Sydney - For billionaire businessman Gerry Harvey, the face of the 100,000 or so homeless in Australia is that of Jhiymy Mhiyles.

Mhiyles, whose age is a secret like his real name, has magnificent views of Bondi Beach from his cliff-top shack. He's been dossing there for eight years, begging from the mostly foreign tourists who obey their Sydney guide books and take the scenic walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Berlin  - Families grow from one generation to the next and frequently pass some problems along in the process.

Grandma's eating disorder can be noticed in one of the grandchildren, fears or compulsions, inclinations toward addictions or depression - and often such individual problems become family problems.

Whether inherited from a distant relative, passed down directly or passively brought out, the traits that grip some families can hardly be comprehended by the those affected. A family therapist can provide help and information about such unknown hereditary processes.

Bulimia, panic attacks, addition to alcohol or violent personalities are some of the difficulties that families face together.

London 

New York  - A large US fitness studio chain is attracting members with a full cinema experience in its studios.

Instead of comfortable plush seats, treadmills are installed in the studio's Cardio Cinema areas, which are dark, just like regular cinemas. While exercising, members can watch movies such as Superman Returns or The Love Guru on a large screen. The programme changes daily, but for health reasons, no popcorn is served.

New York  - Instead of blowing their money in the New York Stock Exchange, Americans can now invest in the careers of models in the hope that they will someday become a top star on the catwalk.

Rome  - Colourful tartans well-known in Scotland currently are all the rage in Italy. Anyone with a sense of style from Milan to Messina and from Pordenone to Palermo is wearing plaids.