Survey Says: Polls Have Problems
Presidential polls are flawed, pollster says. -as do hopelessly biased articles from scientific sources on politics. - ed.
At Home, Women Rule
Facebook Profiles Out Narcissists
New Life Found in Old Tombs
Video Gamers Surprisingly Fit and Older
Top Features
Oldest Rocks on Earth Found
Iditarod Dogs' Endurance Secret Revealed
Prehistoric Giant Goose Skull Found
In Barren Patch of Ocean, Hope for Life
Video
Video - On Dancing Air: The Story of Wind Power
Video: Better Bug Sprays?
Image of the Day
Test Tubes Go Surfing
Chemists have found a way to surf and research at the same time.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Promoting New Music Tyr's Day 30th September
Let Me Hold Your Heart
by Lightman
A song i wrote in 2002, with danish lyrics.... This version is a re-make of this song.... A love song.....
===
blues for two (W ) Lightman
by Dee1962z and Lightman
blues for two is a song that Lightman wrote for the both of us some months back and I would like to add - that in my own opinion he sang this one- absolutely fantastic !
( I created the piano with some of my own improvisation also)
I have always treasured this one and played it often.
Thank you my freind. You did a great job
Dee
Xx
===
Lava
by dirigent
Instrumental Jazz-Electronica-Fusion by Dirigent
Artwork shows lava on the planet Venus ...
===
Find My Way
by brnPetra and Dylan
This is a new song by me I done with Dylan.
I hope you will like it..
Dyl have made it be a song with a great arrangement with lot of instrument and sound in and I love it..and we sing this together.
Thank you Dyl..i am so glad..you are so mjau...too..
Petra
===
Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Led Zeppelin cover)
by LaFayette
The longest track I've never recorded.
Need to be listened with a good level...
A tribute to my favorite band.
Hope you enjoy !
- LaFayette
by Lightman
A song i wrote in 2002, with danish lyrics.... This version is a re-make of this song.... A love song.....
===
blues for two (W ) Lightman
by Dee1962z and Lightman
blues for two is a song that Lightman wrote for the both of us some months back and I would like to add - that in my own opinion he sang this one- absolutely fantastic !
( I created the piano with some of my own improvisation also)
I have always treasured this one and played it often.
Thank you my freind. You did a great job
Dee
Xx
===
Lava
by dirigent
Instrumental Jazz-Electronica-Fusion by Dirigent
Artwork shows lava on the planet Venus ...
===
Find My Way
by brnPetra and Dylan
This is a new song by me I done with Dylan.
I hope you will like it..
Dyl have made it be a song with a great arrangement with lot of instrument and sound in and I love it..and we sing this together.
Thank you Dyl..i am so glad..you are so mjau...too..
Petra
===
Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Led Zeppelin cover)
by LaFayette
The longest track I've never recorded.
Need to be listened with a good level...
A tribute to my favorite band.
Hope you enjoy !
- LaFayette
Headlines Tuesday 30th September
Dunleavy - a press legend departs
Piers Akerman
LATER this week a special edition of The New York Post will mark the retirement of the last of the great journalists of the pre-electronic era—the Australian Steve Dunleavy.
===
THESE PEOPLE KNOW EVERYTHING
Tim Blair
The political heavyweights at 9am With David & Kim turned their attention this morning to Sarah Palin’s candidacy
===
SHOCKMARKET
Tim Blair
Australia reacts:
The share market has fallen more than 5 per cent immediately after the market open this morning, following the biggest ever single-day point decline on Wall St overnight.
===
NOW IT CAN BE TOLD
Tim Blair
Colleague Ben was one of our Daily Telegraph staff in Beijing for the Olympics. Naturally, there were problems.
An active type, Ben sought to keep spirits high during breaks in the action by organising hallway cricket matches. The media centre wasn’t really suited to cricket, what with so many people milling about, but Ben persisted.
===
LEAD EXTENDED
Tim Blair
They’re confident in Obamastan:
Barack Obama’s senior aides believe he is on course for a landslide election victory over John McCain and will comfortably exceed most current predictions in the race for the White House.
Their optimism, which is said to be shared by the Democratic candidate himself, is based on information from private polling and on faith in the powerful political organisation he has built in the key swing states.
===
SHE’S INSIDE THEIR HEADS III
Tim Blair
A Palinphobe is suffering:
My reaction to her, and the way the Republican Party threw her in our faces, and the pandering and hypocrisy that was behind their decision to do so, was immediate, visceral, and indeed, vicious. I have crossed every line I believed should never be crossed in public discourse—I have criticized not only her policies and her record, but her hair, her personal style, her accent, her abilities as a mother, etc. I’ve also begun to suffer personally and professionally. I bore my friends with my constant tirades against her, and am constantly distracted from my work by my need to continually update myself on the latest criticism, and indeed, ridicule, of her. In my hatred for her, I have begun to hate myself.
Piers Akerman
LATER this week a special edition of The New York Post will mark the retirement of the last of the great journalists of the pre-electronic era—the Australian Steve Dunleavy.
===
THESE PEOPLE KNOW EVERYTHING
Tim Blair
The political heavyweights at 9am With David & Kim turned their attention this morning to Sarah Palin’s candidacy
===
SHOCKMARKET
Tim Blair
Australia reacts:
The share market has fallen more than 5 per cent immediately after the market open this morning, following the biggest ever single-day point decline on Wall St overnight.
===
NOW IT CAN BE TOLD
Tim Blair
Colleague Ben was one of our Daily Telegraph staff in Beijing for the Olympics. Naturally, there were problems.
An active type, Ben sought to keep spirits high during breaks in the action by organising hallway cricket matches. The media centre wasn’t really suited to cricket, what with so many people milling about, but Ben persisted.
===
LEAD EXTENDED
Tim Blair
They’re confident in Obamastan:
Barack Obama’s senior aides believe he is on course for a landslide election victory over John McCain and will comfortably exceed most current predictions in the race for the White House.
Their optimism, which is said to be shared by the Democratic candidate himself, is based on information from private polling and on faith in the powerful political organisation he has built in the key swing states.
===
SHE’S INSIDE THEIR HEADS III
Tim Blair
A Palinphobe is suffering:
My reaction to her, and the way the Republican Party threw her in our faces, and the pandering and hypocrisy that was behind their decision to do so, was immediate, visceral, and indeed, vicious. I have crossed every line I believed should never be crossed in public discourse—I have criticized not only her policies and her record, but her hair, her personal style, her accent, her abilities as a mother, etc. I’ve also begun to suffer personally and professionally. I bore my friends with my constant tirades against her, and am constantly distracted from my work by my need to continually update myself on the latest criticism, and indeed, ridicule, of her. In my hatred for her, I have begun to hate myself.
Ann Cooper: Reinventing the school lunch
http://www.ted.com Speaking at the 2007 EG conference, "renegade lunch lady" Ann Cooper talks about the coming revolution in the way kids eat at school -- local, sustainable, seasonal and even educational food.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Headlines Monday 29th September
Survey says NSW is racist - let’s see the questions
Piers Akerman
A group called the Anti-Racism Research Project has found that NSW is the most racist state, according to project leader Kevin Dunn of the University of Western Sydney.
===
John Howard awarded Medal of Freedom
By Peter Mitchell in Los Angeles
FORMER prime minister John Howard has been awarded the Winston S Churchill Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in Los Angeles.
The American Freedom Alliance, an LA-based think tank, presented Mr Howard with the award for being "a strong ally of the United States".
Asked if he was concerned Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Labor Government would erode the economic fundamentals built up during his 11 years in Australia's top job, Mr Howard replied: "I hope the new government does not in any way squander the inheritance we gave them".
He welcomed the news US President George W Bush and Congressional leaders had agreed on a $US700 billion ($845 billion) rescue plan for the shaky US financial industry. Australia, thanks largely to the policies of his government, was in a healthy position to ride out the economic turmoil in the US, he said.
"Fortunately, the fundamentals of the Australian economy are very strong and those fundamentals were largely created by the former government," Mr Howard said.
"The fact that we have a big surplus and have paid off our debt, that we have low unemployment, we have low inflation, we have a strong banking system, all of those things will work to our favour.
"If Australia were now in debt and were running a big budget deficit, the impact of this would be much greater."
===
CALL EYE-PATCHED THROUGH
Tim Blair
===
GARBAGE EATEN
Tim Blair
It’s green season:
Tempo went hunting for the Chicagoan who has the lowest carbon footprint.
===
SHOW IMPROVES
Tim Blair
Jim Treacher notices some familiar material on Saturday Night Live:
===
VOTES NEUTRALISED
Tim Blair
“Hi, I’m Al Gore, and I used to be the next president of the United States.” That’s Al’s standard intro at his lectures about reducing carbon output, for which he continuously flies around the planet.
===
WARMING COOLING
Tim Blair
Last year, John Howard was in office and we were all going to be killed by global warming. But in 2008 …
This year, climate change has slipped in ranking from first to fifth most important.
===
LATE TO THE DEBATE: CATCHING UP
Tim Blair
===
Are Australians really racist?
Alan Jones
The easiest way to silence some poor unsuspecting citizen from saying anything is by calling him a racist. Mind you, it's never racist when dreadful things are said about Anglo-Saxons, but that's another story.
We read today that NSW is supposed be the most racist state in Australia. There's going to be a conference starting in Sydney on Tuesday called Rights, Reconciliation, Respect and Responsibility. And this report will be released there - the first results of a so-called study, Challenging Racism - the Anti-Racism Research Project.
And we're told that high rates of migration meant that on average New South Wales was the least tolerant of all the States and Territories.
So you object to migration and you're a racist?
===
18 weeks paid maternity leave to bump off baby bonus
Sarah Wiley & Anil Lambert-Patel
The Rudd government is being urged to fund an 18 week maternity leave scheme, at a cost of $450 million a year.
The productivity commission has handed down its draft report into paid parental leave, and has recommended mothers be given 18 paid weeks leave at the minimum wage of $544 a week - the baby bonus would be scrapped.
Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald says fathers would also be given two weeks paid paternity leave.
“Children will benefit, families will benefit, and Australia will benefit over time.” - Excellent. Employers will pay more, and charges will rise and the government makes a false saving. Everybody has someone to blame. - ed.
Piers Akerman
A group called the Anti-Racism Research Project has found that NSW is the most racist state, according to project leader Kevin Dunn of the University of Western Sydney.
===
John Howard awarded Medal of Freedom
By Peter Mitchell in Los Angeles
FORMER prime minister John Howard has been awarded the Winston S Churchill Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in Los Angeles.
The American Freedom Alliance, an LA-based think tank, presented Mr Howard with the award for being "a strong ally of the United States".
Asked if he was concerned Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Labor Government would erode the economic fundamentals built up during his 11 years in Australia's top job, Mr Howard replied: "I hope the new government does not in any way squander the inheritance we gave them".
He welcomed the news US President George W Bush and Congressional leaders had agreed on a $US700 billion ($845 billion) rescue plan for the shaky US financial industry. Australia, thanks largely to the policies of his government, was in a healthy position to ride out the economic turmoil in the US, he said.
"Fortunately, the fundamentals of the Australian economy are very strong and those fundamentals were largely created by the former government," Mr Howard said.
"The fact that we have a big surplus and have paid off our debt, that we have low unemployment, we have low inflation, we have a strong banking system, all of those things will work to our favour.
"If Australia were now in debt and were running a big budget deficit, the impact of this would be much greater."
===
CALL EYE-PATCHED THROUGH
Tim Blair
===
GARBAGE EATEN
Tim Blair
It’s green season:
Tempo went hunting for the Chicagoan who has the lowest carbon footprint.
===
SHOW IMPROVES
Tim Blair
Jim Treacher notices some familiar material on Saturday Night Live:
===
VOTES NEUTRALISED
Tim Blair
“Hi, I’m Al Gore, and I used to be the next president of the United States.” That’s Al’s standard intro at his lectures about reducing carbon output, for which he continuously flies around the planet.
===
WARMING COOLING
Tim Blair
Last year, John Howard was in office and we were all going to be killed by global warming. But in 2008 …
This year, climate change has slipped in ranking from first to fifth most important.
===
LATE TO THE DEBATE: CATCHING UP
Tim Blair
===
Are Australians really racist?
Alan Jones
The easiest way to silence some poor unsuspecting citizen from saying anything is by calling him a racist. Mind you, it's never racist when dreadful things are said about Anglo-Saxons, but that's another story.
We read today that NSW is supposed be the most racist state in Australia. There's going to be a conference starting in Sydney on Tuesday called Rights, Reconciliation, Respect and Responsibility. And this report will be released there - the first results of a so-called study, Challenging Racism - the Anti-Racism Research Project.
And we're told that high rates of migration meant that on average New South Wales was the least tolerant of all the States and Territories.
So you object to migration and you're a racist?
===
18 weeks paid maternity leave to bump off baby bonus
Sarah Wiley & Anil Lambert-Patel
The Rudd government is being urged to fund an 18 week maternity leave scheme, at a cost of $450 million a year.
The productivity commission has handed down its draft report into paid parental leave, and has recommended mothers be given 18 paid weeks leave at the minimum wage of $544 a week - the baby bonus would be scrapped.
Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald says fathers would also be given two weeks paid paternity leave.
“Children will benefit, families will benefit, and Australia will benefit over time.” - Excellent. Employers will pay more, and charges will rise and the government makes a false saving. Everybody has someone to blame. - ed.
Keith Bellows: Celebrating the camel
http://www.ted.com Keith Bellows gleefully outlines the engineering marvels of the camel, a vital creature he calls "the SUV of the desert." Though he couldn't bring a live camel to TED, he gets his camera crew as close as humanly possible to a one-ton beast in full rut.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Promoting New Music Sun's Day 28th September
Bluebells (Patrick Wolf cover)
by signorina_oscurata
My first attempt at recording my (almost) daily practice-room run... A lot of fooling around, taking advantage of a little natural reverb, followed by some gratuitous improv-stuff...
If you listen closely, you can tell there are two separate piano tracks: one that plays throughout the "body" of the song I sing, and the other overlaid, which spills over where the first stops. If you listen really REALLY closely, you'll be able to tell that they're not just two different tracks-- they're two totally different pianos. Both upright, neither in proper tune, both with broken keys, but with totally different characteristics. The one that plays during the real song is very heavy and agressive-- that's the yamaha-- and the other is twinkly and tinny and somewhat like a music box, which amounts to a certain degree of suckage when you're trying to be dramatic and statement-making, but is kind of nice when you're fiddling around and want an ethereal sound.
===
Joplin's SUGAR CANE RAG (1908)
by georgeptingley
I continue my survey of Scott Joplin's New York rags with SUGAR CANE RAG, a piece composed exactly 100 years ago and music modelled very much on Joplin's MAPLE LEAF RAG published nine years earlier. Learning a Joplin rag is like falling in love: you begin by questioning what you've got yourself into and only later do you realize that you are hopelessly enamored. Good thing there are still more rags to fall in love with if you know what I mean. Lol! Enjoy as always.
Pianist George Peter Tingley perfomrs Scott Joplin's SUGAR CANE: A Ragtime Two-Step (1908).
===
Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration part I
by Storkaas
The first part of a new project inspired by the heroic age of antarctic exploration.
© Copyright Rune Storkaas 2008
0704#4
===
Close Your Eyes
by Lightman
A song i wrote back in 2001... Recorded today.... It's a love song, that is the first song in over a month.... Again again, i hope that this is the first step of many, in the music thing... So i get back to this site, for real.... Long story, but here's a new song from me....
===
Messing With The Machine
by Sloparts
This is another song I put together for the LIOLI challenge. It's really a story put to music and sound about going up to try and destroy a space station and it's weapons system.
32 tracks of sound effects and 23 track of musical background tell the tale. I hope you enjoy it, it was a lot of fun to do.
Be well and be cool,
Ed
===
Rockin' The Clav
by Sloparts
This song came about because of a Loop It Or Lose It challenge over on Macjams.
The idea, for those not familiar, is to take a really bad sounding loop and make a song out of it. The loop used this time was the "Walking Clav 01" loop in GB and Logic.
To make this song,I used the "Walking Clav 01" loop on no less than 3 track in this. The loop is used as it came playing a Clav, also as a Percussion Organ, and at 1/2 speed it is also the bass line for the song.
There is also a track with drums loops made from "70s Street Drums" (numbers 03,05,06,07,09,10, & 11), and 4 tracks of guitar parts., 2 leads and 2 rhythm parts. I played the first lead part on the Peavey Generation EXP and the other on the Ibamez RX-40. The rhythm parts are comprised of loops, one being "Spacious Guitar 04" (acoustic rhythm) and the other being "Chunk Delay Chords 06",
I hope you enjoy the song as it came out, but if not be sure to let me know why not so I can fix it for the next one I do.
Be well and be cool,
Ed
by signorina_oscurata
My first attempt at recording my (almost) daily practice-room run... A lot of fooling around, taking advantage of a little natural reverb, followed by some gratuitous improv-stuff...
If you listen closely, you can tell there are two separate piano tracks: one that plays throughout the "body" of the song I sing, and the other overlaid, which spills over where the first stops. If you listen really REALLY closely, you'll be able to tell that they're not just two different tracks-- they're two totally different pianos. Both upright, neither in proper tune, both with broken keys, but with totally different characteristics. The one that plays during the real song is very heavy and agressive-- that's the yamaha-- and the other is twinkly and tinny and somewhat like a music box, which amounts to a certain degree of suckage when you're trying to be dramatic and statement-making, but is kind of nice when you're fiddling around and want an ethereal sound.
===
Joplin's SUGAR CANE RAG (1908)
by georgeptingley
I continue my survey of Scott Joplin's New York rags with SUGAR CANE RAG, a piece composed exactly 100 years ago and music modelled very much on Joplin's MAPLE LEAF RAG published nine years earlier. Learning a Joplin rag is like falling in love: you begin by questioning what you've got yourself into and only later do you realize that you are hopelessly enamored. Good thing there are still more rags to fall in love with if you know what I mean. Lol! Enjoy as always.
Pianist George Peter Tingley perfomrs Scott Joplin's SUGAR CANE: A Ragtime Two-Step (1908).
===
Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration part I
by Storkaas
The first part of a new project inspired by the heroic age of antarctic exploration.
© Copyright Rune Storkaas 2008
0704#4
===
Close Your Eyes
by Lightman
A song i wrote back in 2001... Recorded today.... It's a love song, that is the first song in over a month.... Again again, i hope that this is the first step of many, in the music thing... So i get back to this site, for real.... Long story, but here's a new song from me....
===
Messing With The Machine
by Sloparts
This is another song I put together for the LIOLI challenge. It's really a story put to music and sound about going up to try and destroy a space station and it's weapons system.
32 tracks of sound effects and 23 track of musical background tell the tale. I hope you enjoy it, it was a lot of fun to do.
Be well and be cool,
Ed
===
Rockin' The Clav
by Sloparts
This song came about because of a Loop It Or Lose It challenge over on Macjams.
The idea, for those not familiar, is to take a really bad sounding loop and make a song out of it. The loop used this time was the "Walking Clav 01" loop in GB and Logic.
To make this song,I used the "Walking Clav 01" loop on no less than 3 track in this. The loop is used as it came playing a Clav, also as a Percussion Organ, and at 1/2 speed it is also the bass line for the song.
There is also a track with drums loops made from "70s Street Drums" (numbers 03,05,06,07,09,10, & 11), and 4 tracks of guitar parts., 2 leads and 2 rhythm parts. I played the first lead part on the Peavey Generation EXP and the other on the Ibamez RX-40. The rhythm parts are comprised of loops, one being "Spacious Guitar 04" (acoustic rhythm) and the other being "Chunk Delay Chords 06",
I hope you enjoy the song as it came out, but if not be sure to let me know why not so I can fix it for the next one I do.
Be well and be cool,
Ed
Headlines Sunday 28th September
Tide turns on Labor’s politics of spin
Piers Akerman
LABOR’S coast-to-coast stranglehold on government has been breached with the fall of Western Australia’s Carpenter regime.
Recent Newspoll surveys show South Australian Premier Mike Rann and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh are in deep trouble and would struggle to be re-elected, but satisfaction ratings indicate voters are not showing great enthusiasm for the alternative premiers.
With voters turning against Labor and not embracing the Coalition leaders, the message seems to be that “anyone but Labor’’ could win, although the state and federal oppositions have a lot of work to do if they are to capitalise on this trend and actually take office.
It would be easy to write off the disaffection with Labor as the natural handicap of incumbency, but there’s clearly another factor at play: the type of government Labor has given Australians across the nation.
Change the names, and it’s been the same political apparatus at work in every state.
This model, labelled the Hawker Britton approach by some conservatives, was first trialled successfully by the young Bruce Hawker when he was former NSW premier Bob Carr’s chief of staff.
It has been adopted by Labor in every state and federally since Hawker, and Carr’s former senior adviser David Britton, left Carr’s office in 1997 to form the eponymous political consultancy.
The Hawker Britton approach is about spin, not substance.- The success of the model you describe was reliant on the success of the Libs federally. Once the libs collapsed in '07, the wheels fell off the model. I'd hesitate blaming the opposition as being weak because I think the blanket opposition mounted by non political people has been too strong, and is seen to be throughout the Western world with one analyst saying that conservatives need an extra five percent for status quo.
I think so long as people like Iemma, Della Bosca and Tripodi can sidestep answering serious questions over the death of Hamidur Rahman that the ALP will retain government no matter how unpopular. The press are not supposed to be the tame pet that the ICAC seems to be .. - ed.
===
McCain’s experience won the debate
Piers Akerman
Watching US presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama debate, it was clear that McCain spoke from experience and Obama attemped to remember what his advisers had told him to say.
On almost every issue, McCain was able to demonstrate from his own record,l historical precedents and his stated policies, that he was equipped to lead the United States.
Obama, unfortunately, stumbled, misquoted, and attempted to obfuscate his way through the lengthy presentation.
===
Opposition disagrees with alcohol ad ban proposal
Gemma Sapwell
NSW opposition leader Barry O'Farrell said his own battle with weight loss is one of the reasons why he's against a move to ban alcohol advertising.
Health Minister John Della-Bosca has called on governments across Australia to consider banning all alcohol advertising, and place warnings on bottles.
The NSW opposition leader said his days as a binge-eater have taught him that bans don't work and people must take responsibility for their own actions
"No one knows better than me about binge eating and no one knows better than me that the cure to it was personal responsibility," said Mr O'Farrell.
===
US bailout: Leaders strike a deal
US Congressional leaders and the Bush administration have reached a tentative deal on a bailout of imperiled financial markets.
===
Military-grade technology added to Sydney ferries
Thermal imaging cameras and radar will be installed across the entire Sydney ferry fleet. - why are we applauding the government for doing what we expect of them? We wanted them to do this a long time ago. Why did they wait for people to die? - ed.\
===
SIMPLER TIMES
Tim Blair
Mark Davis in the Age:
The last time Geelong played Hawthorn in a grand final, in 1989, we crowded around CRT screens, impressed by the novelty of seeing live footy on TV.
===
SEE YOU IN CHINA, AL
Tim Blair
===
HE SEES THE FUTURE
Tim Blair
Barack Obama discusses his celebrated 2002 speech:
===
GO GO GO!
Tim Blair
We’ve broken through the 10 billion tonne barrier:
Global carbon emissions are continuing to rise at alarming rates despite efforts by households and governments across the developed world to go green.
===
SHE’S NO MISS WRIGHT
Tim Blair
A letter to the editor from Sarah Palin:
“San Francisco judges forbidding our Pledge of Allegiance? They will take the phrase ‘under God’ away from me when my cold, dead lips can no longer utter those words. God Bless America.”
===
SWAN DIVES, FLIPS
Tim Blair
Wayne Swan catches a tip from Malcolm Turnbull and performs a rapid about-face.
===
IDENTITY LOST
Tim Blair
A perfect symbol of modern Britain:
The UK’s first identity card for 60 years has been unveiled by Jacqui Smith—with no sign of the union flag or mention of the word Britain.
===
OTTER OVER
Tim Blair
An otter departs:
After surviving the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as a pup and teaching millions of fans about the spill’s devastating effects on her species, Nyac, the Vancouver Aquarium’s oldest sea otter, succumbed to leukemia Tuesday, leaving staff profoundly saddened …
===
WELL DONE BUSTY YASMIN
Tim Blair
===
HOLY FLYERS RUMBLED
Tim Blair
Airport arrests in Cologne:
Police in Germany have arrested two terrorism suspects on a plane preparing to take off from Cologne-Bonn airport.
Piers Akerman
LABOR’S coast-to-coast stranglehold on government has been breached with the fall of Western Australia’s Carpenter regime.
Recent Newspoll surveys show South Australian Premier Mike Rann and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh are in deep trouble and would struggle to be re-elected, but satisfaction ratings indicate voters are not showing great enthusiasm for the alternative premiers.
With voters turning against Labor and not embracing the Coalition leaders, the message seems to be that “anyone but Labor’’ could win, although the state and federal oppositions have a lot of work to do if they are to capitalise on this trend and actually take office.
It would be easy to write off the disaffection with Labor as the natural handicap of incumbency, but there’s clearly another factor at play: the type of government Labor has given Australians across the nation.
Change the names, and it’s been the same political apparatus at work in every state.
This model, labelled the Hawker Britton approach by some conservatives, was first trialled successfully by the young Bruce Hawker when he was former NSW premier Bob Carr’s chief of staff.
It has been adopted by Labor in every state and federally since Hawker, and Carr’s former senior adviser David Britton, left Carr’s office in 1997 to form the eponymous political consultancy.
The Hawker Britton approach is about spin, not substance.- The success of the model you describe was reliant on the success of the Libs federally. Once the libs collapsed in '07, the wheels fell off the model. I'd hesitate blaming the opposition as being weak because I think the blanket opposition mounted by non political people has been too strong, and is seen to be throughout the Western world with one analyst saying that conservatives need an extra five percent for status quo.
I think so long as people like Iemma, Della Bosca and Tripodi can sidestep answering serious questions over the death of Hamidur Rahman that the ALP will retain government no matter how unpopular. The press are not supposed to be the tame pet that the ICAC seems to be .. - ed.
===
McCain’s experience won the debate
Piers Akerman
Watching US presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama debate, it was clear that McCain spoke from experience and Obama attemped to remember what his advisers had told him to say.
On almost every issue, McCain was able to demonstrate from his own record,l historical precedents and his stated policies, that he was equipped to lead the United States.
Obama, unfortunately, stumbled, misquoted, and attempted to obfuscate his way through the lengthy presentation.
===
Opposition disagrees with alcohol ad ban proposal
Gemma Sapwell
NSW opposition leader Barry O'Farrell said his own battle with weight loss is one of the reasons why he's against a move to ban alcohol advertising.
Health Minister John Della-Bosca has called on governments across Australia to consider banning all alcohol advertising, and place warnings on bottles.
The NSW opposition leader said his days as a binge-eater have taught him that bans don't work and people must take responsibility for their own actions
"No one knows better than me about binge eating and no one knows better than me that the cure to it was personal responsibility," said Mr O'Farrell.
===
US bailout: Leaders strike a deal
US Congressional leaders and the Bush administration have reached a tentative deal on a bailout of imperiled financial markets.
===
Military-grade technology added to Sydney ferries
Thermal imaging cameras and radar will be installed across the entire Sydney ferry fleet. - why are we applauding the government for doing what we expect of them? We wanted them to do this a long time ago. Why did they wait for people to die? - ed.\
===
SIMPLER TIMES
Tim Blair
Mark Davis in the Age:
The last time Geelong played Hawthorn in a grand final, in 1989, we crowded around CRT screens, impressed by the novelty of seeing live footy on TV.
===
SEE YOU IN CHINA, AL
Tim Blair
===
HE SEES THE FUTURE
Tim Blair
Barack Obama discusses his celebrated 2002 speech:
===
GO GO GO!
Tim Blair
We’ve broken through the 10 billion tonne barrier:
Global carbon emissions are continuing to rise at alarming rates despite efforts by households and governments across the developed world to go green.
===
SHE’S NO MISS WRIGHT
Tim Blair
A letter to the editor from Sarah Palin:
“San Francisco judges forbidding our Pledge of Allegiance? They will take the phrase ‘under God’ away from me when my cold, dead lips can no longer utter those words. God Bless America.”
===
SWAN DIVES, FLIPS
Tim Blair
Wayne Swan catches a tip from Malcolm Turnbull and performs a rapid about-face.
===
IDENTITY LOST
Tim Blair
A perfect symbol of modern Britain:
The UK’s first identity card for 60 years has been unveiled by Jacqui Smith—with no sign of the union flag or mention of the word Britain.
===
OTTER OVER
Tim Blair
An otter departs:
After surviving the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as a pup and teaching millions of fans about the spill’s devastating effects on her species, Nyac, the Vancouver Aquarium’s oldest sea otter, succumbed to leukemia Tuesday, leaving staff profoundly saddened …
===
WELL DONE BUSTY YASMIN
Tim Blair
===
HOLY FLYERS RUMBLED
Tim Blair
Airport arrests in Cologne:
Police in Germany have arrested two terrorism suspects on a plane preparing to take off from Cologne-Bonn airport.
NSW Lib Updates
NSW Bungled Mortgage Regulation
Written by The Hon Catherine Cusack MLC
Western Sydney residents are suffering the consequences of the NSW Labor Government’s bungling of its responsibilities to regulate Finance and Mortgage Brokers, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Catherine Cusack said today.
“The then Fair Trading Minister Reba Meagher promised to curb predatory and unethical lending practices in August 2003 but five years, and five Fair Trading Ministers later, nothing has been delivered,” Ms Cusack said.
Nine Opposition Questions; No Answers; No Commitment To Friday Question Times
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Despite claims of increased sitting days, the Parliament will sit on 16 days in which the Premier and his Minister are able to avoid the scrutiny of Question Time, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said.
“Nathan Rees is a phoney - promising more sitting days but refusing to agree that there will be a Question Time on every day Parliament meets,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Rees’ Promise On Transparency Ends - High Profile Spin Doctors Costs Kept Secret
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Nathan Rees’ refusal to release the cost of Morris Iemma’s high profile spin doctors shows his promise of honest, transparent and accountable government was just total spin, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said today.
A Freedom of Information request to the Premier’s Department for all documents relating to the salary packages and employment contracts of John Choueifate and Adam Walters was denied on 8 September - three days after Mr Rees was sworn in as Premier.
Labor, Independents Vote To Put The Community Last
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Independent and Labor MPs put their community’s interests last by defeating the motion of no confidence against the State Labor Government, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said tonight.
“Independent MPs have given an incompetent, arrogant and out of touch Labor Government a pat on the back with their vote tonight,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Labor Does It Again: Trackwork Scheduled For Long Weekend Of Sport
Written by Gladys Berejiklian MP
Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said today the State Labor Government continued to prove the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing with major track work to occur over the monster long weekend of sport.
Next weekend there is the National Rugby League Grand Final, which will attract a capacity crowd at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, and the Spring Racing Carnival at Randwick on Saturday.
Blue Mountains Maternity Unit: Closed Again Despite Labor Promises
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
A leaked memo tabled by the NSW Opposition in question time today reveals the Blue Mountains maternity unit has been shut for the second time this year, despite repeated Labor promises it would remain open, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.
The State Labor Government closed the Blue Mountains maternity unit at Katoomba Hospital on 21 July. It was reopened on 1 September with Labor promises that it would not be closed again.
"No Go" Nathan Fails On Barangaroo Infrastructure And Transparency
Written by Brad Hazzard MP
The 13-year-old Rees State Labor Government has failed to ensure Barangaroo transport and infrastructure issues are addressed transparently and urgently to ensure delivery of a new 21st Century ‘window to the world’ for Sydney.
“NSW needs a development-lead rejuvenation of its economy and Sydney needs Barangaroo to be a vibrant, sustainable community owned precinct that takes Sydney to the world and the world to Sydney,” said Brad Hazzard, Shadow Minister for Planning and Infrastructure today.
Rees, Roozendaal And Tripodi Don’t Have The Political Willingness Or Ability
Written by Greg Pearce MLC
Premier Rees’ decision to appoint Ian Macfarlane and Bernie Fraser as advisers to the Cabinet is recognition of the inexperience and inability of his Treasurer Eric Roozendaal and Finance Minister Joe Tripodi, Shadow Treasurer Greg Pearce said today.
“Ratings agency, Standard & Poor’s has gone to the extraordinary length of putting out an explanation of its concerns about the NSW Budget and economy,” said Mr Pearce.
Labor Fails To Address Major Teenage Drug Problem
Written by Greg Aplin MP
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Greg Aplin has today slammed the NSW Labor Government for its continued failure to address the impact of drug use on adolescent mental health.
“There have been reports of a number of alarming stories relating to teenage use of ‘ice’ and its link to mental illness,” Mr Aplin said.
More...
Labor Learns Nothing From Property Crisis
Out Of Hospital Care Must Be Properly Monitored And Publicly Reported
State Labor Govt Ignores Warnings On Port Macquarie Emergency Dept Upgrade: Patients At Risk
Nathan Rees' Vote Of No Confidence In His Economic 'Dodgy Brothers'
Treasurer Admits Rees Gov't To Blame For Rating Threat
Written by The Hon Catherine Cusack MLC
Western Sydney residents are suffering the consequences of the NSW Labor Government’s bungling of its responsibilities to regulate Finance and Mortgage Brokers, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Catherine Cusack said today.
“The then Fair Trading Minister Reba Meagher promised to curb predatory and unethical lending practices in August 2003 but five years, and five Fair Trading Ministers later, nothing has been delivered,” Ms Cusack said.
Nine Opposition Questions; No Answers; No Commitment To Friday Question Times
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Despite claims of increased sitting days, the Parliament will sit on 16 days in which the Premier and his Minister are able to avoid the scrutiny of Question Time, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said.
“Nathan Rees is a phoney - promising more sitting days but refusing to agree that there will be a Question Time on every day Parliament meets,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Rees’ Promise On Transparency Ends - High Profile Spin Doctors Costs Kept Secret
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Nathan Rees’ refusal to release the cost of Morris Iemma’s high profile spin doctors shows his promise of honest, transparent and accountable government was just total spin, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said today.
A Freedom of Information request to the Premier’s Department for all documents relating to the salary packages and employment contracts of John Choueifate and Adam Walters was denied on 8 September - three days after Mr Rees was sworn in as Premier.
Labor, Independents Vote To Put The Community Last
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
Independent and Labor MPs put their community’s interests last by defeating the motion of no confidence against the State Labor Government, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said tonight.
“Independent MPs have given an incompetent, arrogant and out of touch Labor Government a pat on the back with their vote tonight,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Labor Does It Again: Trackwork Scheduled For Long Weekend Of Sport
Written by Gladys Berejiklian MP
Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said today the State Labor Government continued to prove the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing with major track work to occur over the monster long weekend of sport.
Next weekend there is the National Rugby League Grand Final, which will attract a capacity crowd at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, and the Spring Racing Carnival at Randwick on Saturday.
Blue Mountains Maternity Unit: Closed Again Despite Labor Promises
Written by Barry O'Farrell MP
A leaked memo tabled by the NSW Opposition in question time today reveals the Blue Mountains maternity unit has been shut for the second time this year, despite repeated Labor promises it would remain open, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.
The State Labor Government closed the Blue Mountains maternity unit at Katoomba Hospital on 21 July. It was reopened on 1 September with Labor promises that it would not be closed again.
"No Go" Nathan Fails On Barangaroo Infrastructure And Transparency
Written by Brad Hazzard MP
The 13-year-old Rees State Labor Government has failed to ensure Barangaroo transport and infrastructure issues are addressed transparently and urgently to ensure delivery of a new 21st Century ‘window to the world’ for Sydney.
“NSW needs a development-lead rejuvenation of its economy and Sydney needs Barangaroo to be a vibrant, sustainable community owned precinct that takes Sydney to the world and the world to Sydney,” said Brad Hazzard, Shadow Minister for Planning and Infrastructure today.
Rees, Roozendaal And Tripodi Don’t Have The Political Willingness Or Ability
Written by Greg Pearce MLC
Premier Rees’ decision to appoint Ian Macfarlane and Bernie Fraser as advisers to the Cabinet is recognition of the inexperience and inability of his Treasurer Eric Roozendaal and Finance Minister Joe Tripodi, Shadow Treasurer Greg Pearce said today.
“Ratings agency, Standard & Poor’s has gone to the extraordinary length of putting out an explanation of its concerns about the NSW Budget and economy,” said Mr Pearce.
Labor Fails To Address Major Teenage Drug Problem
Written by Greg Aplin MP
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Greg Aplin has today slammed the NSW Labor Government for its continued failure to address the impact of drug use on adolescent mental health.
“There have been reports of a number of alarming stories relating to teenage use of ‘ice’ and its link to mental illness,” Mr Aplin said.
More...
Labor Learns Nothing From Property Crisis
Out Of Hospital Care Must Be Properly Monitored And Publicly Reported
State Labor Govt Ignores Warnings On Port Macquarie Emergency Dept Upgrade: Patients At Risk
Nathan Rees' Vote Of No Confidence In His Economic 'Dodgy Brothers'
Treasurer Admits Rees Gov't To Blame For Rating Threat
Carmen Agra Deedy: Spinning a story of Mama
http://www.ted.com Storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy spins a funny, wise and luminous tale of parents and kids, starring her Cuban mother. Settle in and enjoy the ride -- Mama's driving!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Promoting New Music Saturn's Day 27th September
Sleepwalker (88bpm)
by Storkaas
just realised this track was too fast
no?
© Copyright Rune Storkaas 2008
0702#2
===
Fluttering (reloaded)
by Storkaas
Logic, Massive, Absynth and Omnisphere
© Copyright Rune Storkaas 2008
0701#3
===
Cinema Paradiso
by georgeptingley
The musical score to the 1988 Italian film CINEMA PARADISO, written by the great Ennio Morricone, continues to be one of my all-time favorites. Here I play the film's beautiful main theme in a simple piano arrangement. This goes out to all my Italian friends. Enjoy.
Pianist George Peter Tingley plays the THEME FROM CINEMA PARADISO by Ennio Morricone (1988).
===
Something Blue
by Sloparts
This is a mood. I found it when I was alone, late at night and I looked out the window and saw the Moon. I realized that not even the Moon is really alone, and although it sometimes feels like we are alone, we're not.
Sometimes, in this up side down world, it doesn't always feel that way. But the Blue we feel is really on the inside, not on the outside.
So for when you feeling Blue, listen and remember, none of us are alone unless we choose to be.
I hope you enjoy "Something Blue"
Be well and be cool,
Ed
===
Tous Les Mers
by signorina_oscurata
Totally acapella, characteristically low-fi. First song of the new (school) year... Tossed together like salad in a day.
===
We Stand As One
by jkane and amateurpro
Alex (amateurpro) has such as wonderful library of recordings and many iCompers already know how infectious his work is. He's very generous and I am grateful to have access to his work.
The song is about believing in the better side of humanity.
===
Old Friends and Lovers
by k6
some more guitar stuff
Is it bossa ? is it jazz ? is it blues ?
Maybe it's Blazzanova ?
===
Joplin's WALL STREET RAG (1909)
by georgeptingley
A rather "timely" piece written almost 100 years ago, the score of Scott Joplin's WALL STREET RAG includes a quaintly humorous running commentary.
Section A: Panic in Wall Street, brokers feeling melancholy.
Section B: Good times coming.
Section C: Good times have come.
Section D: Listening to the strains of genuine Negro ragtime, brokers forget their cares.
Let's just hope the present crisis does not explode into some worldwide catastrophe. In the meantime, enjoy the sounds of a much simpler time. Listen for the beautifully polyphonic C section and the use of tone clusters (chords voiced in seconds) in the finale.
Pianist George Peter Tingley plays Scott Joplin's WALL STREET RAG (1909).
Headlines Saturday 27th September
Politicians battle to salvage bailout
By Emmanuel Parisse
US politicians are grappling to set aside political divisions and the distractions of the White House race to hammer out a $US700 billion ($840bn) Wall Street bailout and reassure jittery markets.
By early today (AEST), politicians were still debating after the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Harry Reid, vowed Congress would stay in session, and not adjourn ahead of the November 4 elections, until the deal was done.
Democrats were upbeat after their eighth straight day of talks, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying they would get a draft deal "that will be signed by the president and we will be working through the weekend to achieve that end". - If Obama hadn't wanted to grandstand during a debate, the Dems might have passed the measures already. - ed.
===
'School to blame' for muck-up day rampage
ZERO tolerance of muck-up day at a prestigious boys school has been blamed for a student rebellion. - the outrageous situation is not the fault of the school, but some over indulged boys. - ed.
===
Obama, McCain in head-to-head debate
WHITE House hopefuls Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama launched into their first eagerly awaited debate today, capping a rollercoaster week in American politics.
"Good evening," said journalist Jim Lehrer, moderating his 11th presidential debate at the start of the McCain-Obama clash in the University of Mississippi. - now, maybe the Dems will allow the bills to pass congress. - ed.
===
Kevin Rudd ignored on world stage
Kevin Rudd went to New York to learn more about the financial crisis gripping the globe but has ended up prescribing a reform plan to help world leaders fix the problem. -So much has been attributed to Rudd in this article that one might think he has said something or done something. In fact he has prescribed nothing. He has warned of nothing that isn't happening. Been critical of no one and presented no strategy. He states hare brained ideas like licensing institutions .. won't people be happy to learn that banks could lose their license and deposits? He did not even win Clinton's backing .. he already had it. He might be competitive .. on a different race track.- ed.
===
$12b a year in drug money going out
As much as $12 billion in illicit drug money is flowing out of Australia on an annual basis, the country's most powerful crime fighting agency says.
===
Rail services to be slashed in Sydney
Rail commuters living in Ryde are expected to have half their services slashed and face longer trips into the city. -Yet another way that the NSW govt targets wealthy people without getting more money or introducing better service anywhere else. What is the bet no government members live that way? - ed.
===
Weapons cache discovered in Sydney's south
Amie Meehan
A cache of illegal weapons, including knuckle dusters and knives have been seized during a raid on a Mascot property.
An anonymous tip-off to the Crime Stoppers hotline has led police to the Kent Road address, where police and Customs officers made the discovery.
George Khamo from police headquarters says the weapons have been linked back to a website selling the illegal merchandise. - now what are the schools supposed to do on muck up day? -ed.
By Emmanuel Parisse
US politicians are grappling to set aside political divisions and the distractions of the White House race to hammer out a $US700 billion ($840bn) Wall Street bailout and reassure jittery markets.
By early today (AEST), politicians were still debating after the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Harry Reid, vowed Congress would stay in session, and not adjourn ahead of the November 4 elections, until the deal was done.
Democrats were upbeat after their eighth straight day of talks, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying they would get a draft deal "that will be signed by the president and we will be working through the weekend to achieve that end". - If Obama hadn't wanted to grandstand during a debate, the Dems might have passed the measures already. - ed.
===
'School to blame' for muck-up day rampage
ZERO tolerance of muck-up day at a prestigious boys school has been blamed for a student rebellion. - the outrageous situation is not the fault of the school, but some over indulged boys. - ed.
===
Obama, McCain in head-to-head debate
WHITE House hopefuls Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama launched into their first eagerly awaited debate today, capping a rollercoaster week in American politics.
"Good evening," said journalist Jim Lehrer, moderating his 11th presidential debate at the start of the McCain-Obama clash in the University of Mississippi. - now, maybe the Dems will allow the bills to pass congress. - ed.
===
Kevin Rudd ignored on world stage
Kevin Rudd went to New York to learn more about the financial crisis gripping the globe but has ended up prescribing a reform plan to help world leaders fix the problem. -So much has been attributed to Rudd in this article that one might think he has said something or done something. In fact he has prescribed nothing. He has warned of nothing that isn't happening. Been critical of no one and presented no strategy. He states hare brained ideas like licensing institutions .. won't people be happy to learn that banks could lose their license and deposits? He did not even win Clinton's backing .. he already had it. He might be competitive .. on a different race track.- ed.
===
$12b a year in drug money going out
As much as $12 billion in illicit drug money is flowing out of Australia on an annual basis, the country's most powerful crime fighting agency says.
===
Rail services to be slashed in Sydney
Rail commuters living in Ryde are expected to have half their services slashed and face longer trips into the city. -Yet another way that the NSW govt targets wealthy people without getting more money or introducing better service anywhere else. What is the bet no government members live that way? - ed.
===
Weapons cache discovered in Sydney's south
Amie Meehan
A cache of illegal weapons, including knuckle dusters and knives have been seized during a raid on a Mascot property.
An anonymous tip-off to the Crime Stoppers hotline has led police to the Kent Road address, where police and Customs officers made the discovery.
George Khamo from police headquarters says the weapons have been linked back to a website selling the illegal merchandise. - now what are the schools supposed to do on muck up day? -ed.
David Gallo: The deep oceans: a ribbon of life
http://www.ted.com With vibrant video clips captured by submarines, David Gallo takes us to some of Earth's darkest, most violent, toxic and beautiful habitats, the valleys and volcanic ridges of the oceans' depths, where life is bizarre, resilient and shockingly abundant.
Liberal Messages Saturday 27th September
Computers in Schools fall to bits
Kevin Rudd’s Digital Education Revolution has been exposed as a damp squib by today’s news that the NSW Government has said no to round two of the Computers in Schools program.
Rann dumps on Brumby's pipeline amid interstate water spat
It is the height of hypocrisy for John Brumby to accuse South Australia of not doing enough to save the River Murray today. This is pretty rich coming from the man who led the Labor pack in blocking the Coalition’s $10 billion National Plan for Water Security for 19 months.
Inpex decision welcome news despite Labor's obstruction
Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Ian Macfarlane has today welcomed Inpex’s decision to build its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Darwin, despite the best efforts of Labor Governments to undermine it.
Government drought on real water reform
In early 2007, the Coalition Government announced the National Plan for Water Security. Kevin Rudd, by contrast, announced a summit. It was real action versus another talk-fest by Mr Rudd. The Labor Party showed no interest in national water reform before our announcement.
Government must appoint an independent terror laws reviewer
The Shadow Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis, today repeated the Opposition’s call for the Rudd Government to support the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill currently before the Senate.
Senate to inquire into Government's shortfall in aged care funding
The Senate has established an inquiry into the adequacy of funding for the aged care sector on the motion of ACT Senator Gary Humphries. The inquiry will investigate funding levels for aged care services, as well as related issues, and is due to report by the first sitting day of April 2009.
Black day for Australia's automotive industry
It is incredible that a Government who pretends to support the Australian car industry would wilfully introduce a tax which advantages European imports over Australian made cars.
A new tax on Western Australia
The tax on condensate, which passed the Senate today, amounts to a ‘drive-by shooting’ on Western Australians who will effectively be bailing out inept state administrations on the eastern seaboard.
Labor's real agenda on infrastructure emerges – no funding for Coalition electorates
The Acting Prime Minister today refused to pull into line a Labor backbencher who told Parliament he believed infrastructure projects in Coalition electorates should no longer be funded.
Dutton Doorstop - Labor's Adjusted Medicare Levy Surcharge Bill
The Government’s position is to force hundreds of thousands of Australians onto the waiting list of public hospitals and to drive up private health insurance premiums, particularly for older Australians and for Australian families, to a point where the public system will be under incredible stress and the private health insurance system in this country will collapse.
Full disclosure on intelligence leak
The fact that a journalist is writing a newspaper article quoting material from sensitive classified briefing papers intended for the Minister for Defence should be of concern to the Rudd Government.
Dutton interview with Rod Tiley (Radio 4BC) - Labor's Adjusted Medicare Levy Surcharge Threshold Bill
We rely on both the private and public system around the country there are around 10.9 million Australians who have got private health hospital cover and if you force a million of those out, it will make the premiums go through the roof for the people who remain there. It will increase the waiting times in the public hospital system.
IMF report endorses strong economic framework
Australians can be encouraged by the positive International Monetary Fund (IMF) report released today, which endorses the strong economic framework built on the back of a decade of economic reform under the Coalition Government.
Southcott interview with Leon Byner (Radio 5AA, Adelaide) - Labor goes soft on the work-shy
Last month you might remember Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard coming out saying they would be quarantining the welfare payments for parents of children who don’t turn up to school. And now what they’re saying is removing this very system for those who do not turn up to work or job interviews. It just doesn’t make sense.
Senator Scott Ryan - First Speech (16 September)
I come to this place in a much stronger Australia and Victoria than that of my childhood. I grew up in Victoria in the 1980s. What confronted my generation was very different from that which faced our parents and which confronts people today. In 1990, one in eight people in Victoria could not find work and tens of thousands had simply given up looking.
Sydney's rental crisis highlights the need for Rudd to reverse anti-rural policies
Many rural and regional areas are suffering population declines and with the right mix of policies would provide an answer to the rental and housing affordability crisis afflicting capital cities around the nation.
Labor treats pensioners with contempt
The Rudd Labor Government used its majority in the House to ensure the Bill was not successfully introduced.
Rudd duplicates global body for $100 million New York stunt
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is putting Australia’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at risk, simply so he can further his obsession with becoming an international statesman.
Wayne Swan's ram raid on country workers
The Rudd Government’s last minute amendments to exempt certain Mercedes, Jaguars, Audis and BMWs from its luxury car tax surcharge, but increase the price of Landcruisers and Taragos for families, farm workers, rural doctors and vets, are incredible.
Medicare Levy Surcharge Bill defeated in the Senate
The Senate has voted down the Government's proposed Medicare levy surcharge changes because it would have hurt the most vulnerable in the community, by forcing private health insurance premiums up and blowing out public hospital waiting lists.
Kevin Rudd’s Digital Education Revolution has been exposed as a damp squib by today’s news that the NSW Government has said no to round two of the Computers in Schools program.
Rann dumps on Brumby's pipeline amid interstate water spat
It is the height of hypocrisy for John Brumby to accuse South Australia of not doing enough to save the River Murray today. This is pretty rich coming from the man who led the Labor pack in blocking the Coalition’s $10 billion National Plan for Water Security for 19 months.
Inpex decision welcome news despite Labor's obstruction
Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Ian Macfarlane has today welcomed Inpex’s decision to build its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Darwin, despite the best efforts of Labor Governments to undermine it.
Government drought on real water reform
In early 2007, the Coalition Government announced the National Plan for Water Security. Kevin Rudd, by contrast, announced a summit. It was real action versus another talk-fest by Mr Rudd. The Labor Party showed no interest in national water reform before our announcement.
Government must appoint an independent terror laws reviewer
The Shadow Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis, today repeated the Opposition’s call for the Rudd Government to support the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill currently before the Senate.
Senate to inquire into Government's shortfall in aged care funding
The Senate has established an inquiry into the adequacy of funding for the aged care sector on the motion of ACT Senator Gary Humphries. The inquiry will investigate funding levels for aged care services, as well as related issues, and is due to report by the first sitting day of April 2009.
Black day for Australia's automotive industry
It is incredible that a Government who pretends to support the Australian car industry would wilfully introduce a tax which advantages European imports over Australian made cars.
A new tax on Western Australia
The tax on condensate, which passed the Senate today, amounts to a ‘drive-by shooting’ on Western Australians who will effectively be bailing out inept state administrations on the eastern seaboard.
Labor's real agenda on infrastructure emerges – no funding for Coalition electorates
The Acting Prime Minister today refused to pull into line a Labor backbencher who told Parliament he believed infrastructure projects in Coalition electorates should no longer be funded.
Dutton Doorstop - Labor's Adjusted Medicare Levy Surcharge Bill
The Government’s position is to force hundreds of thousands of Australians onto the waiting list of public hospitals and to drive up private health insurance premiums, particularly for older Australians and for Australian families, to a point where the public system will be under incredible stress and the private health insurance system in this country will collapse.
Full disclosure on intelligence leak
The fact that a journalist is writing a newspaper article quoting material from sensitive classified briefing papers intended for the Minister for Defence should be of concern to the Rudd Government.
Dutton interview with Rod Tiley (Radio 4BC) - Labor's Adjusted Medicare Levy Surcharge Threshold Bill
We rely on both the private and public system around the country there are around 10.9 million Australians who have got private health hospital cover and if you force a million of those out, it will make the premiums go through the roof for the people who remain there. It will increase the waiting times in the public hospital system.
IMF report endorses strong economic framework
Australians can be encouraged by the positive International Monetary Fund (IMF) report released today, which endorses the strong economic framework built on the back of a decade of economic reform under the Coalition Government.
Southcott interview with Leon Byner (Radio 5AA, Adelaide) - Labor goes soft on the work-shy
Last month you might remember Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard coming out saying they would be quarantining the welfare payments for parents of children who don’t turn up to school. And now what they’re saying is removing this very system for those who do not turn up to work or job interviews. It just doesn’t make sense.
Senator Scott Ryan - First Speech (16 September)
I come to this place in a much stronger Australia and Victoria than that of my childhood. I grew up in Victoria in the 1980s. What confronted my generation was very different from that which faced our parents and which confronts people today. In 1990, one in eight people in Victoria could not find work and tens of thousands had simply given up looking.
Sydney's rental crisis highlights the need for Rudd to reverse anti-rural policies
Many rural and regional areas are suffering population declines and with the right mix of policies would provide an answer to the rental and housing affordability crisis afflicting capital cities around the nation.
Labor treats pensioners with contempt
The Rudd Labor Government used its majority in the House to ensure the Bill was not successfully introduced.
Rudd duplicates global body for $100 million New York stunt
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is putting Australia’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at risk, simply so he can further his obsession with becoming an international statesman.
Wayne Swan's ram raid on country workers
The Rudd Government’s last minute amendments to exempt certain Mercedes, Jaguars, Audis and BMWs from its luxury car tax surcharge, but increase the price of Landcruisers and Taragos for families, farm workers, rural doctors and vets, are incredible.
Medicare Levy Surcharge Bill defeated in the Senate
The Senate has voted down the Government's proposed Medicare levy surcharge changes because it would have hurt the most vulnerable in the community, by forcing private health insurance premiums up and blowing out public hospital waiting lists.
Live Science News Headlines
Financial Crisis: Can Americans Stay Happy?
Researchers and analysts say finances, as well as moods, will bounce back.
Conservative or Liberal? Workspace Reveals All
Office Emails Loaded with Lies
Dinosaur Spills His Guts
Chocolate Helps Heart Stay Healthy
Top Features
You Write the Melody, Computer Handles Harmony
Tiny Dino Fed on Termites
New Test Shows If You Are a Shopaholic
5 Myths About Wind Energy
Video
Video – The Next Step in Revolutionary Electronics
Video: World's First Computer Is Finally Built
Image of the Day
Why Some Invasive Plants Thrive
Butterfly Bush
Researchers and analysts say finances, as well as moods, will bounce back.
Conservative or Liberal? Workspace Reveals All
Office Emails Loaded with Lies
Dinosaur Spills His Guts
Chocolate Helps Heart Stay Healthy
Top Features
You Write the Melody, Computer Handles Harmony
Tiny Dino Fed on Termites
New Test Shows If You Are a Shopaholic
5 Myths About Wind Energy
Video
Video – The Next Step in Revolutionary Electronics
Video: World's First Computer Is Finally Built
Image of the Day
Why Some Invasive Plants Thrive
Butterfly Bush
Friday, September 26, 2008
Brewster Kahle: A digital library, free to the world
http://www.ted.com Brewster Kahle is building a truly huge digital library -- every book ever published, every movie ever released, all the strata of web history ... It's all free to the public -- unless someone else gets to it first.
Headlines Friday 26th September
Rudd reluctant to deal with international bullies
Piers Akerman
DURING last year’s election campaign, Kevin Rudd promised he would take ``legal action’’ against Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the International Court of Justice for, ``inciting genocide’’.
That was then. Prime Minister Rudd is now at the UN where he has every opportunity to ask Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to refer Ahmadinejad’s genocidal calls to the UN Security Council as a matter threatening international peace and security.
Don’t hold your breath, however. Mr Rudd is actually in New York to wheedle promises of support for Australia’s $40million bid to sit temporarily on the UN Security Council and rub shoulders with the big guys.
To win that prize, Rudd has to commit Australia to support some of the world’s more unsavoury nations, most of whom are chummy with Ahmadinejad. Rudd is unlikely to mention their friendship with the international bullyboy.
Closer to home, it would appear that the Rudd Government is similarly committed to avoiding brutal realities in an attempt to dodge diplomatic friction.
Last week, I noted that the Government seemed reluctant to act on evidence provided by the Seven network’s Today Tonight reporter James Thomas who had revealed that an East Timorese man, Guy Campos, accused of contributing to the beating death of 11-year-old Francisco Ximenes, and involvement in the disappearance of numerous others during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor.
===
Man claims penis was amputated without consent
A man who claims his penis was removed without his consent during what was supposed to be a circumcision has sued the doctor who performed the surgery.
Phillip Seaton, 61, and his wife are seeking unspecified compensation from Dr John Patterson and the medical practice that performed the circumcision for "loss of service, love and affection."
The Seatons also are seeking unspecified punitive damages from Patterson and his medical practice in Louisville, Kentucky.
A woman who answered the phone at Commonwealth Urology would not take a message for the doctor today.
But Seaton's lawyer said the doctor's post-surgical notes show the doctor thought he detected cancer and removed the penis. Lawyer Kevin George said a later test did detect cancer.
===
Toking Turnbull: Libs leader admits to smoking pot
The man who could be our next Prime Minister has admitted to once smoking marijuana.
In a candid interview on ABC TV’s Q&A program, Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull revealed to the nation that he had used drugs in the past.
"Yes, I have smoked pot,” Mr Turnbull said.
But he went on to say that the seriousness of drugs wasn't promoted during his childhood, describing it as a mistake.
“It is a serious question, and it’s a serious issue, and yes I have smoke pot…
"I think most well not most, many people have, it was a mistake to do so."
===
Rudd winds up whirlwind US trip
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd winds up his three-day visit to New York today with an address to the United Nations General Assembly. - he seems blind sided by Brown - ed.
===
Dope use no big deal - Gillard
ACTING Prime Minister Julia Gillard has joined Malcolm Turnbull in admitting she has tried marijuana. - strong insight on how the policy opposing workchoices came into being. - ed.
===
China posts fake rocket launch story
CHINA'S state website described the launch of the country's space mission hours before it occurred.
===
NSW pulls plug on computers in schools
THE New South Wales Government has pulled out of the second round of the Federal Government's computers in schools program after being refused more time to make applications.
Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard today said she had received funding applications from 626 schools ahead of the October 9 deadline.
But she said the NSW Department of Education had told state schools not apply for funding from the National Secondary Schools Computer Fund.
Ms Gillard said the state had withdrawn from the program after it requested and was refused an extension of the October 9 deadline.
"The NSW Government's decision is disappointing," she said. - the revolution begins - ed.
===
Evangelist arrested over child sex
AN American evangelist accused of transporting children across state lines for sex has been arrested at a motel by FBI agents. -God really has a place in hell reserved for such creatures. - ed.
===
OTTER OVER
Tim Blair
An otter departs:
After surviving the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as a pup and teaching millions of fans about the spill’s devastating effects on her species, Nyac, the Vancouver Aquarium’s oldest sea otter, succumbed to leukemia Tuesday, leaving staff profoundly saddened …
===
PALIN DEMONLESS
Tim Blair
Sarah Palin may not have met many world leaders, but the few she has met seem way impressed:
Pakistan’s recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.
Zardari then called her “gorgeous” and said: “Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you.”
===
HALL FORT THE LAW
Tim Blair
Charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Sydney man Jason Hall appears before Magistrate Hillary Hannam. At which point Mr Hall offers his considered legal opinion on proceedings:
How about I just plead guilty to the whole f**king lot and just send me to gaol?
Yeah, I am. I’m guilty on the whole lot. Send me to f**king gaol you piece of s**it. It’s f**king wrong.
===
SUN GUNS
Tim Blair
One sector of the US economy is cashing in on recent poll fears:
Gun sales are going boom around the country as gun owners and gun advocates brace for a potential Democrat in the White House for the first time in almost 10 years …
“You’d be surprised,” said Jeff Mercer, manager of George’s Pawn and Gun Shop on High Street. “It’s people of all races, too. People are scared.”
===
SAVINGS SWAMPED
Tim Blair
The Guardian reports:
People who believe they have the greenest lifestyles can be seen as some of the main culprits behind global warming, says a team of researchers, who claim that many ideas about sustainable living are a myth.
According to the researchers, people who regularly recycle rubbish and save energy at home are also the most likely to take frequent long-haul flights abroad. The carbon emissions from such flights can swamp the green savings made at home, the researchers claim.
Piers Akerman
DURING last year’s election campaign, Kevin Rudd promised he would take ``legal action’’ against Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the International Court of Justice for, ``inciting genocide’’.
That was then. Prime Minister Rudd is now at the UN where he has every opportunity to ask Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to refer Ahmadinejad’s genocidal calls to the UN Security Council as a matter threatening international peace and security.
Don’t hold your breath, however. Mr Rudd is actually in New York to wheedle promises of support for Australia’s $40million bid to sit temporarily on the UN Security Council and rub shoulders with the big guys.
To win that prize, Rudd has to commit Australia to support some of the world’s more unsavoury nations, most of whom are chummy with Ahmadinejad. Rudd is unlikely to mention their friendship with the international bullyboy.
Closer to home, it would appear that the Rudd Government is similarly committed to avoiding brutal realities in an attempt to dodge diplomatic friction.
Last week, I noted that the Government seemed reluctant to act on evidence provided by the Seven network’s Today Tonight reporter James Thomas who had revealed that an East Timorese man, Guy Campos, accused of contributing to the beating death of 11-year-old Francisco Ximenes, and involvement in the disappearance of numerous others during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor.
===
Man claims penis was amputated without consent
A man who claims his penis was removed without his consent during what was supposed to be a circumcision has sued the doctor who performed the surgery.
Phillip Seaton, 61, and his wife are seeking unspecified compensation from Dr John Patterson and the medical practice that performed the circumcision for "loss of service, love and affection."
The Seatons also are seeking unspecified punitive damages from Patterson and his medical practice in Louisville, Kentucky.
A woman who answered the phone at Commonwealth Urology would not take a message for the doctor today.
But Seaton's lawyer said the doctor's post-surgical notes show the doctor thought he detected cancer and removed the penis. Lawyer Kevin George said a later test did detect cancer.
===
Toking Turnbull: Libs leader admits to smoking pot
The man who could be our next Prime Minister has admitted to once smoking marijuana.
In a candid interview on ABC TV’s Q&A program, Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull revealed to the nation that he had used drugs in the past.
"Yes, I have smoked pot,” Mr Turnbull said.
But he went on to say that the seriousness of drugs wasn't promoted during his childhood, describing it as a mistake.
“It is a serious question, and it’s a serious issue, and yes I have smoke pot…
"I think most well not most, many people have, it was a mistake to do so."
===
Rudd winds up whirlwind US trip
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd winds up his three-day visit to New York today with an address to the United Nations General Assembly. - he seems blind sided by Brown - ed.
===
Dope use no big deal - Gillard
ACTING Prime Minister Julia Gillard has joined Malcolm Turnbull in admitting she has tried marijuana. - strong insight on how the policy opposing workchoices came into being. - ed.
===
China posts fake rocket launch story
CHINA'S state website described the launch of the country's space mission hours before it occurred.
===
NSW pulls plug on computers in schools
THE New South Wales Government has pulled out of the second round of the Federal Government's computers in schools program after being refused more time to make applications.
Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard today said she had received funding applications from 626 schools ahead of the October 9 deadline.
But she said the NSW Department of Education had told state schools not apply for funding from the National Secondary Schools Computer Fund.
Ms Gillard said the state had withdrawn from the program after it requested and was refused an extension of the October 9 deadline.
"The NSW Government's decision is disappointing," she said. - the revolution begins - ed.
===
Evangelist arrested over child sex
AN American evangelist accused of transporting children across state lines for sex has been arrested at a motel by FBI agents. -God really has a place in hell reserved for such creatures. - ed.
===
OTTER OVER
Tim Blair
An otter departs:
After surviving the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as a pup and teaching millions of fans about the spill’s devastating effects on her species, Nyac, the Vancouver Aquarium’s oldest sea otter, succumbed to leukemia Tuesday, leaving staff profoundly saddened …
===
PALIN DEMONLESS
Tim Blair
Sarah Palin may not have met many world leaders, but the few she has met seem way impressed:
Pakistan’s recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.
Zardari then called her “gorgeous” and said: “Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you.”
===
HALL FORT THE LAW
Tim Blair
Charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Sydney man Jason Hall appears before Magistrate Hillary Hannam. At which point Mr Hall offers his considered legal opinion on proceedings:
How about I just plead guilty to the whole f**king lot and just send me to gaol?
Yeah, I am. I’m guilty on the whole lot. Send me to f**king gaol you piece of s**it. It’s f**king wrong.
===
SUN GUNS
Tim Blair
One sector of the US economy is cashing in on recent poll fears:
Gun sales are going boom around the country as gun owners and gun advocates brace for a potential Democrat in the White House for the first time in almost 10 years …
“You’d be surprised,” said Jeff Mercer, manager of George’s Pawn and Gun Shop on High Street. “It’s people of all races, too. People are scared.”
===
SAVINGS SWAMPED
Tim Blair
The Guardian reports:
People who believe they have the greenest lifestyles can be seen as some of the main culprits behind global warming, says a team of researchers, who claim that many ideas about sustainable living are a myth.
According to the researchers, people who regularly recycle rubbish and save energy at home are also the most likely to take frequent long-haul flights abroad. The carbon emissions from such flights can swamp the green savings made at home, the researchers claim.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thoughts on Rumble's Maximum Choppage 2
Having just seen the film, I can say it is funny and exciting and fresh. Low budget cinema with big budget effects. I'm sure Craig Anderson deserves some credit for that, but I'm also sure the Rumble crew deserve the lions share. The character rolls were well defined and Tim Ly plays his star roll well, but Maria's dual rolls are electric. She can fight and she has a voice for her character. Rob Trieu (Rob Da Fob) has his mannerisms down pat so well I feel I know him. Roxie plays an excellent chick with attitude. Masterful comic genius Ryan Peters got his mug in there too. Ryan has just finished the shooting of the tv series Downunder Rumble where has has direction credit.
The fights were considered and inspired. Swords and cricket bats and umbrella all play their roll. Such drama can be one dimensional without background that is meaningful. The book that propels the action is a bible. Scenes are shot at temples. Storylines are introduced and finished.
I want some more.
Present at the evening were former Australian of the Year Khoa Do, Federal Member Jason Clare, Producer Craig Anderson as well as local council functionaries and members. Also, the Jesus Family Centre's Pastor David Boyd, his wife and Peter King who was a significant donor.
The fights were considered and inspired. Swords and cricket bats and umbrella all play their roll. Such drama can be one dimensional without background that is meaningful. The book that propels the action is a bible. Scenes are shot at temples. Storylines are introduced and finished.
I want some more.
Present at the evening were former Australian of the Year Khoa Do, Federal Member Jason Clare, Producer Craig Anderson as well as local council functionaries and members. Also, the Jesus Family Centre's Pastor David Boyd, his wife and Peter King who was a significant donor.
It's Here .. From Rumble's Vaults
Tonight is the launch. Congratulations to Rumble. Four years effort bears fruit.
===
Maximum Choppage: Round 2 Trailer
Australia's first Urban Martial Art action Adventure!
Go to WWW.MC2MOVIE.COM and subscribe!
Produced by Rumble Pictures 2008.
===
With the completion of the movie, the next project is 'Downtown Rumble.' Here is the production blog
Interstate production blog of Rumble Pictures ABC TV Series --- 'Downtown Rumble'.
Edited by Laurent Boiteux and Bill Giang
Rumble Pictures 2008
===
'Downtown Rumble' Prod Showreel
Showreel of behind the scenes of Rumble Pictures first Australian TV Series --- 'Downtown Rumble'.
Edited by Maria Tran
===
Maximum Choppage: Round 2 Trailer
Australia's first Urban Martial Art action Adventure!
Go to WWW.MC2MOVIE.COM and subscribe!
Produced by Rumble Pictures 2008.
===
With the completion of the movie, the next project is 'Downtown Rumble.' Here is the production blog
Interstate production blog of Rumble Pictures ABC TV Series --- 'Downtown Rumble'.
Edited by Laurent Boiteux and Bill Giang
Rumble Pictures 2008
===
'Downtown Rumble' Prod Showreel
Showreel of behind the scenes of Rumble Pictures first Australian TV Series --- 'Downtown Rumble'.
Edited by Maria Tran
Headlines Thursday 25th September
You can't trust Labor to fix NSW transport
By Alan Jones
Wherever the new NSW Premier Nathan Rees turns he runs into dead ends. Rather amazingly, yesterday, he withdrew Morris Iemma's power privatisation bill from the Parliament. Someone's going to have to shortly answer the question as to where the money is going to come from.
There are ridiculous proposals being floated today on the transport front. A property tax on homes to be built near the North West metro. Selling metro carriages to the private sector.
Nathan Rees has got to be careful that he doesn't catch the Kevin Rudd disease: reviews, committees and investigations.
The reality is there's a billion dollar black hole.
On the one hand, stamp duty revenue is down and health costs are up, to say nothing about public sector salaries as the government has to settle with teachers, firefighters and nurses - to name a few - well above the current CPI.
The trouble is it's boy and the wolf stuff.
The record of Macquarie Street over the last ten years on transport is diabolical.
===
I knew Orkopoulos took drugs: Rees
Jessica Campanaro
Premier Nathan Rees has admitted he knew disgraced former Aboriginal Affairs minister Milton Orkopoulos had smoked cannabis.
Orkopoulos, who was jailed over dozens of child-sex offences in May, has revealed from his prison-cell Mr Rees told him to stop smoking Marijuana.
The Premier, who maintains he never knew about the child-sex allegations, says he did warn Orkopoulos about drugs.
===
Fire burns near Machu Picchu
A FOREST fire has damaged two archeological sites in the valley between the Peruvian city of Cuzco and the ancient Incan fortress of Machu Picchu, Peru's national institute of culture said today.
At least 600 firefighters are battling the blaze high in the Andes mountains. They have brought the fire under control at times, only to see it whipped up again by winds.
===
Democrats Delay $840 Billion Rescue Package for Politics.
US President GEORGE W. Bush cannot give $US700 billion ($842 billion) away and actor Michael Douglas has no idea what to do.
Mr Bush's mega-expensive bailout plan aimed at rescuing the US financial system suffered more exploratory surgery overnight, but Congress was still not convinced such a huge measure should be approved in a rush.
US stocks closed mixed this morning with the package still in limbo, while the added bad news of falling home sales added to the gloom.
The crisis is crippling Wall St and can wipe tens of billions of dollars off the Australian market in a single day - as happened last week. Other world markets are also at risk the longer the turbulence drags on.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain announced he was suspending his campaign to fly to Washington with a plan to get the package passed. He wants to postpone a debate against Democratic rival Barack Obama, but Senator Obama wants it to go ahead.
===
Gun in Kurri Kurri classroom 'no big deal' says dad
THE father of the youth who took a handgun and ammunition to school said what his son did was "no big deal".
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said he couldn't understand why other parents were "making such a fuss" about his 15-year-old producing the deadly weapon and ammunition during an English class. - Begs the question what else is being covered up and how is it being covered up? Would an allegation of a bus driver seeing a student with a knife be covered up? What if that same student threatened the bus driver a few days later, after nothing happened from the first report? What if the school had a history of threatening the bus driver who had done the run for over thirty years? Would THAT be covered up? What threats would be needed to keep all who knew silent? - ed
===
What's in the perks package, asks ex-premier
OUSTED NSW premier Morris Iemma wants to know what part of a potential $500,000 annual perks package he will be entitled to after his early departure from office.
Mr Iemma announced his resignation as premier on September 5 after failing to gain the support of the Labor Party's right faction during a cabinet reshuffle.
His departure came three years and one month into a four-year term, Fairfax newspapers report.
Mr Iemma has now contacted the office of new Premier Nathan Rees to find what entitlements he will receive out of office.
Mr Iemma's predecessor Bob Carr, who served a full term, is entitled to perks including a car and driver, an office, and assistant - a package which cost taxpayers $438,683 in 2005-06.
Having resigned as premier and as MP for the Sydney seat of Lakemba, Mr Iemma is entitled to a lifetime pension of more than $130,000 a year, indexed to inflation.
"...all I'm seeking is some information and clarification of what they (the entitlements) are," Mr Iemma told Fairfax.
===
Abuse of black kids 'not taken as seriously'
By Tony Keim and Margaret Wenham
QUEENSLAND'S chief coroner has accused police and other authorities of failing to take abuse against black children as seriously as whites.
Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes, inquiring into the suicide of a 12-year-old boy in January 2004, said police had failed to adequately investigate the alleged sexual abuse of his eight-year-old sister.
Mr Barnes found the Kowanyama boy hanged himself in his bedroom cupboard two days after he and his two sisters had been placed in care.
The inquest was told police made several seriously questionable decisions, including failing to pursue the alleged sex abuse of the girl who had a sexually transmitted disease in June 2003.
Other alarming evidence included the Department of Child Safety's far northern zone director telling the court she currently had the resources to process only 60 per cent of child protection work on Cape York. - if the coroner were serious aabout the issue they would have to investigate Heiner Affair - ed.
===
Family First blocks Medicare but Saves the Sick from Worse
By Patricia Karvelas and Siobhain Ryan
THE Senate last night destroyed the Rudd Government's bid to lift income thresholds on the Medicare surcharge levy, dramatically increasing the Government's frustration over its reliance on independents to pass key budget measures.
The Australian reports Labor sources were furious last night at the move by the Coalition and the Family First Senator, Steve Fielding, to block a measure they believe lies at the heart of the Government's ideological agenda to provide tax relief to battlers. - one must applaud Family First's move. The legislation was very bad. - ed.
===
Focus on police after school massacre
THE officer who questioned a student who shot dead 10 people a day later is on sick leave as police come in for scathing criticism.
===
Man, 94, now a suspect in mass war deaths
SERBIA'S war crimes prosecutor has requested an investigation into a 94-year-old Hungarian suspected of committing genocide against Jews and Serbs in World War II.
Sandor Kepiro is suspected of taking part in a raid by Hungarian forces in January 1942 in northern Serbia "when, in an attempt to destroy members of the Jewish and Serbian national groups, they killed at least 2000 of them", the prosecutor's office said.
===
Dig unearths rare statue of pharaoh Ramses II
EGYPTIAN archaeologists have discovered a granite statue probably depicting the head of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful pharaohs.
Researchers discovered the statue 150cm under ground in the eastern Nile Delta town of Tell Basta, which was later the capital of ancient Egypt, the culture ministry said.
The pink granite statue had a broken nose and a missing beard, Zahi Hawass, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said.
===
Ice binge led to gang attack on school, court hears
Dy David Barrett
THE accused ringleader of a vicious gang attack at a Sydney high school was in the grip of an "ice binge" when he stormed the school armed with a samurai sword, a court heard yesterday.
The 15-year-old from Merrylands had been battling a methamphetamine addiction in the months leading up to the rampage, the court heard.
The teenager and four accomplices faced Parramatta Children's Court for a sentencing hearing on assault, affray and malicious damage charges laid after the attack at Merrylands High School.
His solicitor, Alex Morris, told the court the teenager had "slid into abusing the drug" after witnessing the shooting death of a young friend early this year.
===
Is this stalking law the most ridiculous ever?
by Gemma Jones
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who was stalked by a stranger had her identity revealed by police who were forced to hand it over to the pervert when he was granted bail.
The teenager told friends she feared for her life in the incident on Tuesday, which is one of a staggering spate of attempted child abductions around Sydney in recent weeks.
===
O'Farrell moves for early election with no confidence motion
The NSW Opposition has moved a motion of no confidence in the State Government in the hope of triggering an election two years early.
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell moved the motion in the Lower House last night hoping to capitalise on the fact the government's majority has been reduced following three key resignations.
By Alan Jones
Wherever the new NSW Premier Nathan Rees turns he runs into dead ends. Rather amazingly, yesterday, he withdrew Morris Iemma's power privatisation bill from the Parliament. Someone's going to have to shortly answer the question as to where the money is going to come from.
There are ridiculous proposals being floated today on the transport front. A property tax on homes to be built near the North West metro. Selling metro carriages to the private sector.
Nathan Rees has got to be careful that he doesn't catch the Kevin Rudd disease: reviews, committees and investigations.
The reality is there's a billion dollar black hole.
On the one hand, stamp duty revenue is down and health costs are up, to say nothing about public sector salaries as the government has to settle with teachers, firefighters and nurses - to name a few - well above the current CPI.
The trouble is it's boy and the wolf stuff.
The record of Macquarie Street over the last ten years on transport is diabolical.
===
I knew Orkopoulos took drugs: Rees
Jessica Campanaro
Premier Nathan Rees has admitted he knew disgraced former Aboriginal Affairs minister Milton Orkopoulos had smoked cannabis.
Orkopoulos, who was jailed over dozens of child-sex offences in May, has revealed from his prison-cell Mr Rees told him to stop smoking Marijuana.
The Premier, who maintains he never knew about the child-sex allegations, says he did warn Orkopoulos about drugs.
===
Fire burns near Machu Picchu
A FOREST fire has damaged two archeological sites in the valley between the Peruvian city of Cuzco and the ancient Incan fortress of Machu Picchu, Peru's national institute of culture said today.
At least 600 firefighters are battling the blaze high in the Andes mountains. They have brought the fire under control at times, only to see it whipped up again by winds.
===
Democrats Delay $840 Billion Rescue Package for Politics.
US President GEORGE W. Bush cannot give $US700 billion ($842 billion) away and actor Michael Douglas has no idea what to do.
Mr Bush's mega-expensive bailout plan aimed at rescuing the US financial system suffered more exploratory surgery overnight, but Congress was still not convinced such a huge measure should be approved in a rush.
US stocks closed mixed this morning with the package still in limbo, while the added bad news of falling home sales added to the gloom.
The crisis is crippling Wall St and can wipe tens of billions of dollars off the Australian market in a single day - as happened last week. Other world markets are also at risk the longer the turbulence drags on.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain announced he was suspending his campaign to fly to Washington with a plan to get the package passed. He wants to postpone a debate against Democratic rival Barack Obama, but Senator Obama wants it to go ahead.
===
Gun in Kurri Kurri classroom 'no big deal' says dad
THE father of the youth who took a handgun and ammunition to school said what his son did was "no big deal".
The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said he couldn't understand why other parents were "making such a fuss" about his 15-year-old producing the deadly weapon and ammunition during an English class. - Begs the question what else is being covered up and how is it being covered up? Would an allegation of a bus driver seeing a student with a knife be covered up? What if that same student threatened the bus driver a few days later, after nothing happened from the first report? What if the school had a history of threatening the bus driver who had done the run for over thirty years? Would THAT be covered up? What threats would be needed to keep all who knew silent? - ed
===
What's in the perks package, asks ex-premier
OUSTED NSW premier Morris Iemma wants to know what part of a potential $500,000 annual perks package he will be entitled to after his early departure from office.
Mr Iemma announced his resignation as premier on September 5 after failing to gain the support of the Labor Party's right faction during a cabinet reshuffle.
His departure came three years and one month into a four-year term, Fairfax newspapers report.
Mr Iemma has now contacted the office of new Premier Nathan Rees to find what entitlements he will receive out of office.
Mr Iemma's predecessor Bob Carr, who served a full term, is entitled to perks including a car and driver, an office, and assistant - a package which cost taxpayers $438,683 in 2005-06.
Having resigned as premier and as MP for the Sydney seat of Lakemba, Mr Iemma is entitled to a lifetime pension of more than $130,000 a year, indexed to inflation.
"...all I'm seeking is some information and clarification of what they (the entitlements) are," Mr Iemma told Fairfax.
===
Abuse of black kids 'not taken as seriously'
By Tony Keim and Margaret Wenham
QUEENSLAND'S chief coroner has accused police and other authorities of failing to take abuse against black children as seriously as whites.
Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes, inquiring into the suicide of a 12-year-old boy in January 2004, said police had failed to adequately investigate the alleged sexual abuse of his eight-year-old sister.
Mr Barnes found the Kowanyama boy hanged himself in his bedroom cupboard two days after he and his two sisters had been placed in care.
The inquest was told police made several seriously questionable decisions, including failing to pursue the alleged sex abuse of the girl who had a sexually transmitted disease in June 2003.
Other alarming evidence included the Department of Child Safety's far northern zone director telling the court she currently had the resources to process only 60 per cent of child protection work on Cape York. - if the coroner were serious aabout the issue they would have to investigate Heiner Affair - ed.
===
Family First blocks Medicare but Saves the Sick from Worse
By Patricia Karvelas and Siobhain Ryan
THE Senate last night destroyed the Rudd Government's bid to lift income thresholds on the Medicare surcharge levy, dramatically increasing the Government's frustration over its reliance on independents to pass key budget measures.
The Australian reports Labor sources were furious last night at the move by the Coalition and the Family First Senator, Steve Fielding, to block a measure they believe lies at the heart of the Government's ideological agenda to provide tax relief to battlers. - one must applaud Family First's move. The legislation was very bad. - ed.
===
Focus on police after school massacre
THE officer who questioned a student who shot dead 10 people a day later is on sick leave as police come in for scathing criticism.
===
Man, 94, now a suspect in mass war deaths
SERBIA'S war crimes prosecutor has requested an investigation into a 94-year-old Hungarian suspected of committing genocide against Jews and Serbs in World War II.
Sandor Kepiro is suspected of taking part in a raid by Hungarian forces in January 1942 in northern Serbia "when, in an attempt to destroy members of the Jewish and Serbian national groups, they killed at least 2000 of them", the prosecutor's office said.
===
Dig unearths rare statue of pharaoh Ramses II
EGYPTIAN archaeologists have discovered a granite statue probably depicting the head of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful pharaohs.
Researchers discovered the statue 150cm under ground in the eastern Nile Delta town of Tell Basta, which was later the capital of ancient Egypt, the culture ministry said.
The pink granite statue had a broken nose and a missing beard, Zahi Hawass, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said.
===
Ice binge led to gang attack on school, court hears
Dy David Barrett
THE accused ringleader of a vicious gang attack at a Sydney high school was in the grip of an "ice binge" when he stormed the school armed with a samurai sword, a court heard yesterday.
The 15-year-old from Merrylands had been battling a methamphetamine addiction in the months leading up to the rampage, the court heard.
The teenager and four accomplices faced Parramatta Children's Court for a sentencing hearing on assault, affray and malicious damage charges laid after the attack at Merrylands High School.
His solicitor, Alex Morris, told the court the teenager had "slid into abusing the drug" after witnessing the shooting death of a young friend early this year.
===
Is this stalking law the most ridiculous ever?
by Gemma Jones
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl who was stalked by a stranger had her identity revealed by police who were forced to hand it over to the pervert when he was granted bail.
The teenager told friends she feared for her life in the incident on Tuesday, which is one of a staggering spate of attempted child abductions around Sydney in recent weeks.
===
O'Farrell moves for early election with no confidence motion
The NSW Opposition has moved a motion of no confidence in the State Government in the hope of triggering an election two years early.
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell moved the motion in the Lower House last night hoping to capitalise on the fact the government's majority has been reduced following three key resignations.
Hail Mary - Pomplamoose VideoSong
Fun with multi-tracking!!
A one-man-one-woman band...
********************************
********************************
Get this song on iTunes:
http://tinyurl.com/PompliTunes
...or the mp3 straight from us:
http://myspace.com/pomplamoosemusic
Our most recent video, Centrifuge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Gy4v...
Pomplamoose's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/pomplamoosemusic
Nataly's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/natalydawn
Jack's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/jackcontemusic
Pomplamoose VideoSong2 - Hail Mary
Pomplamoose is Nataly Dawn and Jack Conte
A VideoSong is a new Medium with two rules:
1. What you see is what you hear (no lip-syncing for instruments or voice).
2. If you hear it, at some point you see it (no hidden sounds).
Hail Mary by Pomplamoose
Lyrics
Oh Mary I'm not coming home too soon. Tell all our babies that daddy has gone to the moon. My feet were sold to this winding road. My feet were sold, baby, long ago. Oh Mary I've left you a pile of dough under the floor boards near Billy-Joel's radio. Baby I love you, but there's no chance. Baby I love you, but where's romance? Little Rock, I'm on my way to San Jose, driving at 90 an hour. The Devil knows me. Oh Mary I think of your eyes every day. If I could see them I surely would not run away. When we were young there was so much time. When I was young there was so much time.
thanks for all the nice comments!!! you guys are awesome! yeah for being featured, and yeah for nice comments!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
It's Coming .. From Rumble's Vaults
Rumble Pictures - WestXpress 2 Youth Event
Due the success of the first WestXpress short film and acoustic night held in April 2007, young filmmakers Rumble Pictures with Fairfield's Powerhouse Youth Theatre (PYT) produced the youth event, WestXpress 2 which was held at the PYT School of Arts on Saturday 8th September 07. Gaining wider acclaim in the community, WestXpress 2 boasted 120 people in attendance where film, art, music and the youth remain the focus.
Edited/directed by Michael Zhu
===
Rumble Pictures - Maximum Choppage Bloopers
Winner of "Best Film" at the 2005 Shortcuts Film Festival
Martial Art/Comedy
"Cabramatta Local Champion", The Champ calls out for fighters in the local area. Henchman Kanh, is ordered to seek out and test potential fighters in which haplessly chosen, is loser Tim. Tim, lured by the prospect of a great amount of prize money, would have to fight his way through Kanh in order to have a final battle with the Champ at the Dragon Champ Dojo.
Starring
Tim: Timothy ly
Kanh: David Hoang
The Champ: Brian Lee
Cinematography
Wayne Pham
Directed/edited/choreographed by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures ( Formely Rumble Productions ) 2003
===
Rumble Pictures - Happy Dent
Happy Dent is a documentary which explores the life of a six year old boy who sells chewing gum for a living in Vietnam.
Directed by Maria Tran
Winner of 'Achievement in Directing' & 'Best Film' at the Shortcuts Film Festival 2008.
===
Kung Fu Shuffle
Short Film - Martial Arts Action
Action by Rumble Pictures www.rumblepictures.com.au
Directed By Garnet Mae
Rayon Productions 2007 www.rayon.com.au
Due the success of the first WestXpress short film and acoustic night held in April 2007, young filmmakers Rumble Pictures with Fairfield's Powerhouse Youth Theatre (PYT) produced the youth event, WestXpress 2 which was held at the PYT School of Arts on Saturday 8th September 07. Gaining wider acclaim in the community, WestXpress 2 boasted 120 people in attendance where film, art, music and the youth remain the focus.
Edited/directed by Michael Zhu
===
Rumble Pictures - Maximum Choppage Bloopers
Winner of "Best Film" at the 2005 Shortcuts Film Festival
Martial Art/Comedy
"Cabramatta Local Champion", The Champ calls out for fighters in the local area. Henchman Kanh, is ordered to seek out and test potential fighters in which haplessly chosen, is loser Tim. Tim, lured by the prospect of a great amount of prize money, would have to fight his way through Kanh in order to have a final battle with the Champ at the Dragon Champ Dojo.
Starring
Tim: Timothy ly
Kanh: David Hoang
The Champ: Brian Lee
Cinematography
Wayne Pham
Directed/edited/choreographed by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures ( Formely Rumble Productions ) 2003
===
Rumble Pictures - Happy Dent
Happy Dent is a documentary which explores the life of a six year old boy who sells chewing gum for a living in Vietnam.
Directed by Maria Tran
Winner of 'Achievement in Directing' & 'Best Film' at the Shortcuts Film Festival 2008.
===
Kung Fu Shuffle
Short Film - Martial Arts Action
Action by Rumble Pictures www.rumblepictures.com.au
Directed By Garnet Mae
Rayon Productions 2007 www.rayon.com.au
Headlines Wednesday 24th September
Raid on journo's home 'unacceptable'
Fairfax Media says a raid on the home of one of its journalists cuts to the heart of the operation of a free press.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers today raided the home of Canberra Times National Affairs Correspondent Philip Dorling, who is facing investigation over a story about Australia spying on its Pacific ally Japan.
Dorling said the search was "not a pleasant experience" and Fairfax Media, which owns the Canberra Times, has branded it "unacceptable".
"They've searched the ceiling, they've searched from one end of the house to the other. I would say the terms of the search warrant are very broad," Dorling told The Australian today.
"They're looking for stuff related to the Defence Intelligence Organisation and whether it relates to possible offences under the Crimes Act.
Dorling's story aired extensive details of Australian espionage, in particular that the nation's spies "keep a close watch" on Japan's nuclear energy industry and space program.
Dorling cited his source as "classified briefing papers" prepared for Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
===
'You'll die next': School shooter's eerie YouTube message
A student who went on a murderous rampage at a Finnish school, killing 10 people before turning his gun on himself, left behind a note, police say.
===
Despite changes Coalition still opposes Bad legislation
A shake up of the Medicare surcharge will be opposed by the Federal Coalition, despite the government watering down the legislation.
===
‘Rental rage’ surging with only 739 properties in Sydney
The number of stressed out renters attacking or abusing real estate agents is surging, as vacancy rates plunge to a new low.
===
Why Kevin 747 should've stayed put
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd knows he's done the wrong thing by disappearing overseas in the midst of this economic crisis, according to Alan Jones.
===
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Tim Blair
The wisdom of Tim Flannery:
People are saying you know that instead of the ice cap lasting a century, that it maybe that in five years there’ll be no Arctic ice cap.
People – people named Tim Flannery – also said that maybe by now there would be no water in Sydney.
People don’t understand that 20,000 years ago the sea was 120 metres lower than it is now; you know you could’ve walked to Tasmania.
===
CLINTON: “SHE’S HOT”
Tim Blair
Bill likes Sarah:
“I come from Arkansas; I get why she’s hot out there,” Mr. Clinton said. “Why she’s doing well” …
===
FRIED SPIES LIED
Tim Blair
They were spies all along:
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed 55 years ago, on June 19, 1953. But last week, they were back in the headlines when Morton Sobell, the co-defendant in their famous espionage trial, finally admitted that he and his friend, Julius, had both been Soviet agents.
Fairfax Media says a raid on the home of one of its journalists cuts to the heart of the operation of a free press.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers today raided the home of Canberra Times National Affairs Correspondent Philip Dorling, who is facing investigation over a story about Australia spying on its Pacific ally Japan.
Dorling said the search was "not a pleasant experience" and Fairfax Media, which owns the Canberra Times, has branded it "unacceptable".
"They've searched the ceiling, they've searched from one end of the house to the other. I would say the terms of the search warrant are very broad," Dorling told The Australian today.
"They're looking for stuff related to the Defence Intelligence Organisation and whether it relates to possible offences under the Crimes Act.
Dorling's story aired extensive details of Australian espionage, in particular that the nation's spies "keep a close watch" on Japan's nuclear energy industry and space program.
Dorling cited his source as "classified briefing papers" prepared for Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
===
'You'll die next': School shooter's eerie YouTube message
A student who went on a murderous rampage at a Finnish school, killing 10 people before turning his gun on himself, left behind a note, police say.
===
Despite changes Coalition still opposes Bad legislation
A shake up of the Medicare surcharge will be opposed by the Federal Coalition, despite the government watering down the legislation.
===
‘Rental rage’ surging with only 739 properties in Sydney
The number of stressed out renters attacking or abusing real estate agents is surging, as vacancy rates plunge to a new low.
===
Why Kevin 747 should've stayed put
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd knows he's done the wrong thing by disappearing overseas in the midst of this economic crisis, according to Alan Jones.
===
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Tim Blair
The wisdom of Tim Flannery:
People are saying you know that instead of the ice cap lasting a century, that it maybe that in five years there’ll be no Arctic ice cap.
People – people named Tim Flannery – also said that maybe by now there would be no water in Sydney.
People don’t understand that 20,000 years ago the sea was 120 metres lower than it is now; you know you could’ve walked to Tasmania.
===
CLINTON: “SHE’S HOT”
Tim Blair
Bill likes Sarah:
“I come from Arkansas; I get why she’s hot out there,” Mr. Clinton said. “Why she’s doing well” …
===
FRIED SPIES LIED
Tim Blair
They were spies all along:
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed 55 years ago, on June 19, 1953. But last week, they were back in the headlines when Morton Sobell, the co-defendant in their famous espionage trial, finally admitted that he and his friend, Julius, had both been Soviet agents.
Live Science News Headlines
McCain vs. Obama: The Web Sites
Presidential campaigns have turned digital, with Obama leading McCain in online savvy. - a ridiculous, politicized article highlighting one of the few strengths of Obama over a man who had been tortured. - ed.
Chimps Prefer Cooked Food
New Test Shows If You Are a Shopaholic
Fish Fingers: Your Digits Used to Be Fins
Men With Traditional Views on Sex Roles Earn More Money
Top Features
Food Shortages Drive Birds to Murder Chicks
Fluorescent-Red Glowing Fish Found
New Iguana Species Found in Fiji
Parachutist Survives Fall, Gets 'Pacemaker for Pain'
Video
Rocket Powered Prosthesis
Video: Genetic Cure for Pain
Image of the Day
Better Bone Blending
Presidential campaigns have turned digital, with Obama leading McCain in online savvy. - a ridiculous, politicized article highlighting one of the few strengths of Obama over a man who had been tortured. - ed.
Chimps Prefer Cooked Food
New Test Shows If You Are a Shopaholic
Fish Fingers: Your Digits Used to Be Fins
Men With Traditional Views on Sex Roles Earn More Money
Top Features
Food Shortages Drive Birds to Murder Chicks
Fluorescent-Red Glowing Fish Found
New Iguana Species Found in Fiji
Parachutist Survives Fall, Gets 'Pacemaker for Pain'
Video
Rocket Powered Prosthesis
Video: Genetic Cure for Pain
Image of the Day
Better Bone Blending
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Holy Holy
Holy Holy
Music and lyrics by Jimmy Owens.
Some Christians are either intensely private .. or very mercenary. I can't tell you anything about Jimmy, except I found this lovely devotional in 'Ring of Praise' a Sydney based Anglican published booklet.
Thanks to George Peter Tingley adding to Messenger Boys work on Icompositions.
===
The video is also here
===
GPT wrote
Music and lyrics by Jimmy Owens.
Some Christians are either intensely private .. or very mercenary. I can't tell you anything about Jimmy, except I found this lovely devotional in 'Ring of Praise' a Sydney based Anglican published booklet.
Thanks to George Peter Tingley adding to Messenger Boys work on Icompositions.
===
The video is also here
===
GPT wrote
Hearing MessengerBoy's heartfelt rendition of HOLY, HOLY has flooded me with memories of those wonderfully idealistic times called the 60's. Oh yes, I was there: I was the one hiding behind the pillar at that Catholic folk mass playing amplified bass. Bass and nine other tracks have been added to this recording including the inevitable tambourine - you know that instrument invariably put in the hands of someone who could not keep time. And flute - always played by some impossibly pretty, underaged blonde with freckles. Now back to more churchly thoughts. Enjoy!
It's Coming .. From Rumble's Vaults
Rumble Pictures - WestXpress 2007 Youth Event
Held on the 14th of April 2007 and touted as " A night of vibrant entertainment and soothing sounds", WestXpress certainly delivered. It was a night where young emerging bands showcased their fresh sounds and interesting documentaries/commercials were screened for the first time. The event, organised purely by young people for young people, showed the amount of enthusiasm and energy that abounds in our South-Western Sydney area.
Edited by Ryan Peters
Directed by Maria Tran
A Rumble Pictures Production 2007
===
MC2 Teaser 1: Street Fu infomercial
Rob da Fob, two time champion kicking boxing man and recent star of the Martial/Comedy MC2, would like to present to you his new and exciting self defense matial art -- 'Street Fu!'
Starring
Rob Da Fob: Robert Trieu
Dude: Ryan Peters
Roxy: Roxie Vuong
Tim: Timothy Ly
Interviewer: Julian Chung
Produced by Maria Tran/Timothy Ly
Edited by Rudge Hollis
Sound design by Robert Trieu
Motion design Johnny Gei Lei
Directed and Written by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures 2008
===
Rumble Pictures Showreel 2007
Exerpts from 'A Little Dream', 'Maximum Choppage: Round 2', 'Street Fu', 'Kung Fu Shuffle', 'Homebound Carriage', 'Project Vengeance', 'MC3 Trailer', 'More than Words'
Edited by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures 2008
Held on the 14th of April 2007 and touted as " A night of vibrant entertainment and soothing sounds", WestXpress certainly delivered. It was a night where young emerging bands showcased their fresh sounds and interesting documentaries/commercials were screened for the first time. The event, organised purely by young people for young people, showed the amount of enthusiasm and energy that abounds in our South-Western Sydney area.
Edited by Ryan Peters
Directed by Maria Tran
A Rumble Pictures Production 2007
===
MC2 Teaser 1: Street Fu infomercial
Rob da Fob, two time champion kicking boxing man and recent star of the Martial/Comedy MC2, would like to present to you his new and exciting self defense matial art -- 'Street Fu!'
Starring
Rob Da Fob: Robert Trieu
Dude: Ryan Peters
Roxy: Roxie Vuong
Tim: Timothy Ly
Interviewer: Julian Chung
Produced by Maria Tran/Timothy Ly
Edited by Rudge Hollis
Sound design by Robert Trieu
Motion design Johnny Gei Lei
Directed and Written by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures 2008
===
Rumble Pictures Showreel 2007
Exerpts from 'A Little Dream', 'Maximum Choppage: Round 2', 'Street Fu', 'Kung Fu Shuffle', 'Homebound Carriage', 'Project Vengeance', 'MC3 Trailer', 'More than Words'
Edited by Timothy Ly
Rumble Pictures 2008
Art Spot - Michelangelo's David returns to Italy from USA
Art Spot reports on the statue of David, which has completed its tour of the US. Even after five hundred years, the great work still reflects the times and the environment.
Michelangelo's DAVID regressa a Italia apos visita aos EUA
Michelangelo returns to Italy after visiting to the USA…
===
Michelangelo's David, sculpted from 1501 to 1504, is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and one of Michelangelo's two greatest works of sculpture, along with the Pietà . It is the statue of the young Israelite king David alone that almost certainly is one of the most recognizable stone sculptures in the history of art. It is regarded as a symbol both of strength and youthful human beauty. The 5.17 meter (17 ft) marble statue portrays the Biblical King David in the nude, at the moment that he decides to battle with Goliath. It came to symbolize the defense of civic liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic, an independent city state threatened on all sides by more powerful rival states and by the hegemony of the Medici themselves. This interpretation was also encouraged by the original setting of the sculpture outside the Palazzo della Signoria, the seat of civic government in Florence. The completed sculpture was unveiled on 8 September 1504.from wikipedia
Headlines Tuesday 23rd September
Nathan Rees 'filthy', Michael Costa flees
By Simon Benson, Rhys Haynes and Lauren Williams
PREMIER Nathan Rees reckons he is "filthy" - but he wasn't one of thousands of motorists demanding answers yesterday as yet another M5 East tunnel debacle brought Sydney to a halt.
More than 8000 cars were diverted and thousands more crawled for three hours in sweltering heat after a second computer glitch in just three months forced the tunnel's closure just after 9am.
Missed flights, lost job interviews, children late to school and delayed appointments were among a long list of woes forced on commuters by what the RTA described as a "circuit board failure".
Yesterday was the sixth time the $800 million tunnel has been shut since it opened in late 2001. Just two months ago a computer server shut down and forced the tunnel to close in both directions for five hours.
All this despite the tunnel shutting for a staggering 45 hours each month for overnight tests to ensure the mornings run smoothly.
"I've got to say I'm filthy about it," Mr Rees said. But in a fortnight that just keeps getting worse for the new Premier, Mr Rees has been forced to play out a twisted repeat of the failings that plagued his predecessor.
And like Morris Iemma before him, there was tough talk as a tunnel executive was marched up to Roads Minister Michael Daley's office, with threats of tearing up the operator's contract.
Today, when Mr Rees fronts Parliament for the first time as Premier, with a majority whittled down to just four after three MPs resigned, he will face a no-confidence motion by Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell - for "general incompetence". And he won't be alone in the sentiment. - Rees shouldn't be too upset. It is no different when a mate calls a strike and inconveniences the public over an ambit pay claim. - ed.
===
'Modern Greek tragedy' as MP quits parliament
By Simon Benson
MICHAEL Costa has resigned from Parliament, two weeks after being dumped as treasurer, adding yet another name to the New South Wales Government's growing list of MPs abandoning ship.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mr Costa faxed his resignation letter to Governor Marie Bashir late yesterday.
The former union boss later told The Daily Telegraph that he was ending his seven-year parliamentary career in the manner of all good Greek tragedies - in failure.
"I've always said politics was a modern Greek tragedy, it always ends in failure ... and I can say my career has fulfilled that adage," he said.
"I measure what I achieved by the amount of stupid decisions I stopped - the public will never know what they are, thank goodness." - we know many of the stupid decisions he made - ed.
===
Rudd’s abandoning sinking ship of state
Piers Akerman
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd’s continued rejection of Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull’s offer of a meeting to discuss a bi-partisan approach to the global economic collapse betrays Labor’s determination to place its own shallow, narrow and highly political agenda before considerations of the nation’s financial security.
===
JUSTICE DISPENSED
Tim Blair
An American criminal is caught in the act. He wouldn’t try that sort of thing if Australian Dave Edwards was around:
When the man invaded Dave Edwards’ modest flat, Mr Edwards and his teenage son Ewan fought back …
“I punched him fair in the mouth several times,” [Dave Edwards] said. “It was action stations … I had a drug-crazed lunatic standing inside my house trying everything he could to get out.”
===
ELECTION DIFFICULT
Tim Blair
Barack Obama isn’t exactly rallying the base:
How tough is it for Democrats to sell Barack Obama in Northeast Philadelphia? Here’s one measure: One of their own ward leaders isn’t convinced yet.
===
THIS IS WHY WE NEED FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS
Tim Blair
Anne Davies – the Fairfax correspondent in Washington who believes “Charley James” is a legitimate source – reads a magazine:
First it was the seven houses. Now it’s the Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s 13 cars that are getting attention …
===
NOT SUCH A BAD BLOKE AFTER ALL
Tim Blair
A reliable source reports this exchange between former NSW premier Morris Iemma and a football-alert questioner last week:
Q: So what’s the best thing about not being Premier any more?
A: I can stop pretending I give a f*** about the Swans and go back to following Collingwood.
By Simon Benson, Rhys Haynes and Lauren Williams
PREMIER Nathan Rees reckons he is "filthy" - but he wasn't one of thousands of motorists demanding answers yesterday as yet another M5 East tunnel debacle brought Sydney to a halt.
More than 8000 cars were diverted and thousands more crawled for three hours in sweltering heat after a second computer glitch in just three months forced the tunnel's closure just after 9am.
Missed flights, lost job interviews, children late to school and delayed appointments were among a long list of woes forced on commuters by what the RTA described as a "circuit board failure".
Yesterday was the sixth time the $800 million tunnel has been shut since it opened in late 2001. Just two months ago a computer server shut down and forced the tunnel to close in both directions for five hours.
All this despite the tunnel shutting for a staggering 45 hours each month for overnight tests to ensure the mornings run smoothly.
"I've got to say I'm filthy about it," Mr Rees said. But in a fortnight that just keeps getting worse for the new Premier, Mr Rees has been forced to play out a twisted repeat of the failings that plagued his predecessor.
And like Morris Iemma before him, there was tough talk as a tunnel executive was marched up to Roads Minister Michael Daley's office, with threats of tearing up the operator's contract.
Today, when Mr Rees fronts Parliament for the first time as Premier, with a majority whittled down to just four after three MPs resigned, he will face a no-confidence motion by Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell - for "general incompetence". And he won't be alone in the sentiment. - Rees shouldn't be too upset. It is no different when a mate calls a strike and inconveniences the public over an ambit pay claim. - ed.
===
'Modern Greek tragedy' as MP quits parliament
By Simon Benson
MICHAEL Costa has resigned from Parliament, two weeks after being dumped as treasurer, adding yet another name to the New South Wales Government's growing list of MPs abandoning ship.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mr Costa faxed his resignation letter to Governor Marie Bashir late yesterday.
The former union boss later told The Daily Telegraph that he was ending his seven-year parliamentary career in the manner of all good Greek tragedies - in failure.
"I've always said politics was a modern Greek tragedy, it always ends in failure ... and I can say my career has fulfilled that adage," he said.
"I measure what I achieved by the amount of stupid decisions I stopped - the public will never know what they are, thank goodness." - we know many of the stupid decisions he made - ed.
===
Rudd’s abandoning sinking ship of state
Piers Akerman
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd’s continued rejection of Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull’s offer of a meeting to discuss a bi-partisan approach to the global economic collapse betrays Labor’s determination to place its own shallow, narrow and highly political agenda before considerations of the nation’s financial security.
===
JUSTICE DISPENSED
Tim Blair
An American criminal is caught in the act. He wouldn’t try that sort of thing if Australian Dave Edwards was around:
When the man invaded Dave Edwards’ modest flat, Mr Edwards and his teenage son Ewan fought back …
“I punched him fair in the mouth several times,” [Dave Edwards] said. “It was action stations … I had a drug-crazed lunatic standing inside my house trying everything he could to get out.”
===
ELECTION DIFFICULT
Tim Blair
Barack Obama isn’t exactly rallying the base:
How tough is it for Democrats to sell Barack Obama in Northeast Philadelphia? Here’s one measure: One of their own ward leaders isn’t convinced yet.
===
THIS IS WHY WE NEED FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS
Tim Blair
Anne Davies – the Fairfax correspondent in Washington who believes “Charley James” is a legitimate source – reads a magazine:
First it was the seven houses. Now it’s the Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s 13 cars that are getting attention …
===
NOT SUCH A BAD BLOKE AFTER ALL
Tim Blair
A reliable source reports this exchange between former NSW premier Morris Iemma and a football-alert questioner last week:
Q: So what’s the best thing about not being Premier any more?
A: I can stop pretending I give a f*** about the Swans and go back to following Collingwood.