Airplane Death – Tauranga Stabbing – Bravo 2 Kiwi – Business Summit – High Tech Blood Test – Smoky Cars – Transmission
Gully – Middle East Conflict
AIRPLANE DEATH: A young British woman who died of a blood clot in the brain on the way to London died of “economy class
syndrome” say doctors. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that is caused by long hours motionless, such as being on a
plane. The same problem has struck Dan Quayle and a member of the House of Lords. Walking around the plane, taking
aspirin and keeping away from alcohol are ways of avoiding the problem.
TAURANGA STABBING: A 24-year old man is in custody after a stabbing at a Warehouse in Tauranga. A woman and her child
are in hospital in a serious condition. The attack, with a weapon similar to a Swiss army knife, is though to have been
radom.
BRAVO 2 KIWI: An attempt by a NZ Soldier to write about the Iraqi Bravo 2 Zero patrol is being litigated in Auckland.
Counsel for the British Defence says that having soldiers writing books does not help confidence in the forces. Much of
today’s events were covered up in court. The soldier who is calling himself Mike Coburn says he wants to “set the record
straight” about the ill-fated patrol which has already been the subject of several books and a movie.
BUSINESS SUMMIT: Business Leaders have been told that government is considering changes to research and development
taxation treatment. Sources say that business leaders have said that the problem is not a shortage of capital but a
shortage of ideas. The government has said it is ready to tango, but wants a partner. Attendees at the conference arrive
with glib comments – some positive. INL Boss Mike Robson says six hours is not long, but that if the government wants to
try an idea then it might be worth giving a go. PM Helen Clark dismisses suggestions that a few hours discussion is not
enough. Mike Robson says he isn’t a government toadie. “I have never been seen in that light”, he says. JANE YOUNG:
These people are pretty impressive. The companies they represent
HIGH TECH BLOOD TEST: HortResearch unveils a tool for testing blood without a needle. A scientist has adapted an
ultrasound device for blood testing. The machine could be used to test top sports-people for whether they are peaking
before a game. The device is being tested at Waikato hospital and has huge commercial possibilities.
SMOKY VEHICLES: The two smokiest vehicles in Auckland were dobbed in 42 times each to 0800 SMOKY by irate drivers. 40%
of offending vehicles were relatively late model cars.
MARK GOSCHE VISITS TRANSMISSION GULLY: Transport Minister Mark Gosche today had a look at the proposed Transmission
Gully motorway proposals. The road does not reach present cost/benefit ratios for funding. Even with central government
funding Transmission Gully is a long way off, the road would take at least three years to complete.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT: A washing machine is destroyed by an Israeli shell from a tank. Gunmen started exchanges by firing
across a valley at Israeli Jerusalem. Israeli householders also have house damage. Israeli forces responded with tanks
and helicopters. Israelis have built a new concrete wall to protect themselves from Palestinian fire. Chances of peace
will be eroded even further if Ariel Sharon is included in a new planned Israeli government.