01 December VOL 07 Issue 28

Did you hear about our... readers' stories?

Welcome to the 01 December @boutSeniors enewsletter.

Earlier this month @boutSeniors website was honoured to be invited by the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) to judge the winners of their inaugural Creative Writing Competition. Three topics – A Memorable Happening, What learning to use a computer has meant to me, and I Wish- encouraged excellent entries, making the selection of winners a difficult task indeed. So it is with great pleasure we share the winning articles, including the poignant poem by Marianne Camplin-Campbell, describing her feelings when a judge's decision means the loss of her only daughter.

ASCCA members have talents in other areas as well – see their award-winning digital images here. It is also timely to congratulate Club President, Nan Bosler, on winning the APIA-Adult Learning Ambassador of the Year award for her tireless efforts assisting seniors to get the most out of technology.

In tune with our theme of telling stories, we welcome Hazels Edward's 20 tips for NON-boring family histories, and share our favourite self-published books as well as an excellent “how-to” for aspiring authors. Winners of the DVD of “Allo ‘Allo are listed on the competitions page, now featuring this month's prize of the BBC documentary, The Human Mind and 20 passes to the movie I Served the King of England.

Don't forget how much we enjoy reading and publishing your stories – send them to us.

Happy writing,
David and Kaye Fallick

Your stories

Non-boring family histories
You might have a great story to tell, but it will need to be shaped for your prospective audience. Author, Hazel Edwards offers 20 handy hints for crafting your story.

2007 ASCCA Creative Writing Competition
@boutSeniors website was honoured to be invited by the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association to judge the winners of their inaugural Creative Writing Competition.

Adventurous Ian
Ian Reynolds is a 79-year-old boatie who set off on 1 November, commencing his 12-month journey, circumnavigating Australia on board a Riviera 56.

Ilona's story – My two cats
Enjoy this lovely tale of the joys and sorrows of a lifetime of looking after beloved pets.

Geoff's latest 'lost' blog
Geoff Holt further explores the relevance of ancient parables to our 'modern' lives.

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Government news

Westpoint compensation
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is taking legal action with the aim of securing compensation for investors in the failed property investment group, Westpoint.

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Taking care of the pennies

Reverse mortgage report
 ASIC has captured the experiences of those who have taken out a reverse mortgage.

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Wellbeing

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Listen up
In Australia, around 1 in 6 baby boomers has hearing loss, and there are more people age 45 to 64 than there are people over 65 with hearing loss.

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Medicare clarification
Our regular physiotherapy contributor to Your Life magazine, Jane Banting, clarifies which therapies can be accessed through Medicare.

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Getting out there

Art gallery online guide
With the click of a mouse, you can now find out what's on at art galleries all across Australia.

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For a good cause

Disability Day Dec 3
Actress, Paula Duncan, is a patron for this year's International Day of People with a Disability, to be celebrated on 3 December 2007.

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Travel express

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Special NZ offer
Exclusive New Zealand Offer – free deluxe upgrade . Receive a free two-night deluxe upgrade in Queenstown when you book a FreeSpirit Holiday of eight days or more.

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THAI has Europe covered
With the introduction of extra flights, THAI now operates a total of 104* flights a week from Bangkok to 12 of Europe’s most strategic gateway cities. These services include two daily flights to both Frankfurt and London, while Paris, Munich, Zurich, Copenhagen and Stockholm are each served daily. Find out more

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Creative Holidays' Canadian Rockies Highlights
Explore the vast expanses which boast some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders and breathtaking scenery. Discover untamed wildlife and vibrant, multi-cultural cities.

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Train travel for less
Concession fares on The Ghan have been reduced, thanks to the generous support of the Australian Government, which is now funding travel for concession cardholders all the way to the Top End.

Travel deals

Other great deals in our Holiday ideas section...

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Bookshelf online

This week we feature three excellent new titles which the authors have self-published.

Getting published
 Aspiring writers who wish to attract mainstream publishers need look no further.

Good fun
A Tad More Grass is Neville Odell's collection of entertaining yarns, anecdotes, poems, stories and cartoons – all about lawn bowls.

Foodie's delight
 Greg – We'd like you to travel around China for us… actually …eat your way around China. And between 30-course banquets, shoot a few snaps for a food guide. Are you interested? Was he! Enjoy Greg Elm's colorful account of his travels and travails in Snake Fang Salad

Canberra, Corruption, Characters & The Country
Veteran journalist Peter Gill, has drawn on his diverse working experience to produce his first piece of fiction. The Politics of Betrayal is a great contemporary yarn about the injustices that can occur when arrogant, self-serving politicians and compliant beauraucrats attempt to pervert well-intended, publicly-funded programs.

These titles and many more can be purchased in the @boutSeniors online discount bookstore. Go there now

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Movie junction

Sean's story
We Are All One Family
 Sean Willmore is no ordinary bloke. Working as a ranger at Warrangine Reserve, between Bitten and Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria. During this time he lived and worked with his opposite numbers in a diverse range of natural environments and was confronted with a bewildering array of challenges. Read more here

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Comfort food

Drew's Gai Lan
In an attempt to match Greg's Snake Fang Salad, Drew, our webmaster, has shared a Cantonese favourite, Gai Lan, or Chinese Broccoli.


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Here to help

And don't forget the staff at @boutSeniors are here to help with all your queries, whatever the topic, on help@aboutseniors.com.au

To subscribe to the free fortnightly @boutSeniors enewsletter, put your email address into the subscribe here box on the left hand side of our homepage. Go there now.

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