Canberra, July 23 : A new seismic array that has been proposed for north-west Australia and improved computer modeling can help in faster and more accurate tsunami predictions in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to a report by ABC News, the seismic array would consist of at least 10 seismographs to be built near Marble Bar.

The system will also incorporate improved computer fault rupture models for faster tsunami prediction.

Dr Barry Drummond, head of Earth Monitoring at Geoscience Australia said that the tsunami-monitoring group is currently using a seismic array at Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory, to analyze earthquakes in the region.

Melbourne, July 23: A Brisbane school’s plan to charge students 50 dollars to have their photo taken with Australian cricketer Michael Clarke and wearing his baggy green cap has been roundly criticised.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Clarke and his fiancée Lara Bingle are to attend the St. Columba's Primary School fete on August 2 in an appearance agreed upon through his manager Chris White, whose children attend the school.

And while pictures of the future Australian skipper without his sacred green cap will be free, a snap of Clarke and the child with the cap on is being sold for 50 dollars, with all money going towards the construction of an outdoor, undercover sporting shelter for the school in Brisbane's northern suburb of Wilston.

Singapore - Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Wednesday his country made a further contribution of 30 million Australian dollars (29 million US dollars) in assistance to the victims of Myanmar's Cyclone Nargis that left 140,000 people dead or missing.

Smith, who was attending the annual foreign minister meetings of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), said the amount was in addition to the 25 million dollars Australia contributed immediately after the cyclone struck in May.

Sydney - Apprentice mechanic Abraham Khouri rides to his Sydney workplace on a scooter rather than in his Honda Civic.

"It takes 80 dollars to fill the car with petrol but this is a two-stroke and we're talking just 15 dollars to get to work each week," said Khouri, one of a legion of converts sending two-wheelers flying out of Australian showrooms.

Motorcycle and scooter sales are rising at double the rate of four-wheeled vehicles, with over 64,000 sold in the first half of 2008. Sales were already up 18 per cent in 2007.

Soaring petrol prices, traffic congestion and perhaps a concern over climate change are driving the trend.

Melbourne, July 22 : Supporters of Indian origin surgeon Dr Jayant Patel fear for his safety, predicting a “OJ Simpson” style frenzy from the media and public following his release on bail.

Dr. Patel, an Indian trained US citizen, has been behind bars since his arrest in Portland, Oregon, on March 11.

Texas-based surgeon Vijay Mehta, Dr. Patel’s most vocal supporter, said he feared his friend could be attacked once released into the public.

Melbourne, July 22 : Dr Jayant Patel, who acquired the sobriquet “Dr Death” for botching up several surgeries, today appealed for privacy after being released on bail after spending five months in custody.

Dr Patel, 58, was behind bars last night after arriving in Brisbane from Los Angeles yesterday to face Brisbane Magistrates Court following his voluntary extradition from the US.

His release from the Brisbane watchhouse at 5p. m. (AEST) today after posting 20,000 dollars bail was the first time since March 11 he has been out of custody.