Articles by Kerry Plowright

1) What is a Buyers Agent?
As the name suggests, Buyers Agents are the intermediaries between you the buyer and a vendor or real estate agent, when transacting a property purchase. The theory being is that traditionally the real estate agent operates for the vendor (seller) and the Buyers Agent works for the buyer. The benefits in recruiting a good Buyers Agent is they can take the emotion out of purchasing, versus the true value... » read more

2) Australia's Largest Flower Show
Wednesday 28th March, Sunday 1st April, 2007 Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens Melbourne Australia. The world renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is entering its 12th year and is now regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, rated amongst the top five flower and garden shows in the world. Francine Rizza, of online... » read more

3) The Key To Air Power Part I
The key to air superiority is estimating the shape and size of future threat, coupled with the development of an appropriate force structure to deal with it. Executive Summary The ability of the Australian Defence Force to maintain air superiority in our region to 2020 depends entirely on our assessment of threat. The Defence department's choice of the F35 describes a low-level threat environment. This... » read more

4) The Meanings of Flowers
Melbourne florist Francine Rizza questions why people worry about the meanings of flowers. If a flower is beautiful then why worry about what some human being with little to do has made of its meaning! In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. Have you heard the statement, "away... » read more

5) Using Australian Native Wildflowers In Arrangements
Melbourne florist, Francine Rizza says she loves the unique textures, interesting shapes and amazing colours of Australian native wildflowers. Francine says as a florist she is inspired by the uniqueness of these flowers and often teams them with vividly coloured foliages such as Leucadendrom, which provides deep red and rich gold tones, Dracaena, which provide various colours such as variegated... » read more

6) Fleas, Ticks And Getting Your Dog To Take Medicine
Late spring, summer, and early fall are usually the months when fleas and ticks are at their worst. Some areas have nice climates year round, these areas have year round fleas as well. Your dog may be an inside dog; that does not mean that he is immune. Just taking your dog out to use the bathroom can start a flea infestation. A variety of other animals (stray cats and dogs, squirrels, etc) comb... » read more

7) Shopping Fresh Flower Fashions For The Melbourne Cup
Francine Rizza, of Melbourne Florist predicts that fresh flowers will be a popular choice to adorn hats at the 2006 Melbourne Cup. Over the past 12 years, Melbourne Florist has been asked to create many fresh flower fashion items for the Melbourne cup including hats adorned with fresh flowers, corsages and of course the traditional button-hole. Francine continues; my husband Joseph even created a... » read more

8) Reputable Breeders And Australian Cattle Dogs
The Australian Cattle Dog was 'born' in the late 1800's. Like most of the breeds we know today, this dog was refined through specific breeding efforts. These efforts were made by a variety of people: the Bagust brothers, Brennan, Davis, Hall, and Rose. Although we know that these breeders had a lot to do with interbreeding various dogs to achieve certain qualities, there is no written history from... » read more

9) Melbourne Florist Advises On Care Of Fresh Flowers
Melbourne Florists chief florist Francine Rizza says that it is important to purchase your fresh flowers from a florist who stores their flowers within their store and not on the street. Fresh flowers will last a lot longer when not exposed to the elements, as flowers are sensitive to ethylene gases produced by passing traffic. Most good florists purchase only premium quality flowers. You will not find... » read more

10) Your Dog's Yearly Exam And Picking The Right Vet
Are you getting your dog his yearly veterinary exam? Do you think that because he is acting fine that he is healthy? Don't fall into a false sense of peace because you cannot visibly see problems. A yearly exam, which is a comprehensive examination, will help your dog to remain healthy. Your vet will be able to see things that you don't, usually before they are too bad. Your vet will check several... » read more

11) Tips For Inspecting Previously Owned Cars
If you're looking to purchase a previously owned car, you'll need to know what to look for when conducting your inspection. Here are some tips to help you sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to searching for your new car. The body The area of the car you will see first will obviously be the body, so this will be the most likely starting point for your inspection. If the car you are buying is... » read more

12) Porsche Boxster. When You Can't Afford A 911
If you've always dreamed of owning a late model Porsche, but can't afford the hefty price tag of a 911, then the Porsche Boxster may just be the right option for you. The Porsche Boxster has been available in Australia since 1997. In early 2005, a new model was introduced. The Porsche Boxster is a two seater roadster offering a cheaper alternative to the 911. While some regard the Porsche Boxster as a... » read more

13) Toyota Tarago. The Original People Mover
The Toyota Tarago has been around for a long time and can arguably stake the claims of being the first people mover. In fact, when the Toyota Tarago was first released, the term people mover had not yet been coined. When the Toyota Tarago first hot Australian roads, it was more a van with windows than a fully-blown people mover, but over the years it has definitely left its van style status behind and... » read more

14) Tips For Buying Your One Owner Car
So, you're buying a used car and you're looking for a good quality one owner vehicle that will provide years of trouble free motoring. There are many advantages to buying a well looked after one owner vehicle. For starters, you won't lose as much money through depreciation that you would by driving a brand new car out of the showroom. And by buying a car that has only had one owner, you'll have a better... » read more

15) Hyundai's Affordable Four Wheel Drives
Hyundai has become an increasingly popular carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it's in the off-road market where Hyundai is now really making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker. Hyundai Tucson The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at a great price. A new Tucson will set you back around $30,000 for... » read more

16) The Scania R Series. Drive In Swedish Comfort And Design
Scania trucks have been driving up and down Australian roads for many years now and they remain a popular choice for drivers and business owners to this day. Scania trucks offer distinct Swedish styling and the comfort you would expect from this established European maker. The Scania R Series, which replaces the T Series, offers the owner driver a low cost-per-kilometre option that includes improved... » read more

17) Making Friends In A New Environment
So you have made the big move to your new home and you have come to the reality that you are alone. If you have moved from an environment of having familiar faces around be it friends and family you will know exactly what I mean! The ones who know it all to well are traditionally expatriates or expats for short. Sure there is the phone or the internet, unfortunately both modes of communication lack the... » read more

18) Toyota MR2 . Mid Engine And Strictly Fun
In 2000, the waning fortunes of the targa style MR2 meant a radical change was necessary if the Toyota MR2 was to remain on the market. The restyling that occurred saved the MR2 and it went on to become a favourite on the Australian market. Being a two seater roadster, the Toyota MR2 is strictly for the driver and one passenger only. If you're looking for luggage space for a weekend away, then you're... » read more

19) Regal 3880 Flybridge Cruiser. Performance And Luxury In One Package
The Regal 3880 Flybridge sports cruiser offers both high performance sports boating and luxury cruising in one package. This boat gives you the best of both worlds. The Regal 3880 Flybridge will have you cruising at the same speed that other comparable cruisers will be redlining thanks to the boat's powerful engines and sleek styling. When you're sitting high in the flybridge, you'll truly appreciate... » read more

20) Buying Oneowner Prestige Four Wheel Drives
Four wheel drives used to be rugged, no-thrills vehicles with few creature comforts. Not anymore. There was a time when the four wheel drive market was restricted to rugged, no-thrills vehicles with little or no creature comforts aimed almost exclusively at outdoor adventurers, hunters and farmers. Not anymore. The Range Rover, Toyota Landcruiser. Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan Patrol have all brought the... » read more

21) What I Have Learned About Moving!
Who likes moving? The Removalist Companies, that's who! I am all for change though when it comes to moving it is for the passionate few. The biggest gripe with moving for those of us who cannot get enough, or have come to accept the gypsy in the blood, is packing and unpacking. For good measure the cleaning of a property is hot on the tail in second place. So how can we make the daunting task bearable?... » read more

22) Porsche 911. Buy The Dream With Care
For many years, the Porsche 911 has represented the epitome of true sports car driving. Generations have had childhood dreams of owning and driving their very own Porsche 911. For those wanting to finally make those childhood dreams come true by buying a high quality one owner 911, there are some things that you will need to be aware of before handing over your cheque. If you are not careful, your dream... » read more

23) Mercedes Benz C-Class. Bringing Luxury Motoring To The Masses
Mercedes Benz has long been regarded as one of the leaders in luxury motoring, not only here in Australia, but around the world. The marque's impeccable styling, construction and finish all testify to its well-earned reputation. But for many Australians, the dream of driving their very own Mercedes Benz has been just that, a dream. But this is changing, with the C-Class Mercedes Benz providing a more... » read more

24) Land Rover Discovery. The Tame Side of Defender
The Land Rover Discovery has been available in Australia since the early nineties and has proven a popular choice judging by their numbers on Australian roads. Since its introduction, the Land Rover Discovery mostly retained its original stylin, until of course the recently released 2005 model. If you are looking for a four wheel drive with a pedigree name then the Discovery, with its Land Rover badge... » read more

25) Holden Statesman. Locally Made Prestige
The Holden Statesman offers a locally made alternative to the European prestige cars such as the BMW and Mercedes Benz. The Holden Statesman is based on the Commodore but with a longer wheelbase for extra passenger room and comfort. There are a number of engine options available including a V6, a V6 supercharged model and a V8 option in later models. The Holden Statesman is a popular choice with hire... » read more

26) Haines Signature Range
The Haines name has been associated with building high quality trailer boats in Australia for many years now. Haines has built a reputation for building durable boats at a price that is well within the reach of many keen mariners. Here we take a look at the Haines Signature range of boats. The Haines Signature range of boats starts with the 5.0 metre 500C. The top of the range Signature is the flagship... » read more

27) The Ford F250 XLT. Love It Or Hate It
If you're looking for a big pick up that's got plenty of power and room in the back, the Ford F250 XLT 4x2 certainly fits the bill. While the Ford F250 is big and rugged, it's a different story once you climb inside the cabin. The F250 has been a popular choice in Australia for many years and it seems that this will be unlikely to change any time soon. The Ford F250 XLT 4x2 is a huge luxury pick up... » read more

28) Fiat Ducato. The Italian Answer To The Transit Van
If you're after a good one owner van, then there are several obvious choices. There's the Toyota HiAce, the Ford Transit, and now there's the Fiat Ducato. The Fiat Ducato was only introduced to Australia in 2004. It is available in both a mid roof and a high roof model. One of the major attractions of the Fiat Ducato is the range of Fiat's advanced JTD diesel engine range. These engines, which include... » read more