Reader's Digest October 2007

THE ART OF DODGING AND COLLECTING TAX

Around the world a cat-and-mouse game is being played out, as people find creative ways to avoid paying tax … and governments find equally creative ways to collect it.  The reassuring news is that it’s not just the big corporations outsmarting the system.

The latest issue of Reader’s Digest carries a special report on the global phenomenon of trying to beat the tax collector.  The European sex industry has found some interesting interpretations to win tax breaks, while it seems that too many Romanian witches are operating on the black market.

Tax collectors in India send around noisy eunuchs to camp on your doorstep, the Chinese offer your children better marks at school, while a valid tax receipt in the Philippines goes into a genuine lottery.  But some people won’t be bought, and have even established their own sovereign state to avoid the system.

IT’S OFFICIAL – WE’RE GOING DEAF

The world is a noisy place, but many of us are intent on making it even louder – and the constant barrage is taking its toll.   In fact, more and more Australians are confirming the laboratory research that shows the use of iPods, MP3s and personal radios can cause hearing damage.

A special report in the latest Reader’s Digest examines why audiologists are seeing more and more young Australians suffering from a permanent ringing in their ears (tinnitus).  And our loss of hearing comes at a price.  Access Economics estimates it costs Australia more than $11bn a year.

What’s even more concerning, is that projected hearing loss is expected to more than double by 2050, with half of all sufferers aged 15-to-64.  The report explains the technological advances for those with problems, and how best to protect your hearing.

GREEN REALITY CHECK SURVEY – WORLD’S BEST CITIES

Being environmentally friendly is one thing, but that doesn’t mean you want to live in a jungle or at the South Pole.  A new survey has analysed 141 nations to rank the planet’s greenest and most livable places, taking various social factors into account as well.

The survey results appear in the latest issue of Reader’s Digest and sees Perth (28), Melbourne (29), Sydney (40), and Brisbane (42) ranking mid-field in the battle of the cities.  Stockholm, Oslo and Munich took the top spots - while Mumbai, Shanghai and Olympic host city Beijing came in last.

On a country-by-country basis, Finland took top spot, Australia managed eighth, while Ethiopia trailed the field.   We performed poorly in relation to both Greenhouse gas emissions (per capita) and energy efficiency.  However, we were better placed in terms of water and air quality.  Full details appear at www.readersdigest.com.au

THE MODERN PARADOX: STRESS MAKES YOU FAT

It’s a cruel blow – but of all the things in your kitchen that can make you fat, the biggest problem may actually be the weight of the world on your shoulders (and stomach).    New research shows that our caveman instincts are ill equipped to deal with the pressures of modern living, as our bodies stockpile for the battles ahead.

Reader’s Digest carries a special report on the reasons why our hectic lifestyles are sending our bodies into a protective spin, and how you can best combat your own physiology.  Learning how to rate your hunger, understanding food triggers, and even getting more sleep can change your body’s food-processing behaviour.

INTERVIEWS – To arrange an interview – and copies of these articles – contact Fiona Hamann on 02-9018 6224 or 0415 191 659 Tues-Thurs, (or Kate Watson on 02-9018 6227.)