Minella’s thoughts and articles

Google Inc. reported sharply lower fourth-quarter profits Thursday from bad investments, while its core business showed resilience amid the global recession.

The results, which beat analysts’ expectations, were enough to dispel investor concerns about how the company is weathering the gloomy economy. But at the same time, the earnings highlighted the fact that the Mountain View Internet leader isn’t immune from the downturn.

Google said fourth-quarter profit fell 68 percent to $382 million ($1.21 per share), from $1.2 billion ($3.79) a year ago. Much of the decline was attributed to a $1.09 billion charge for soured investments in wireless provider Clearwire and in the AOL Web portal, owned by Time Warner…..

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MOTHERS nursing premature babies can halve the risk that their child will have significant developmental problems if they take fish oil supplements to fortify their breast milk.

A study involving hundreds of Australian babies from five hospitals nationwide has shown the frequency of mild mental delay in infants born weighing less than 1250 grams was cut by about 45per cent if their mothers took the   omega-3 supplements.

New Broome: Western Australia’s Cable Beach Club Resort at Broome is offering free room upgrades from February 27 to March 3 to mark its reopening following refurbishment. More: 1800 199 099; cablebeachclub.

Happy campers: DriveNow is offering a $100 cashback deal on Britz campervans booked by the end of March. For travel between April and the end of March 2010; applies to bookings of 14 days or more. More: drivenow.

Easter special: Melbourne’s Hotel Windsor has released a three-night Easter special from $450 a room; available from April 5-19. Upgrade to a superior room for $105. More: (03) 9633 6002; the hotel windsor .

Who, what, when: Peppers has accommodation and ticket packages to see The Who’s outdoor show at Hope Estate in NSW’s Hunter Valley on March 28. Nearby Peppers Guest House is offering a two-night package that includes breakfasts, transfers, dinner with wine and beer, A-reserve concert tickets, hamper of dessert and wine and access to the after-show Supper Club; $945 a person More: 1800 777 444; hopeestate.

Late show: A two-night weekend stay at participating Mercure hotels comes with breakfasts for two, 2pm checkout and $50 restaurant credit. Valid to April 5. More: mercure.

Fizz plus: Valentine’s Day looms and Sydney’s refurbished Novotel Manly Pacific is offering a seductive overnight package from $460 a couple that includes an ocean-view room, bottle of Bollinger champagne, strawberries with chocolate sauce and whipped cream and breakfast in bed. Available February 13-15. More: (02) 9977 7666; novotelmanlypacific.

Take one: Pay four nights and get the fifth free until March 26 at Western Australia’s Novotel Ningaloo Resort Exmouth. The resort has a range of hotel rooms and one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments. More: (08) 9949 0000; novotelningaloo.

Full steam ahead: Value Tours has a stay for 10 nights but pay for seven ski deal at Colorado’s Steamboat Springs. From $1697 a person with nine-day liftpass; flights extra. For travel from February 17 to March 13; More: 1300 361 322; valuetours.