Media Gave Terrorist $150k

iraq, originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel.

Bargaining for the right to his story, Haneef, tipped off by his brother that no one knew of his involvement .. yet, negotiated a reputed $150k.

He was detained and investigated. He was charged. Yet, after an investigator dropped dead, and the Queensland government leaked, the investigation was stopped and Haneef was released. And paid.

A Hostage's Dream

A HOSTAGE'S DREAM by David Daniel Ball

Only because I wanted friendship
Only because you seemed to care
Only because I lost my brother
And the ambulance wasn’t there

Only because I grieved for summer
Only because of the sports we dare
Only because there seemed no hope
Yet that dream we seemed to share

Only because its worth the journey
Only because we have to fight
Only because the flash of brilliance
Dims before the morning light

Only because I had to see you
Only because of the way you smile
Only because of the pet you rescued
From beneath the stinking pile.

Only because I have no power
Only because I lost my strength
Only because I gave to anger
And said some rather silly things

Only because there is tomorrow
Only because the sun will rise
Only because a mornings promise
Shines beyond that daring glare.
====
This is for all hostages anywhere, but I particularly direct this for those that the Taliban hold, and those poor Israeli soldiers kidnapped and held hostage and those poor people in Iraq .. we must not surrender in the face of such madness

Some Lyrics of Which I'm Proud

Hamster Power
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

It's About Love by ddball

Steaming heat rises from the sand
So hot I sweat and I’m dry
I’m dirty and shabby
And my wife doesn’t understand
For I eye this girl
On the beach she is cool
And in my eye she is clean

It’s about love
Understanding my wife
It’s about love
Celebrating my life
It’s about love
Eyeing this girl
Standing out like a pearl
On the open shell of sand
It’s about love

My kids kick sand in my face
Sun rises I can’t stand the pace
I’m feeling unhappy
And my wife doesn’t understand
For I eye this girl
On the beach she is cool
And in my eye she is clean

It’s about love
Understanding my wife
It’s about love
Celebrating my life
It’s about love
Eyeing this girl
Standing out like a pearl
On the open shell of sand
It’s about love

The sand has spread through the car
And my sorrows don’t stay at the bar
I’m feeling unhealthy
And my wife doesn’t understand
For I eye this girl
On the beach she is cool
And in my eye she is clean


It’s about love
Understanding my wife
It’s about love
Celebrating my life
It’s about love
Eyeing this girl
Standing out like a pearl
On the open shell of sand
It’s about love

It’s about love
Understanding my wife
It’s about love
Celebrating my life
It’s about love
Eyeing this girl
Standing out like a pearl
On the open shell of sand
It’s about love

Tribute to Ingmar Bergman

The great man has played his last chess game.
* Remains of 4 babies discovered in suburban home
* Accusations Tour de France winner used drugs
* Another hostage murdered by Taliban

Some Lyrics I'm Proud Of

Hammy, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Losing My Art: An Ode to Job

The wind cuts my cheeks
The sun burns my flesh
The rain blocks the sun
And tears flood the rest
I’ve lost my power
Not given a start
And my prayers go unanswered
I’m losing my art

The crops have all withered
Friends don’t understand
They say I’m wandering
In a stranger’s land
They challenge my faith
And my god does that too
They’re playing on stage
Where I don’t have a part
My prayers go unanswered
I’m losing my art.

Where are the hands
That washed my face?
That wrote those tales?
Proffering hope and grace
Where are my legs
I’d had from the start
And won all my races
I’m losing my art.

I gave up my love
To those now gone
My friendships squandered
My enemies squared
I’d surrender my life
So we are no longer apart
But I haven’t the strength.
I’m losing my art.

Mystery of Webster's Curse 1

Today is RMMB's birthday. Many happy returns.
* Potency pill recalled
* Paris Hilton loses inheritance
* Haneef's claim to be victim questioned
* ALP sidesteps home affordability issue
* 4 die as Iraq celebrates Victory over Saudis in soccer

Too Many Hit Points

* Haneef flies to his home, compensated $150k for his series of interviews. The opposition is silent as press makes accusation
* Iraq and Iran face off over football final.

Complaining About .. ?

Australian Recruitment
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

An Australian Recruitment Poster series has drawn criticism from some quarters. One complainant likened the girls to those found in brothels , streetwalking and strip joints. I have seen Women in Australian army fatigues and I think they look good, and I don't think the advertising over the top.

I think the complaints are veiled criticisms of the federal government. I think those that criticise the ads do recognise there is a difference between those girls in uniform and those doing other service. I could imagine it quite painful to have to discover the difference.

Angel

• Terrorist accused is released
• Stock Market down $41 billion, Australian.
• Former heavyweight champ set to have doctors pull plug
• Space Shuttle Computer Sabotaged
• London study: Cannabis increases psychosis risk

Steve Bracks Quits

Steve Bracks
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

When he was running for office again, recently, Mr Bracks forgot to mention this. He ran Victoria badly, but because he had the support of the press, his poor performance was never properly evaluated.

In NSW, Bob Carr similarly was an apallingly poor leader. However, his replacement seems worse, and yet the opposition could not get past the partisan press in election times.

It remains to be seen how this will affect the federal vote. It might be an opportunity for ALP to claim rejuvenation.

Citizenship Matters

I had a meeting with my local federal MP, Julia Irwin. Ms Irwin, ALP was relaxed, charming and sympathetic to my issue. Just goes to show that no one gets to that position without a lot of ability. She directed me, gently, to her state colleagues.

I was then in good humor, saying hello to some past students as I went to the city to finalise my ciitizenship applications.
I had a completed form 119, an endorsed photograph and my birth certificate. All I needed to do was say that I was born in NYC to Australian born citizens. Or so I thought.

The immigration department has lost my parents. Right to privaccy groups have wworked hard to make sure that any search will fail if the correct number of spaces and invisible errors aren't known. The clerk felt it most expedient to say that he couldn't recognise my birth certificate (called it a copy) and suggested I retrun when my new one was posted from the US .. which I need to finalise my US passport.

So now I can't complete my Centerlink forms to claim for unemployment because I don't have citizenship proof because right to privacy groups have hidden my parents.

Serial Pest Alleges Insult

Mamdouh Habib and Terry Hicks, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

* A former driver of Osama Bin Laden, who claimed he scouted Afghanistan for a suitable school for his children, while overseas and on disability, has claimed insult at being allegedly labelled a 'terrorist.'

* Conveniently forgetting that his party clouded the issue, Rudd promises to fast track another republic referendum .. or kabosh another if he isn't elected PM?

* Inflation higher than expected, but with clear deflationary future from trade with a high dollar

* Norfolk Island Killer gets 24 years

Picture:TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images

Life is Beautiful, My Child

A beautiful song written by a poet and performed by my friend, Lafayette, covers an issue of today.

The NSW Teachers union hasm with possible secret support from the Iemma government, opposed the useful practise of standardising report cards.

Commercial Mentality

There are two distinct threats to my life, and each may be no more than a shadow.

The first comes from my school where some people have been saying stories about me with malice. The stories hint that I've done something wrong (I haven't). Some kids don't know if they should believe them. I needed to be able to demonstrate that I've done nothing wrong, and the only way to do that was to surrender my position.

I have no income and no prospects.

The second threat stems from a senior poly's office. A legal counsell for a senior politico is an old school friend of mine. There might be a connection between that person and the paedophile I blew the whistle on in '93. By resigning I remove the need for them to kill me. If I raise hell over the issue, my friend will find a different fall guy, probably someone I don't like.

Hell Inside

I wrote some lyrics I'm very proud of.
A HOSTAGE'S DREAM

Only because I wanted friendship
Only because you seemed to care
Only because I lost my brother
And the ambulance wasn’t there

Only because I grieved for summer
Only because of the sports we dare
Only because there seemed no hope
Yet that dream we seemed to share

Only because its worth the journey
Only because we have to fight
Only because the flash of brilliance
Dims before the morning light

Only because I had to see you
Only because of the way you smile
Only because of the pet you rescued
From beneath the stinking pile.

Only because I have no power
Only because I lost my strength
Only because I gave to anger
And said some rather silly things

Only because there is tomorrow
Only because the sun will rise
Only because a mornings promise
Shines beyond that daring glare.

hear it at
http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=68977#

Waiting for State Service

Waiting For a Train, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

I went to the Roads Traffic Authority (RTA) today to renew my license. The Weasel doesn't have a car, but the license is useful for ID purposes when approaching government beauracracy like the RTA.

To get to my local RTA office I could catch two trains, or catch a bus and a train or catch two buses. I chose to walk. One hour after setting off, I got to the RTA. It would have been sooner, but I stopped at a federal polly's office to be told they weren't responsible for me.

The RTA was in uproar when I got there. Their computers were down. "Come back tomorrow" they suggested, helpfully. Apparently every RTA in the state was affected.

Chutzpah

seated_nude
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

According to one source book, Chutzpah is what is required of a child who has murdered both their parents to plead for leniency from a judge because they are an orphan.

How about a drug user that found themselves disgraced? Might they sue for damages because they were mistaken for a drug dealer?

Who Cannot Mourn?

Mourning Fifi, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Passing away after some fifty years at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, Fifi is mourned.

But what of those who do not mourn? What of those who feel dissociated and disconnected from tragedy?

If my family were rapists, or behind terrorism, or behind torture, or behind kidnapping, or murder or thievery, I'd disown them. I wouldn't be justifying their rhetoric with weasle words.

So what is my opinion of Haneef?

Deathly Hallows is a Satisfying Read

Rowling with Crowd
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

I won't spoil it for you by seeing who dies, or how it ends. The books is another gem. Worth the wait.

As with all Rowling books to date, this is about love.
====
On another matter, we have intense insight into the mind of Al Gore. Possibly even an explanation for his behaviour. His son has been charged ..

Searching for Balance

Mike Moore, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

* Chimps grieve over lost matriarch
* Britney fights to regain popularity
* Haneef case develops
* Latest Harry Potter Sale begins
* People forgive Goddess

Doing Things The Right Way or Doing the Right Things?

We Have Ways, originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel.

A Federal court has usurped the role of a tribunal set up to assess claimants for protection visa.

The court has decided that a method of determining the truth of a claimant was faulty.

There are methods that aren't faulty? What was important, spending more money?

The Truth About Economic Management

Peter Costello
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Mr Costello and Mr Howard are not at odds with each other, much as their enemies would like them to be. Nor is the current round of reports correct in historical assessment, which would be disappointing for their enemies.

The truth about the Australian economy circa 1983 is that Howard critic, then PM Malcolm Fraser attempted center left policy in order to keep government from the ALP. Fraser's policy was less of a failure than Whitlam's far left excess had been, probably because Howard applied some good judgement .. which Fraser criticises to this day.

Former Liberal leader Hewson also gets to throw mud. A party with him and Fraser might not be fun, but would be dirty.

Meanwhile, ALP get to apply their old accuse the leadership of division trick. It certainly seems to apply to the ALP.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Model
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Crime reporter Gary Hughes brings up the important issue 'Alcohol and drugs driving teen killings'
http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/garyhughes/index.php/theaustralian/comments/alcohol_and_drugs_driving_teen_killings/

There has been a statistical spike in teens killing others .. approximately double in a year. An aggravating factor that corresponds is drug use. What price a permissive society?

Missing the Obvious

Ghosts of 911
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

UN produces a fallacious report card for Australia.

Study on Australian teenage killers fails to observe that every single state and territory that had a dramatic rate increase was held by the ALP.

New York experiences another tragedy

Yearning From Loss

I miss my kids from school ..

Wilfull Misunderstanding

Milsons Point, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Assaults on federal conservative governance continue, typically without foundation.
• Radio broadcaster Alan Jones misrepresents international food pricing. Probably for entertainment value and to claim relevance with other media.
• Political reporter Malcolm Farr makes false reference to party factions within the Liberal Party as he inflates a storm beyond its tea cup proportion
• Various commentators on federal involvement in a case involving international terrorism.
• Various commentators on a political web cast by the Australian Prime Minister.

Trains at Standstill: Business as Usual

Tragedy 1903, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Milsons Poijnt closed for a few hours this morning, the coldest morning in Sydney for 21 years. Global warming and huffing and puffing NSW Premier Iemma aside, NSW commuters seem to feel such failures routine. No reports of paraplegics stranded on rail awaiting death, this time.

David chose this first morning of freedom to get his passport. Getting up early, but later than intended, he waved hello to a former student who was shivering her way to school. The US consulate in Sydney is open 4 hours a day, 5 days a week (please, employ me to work there!). Staff were friendly and efficient, which is to say they collected money but have not yet provided a passport.

Afterwards, David was called at home to see if he'd work casually for the school. Politely declined. Then, there was the centerlink contact. Has unemployment always been this busy?

Mr Howard at youtube

David left work today for the last time

Potter Gang
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Thirteen years as a teacher at that school.

Handed keys to an incoming permanent teacher whose wife was a student.

One boy in year 12 is of the same family of students who first greeted David at the end of 1994. One year 8 girl is the niece of a girl who was in year 8 in David's first class in 1995. One year 7 boy is the son of a former student. It was time.

David has resigned in order to protect his students from the harassment he has experienced. One year 7 girl was verbally assaulted by a teacher supervisor for no reason other than being in David's class. A class of students in year 12 lost marks from their trial exams last year for no other reason than that they had been in David's class. Those incidents were not isolated.

There were no farewells or goodbyes

Now hard questions may be asked of the NSW Dept. of Ed. and the NSW Government as to why the harassment was allowed to continue, and was never dealt with.

Contractors Killed Leaving Iraq

iraq
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

'Australia lost a leader' is how a fellow colleague described the tragedy.

* Two Australian private contractors killed in Iraq
* Convoy was hit by explosion, then a "projectile"
* Contractors were leaving the country for holidays

Saudis to behead teen nanny

Puss in Boots, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

A Sri Lankan girl, working in Saudi Arabia, 17 yo, is given the task of feeding a baby. Fewer than 20 days later, the baby dies while the teen is bottle feeding it.

An apparent clerical error has the girl convicted of strangling the baby, which she was charged with, but not accused of.

The girl was never trained for nanny duties. She has recanted a confession she claimed was made under duress.

Qumran had a past, before scrolls

Virtual Qumran, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Before monks collected the Dead Sea Scrolls, There were buildings for warriors.

====
martin elderling said...
Readers should be informed of the review of Bob Cargill's "Virtual Qumran" film (the topic of the above article) by historian Norman Golb, in which he argues that the claims being made in the film are patently false and misleading. Golb's review is on the University of Chicago website.

Martin has provided a link in comments, and you can read more of what he says there.

Why Giveing Up Is Not An Option

Oliver North, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

The politics of the day, divided unequally around the line of not accepting the cost of the war on terror, has a seperate cost to the electorates.

Opportunism demands a response. If it is possible that terrorism brings success, as occurred in Spain, and may yet occur in the UK or US, then that is motivation for terrorists to continue.

So who do antiwar advocates represent?

Questionable Judgement

Judgement, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

ALP administration in Queensland resulted in a sex offender lecturing to school students. Incredibly, a thank you from the school administration to the rapist was given. Now the Queensland government is threatening Catholic School funding over the issue.

Wouldn't it be cheaper, easier and safer to correctly monitor the behaviour of the sex offender?

Charged After Being Held

Mohamed Haneef
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Held without charge for some 12 days, his defence team demanded he was released or charged.

The charge might have been applied on the first morning, but it is apparent the authorities wanted to make sure they would charge him appropriately, and not risk allowing him to escape on a technicality.

In some cases, civil liberties cost the community too much.

Federal Economy Works Well

Applause
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Lots of lies reported recently about Federal economic handling being below par, however, the truth is that even unaffordable housing for families is a myth .. for the federal sector.

NSW SRA Wheelchair Shame

Wheelchair Commuter
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

A commuter on a NSW train was evacuated by forklift. SRA workers had suggested he might need to stay in a carriage for a few days ..

Tragedy for Brimble on Pleasure Cruise

Tragedy, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Pleasure cruises are not cheap. One expects relaxed standards, where younger people can have fun.

The sexual harassment described of a group of regular cruise going thugs calls into question the value of such cruises.

The subsequent behaviour of P and O and the poorly run investigation by NSW police does nothing to attract one to cruising lifestyle.

Global Warming News

We Made it Up
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

The ABC went to extraordinary lengths not to appear balanced in broadcasting the program "The Great Global Warming Swindle."

Oneof aunty's most lauded science broadcasters, Mr Robin Williams, took personal umbridge at the mild accusation that lies have been told on the issue. Understandable, seeing as Williams has told some of them.

Tony Jones did an extraordinary job as inquisitor on one scientist, which as journalist Duffy pointed out, wasn't extended to any of the advocates. All right, Jones, joked, next time I interview Gore. But then, Gore has a Rudd like glass jaw and would never allow himself to be questioned so closely.

Rudd, ALP popular in NSW

Happy Landing 2
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Headline news for some. One article states that the ALP are more popular now than they have been since .. since .. the last federal election.

Stan Zemanek Dead at 60

Stan Zemanek
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Diagnosed with terminal cancer (brain tumour) in may 2006, Stan has lost his fight.

Known as a 'shock jock,' a term he carried with pride, Stan was an entertainer of the airwaves. He'll be missed.

'ABC screening rubbish to satisfy critics'

Backslapping
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

From Media Watch thru the Chasers War on Everything the ABC seems to only screen programs to satisfy critics. Often these programs are thinly veiled assaults on conservative leadership.

The ABC should be a valuable asset to Australia, but it is captive to minority cultures and decadent in lifestyle, extravagant in claim.

Checking the chat line of Mr Rudd

Chat Line
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Mr Rudd makes strong claims which don't survive inspection

Mr Keating makes a dopy suggestion too

Hanging Gardens a Creation of Man

Creation of Man
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

A creation of man ... Nebuchadnezzar is credited with having the Hanging Gardens of Babylon built for his wife.

My mother asked me to do something similar ;)
====
The discovery of an artifact found in the 1920's is causing some excitement and allowing much hyperbole.

The 2600 year old artifact mentions a name found in the old testament.

Rudd Targets Shoppers

ALP Policy, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Mr Rudd is making bald faced claims regarding shopping prices. Statistics expose the lie.

Mr Rudd releases statement claiming he never smoked Pot. There now is no adequate explanation for his poor judgement.

'Sorry' campaign is exposed in a propaganda role

Poor state water management and excess

ALP philosophy and guns. Why do ALP supporters prove the greatest risk?

Former Lead Singer Challenged Over Drugs

Peter Garret
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Leftist culture is such that many say that "taking drugs is a victimless crime."

Has an Australian Federal Parlaimentarian committed that crime?

Cultural Clash

Headgear
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

One can understand that a young woman, in her twenties, would prefer music to the drone of bureaucratic nonsence.

However, when that nonsence involves decision making over the freedom of an individual ..

The issue before that judge must have been one of political correctness. How could they challenge the juror without appearing to judge the headgear?

Rudds Plan to Help Renters: Give Cash Direct to Landlords

Rudd the Renter, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Mr Rudd, in planning to ignore the role of the States in housing affordability crisis is threatening to fail to address the problem.

One step is to give money to landlords directly, through tax credits, rather than pretending to pay poor people for work the ALP views as meaningless.

Another involves Superannuation style accounts, Where the money an individual doesn't see in their working life may be minimised later.

Yet Another involves locking renters into absurdly long contracts, so that not even flexibility is an option for a battler.

One wonders, wouldn't it be easier to just have a conservative state government instead?

Scientolgists Take on Mantle of Christian Science

cross-and-crown
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Lots of allegations are made regarding the role of Scientology and its mythic base. Some say that Scientologists are in it for the money, taking tax breaks made available to religious organisations so that they might continue with good works. Some say that Scientologists threaten the well being of many sick people, while others claim to have had their lives changed through Scientology.

Similar allegations were made regarding Christian Science in the recent past. Movies were made about Christian Science claims, one 1940's flick left it up to the viewer to decide if a Christian Science couple were responsible for the death of their child through denying medication. The movie left the outcome up to the viewer.

Whatever the truth behind the rumor, still we get headlines like:
Scientology beliefs 'stopped accused killer getting treatment'

This is Janine Balding

Janine Balding, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

This is Janine Balding, a young woman I never met, pictured as I like to remember her.

A few years after this photo was taken, I worked in the public service in the suburb she lived, and where her killers came from.

Her killers were sentenced for their crime, never to be released. They appealed, and their appeal was rightly dismissed.

Now her killers may be freed because of an administrative error, whereby two court documents weren't stapled together.

The administrative error is not the only court mistake in recent times.

Truth in Advertising

Happy Landing
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Sydney Opera House falls short of being among the seven wonders of the modern world.

An Australian is among 100 people gored at Pamplona's running of the bulls.

Some discounts don't make cakes appetising.

World Rocks for .. for .. ?

Ready to Rock
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

Terrorists planning to use Australia as a site from which to detonate a bomb in the UK.

Fed's get blamed for state housing crisis, but unlike states, they work to fix it.

NSW Premier explains his extended vacations ..

The concert that will not end other concerts gets airplay.

Launching missiles at innocents

Rudd or Tintin
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

A Mortar kills a family of seven in Baghdad. Rudd, answering to a completely different agenda, demands Australian troops come home immediately.

The nuclear debate and Iraq are not the same issue, but they both highlight the inadequacy of the Australian Federal opposition. The ALP policy vacuum is a threat to decent governance, even though they are not in federal government. Reactionary politics, of the type that has Rudd demanding ‘an explanation’ from a federal minister overseas on mission is a case in point. Rudd must have a question, perhaps he can ask it before demanding the return of the minister. Meanwhile, in Baghdad, it is the presence of allied troops that serves to provide security such that the mortar incident is not more common.

Akerman's view here
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/rudds_logic_is_flawed/

Justice for Some

Phillip John Walsham, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Phillip John Walsham died a short time after being beaten up. It was said that three men who assaulted him also came back to him later, and threw him from a footbridge. Phillip died of injuries sustained, later.

The three had been convicted on circumstantial evidence. They had been guilty of the first assault, but denied the later one. The result was DNA evidence that tied the aggressors to the victim did not place the three at the place of the second assault.

HP Lovecraft described a horror scenario. A man was faced with a liveing horse. It had the head of a horse, and the body of a horse, but it wasn't THE SAME HORSE! Doesn't that describe those three thugs?

Walking The Strange Path to Freedom and Glory

Walk to Freedom, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Where is the leadership of faithful Islamic peoples to oppose the atrocites committed in the name of Islam?

Putting aside the unacceptable behaviour of terrorists, where is the acceptable behaviour of the leaders who neither condemn nor disendorse these actions?

And then political hay is being made that opposes reasonable security measures made by those oppressed by terrorists. So that risible claims are made, and not questioned by those that should.

Akerman writes here
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/magnet_for_madmen/

Canadian Child in Family Slayings

Justice, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

A thirteen year old girl testified to haveing had sex as a twelve year old with a man ten years her senior both before and after he killed her family. She also testified to knifing her younger brother, and listening as her boyfriend cut his throat.

Canadian law forbids naming the child. Apparently, she also agreed to marry the boyfriend in the year awaiting trial. Her involvement in such crime is not unique, as juvenile crime goes. Some years ago, in Sydney, a 15 yo girl had sex with her boyfriend immediately following his killing his new playfriend.

Normal social conditioning is resistant to such behaviour in people. What price does the public pay for equating freedom and choice with poverty and abuse?

An Ill Wind Blows Trains Off Course

NSW Train, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

It doesn't take much to stop a Sydney Train.

Today, high winds on Sydney Harbour Bridge took out some powerlines and entangled one of Sydney's finest. The result was commuter chaos as passengers were evacuated and other trains cancelled.

The NSW Government is only four months into a four year term of office and this debacle is a continuation of the poor service the government provided in the twelve years prior. But the government has held fast to their election promise not to wear swimsuits.

Australians in Iraq

Oz Defence, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

The morphing of left leaning press over the issue of Australian Soldiers in Iraq is in direct contrast to the consistency of the Australian Federal Government.

In 2002, Australia went into Iraq for regime change in response to the danger posed by weapons of mass destruction that had been used, and were being hidden, by Saddam Hussein's administration. Subsequent to the invasion has been a security nightmare with internal and external sources threatening to destablise the nation for advantage.

It is not in the ALP's advantage to claim 'we wuz robbed' over wmds, as they now do. It is an advantage to ALP leaders who are searching for a scapegoat to hide their flip flopping over the issue. ALP leadership is not the same as ALP interest, nor Australian interest. The Federal government has been consistent, lying will not make the ALP consistent.

The press still run outrageous headlines, however.

Architect of Bigotry?

HC Coombes
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

While it is not arguable that Mr Coombes was not well intentioned, a very strong case has been presented that his racist policy toward Australian Aborigines has failed.

Wiki on Coombes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.C._Coombs

Akerman on the policy
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/price_of_left_ego_is_black_despair/

Many Australians that are not recognised as being Aboriginal have Aboriginal ancestry. Isn't it time that we admit that it isn't aboriginality that needs to be treated for these people, but extreme poverty, as promoted by the shadow of Fabian Socialists and well intentioned welfarists.

Freed for US Independance Day

Alan Johnston
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel

BBC reporter Alan Johnston has been reported as freed. It is the 4th of July in Australia.

Wikipedia tracks the issue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Johnston

So what has happened? Was it Hamas that took the hostage? Was it Al Quaeda? Will the BBC maintain their leftist line of reporting?

Before Big Bang

Before Big Bang, originally uploaded by ddbsweasel.

Glimpse of Time Before Big Bang Possible
By Charles Q. Choi of Livescience
It may be possible to glimpse before the supposed beginning of time into the universe prior to the Big Bang, researchers now say.

Unfortunately, any such picture will always be fuzzy at best due to a kind of "cosmic forgetfulness."

The Big Bang is often thought as the start of everything, including time, making any questions about what happened during it or beforehand nonsensical. Recently scientists have instead suggested the Big Bang might have just been the explosive beginning of the current era of the universe, hinting at a mysterious past.

To see how far into history one might gaze, theoretical physicist Martin Bojowald at Pennsylvania State University ran calculations based on loop quantum gravity, one of a number of competing theories seeking to explain how the underlying structure of the universe works.