The early findings from a study into how parents use mobile devices around their kids has raised concerns parents are disconnecting from their children.

The study monitored 70 parents at food courts and play areas and found more than 80% used a mobile device for more than 10 minutes and often ignored or missed what their kids were doing.

The study is being conducted by PhD student Carrie Ewin and she tells Mark there could be long-term consequences for kids.

Christmas is now just two months away and already many will be planning the lunch menu for family and friends.

Sadly there are almost 20,000 homeless people in Queensland who won’t be able to enjoy a Christmas feast.

That’s where the Wesley Mission aims to make a difference with its Red Bag Appeal and spokesman Paul Reis tells Mark people can help by picking up a bag and following the shopping list.

New figures released by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland are welcome news for the owners of investment properties.

The rental market in Greater Brisbane is now classed as ‘tight’ with a vacancy rate of just 2.2%.

After concerns of a massive oversupply of rental properties REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella tells Mark there is now a cautious case moderate levels of additional supply in the right areas.

The dumping of Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister is a fascinating saga of machiavellian tactics, bitter vendettas, thwarted ambition and rank opportunism.

One person with a ringside seat to the whole drama was respected political commentator and Sky News political editor David Speers.

He has released a new book On Munity detailing what actually happened in the corridors of power and he tells Mark the fallout will continue for some time.

It’s National Bird Week and all Australians are being asked to play their part in conducting an avian census.

BirdLife Australia wants us to spend 20 minutes in the backyard or in a local park counting and identifying birds.

BirdLife southern Queensland convener Judith Hoyle tells Mark by downloading an app people can help researchers can build a good picture of Australia’s feathered friends.

Since it debuted on Broadway in 2005 Jersey Boys has been an internal phenomenon selling 25 million tickets worldwide and collecting dozens of awards and honours.

A new production telling the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will open at QPAC next January for a strictly limited seven week run.

The last time the musical played in Brisbane was 2012 and the Jersey Boys.. Ryan Gonzalez, Cameron MacDonald, Thomas McGuane and Glaston Toft.. took time out of their busy schedule to join Mark in the studio.

There will be no local race meetings on Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup day after the government and the industry reached an impasse over the new betting tax.

Owners, trainers and jockeys are demanding a greater share of the 15% Point of Consumption tax which slugs all bets laid in Queensland.

Racing Industry Participants Alliance spokesman Cameron Partington tells Mark talks with the government have gone nowhere and the industry has no choice.

Dan Mullins has had a long and varied career - policeman, producer to 4BC’s Alan Jones, author and musician.

His voice may well be familiar to anyone who visited the Victory Hotel or the RE back in the day.

Dan returns to Brisbane after 20 years to play the Pineapple Hotel in December and tells Mark that walking the Camino de Santiago provided the spark of inspiration for his latest single.

Residents in several Logan suburbs are being advised to boil their drinking water after the discovery of E. coli bacteria in local supplies.

Most E. coli bacteria are harmless to humans but in some cases can make people sick, especially young children and the elderly.

Acting Logan Mayor Cherie Dalley tells Mark it is unclear what has caused the outbreak and the situation may take several days to sort out.

New data has revealed that three of the five worst areas for stolen vehicles in the country are in southeast Queensland.

The numbers also show that while car theft rates across the country are falling in Queensland they actually jumped 15% last financial year.

National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council chief executive Geoff Hughes tells Mark the cost to the community goes far beyond the stolen car itself.