gold Coast Hospital.

AAP ews/pjo/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: HANEEF COURT

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: IPCC report wrong on climate change - Aust academic

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2007
Fed: IPCC report wrong on climate change - Aust academic

An Australian academic says the global scientific report .. blaming carbon emissions
for climate change .. is based on misconceptions about the Earth's behaviour.

Emeritus Professor LANCE ENDERSBEE has accused scientific leaders of trying to stifle
debate over the causes of climate change.

Professor ENDERSBEE .. a former dean of engineering and pro-vice chancellor at Monash
University in Melbourne .. says it's highly probable increased electromagnetic radiation
of the sun is behind global warming.

He says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report .. released earlier this
year .. reflects little understanding of the relationship between the earth .. the sun
and the cosmos.

AAP RTV pw/wf/bart

KEYWORD: CLIMATE ENDERSBEE (CANBERRA)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW:Public health officer sceptical of disease claim, court told

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2006
NSW:Public health officer sceptical of disease claim, court told

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - A public health official was dismissive of concerns that a Sydney
teenager who later died of meningococcal disease was at risk of contracting the disease,
an inquest has been told.

Jehan Nassif, 18, died from meningococcal at Bankstown Hospital in August this year,
four days after coming into contact with the disease and hours after calling an ambulance
to her home.

Westmead Coroner's Court today heard Jehan's boyfriend George Khouzame had told public
health officer Carla Ghezzi of his concerns that he may have passed meningococcal onto
his cousin Elias while they were holidaying in Greece.

Elias was hospitalised with the disease upon his return to Australia on August 15 and
George and other travelling companions were given preventative antibiotics.

The police officer investigating the incident, Detective Sergeant Stephen Thomas, told
the court that George Khouzame had raised concerns about Jehan and asked Ms Ghezzi whether
his girlfriend should also take precautionary medications.

"No," Ms Ghezzi had replied, telling Jehan: "If you had meningococcal you wouldn't
be here right now, you probably just had the flu."

Elias Khouzame said he "got the impression that she was narrowing her questions to
what she was looking for", Det Sgt Thomas said.

Counsel assisting the inquest Trish McDonald said Ms Ghezzi denied George had spoken about Jehan.

Whether Jehan was present, wearing a mask, or exposed to Elias's uncovered vomit during
a brief visit on August 16 was also in dispute, Ms McDonald said.

Jehan's parents also claim ambulance officers discouraged their daughter from going
to hospital early on the morning of her death, saying there would be a wait.

The paramedics allege she declined to go to hospital but failed to get her signature
on a standard form to that effect.

Blood tests revealed both Jehan and Elias Khouzame were suffering from the same Cuban
strain of meningococcal, a strain rare in NSW and one against which Jehan had not been
vaccinated.

The inquest continues before Deputy State Coroner Dorelle Pinch.

AAP ajc/tb/was/maur

KEYWORD: NASSIF (PIX AVAILABLE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Howard urges patience for Kovco inqiury

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2006
Fed: Howard urges patience for Kovco inqiury

CANBERRA, April 28 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today urged patience and an end
to speculation as the defence department begins investigations into how Private Jake Kovco
was fatally shot and how his body was mistakenly left behind in Kuwait.

Mr Howard said it was expected his body would arrive back in Australia some time between
midnight and 1am (AEST) tomorrow.

He said he did not know just how that happened but it was pain upon grief for his widow,
Shelley Kovco.

"We will find out what happened, just as there will be a full inquiry into the circumstances
of Pte Kovco's death. I don't know the circumstances and it would be in everybody's interests
for there to be no further comment on what might have happened until the inquiry brings
down its findings," he told Southern Cross Radio.

Mr Howard earlier told ABC radio he accepted full responsibility for the circumstances
which led to the death of Pte Kovco in Iraq last week.

He said because the 25-year-old father of two died on active service, the government
had to accept responsibility.

"I, in particular, accept full responsibility," Mr Howard said.

"It was our decision to commit military forces to Iraq and I am very conscious of that."

Mr Howard said he understood the anguish of Pte Kovco's mother Judy.

"Until there is a proper inquiry, the problem about preliminary versions of what happened
being provided in good faith is that if they turn out to be wrong, that only further compounds
the grief," he said.

"It's a catch-22. If you keep providing in a serial fashion all the information that
comes to hand, inevitably there will be different versions."

Mr Howard said he also understood the limitiations of the inquiry process which could
take weeks or months to conclude.

MORE mb/so/bwl

KEYWORD: KOVCO HOWARD LEAD

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Firefighters on high alert as extreme weather approaches

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2005
NSW: Firefighters on high alert as extreme weather approaches

NSW firefighters have been placed on high alert .. as dire weather conditions predicted
for the weekend close in.

The NSW Rural Fire Service spokeswoman .. REBEL TALBERT .. says firefighters are battling
a bush fire in the Clarence Valley near Grafton in the state's north .. and another at
Wollondilly in the Southern Highlands.

Weather conditions are expected to get worse over the next 72 hours .. with temperatures
set to skyrocket .. and humidity to drop to as low as 15 per cent.

Winds gusts of up to 40 kilometres per hour are expected across much of the state.

A total statewide fire ban will come into force at midnight (AEDT) tonight .. and will
remain in force until midnight January 1.

Sunday is expected to be particularly bad .. with temperatures in the low forties.





Ms TALBERT says another 23 bushfires in NSW have been contained by fire crews.

AAP RTV ag/nf/rj/tm

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW (SYDNEY)

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Qld:Police crackdown on New Year's Eve misbehaviour

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2005
Qld:Police crackdown on New Year's Eve misbehaviour

Over three hundred police will be patrolling areas popular with Brisbane's partygoers
this New Year's Eve .. in an effort to keep things from getting too out of control.

The police turnout will be strongest in Southbank .. Fortitude Valley and the CBD.

Police are asking revellers to stay in groups .. to keep away from dark and isolated
areas where they may be at risk .. to use public transport or taxis and not to drink and
drive.

In Brisbane .. extra bus .. train and ferry services will run until the early hours
of New Year's Day.

On the Gold Coast .. police are warning residents and visitors not to use illegal fireworks
as part of their celebrations.

AAP RTV rad/rj/tm

KEYWORD: EVE QLD (BRISBANE)

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GENI Subsidiary CENTERLINQ Named Recipient of Microsoft's 2000 Retail Application Developer 'RAD' Award for 'Best Retail Headquarters Application' In Core Retail Marketing.

LOS ANGELES, April 20 /PRNewswire/ --

CENTERLINQ, a subsidiary of GenesisIntermedia.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: GENI) (PCX: GNS; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: GIA), announced that for the second time within three years, it has received Microsoft Corp.'s (Nasdaq: MSFT) Retail Application Developer "RAD" award for "Best Retail Headquarters Application" in the category of Core Retail Marketing for its use of Microsoft products in the development of the unique CENTERLINQ network.

According to Microsoft Corp., "the RAD Awards recognize application developers that demonstrate industry leadership by creating best-of-breed solutions built on the Windows platform and which maximize retail business benefits." CENTERLINQ's integration of the Microsoft Windows NT server platform, web servers, site servers, Visual Studio and other Microsoft development tools are enabling the network to be one of the most versatile public access Internet portals in the country.

The CENTERLINQ network is currently installed in 20 malls in the United States. The CENTERLINQ kiosks provide a window to the Internet via a touch screen computer terminal, which can be installed in almost any location, such as shopping malls, grocery stores, schools and city halls. The terminals provide consumers with direct access to specific Internet sites and marketing messages that are delivered in an interactive format and targeted to consumers. Plasma screens atop the kiosks and throughout the malls' common areas run commercials, videos and other advertisements. The kiosks also provide information regarding the preferences and interests of consumers who utilize them, enabling businesses to successfully target consumers likely to purchase their products and services in the future.

CENTERLINQ has developed a fast growing following among shoppers, and reaches nearly 22 million consumers per month via shopping mall locations and home usage. The CENTERLINQ network is projected to create more than 200 million impressions per month, or 2.4 billion impressions annually, within two years, putting it on the higher end of portal visibility. CENTERLINQ attracts a diverse audience with one of the most valuable loyalty shopping programs in the United States, providing coupons, directories and quick-touch access to high-profile national advertising partners.

The home version of the system, accessible through www.centerlinq.com, is expected to continue to accelerate new membership, and members of its expanding loyalty-shopping program will receive custom e-mail messages specifically tailored to their shopping habits and interests. These one-on-one marketing messages are designed to drive increased opportunities in e-commerce for CENTERLINQ and increase visits to the mall, which in turn will help to bolster retail sales. Consumers will also be able to access mall directory information, sales notices and money-saving coupons.

GENI built CENTERLINQ to address the multiple needs of the retailing community. CENTERLINQ develops opportunities that the Company identified with respect to the integration of traditional "brick and mortar" retailing with on-line retailing, to the promotion of traditional retailers through the Internet and to the convenience of bridging online retailing with consumers in shopping malls. The network also allows mall developers to participate in revenue generated through online activities of the retailers within their malls and other online e-tailers, helping to mitigate the potential erosion of market share from retailers outside of the mall environment, and particularly from those engaged in online retailing.

Constantly enhancing and upgrading its system to reflect changing consumer and retailer needs, CENTERLINQ also upgrades the system technology routinely with Microsoft products in order to integrate the most recent advancements in supporting technologies.

"Our broad use of Microsoft products provides us with a secure platform to support our high volume of traffic, while enabling us to continue delivering innovative solutions to consumers and clients," stated Ramy El-Batrawi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GenesisIntermedia.com, Inc., parent of CENTERLINQ. "We are proud to once again receive this honor from Microsoft for our leading edge integration of technology."

"The rapid growth of the CENTERLINQ network of interactive Internet-based shopping mall kiosks clearly demonstrates how the integration of Microsoft products into innovative solutions delivers flexibility and functionality to tomorrow's key infrastructures," said Tom Litchford, industry manager for retail at Microsoft, Corp. "This is the second time we've recognized CENTERLINQ's achievements with the RAD Award, and once again, the ingenuity of the CENTERLINQ network makes this a very well-deserved acknowledgment."

CENTERLINQ, a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP) is a fast-growing portal network that is accessible to the general public via Internet access kiosks in shopping malls, and on the World Wide Web. Currently creating more than 22,000,000 impressions per month, CENTERLINQ provides consumers with direct access to specific Internet sites and to marketing messages that are delivered in an interactive format and targeted to consumers with specific demographic profiles.

CENTERLINQ attracts a diverse audience with one of the most valuable loyalty shopping programs in the U.S., providing coupons, directories and quick-touch access to high-profile national advertising partners. The kiosks also provide information regarding the preferences and interests of the consumers who utilize them, enabling businesses to mine the database and successfully target consumers likely to purchase their products and services in the future.

This document may contain certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. For such statements, GenesisIntermedia.com claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed in GenesisIntermedia.com's Form 10(k) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

District to offer community computer courses starting Feb.

District 218 will offer several computer courses for community members from Feb. 8 through mid-May. Tuition is $50 for adults and $30 for senior citizens age 62 and older.

Registration forms and class lists are available at www.chsd218.org; at all public libraries in District 218; and at Eisenhower High School, 12700 S. Sacramento Ave., Blue Island; Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn; Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights; and the District 218 Administrative Center, 10701 S. Kilpatrick Ave., Oak Lawn.

Those registering must be at least 18 years old. Proof of residency is required at registration, which may be done by mail by sending payment and registration form to: District 218, Attention: Linda Fandl, Instructional Services/Adult Education, 10701 S. Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Registration also may be completed at the above locations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on school days.

No tuition refunds will be issued unless the enrollment limit for a course has been met. All classes will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

District 218 also will offer community members the opportunity to use computers for free on three open lab dates: 4 to 6 p.m. March 14 at Richards High School; 4 to 6 p.m. March 31 at Shepard High School; and 4 to 6 p.m. April 6 at Eisenhower High School.

Courses will include Computer Basics/Windows XP, Introduction to the Internet, Introduction to E-mail/Gmail, Introduction to Microsoft Word and Introduction to Microsoft Excel.

Information: www.chsd218.org.

`Maestro' Pocket PC matches sharp screen, excellent sound.(D)(Business Times)(On Computers)

Byline: Mark A. Kellner

LAS VEGAS - Verizon Communications is offering a two-pronged system for retrieving e-mail and browsing the Web while on the go: the $599 (with activation; $699 without) package that twins an Audiovox "Maestro" Pocket PC with a cellular phone/modem from the same firm. A cable connects both devices.

On a visit here for the recent Consumer Electronics Show, I used the system extensively to send and receive e-mail; it was a welcome alternative to what I felt were usurious local phone call charges at my hotel, the Paris Casino Resort. Those started at $1.25 per call and 10 cents for each additional minute, whether the call was local or toll-free.

The Audiovox product seemed strangely familiar, because it was: the company has relabeled Toshiba's e570 Pocket PC, which I've worked with before. The basic device comes with 32 megabytes (MB) of memory for storing data and 32 MB for storing programs; a SecureDigital media slot accommodates SD cards and allowed me to add 32 MB of data storage easily. The unit is also equipped with a Compact Flash Type II slot for either a wireless modem or a micro-size hard disk drive, on which multimedia files could be stored.

The screen on the Maestro is exceptionally sharp and clear, and during a day of heavy use, the battery held up quite well. Sound quality for the device is excellent when using headphones; the built-in speaker is one of the better ones on a Pocket PC. Controls on the device are among the better-placed items out there: the side-mounted voice-recording button is difficult to activate accidentally (a feature other pocket PCs could do well to copy) and the front-panel buttons are also clearly marked and easy to use.

But Verizon presumably isn't interested in selling just a personal digital assistant (PDA), but rather in getting folks to use its cellular network. To this end, the package must be evaluated in its ability to dial out, connect to the Internet, and send and receive e-mail.

The good news is that the Maestro comes pre-programmed to dial out onto the Verizon network and connect. In about 20 tests at various hours of the day and night, there was almost instant connection and I never lost a call while connected. The bad news is that these connections are a bit slow. No, strike that, they're very slow - 14.4 kbps , which is a modem speed not seen on desktops since the early days of the Internet's boom.

This is a function of the phone, not the PDA, and there's nothing to stop Audiovox or Verizon from ultimately upgrading the phone to a faster modem speed - something that will probably happen when higher-speed cellular networks come online in the next year or two. But for now, the speed may work against users in two ways: time to complete a send/receive operation, and its corollary, money.

(There's a further challenge for Washington-area readers: Verizon says it won't offer this package there, although I expect similar products to be offered in the area by other carriers. And, when Bluetooth kicks in, the connection between hand-held and cell phone could be accomplished without a cable.)

For reasons I don't quite get, the Pocket PC version of Microsoft Outlook, when checking for e-mail, will check every message in the mailbox before completing an operation, as opposed to just finding the newest messages and stopping there. This is probably due to the truncated manner in which Pocket Outlook initially downloads e-mail: only the first 2,000 characters are captured; if you want more, you must "mark" the message for download at another session.

This search-and-search-again method means that a mailbox with, say, 200 or 500 messages can take between 10 and 20 minutes to download. That's tough if you're trying to quickly scan e-mail while waiting for an appointment, and it can become expensive. Verizon's lowest-priced cellular plan offers 100 minutes a month for $25, with extra minutes costing 40 cents each; at the high end of the scale, Verizon's $200 per month plan offers 3,000 minutes at a net cost of just under 7 cents each, and 20 cents for each additional minute.

The question becomes one of value: how much e-mail do you want to send and receive, and how much are you willing to pay for it. While the system works flawlessly from a technical standpoint, the price of service - particularly in the face of competing radio-based services from Reston, Va.'s Motient Inc., OmniSky (recently acquired by EarthLink Networks), and Palm Inc., each of which offer "all-you-can-eat" data plans at a fixed monthly cost - may put this elegant Verizon solution out of reach for some users.

* Write to Mark Kellner in care of The Washington Times, Business Desk, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002; send e-mail to MarkKel@aol.com, or visit the writer's Web page, www.kellner2000.com. Talk back live to Mr. Kellner on www.adrenalineradio.com every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. EST.

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Media Post: Finger on button for Camelot; Thompson's dream prize is to win Lottery licence Thompson mug.

Dianne Thompson is used to heavy duty challenges.

She spent six years at Swedish toolmaker Sandvik in Halesowen, rising to the position of managing director, she turned around the Signet Group after the Ratner debacle - it was her decision to scrap the brand - and now she has been charged with building the Camelot bid for the next National Lottery licence.

Given that Camelot is up against the "dream team" of Branson and Gates at the People's Lottery, it is going to take a clever marketing strategy to win.

Ms Thompson is anything but daunted. "We are not focusing on them, we are making sure we have the best bid," she said firmly.

Camelot has linked up with the Post Office and its considerable retailing advantages for the battle.

"We believe we have the best technology and Camelot has done tryouts with a host of new IT suppliers," said Ms Thompson who has been commercial operations director at Camelot for three years.

Her appointment as chief executive designate earlier this month coincided with her third anniversary.

One of her major responsibilities has been marketing - ensuring the Lottery brand, recognised by 95 per cent of the population, remains popular. Camelot's marketing team is working on new games, and technologies to take advantage of the Internet and mobile telephony.

Over the past three years Ms Thompson has made two or three major changes.

The slogan "It could be You" became "Maybe, just maybe" and Camelot launched Thunderball and the Millennium game. The operator also tried out its first major consumer programme called Winning Wallets.

"Lotteries all start off on a real high, so over time you have got to keep refreshing players' interest with new games and developments," Ms Thompson said.

She shrugged off media criticism of the Thunderball game and the declining numbers of players, pointing out that 68 per cent of the adult population still plays the main lottery on a regular basis, the highest percentage in the world.

"The Wednesday draw has achieved its target, likewise Thunderball with pounds 4.5 million in weekly sales is on track," she said.

"People understand the chances of winning are very slim - one in 14 million - so you have to give players reason for staying in the game."

An average week sees pounds 93 million in sales.

Before the Millennium Dome became everyone's favourite whipping boy, that unenviable position was held by Camelot. Lottery grants were ridiculed and its directors attacked for their fat cat salaries and bonuses.

Camelot is tackling such criticism by introducing a new pay scheme which sees directors' packages reduced and their special bonuses abolished. The company also stresses that it is on target to pay out pounds 10 billion to good causes - pounds 1 billion more than initially forecast.

Ms Thompson's new salary package as chief executive will be pounds 330,000.

"I'm thrilled to get the chance to run one of the best Lotteries in the world," she said. "I'm also getting a pay rise so I'm not doing too badly out of it.

"My job is different to that of previous chief executive Tim Holley. He was one of five people who left very good, very secure jobs to start up a company to win the Lottery bid, and agree to stay at least three years and achieve targets - for which they got a one-off bonus. It was one hell of a risk.

"It's a different job for me as the risks are not the same. My pay rise depends on winning the licence, so its an added incentive."

Ms Thompson is hardly averse to taking risks. She says of her tough judgment over the Ratner brand "it was pretty touch and go".

"It was the hardest decision I had to make - we had to close shops and lose several hundred jobs - but it was a classic PR case study."

Her only regret about leaving Signet to join Camelot was that she had to stop playing the Lottery - she had won three pounds 10 prizes.

"But I still get a buzz going into the pub and hearing people talking about what they would do if they won the Lottery.

"It's pounds 1 to dream," she said, which actually sounds a better slogan than "Maybe, just maybe".

ASCEND: Ascend continues to lead ATM & frame relay WAN switching markets according to 8 market research firms.

M2 PRESSWIRE-24 June 1999-ASCEND: Ascend continues to lead ATM and frame relay WAN switching markets according to eight leading market research firms (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:240699

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASND) a leader in wide area networking (WAN) and Intelligent Network (IN) solutions for providers and users of the next-generation public network, today announced that the latest figures from several analyst groups confirm the company's continued number one position in numerous WAN switching market segments. Reports from Cahners In-Stat and Synergy Research Group covering the first quarter of 1999, as well as 1998 reports from Dataquest, Dell'Oro Group, International Data Corp. (IDC), Probe Research, Ryan Hankin Kent (RHK) and Vertical Systems Group illustrate Ascend's ongoing market lead in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Frame Relay and WAN switching (combined ATM and Frame Relay) categories.

ATM Leadership

Ascend continues to gain momentum in the ATM market, leading the ATM to service providers category in virtually every report. Ascend leads the ATM to service providers market by as much as 15 percentage points. The leading market share figures include 29.6 percent (Cahners In-Stat, Q1 '99 data), 23.2 percent (Dataquest, 1998 data), 37.6 percent (Probe Research, 1998 data), 33 percent (RHK, 1998 data) and 34.4 percent (Synergy Research, Q1 '99 data).

"Ascend's performance demonstrates the success of its strategy to concentrate exclusively on service providers, the most rapidly growing segment for ATM WAN equipment," said Laurie Gooding, WAN switching analyst, Cahners In-Stat. "According to our research, Ascend has outpaced overall market growth in the service provider segment for several consecutive quarters." Multiservice WAN Switching Leadership Ascend's continuing gains in the ATM market are also adding to the company's lead in multiservice WAN switching. Ascend is the unanimous leader in multiservice WAN switching to service providers ranking number one in every report covering the market. Ascend leads the multiservice WAN switching service provider market by as much as 15 percentage points with market shares such as 33.5 percent (Cahners In-Stat, Q1 '99 data), 26.9 percent (Dataquest, 1998 data), 26.3 percent (Dell'Oro, Q4 '98 data), 26.7 percent (IDC, 1998 data), 42.1 percent (Probe Research, 1998 data), 36.9 percent (Synergy Research, Q1 '99 data) and 26.4 percent (Vertical Systems, 1998 data).

Frame Relay Leadership

Ascend's perennial dominance in the Frame Relay market continues. Once again, Ascend has been recognized as the runaway leader in the Frame Relay to service providers market, nearly tripling the market share of the nearest competitor in certain reports. Ascend's market shares include 40.3 percent (Cahners In-Stat, Q1 '99 data), 31.9 percent (Dataquest, 1998 data), 38.9 percent (Probe Research, 1998 data), 44.1 percent (Synergy Research, Q1 '99 data) and 32.5 percent (Vertical Systems, 1998 data). The dominant leads in the service provider segments also led to Ascend's continued number one position in the overall Frame Relay market with shares of 27 percent (Cahners In-Stat, Q1 '99 data), 24.3 percent (Dataquest, 1998 data), 26.8 percent (IDC, 1998 data), 27.4 percent (Probe Research, 1998 data) and 29.3 percent (Synergy Research, Q1 '99 data). "We believe that our core switching products offer the most comprehensive solutions in the industry," said David Misunas, vice president, marketing and product management, Core Systems Division, Ascend Communications. "We continue to develop technology that caters to the needs of our service provider customers. We are constantly reminded of our goal to serve this market as our products are continually added to service providers' core networks."

About Ascend Communications

Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASND) develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide. For more information about Ascend and its products, please visit the Ascend Web site at www.ascend.com, or send e-mail to info@ascend.com. For Investor Relations, please call our communications hotline at 800-648-3059 or 760-704-4423 (outside the US & Canada). Additional investor information can also be accessed on our Web site at: http://www.ascend.com/investor/. Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, Calif. 94502; phone is 800/ASCEND4 and fax is 510-814-2300.

In January 1999, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Lucent Technologies Inc. ("Lucent"), pursuant to which, each outstanding share of Ascend common stock will be exchanged for 0.825 shares of Lucent common stock and each outstanding option or warrant to purchase Ascend common stock will be converted into an option or warrant to purchase Lucent common stock (adjusted for the exchange ratio).

In February 1999, Lucent announced a two-for-one stock split, payable on April 1, 1999, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 1999. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the exchange ratio will be adjusted for the effect of this stock split and any similar changes in the capitalization of Lucent. The foregoing statements may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations as a result of factors including, but not limited to, the Company's success in developing, introducing or shipping new products, competition, the mix of distribution channels employed, the Company's dependence on single or limited source suppliers for certain components used in its products, risks inherent in international sales, seasonality and general economic conditions. These and other factors are discussed in Ascend's 10-K, 10-Q and other filings made periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Editors Note: Ascend and the Ascend logo are registered trademarks of Ascend Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Julie Asher, Alexander Ogilvy Public Relations Tel: +1 408 897 2300 e-mail: jasher@alexanderogilvy.com Rob Bunnell, Ascend Communications Tel: +1 978 952 1283 e-mail: rob.bunnell@ascend.com

*M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.*

Cash in while you wait for a home.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

Dear Graham, I have put a deposit on an off-plan property here and have the cash to pay the balance back home in Europe. Completion of the property is expected to be late next year but I am not that optimistic. As the cash is just sitting in my bank, is there anything else I could do with it that would get me a better deal?

You have a number of choices and the most obvious one is to put the money into a deposit account gaining interest.A You have a favourable exchange rate right now when you buy dirhams, so anticipating that the exchange rate is not so favourable when your property is completed, it could be a good idea to move the money now and have it on deposit here.

If you don't want to move your money here but still benefit from the favourable rate, you can actually arrange to fix the rate now for up to two years using a currency-trading company. The same company will also save you on costs when you do eventually exchange your money.A There is another option for your money and it can actually be invested for one year. I saw recently a scheme in US dollars, although most currencies are available, including dirhams, which gave a return of around ten per cent providing that none of the four markets it was tracking fell by more than 40 per cent. Looking at the state of the markets right now, a 40 per cent drop is a long way. It also had a guarantee with it.

One other thing to consider if you are paying cash for your property is doing it via an offshore company, as that will save you headaches in the future. There is a charge for this but if you eventually sell, the new buyers will not have to pay the Land Registry charges and you can pass these charges onto them.

A group of us are looking to buy property together as an investment. The group will involve a few UAE and UK residents. We're all a little concerned about what will happen if we start arguing later. Would we be right to assume that an offshore company is the best route?

The offshore route is likely to be involvedA somewhere but I doubt it will be the whole solution.A Your UK residents are going to have to declare their offshore interests to the UK tax authorities, which will complicate things. Also, if you are considering buying multiple properties, you may be better off putting each property into its own offshore company. This is going to make disposal and transfer a lot easier.A You are going to need specialist help on this and we can recommend someone.

We recently went to see a financial advisor who made certain policy recommendations to us. One of them was to take out a critical illness policy, which we declined. My husband had a minor stroke and now we feel that the advisor should have made us take the policy. Can we hold him responsible?

A friend of mine was told by a garage that his brakes needed looking at. He ignored the recommendation and later had an accident because of the faulty brakes. Do you think he could successfully sue the garage? Of course not. The word that has been overlooked is 'advisor'. You were given advice and chose not to take it. Your advisor cannot make you take anything. All too often we know we should have something but are unwilling to pay for it.

Graham Wolverson is an Independent Financial Advisor with Holborn Assets Limited. Email him at: graham.wolverson@7days.ae

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