McCain's Mom trying to outrun Global Warmening

John McCain's mom has scored herself another speeding ticket.

Haw!

Amazing hyper-realist sculptor - an Australian

Ron Mueck is an Australian hyper-realist sculptor working in the UK. His incredible sculptures of creepy, grotesque, mottled skin and uncannily gigantic proportional figures have adorned the Millennium Dome as well as Charles Saatchi’s living room for a number of years now. It would be fair to say, Mueck’s one of the leading contemporary artists of today.

(Thanks Minicapt!)

Ubiquitous Steyn

I was at the Prime Minister's garden party this evening, and who should turn up but.....

the Canadian Human Rights Commission had dropped its complaint against Maclean's for the excerpt from Mark's book America Alone. Mark said he was disappointed, and joked that maybe he should appeal the decision.

Maclean's editor Ken Whyte was there, too, and said, yes, it is indeed true. And, no, the commission did not issue a Barbara Hall-ish drive by verdict. So I guess the Canadian Human Rights Commission has gained a little political savvy and wants to survive a little longer. But the handwriting is on the wall.

(good site, thanks Minicapt!)

Interesting...

Report shows 800,000 Australians swindled every year.

Official figures show more than 800,000 Australians fall victim to some kind of scam  or fraud each year.

A Bureau of Statistics survey conducted for the Australian Consumer Fraud Taskforce found nearly $1 billion is lost annually to fraud.

ACCC to crack down on bogus carbon offsets.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has signalled it is getting tough on businesses who offer bogus carbon offsets.

The ACCC says there is a growing trend for consumers to be offered ways to neutralise their carbon footprint.

Perhaps they should start with the Government and the ETS.

Lenient sentence

I guess they consider it a victimless crime.

The NSW child pornography laws used to sentence Pasin were the subject of strong criticism in March by District Court judge Peter Berman, who labelled them inadequate.

Q&A, ABC streamed now

Tim Blair and others on Q&A.

Last speaker stuck in my head.

Peak Stupid.

A new quiz show in the UK...

Check it out.

Sample question:

How is it that Muslims, “the best of peoples”, are such a long way behind the infidels?

A. Inshallah fatalism
B. Dependency on oil money
C. Israel

Don't take them to heaven with you, heaven knows we need them here

Apparently the rate of organ donation has fallen to an abyssmal level in Australia.

Studies show that 94% of Australians support the concept of organ donation and more than one-third of the country's population has signed organ donation registers, yet in 2007 only 198 citizens donated organs.

I can recall hearing many years ago that Australia was a leader and held up as an example of how organ transplantation is such a marvel and a wonderful life-saving gift.

Only 198 citizens donated organs? Well, why is it so?

Firstly it is because the option to be an organ donor is an opt-in thing. It used to be a sticker on your driver's license. Of course, your wishes could always be overruled by your family/next of kin. If they did not agree with organ donation they could object and you'd take your bits to heaven with you.

Secondly, and probably more importantly, the number of people whose organs are suitable for donation and subsequent transplantation has decreased with the stricter drink driving rules, and also with the implementation of safety measures like compulsory seat belts.

The number of suitable donors has decreased markedly since the introduction of strict drink-driving limits.

Actually, there's a lot of interesting reading at that site, if you've got time to have a peruse - click on the 2 a the bottom of the page and you'll see a whole lot of interesting articles in the March 2008 issue of Transplant News.

If you are interested in becoming an Australian organ donor please visit Medicare Australia's Organ Donor Register site. More information and you can register consent or objection to your organ/tissue donation. Discuss your decision with your family/next of kin so that they are aware of your wishes.

I do know someone who needs a liver. Unfortunately a partial liver transplant won't do it for him. I'd like to see him survive his illness, he's a very kind and caring man and shouldn't miss out if there's one available.

To anyone out there who has lost a loved one and their organs have been used to benefit others I say a hearfelt thankyou. An amazing gift at such a terrible time is very special.

Jayant Patel to be extradited

Patel drops fight against extradition.

In a surprise legal move, Dr Patel has dropped plans to fight extradition from the US to Australia, where he has been charged with 16 offences, including manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and fraud charges.

The move was filed in the US District Court in Portland, Oregon, by his American lawyer, Marc Blackman.

US District Court Judge Dennis Hubel will discuss Dr Patel's decision at a hearing in Portland tomorrow.

Dr Patel has been locked up in a high-security Portland prison since FBI agents raided his home in the US city on March 11.

Child neglect in South Australia

one woman
12 children
different men
welfare of $57k per annum
discounts on prescriptions, etc. for low income

Am I supposed to feel sorry for these oxygen thieves?

Those (children) of the Adelaide woman were returned to her care following medical checks. Her friend, though, was charged with 10 counts of criminal neglect, causing harm and endangering the lives of her children.

All six of them remained in the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide last night, while she was in Northfield women's prison on remand.

Interviewed by The Australian before yesterday's drama, the Adelaide woman insisted she had done nothing wrong except love her many children.

Speaking behind the closed door of her rented home, she told of her deep sense of hurt and humiliation at being branded a super-bad mother, alongside her friend. They were "sort of mates", the woman admitted. But she had no idea what had gone on at her friend's house before the events of Sunday night.

"We are going to be judged all round the country," the woman said.

"We have been humiliated and I have not done anything. I love my kids, I look after my kids."

All together, some 21 children are believed to be involved in this deeply disturbing affair, mostly those of the two women, but also of the Adelaide woman's siblings, who
orbit in and out of their problematic lives.

Neither woman works, according to neighbours. But Centrelink figures show the Adelaide woman would be eligible to collect at least $57,000 in benefits annually on the basis of having 12 dependent children.

Oh dear, you've mistaken me for someone who cares about your humiliation.

Sometimes loving your children is not enough. I don't know if these women understand what love, obligation and responsibility are.

Emissions Trading Scheme will create jobs

for some...

Al Gore Denies Global Warming in His Meal Ticket

Former Vice President Al Gore, who famously claimed to have invented the Internet, now denies -in the face of powerful evidence to the contrary- that he is in a position to make an immense fortune from global warming-mitigation efforts

I can't wait to listen to AM thismorning to find out how an Emissions Trading Scheme will create jobs in Australia.

Meanwhile, CANA says that ETS will create 16,000 new jobs. Nothing about any old jobs being lost, and how people will pay for an ETS, because you can bet the people will be paying for this farce.

25% Renewable Energy by 2020If we introduced a 25% renewable energy target by 2020 we would not only fight climate change, it would deliver at least 16,600 new jobs for Australians, generate $33 billion in new investment and create enough renewable electricity to power every home in Australia.
A comprehensive plan for 25% renewable energy by 2020.

While we're talking about AM, yesterday's programme was interesting:

• coalition on fence over fuel - they should stick to their guns, increasing tax on things doesn't help it just harms those least likely to cope with more expense in their day-to-day living.
• biofuels creating food price spikes: Oxfam - and just as polluting as other forms of fuel.
• Key senator re-thinks stance on alcopops - stupid idea, won't stop people binge drinking. Money would be better spent on trying to change habits and educate people.
• Government urges support for alcopops tax - meh, as if they aren't rolling in enough dough already.
• SA neglect allegations the 'tip of the iceberg' - what is happening to the standard of parents? Surely they are aware of the basic necessities of life and their responsibilities... responsibilities. A word which seems to have gone missing from the modern vocabulary.

EMILY BOURKE: Days after the child neglect allegations came to light, the South Australian Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill is still defending the state's child protection system and the response to the extended families found in squalid conditions in Adelaide's northern suburbs.
JAY WEATHERILL: We are throwing incredible resources into this system but you cannot keep throwing resources into what is essentially an "ambulance at the bottom of the cliff". We have to put resources into the fence at the top. It has to be the early intervention. We can't keep having a crisis response because the crisis just keeps worsening and we don't do any favours to families just by investigating them.

Animals were taken away from these homes where the children had been neglected. The RSPCA had the power to step in, and were not worried about stepping on toes. Sort it out later. But with children of course, there's no power.

• Corby documentary airs damning allegations - it all smells very fishy. Rotten fishy, and the stench eminates from everyone to do with that, er, cause celebre.
• Call for Australia to recognise polygamy - as previously commented, bludgers.

Dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooomed

We're all gonna die.

By degrees.

Five of them by 2070.

That's Celsius.

But what's this? Some sanity! Hurrah!

This is gonna cost us a motza

Queensland largest greenhouse gas emitter in country:

QUEENSLAND'S greenhouse gas emissions have surged by almost 10 per cent and Australia's emissions per capita remain among the world's highest.

This, according to data just released, was due largely to use of coal for power generation.

Now, let me see.
That's 10% of Australia's 1.4% of the 0.000006% (or was that 0.00006%)of anthropogenic - was it CO2 or all greenhouse gases?

Any way you look at it, it's still 4/5 of 5/8 of F- all.

Oh, but never mind, Kevvie's got it all under control...

A CSIRO-Australian National University report this week said fears that the emissions-trading scheme would cause petrol and power costs to skyrocket were unfounded.

It forecast slow rises in energy costs that would mostly be outstripped by income growth but it recommended low-income households receive a $50-$180 annual government payment to cover any gap between rising energy costs and income growth.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this week met with the president of Kiribati, the Pacific Island nation facing potential oblivion due to rising sea levels. Next month Mr Rudd is to attend a gathering of G8 heads of state in Japan to discuss global warming, energy and food security issues.

Bludgers

Adequately covered here.

A lucky escape

On Saturday last two men were killed when their gantry collapsed.

The two men, aged 36 and 52, were patching concrete on the side of a high-rise complex on the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Surf Parade at Broadbeach at 8.25am (AEST) when the scaffolding collapsed.

Yesterday a window washer had a lucky escape, falling nine storeys, and only breaking bones.

The man, 20, fell about 82 feet until his feet hit an awning on the side of a building.

He appeared to have ankle injuries and was in a lot of pain, but he retained his sense of humor, telling co-workers that he had "a big wedgie" (from his harness).

Apparently his climbing/locking device locked just before he hit the ground and he was catapulted into the awning.

Not a ride I'd like to take.

I'll bet his mum's glad he bounced.

Mugabe and the horror once known as Zimbabwe

How long has he been murdering his people?
Tossing people off their land?
Sending Zim to hell?
Murdering the opposition?

And now, finally, the UN condemns the violence.

And when a BBC news reporter describes the latest Mugabe sanctioned violence during the election run-off as follows:

His opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, has been completely outmanoeuvred.

I guess outmanoeuvred is the new euphemism for murdering supporters and families of opponents. The reporter using this, John Simpson BBC World Affairs Editor, Harare, needs to have a humanity check.

Then Simpson finishes this item with this:

The moral is clear: never underestimate Robert Mugabe's ferocious determination to stay in power, nor the ability of his political opponents to destroy their own case.

What planet is this fool on?

Expressions of Interest - Brekkie Creek Friday Fortnight July 4

Any takers?

Venue suggestions?

Change date suggestions?

Let me know.

The pic on the right is in honour of July 4th.

Must have been my good old days!

B' bye, B'linda

Belinda Neal seems to have crapped in her own nest magnificently.

It will probably be the whistle-blower's fault that the proverbial has hit the fan for Neal. She sounds like the type to blame everyone else instead of copping it sweet.

This is a great opportunity for the Liberal party to get someone into her seat. I think her constituents would be quite fed up with her shenanigans.

Although I did find this at a blog "Nobody Likes Dobbers Melissa Batten". Anyone who saw the interview would notice how distressed Batten is by the whole thing.

I dont mean dobbing on murderers or violent offenders, thats different - dob all you like on those thugs.

I guess the "dobbers" thing applies to the person/s who informed on paedophiles in the ALP, etc, although they're not murderers or violent offenders.

There should not have been a delay in investigating the claims of false statutory declarations.

Belinda Neal seems unfamiliar with the truth and in particular telling it. It's time to go, Belinda.

Just as an aside, yesterday as a post-script to the Corby 'documentary'Madonna King, ABC political journo and morning presenter, interviewed the wife of an ex-baggage handler who was interviewed by police in regard to the Corby case. The wife said that the Federal Police arrived at a barbeque they were attending with family and friends over the Easter break and proceeded to separate the baggage handlers and interview them. Madonna King seemed dismayed at the cost of this exercise, interviewing these people on a public holiday.

Honestly, some people are clueless. If you had someone sitting in prison in a foreign country I think you'd want the investigation to be carried out thoroughly and expediently. And you wouldn't want anyone able to collaborate and invent stories to cover the truth when you supposedly needed the truth to get your imprisoned loved one out.

George Carlin, not PC

George Carlin has died.

Euphemisms* (youtube 10 mins)

Interesting thing about this clip, the ABC played the part about shell shock - funnily enough they left out the first part of the piece, which I think is pretty important.

The ABC host spoke about The Seven Words* (youtube 10 mins) piece for which Carlin was most famous.

They didn't play it either.

*probably NSFW sound wise.

Prom Night

In da hood.

These pix come with a WARNING.

George really needs to get out more...

and stop reading the polls.

From Sunday's ABC Insiders programme, George thinks that people will gladly pay more for fuel to support the offset GHGs...

at 3:20 is a debate between George Megalogenis and Andrew Bolt, and George tells how the polls are supporting the lifting of petrol prices to support a "long term" plan, ie. an emissions trading scheme.

at 0:50 trying to justify Fuel Watch, listen to Kev08 talking about the prices of petrol at two service stations, a difference of 16c, surely people are capable of finding cheap petrol and filling up cheaply when necessary?

The price of petrol is on a cycle:
Monday, cheap;
Tuesday, cheaper;
Wednesday AM cheapest;
Wednesday PM dearest;
Thursday, still dear;
Friday, may be cheaper than Thursday;
weekend, still the same as Friday.

Vale Jane McGrath

Daily Telegraph gallery.

Jane and Glenn McGrath on Enough Rope.

Courier Mail item from 24/6/08.

The Corby Story

What is true, what is not?

Downer admits to raising theory on Corby's brother.

The baggage handlers' union is angry that accusations were made that baggage handlers had put the drugs in Corby's boogie board bag, and it was revealed last night on a television programme that the criminal lawyer admitted that this was a made-up claim. They have demanded an apology.

Corby's former lawyer, Robin Tampoe, admitted in a film shown on Channel Nine last night that he made up the claim about the baggage handlers, which was a central argument in Corby's defence and led to widespread speculation about corruption among airport staff.

For a laugh

Updated: 12:20pm

Listen to today's (23/6/08) AM programme here. It should appear later today.

MARTIN FERGUSON: Australia like the global community, has sat down today and had a hard think about how we actually assist not only ordinary motorists in Australia but also developing countries to meet the challenge of increases in oil prices which goes to the fundamentals of the market issues of supply and demand, and in doing so try and assist the whole community to confront the oil crisis that exists at the moment.

Mar'n Ferg'sn, trade envoy to the Middle East. Double speak saying nothing.

Mr Ferguson addressed the meeting overnight and believes Australia has a number of appropriate strategies to deal with the imbalance in supply and demand.

"The Australian government will be focusing on key issues such as easing foreign investment restrictions, which is not only about additional supply but getting nations to invest in new technology," he told Sky News.

"(We want to) encourage investment in countries where there have been barriers to the production of oil, side by side with putting transparency into the market."

You must hear it.

Julie Bishop on the Ferguson strategy:

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop criticised the language used by Mr Rudd, saying Mr Ferguson would spend much of his time cleaning up the diplomatic mess.

"For a former diplomat Mr Rudd has a clumsy way of dealing with international players," she told Network Ten.

"I would imagine Martin Ferguson will spend most of his time cleaning up that mess on behalf of the prime minister.

"The idea of Martin Ferguson turning up in Jeddah and saying to the oil producers, `the world wants so much of your product we want you to lower the price.' I mean, markets don't work that way."

From the transcript list for AM today...

Households bare the cost of carbon trading scheme

oops!

Drinking problems... classifications

Consumption of four beers or three wines is now considered binge drinking in Australia. A wag calling the local ABC radio station has said that the other definitions for drinking "problems" is:

Three beers is "fringe drinking".

Drinking until you feel ill is "tinge drinking".

Drinking with a pommy is "whinge drinking".

Drinking so  as you have to hang onto the doors is "hinge drinking".

I guess drinking at the campsite causing you to fall in the fire is "singe drinking".

Pissing off before your shout would be "stinge drinking".

Drinking until you're obnoxious and annoying is "cringe drinking".

Drinking at a lesbian bar would be "minge drinking".

Some new ones:

Splice:

Drinking in alcohol-prohibited parks and public spaces would be "infringe drinking".

Returning from the needle exchange and injecting rum is "syringe drinking".

Drinking to relieve a sore back must be "twinge drinking".

Boy:

Drinking with a kiwi would be "bunge drinking".

Going to Scores with Kevin would be "unhinged drinking".