Sandra Siagian

Kangaroo Valley, Australia  — Katrina Endean spent the past 13 years working to build her catering business in Kangaroo Valley, a popular tourist town on Australia's eastern coast. But in just one day, it all went up in flames. All her equipment and the property where she worked were destroyed when a bushfire ripped through the Southern Highlands in New South Wales.

THE housing market ended on a strong note in 2011 -interest rates dropped, the big banks followed suit and consumer confidence was rife. McGrath Real Estate chief executive John McGrath said the interest rate cuts translated into buyer enthusiasm. “Interest rates are definitely an important factor in people’s purchasing considerations, particularly in the sub $1.5 million market, but it’s not the only one,” he said.

HOW often do you think about exercising during the week but never do it? It may be the case that you have an early start, late finish, or just no motivation to mix work with fitness. But there’s a simple solution to stop yourself from falling into a lazy routine. Instead of trying to squeeze in a session before or after work, why not fit some exercise into your lunch-break? Experts agree that time is the biggest barrier for exercise participation during the week.