Moments like this leave me speechless.
Life just smacks you in the forehead and you stand their gob-smacked, mouth wide open and unable to utter a syllable.
A myriad of emotion welled up from within every synapse and sinew, enveloping me like a blanket, and just as suddenly there was an epiphany of light and beauty that broke through the dark clouds.
Yesterday there was sad news; the death of someone I did not know and who did not know me, but who had brought much joy into my life and the lives of many people I know.
I feel for the loss that his partner, family and friends must endure and the many questions that might be asked by those who wish to understand. However, I am strangely at peace; content in simply understanding without question.
Thank you to Brett and Andy for the joy of Toybox. My love to you both.
The following is copied from the Toybox website as a memorium to the greatness of a single human being.
BRETT BUSH
14.03.1966 - 18.11.2007
As I write this, my heart weighs heavy with unfathomable loss.
You may have already heard that Brett, my partner of 13 years and a co-founder of Toybox and the creative genius behind its brand, was found dead on Sunday evening, 18 November, having finally decided that the time was right for him to end his life.
For years Brett had told me and others as well, that he intended to end his life at a time of his choosing. His conversations and comments about this, while frequent and consistent, were never distressed or despairing. And he always seemed philosophical, wanting me to be prepared that he might leave me sooner rather than later. But I simply wasn't prepared.
When I started my 13 years with Brett I was a long way away from being philosophical about the prospect of losing him prematurely, and over the course of our relationship no amount of talking about such things with Brett, or with friends and family, and even with professionals, served to prepare me for the finality of his death last Sunday.
I am fairly sure though that Brett was clear that he was done with his life here.
He'd thought about choosing to end his life for many years, probably initially in the context of his HIV positive diagnosis in the 1980's, and living for years with the fear of an untimely and awful AIDS-related death right up until the mid-1990's when anti-retrovirals brought some brighter health prospects for his future.
But the constant consideration Brett gave to his mortality doesn't seem to have been about his HIV status alone, because about two months ago, in spite of being in very good health, Brett made a first but unsuccessful attempt to end his life, causing us to have to make an unprecedented and very difficult decision to cancel our 30 September Luminere Party.
In the context of treatment following that suicide attempt, Brett's attending physicians said he was not depressed, and that he was not a danger to himself nor to anyone else. They told us they were perplexed by Brett's positive life circumstances – his good health, financial security, family, friends, and being in a loving and happy 13 year relationship – and why those circumstances didn’t seem to be enough for him to want to stay alive.
I don't profess to have understood Brett in all of this – but I loved this man, and in so doing I have always chosen to do my utmost to honour his living on his terms, and I also intend to honour his dying – on his terms as well.
As I said earlier, I think Brett was done here – he clearly wanted to go. And while I feel bereft as I struggle to form pictures of my future without him, I am committed to accepting his choice.
In accordance with his wishes, Brett will be cremated privately at 2.30pm this Thursday 29 November.
At 4.00pm that same day there will be a celebration of Brett's life at Will and Toby’s, Level 1 of the Oxford Hotel in Taylor Square, Darlinghurst. No-one will be more welcome at this celebration than you, the members of Toybox. Please come if you'd like to be there – most especially if you knew Brett, or knew of his work or his life through Toybox, or elsewhere.
Finally, concerned about how quickly rumours can spread and grow, and also how wrong rumours can become when facts aren’t known, I decided to write this to ensure that you at least would know the circumstances surrounding Brett's death. Importantly, the content of this statement was agreed in principle by Brett in a number of conversations he and I had about what might or should be said publicly in the event of his death. I have been very careful to honour the spirit of those conversations and our agreement, and most especially Brett's wishes in this regard.
In finally saying goodbye for Brett, I know he’d also want me to say thank you – for all the fun, and for all the love.
Life does go on - and I’m looking forward to catching up with you when we’re out and about during the coming weeks, and if not, then hopefully at Toybox Luna Park in March next year.
Andy
...ovember
Something is happening!
On the first of November there'll be a change taking place across Australia and internationally ... Gillette, Schick and other similar companies are shaking in their boots at a potential downturn in their sales.
But society will benefit.
Watch this space!
On the first of November there'll be a change taking place across Australia and internationally ... Gillette, Schick and other similar companies are shaking in their boots at a potential downturn in their sales.
But society will benefit.
Watch this space!
The French are revolting!
Well ... they are trying to rise up against Iran, at least!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6997935.stm
Apparently the French think that threatening Iran with war is meaningful. I think they are kidding themselves. I mean, honestly - given France's war record of the last 100 years, I don't even think they could successfully invade Luxembourg without the help of at least one major world power!
But at least they seem to have learned some lessons. Their own nuclear record has always lacked a good PR spin doctor and the covert operation that sank the Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand was more like a chapter from Inspector Clouseau's police manual! Perhaps they are hoping that some honest and open threats might get the French some positive media attention ... riiight! haha.
Despite France being one of the handful of permanent UN Security Council members, I doubt that the world, and especially Iran, will do much more than yawn at this bit of lame sabre-rattling.
C'est la vie!
LOL
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6997935.stm
Apparently the French think that threatening Iran with war is meaningful. I think they are kidding themselves. I mean, honestly - given France's war record of the last 100 years, I don't even think they could successfully invade Luxembourg without the help of at least one major world power!
But at least they seem to have learned some lessons. Their own nuclear record has always lacked a good PR spin doctor and the covert operation that sank the Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand was more like a chapter from Inspector Clouseau's police manual! Perhaps they are hoping that some honest and open threats might get the French some positive media attention ... riiight! haha.
Despite France being one of the handful of permanent UN Security Council members, I doubt that the world, and especially Iran, will do much more than yawn at this bit of lame sabre-rattling.
C'est la vie!
LOL
Censorship rating
The above rating is due to the words "gun" and "penis" being located in my posts, according to mingle2.com
It's a tough audience!
Positively new blog description
The previous month has been a time of change for me ... a bit like an enormous spring clean - out with old and in with new. I start my new position with another recruitment firm on Monday, my domestic situation has taken an interesting, but positive, turn and my immediate family deciding to relocate to Brisbane in coming months.
I have had this week in between jobs to ponder a number of large and minor issues, one of which has been this blog. It had occurred to me that the previous description of this blog was rather negative and defensive. It stated simply what I was against, rather than what I stood for.
I have had this week in between jobs to ponder a number of large and minor issues, one of which has been this blog. It had occurred to me that the previous description of this blog was rather negative and defensive. It stated simply what I was against, rather than what I stood for.
This blog represents the voice of an Aussie from the libertarian left who is committed to fighting conservatism, nationalism, economic rationalism, fascism and religious fanaticism. If you disagree with my perspective, please state your case and have a rational debate. I don't care much for people using religious texts in an attempt to prove their argument. Try using reason and logic instead!So, out with the old and in with the positively new ...
This blog represents the voice of a left leaning Aussie who is committed to liberal democratic socialism, with a strong emphasis on pluralism throughout all facets of society - economic, cultural, political, demographic etc. I am particularly valiant when it comes to issues of rights, justice, and freedom from religion.
More cancers found to be caused by a common virus
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor!
And with that out of the way, I can confidently express my long held theory that many cancers of today are caused, directly and/or indirectly, by viruses. it seems that science is just starting to unravel the evidence to back it up!
I first developed this inkling of a theory when researchers from Western Australia uncovered the gob-smacking truth that most stomach ulcers were caused by a bacteria. They went on to develop a simple antibiotic treatment for this debilitating condition. It also stemmed from the knowledge that viruses are known to cause mutations in our genes - much of our DNA is actually redundant viral DNA (conspiracy theorists would believe it to be extraterrestrial DNA) from generations of infection.
In more recent years, a Queensland scientist has invented a vaccine for the variants of the human papilloma virus (HPv) that are known to be responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
What is not so widely known is how widespread the infection of HPv is across the human race. Some studies have shown that around 50% of western civilisation have been infected with the virus at some point in their life. It is literally as common as the cold!
What sparks me to write this post today is reading two articles that appeared in my Google Reader. The first, from the ABC, indicates that the new HPv vaccine might be useful in warding off other cancers. The second, from New Scientist, warns of the risk of cancer stemming from oral sex.
How are these two articles related? They both talk about HPv as being a cancer causing virus. In the second article, scientists discovered that:
Here are some little known facts:
Quite the opposite - those are well proven factors associated with risk of cancer. however we are now starting to explain why a healthy non-smoker can end up with throat cancer and that will mean a great deal when it comes to preventative measures such as vaccinations.
5 years ago, cancers were known to be caused by environmental conditions and exacerbated by diet, lifestyle or genetic factors.
Today, we know that HPv is the likely cause of several common cancers including that of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women, and potentially tonsils, throat in the wider populace. Previous studies have shown that the risk of bowel cancer does not increase through anal intercourse per se, however it is known that some variants of HPv can lead to cancer of the bowel, anus, penis and testes. Do your own risk assessment.
Given what we know today compared with what we knew yesterday, I think the medical world still has some surprises left for us. it won't come as a surprise to find that we have an all-purpose cancer vaccine within the next 20 years.
And with that out of the way, I can confidently express my long held theory that many cancers of today are caused, directly and/or indirectly, by viruses. it seems that science is just starting to unravel the evidence to back it up!
I first developed this inkling of a theory when researchers from Western Australia uncovered the gob-smacking truth that most stomach ulcers were caused by a bacteria. They went on to develop a simple antibiotic treatment for this debilitating condition. It also stemmed from the knowledge that viruses are known to cause mutations in our genes - much of our DNA is actually redundant viral DNA (conspiracy theorists would believe it to be extraterrestrial DNA) from generations of infection.
In more recent years, a Queensland scientist has invented a vaccine for the variants of the human papilloma virus (HPv) that are known to be responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
What is not so widely known is how widespread the infection of HPv is across the human race. Some studies have shown that around 50% of western civilisation have been infected with the virus at some point in their life. It is literally as common as the cold!
What sparks me to write this post today is reading two articles that appeared in my Google Reader. The first, from the ABC, indicates that the new HPv vaccine might be useful in warding off other cancers. The second, from New Scientist, warns of the risk of cancer stemming from oral sex.
How are these two articles related? They both talk about HPv as being a cancer causing virus. In the second article, scientists discovered that:
"After controlling for other risk factors for throat cancer, such as drinking and smoking, the analysis revealed that people who had prior infection with HPV were 32 times as likely to have this cancer as those with no evidence of ever having the virus. And those who tested positive for a particularly aggressive strain of the virus, called HPV-16, were 58 times more likely to have throat cancer."I said earlier that I am not a doctor, and I will also state that mathematics is not my forte and that I almost failed statistics at university. But even George W Bush should be able to see an obvious correlation the more you learn about HPv.
Here are some little known facts:
- HPv is a virus responsible for causing common warts as well as sexually transmissible (or genital) warts
- that's right! A variant of the virus that causes genital warts is responsible for the wart on your toe or your nose!
- there are over 100 known variants of HPv, only a handful of which are known to cause cervical cancer
- specific variants of the virus are known to affect specific areas of the body - such that, one variant will cause face warts, while another will cause warts on the feet, and yet another on the hands etc
- external warts are relatively easy to remove by chemical treatment or burned off with liquid nitrogen, internal warts usually require surgical removal
- HPv is highly contagious - it can be transmitted simply by touching an infected area even if there are no warts visible.
- the majority of HPv carriers will show no signs of infection and can transmit the virus to anyone they have close contact with.
Quite the opposite - those are well proven factors associated with risk of cancer. however we are now starting to explain why a healthy non-smoker can end up with throat cancer and that will mean a great deal when it comes to preventative measures such as vaccinations.
5 years ago, cancers were known to be caused by environmental conditions and exacerbated by diet, lifestyle or genetic factors.
Today, we know that HPv is the likely cause of several common cancers including that of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women, and potentially tonsils, throat in the wider populace. Previous studies have shown that the risk of bowel cancer does not increase through anal intercourse per se, however it is known that some variants of HPv can lead to cancer of the bowel, anus, penis and testes. Do your own risk assessment.
Given what we know today compared with what we knew yesterday, I think the medical world still has some surprises left for us. it won't come as a surprise to find that we have an all-purpose cancer vaccine within the next 20 years.
Science can be stranger than fiction
I came across a story in New Scientist this month that struck me as some bizarre plot for a b-grade Sci-Fi movie. In short, it describes a parasite that infects rats and mice brains, thus eliminating their fear of cats to ensure that they get eaten, so as to complete their life cycle through the cat.
You have now entered ... the Twighlight Zone! ! !
And today a friend points me to an equally strange account of the life cycle of a particular fluke. This just reinforces my doubt in the ability of any "intelligent designer" coming up with such random lunacy!
On a lighter note, I just don't get this report from the ABC that a material resembling the fictitious Kryptonite (of Superman fame) has been found by researchers in Siberia.
What has me concerned is that apparently ...
Now, I may not be a scientist, geologist or a chemist, but one thing I do understand is the english language and, in this instance, the word "matched" and I fail to see how any fool could consider these two items to be a match.
The fictitious kryptonite used to thwart Superman glows green and is of a metallic or crystalline makeup, whereas the item discovered in Siberia is white and chalky and will "fluoresce pinkish-orange" when subjected to UV light.
What the ... ?
But seriously, what stunned me the most was that "scientists" actually made the effort to compare their find with a fictitious rock from a DC comic for no apparent reason! Go figure!
You have now entered ... the Twighlight Zone! ! !
And today a friend points me to an equally strange account of the life cycle of a particular fluke. This just reinforces my doubt in the ability of any "intelligent designer" coming up with such random lunacy!
On a lighter note, I just don't get this report from the ABC that a material resembling the fictitious Kryptonite (of Superman fame) has been found by researchers in Siberia.
What has me concerned is that apparently ...
Scientists from the Natural History Museum in London, who studied its chemical composition, found it matched the description of kryptonite in the film Superman Returns.
Now, I may not be a scientist, geologist or a chemist, but one thing I do understand is the english language and, in this instance, the word "matched" and I fail to see how any fool could consider these two items to be a match.
The fictitious kryptonite used to thwart Superman glows green and is of a metallic or crystalline makeup, whereas the item discovered in Siberia is white and chalky and will "fluoresce pinkish-orange" when subjected to UV light.
What the ... ?
But seriously, what stunned me the most was that "scientists" actually made the effort to compare their find with a fictitious rock from a DC comic for no apparent reason! Go figure!
Tolkien rises once again!
As an avid fan of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new masterpiece, The Children of Hurin, pieced together by his son, Christopher.
Whether this story will live up to expectations or not is yet to be seen, but I have my copy and I look forward to setting aside some time to read it. My review will, of course, be blogged.
Whether this story will live up to expectations or not is yet to be seen, but I have my copy and I look forward to setting aside some time to read it. My review will, of course, be blogged.
Two fathers ... or even three
This is just brilliant! A young boy singing about being adopted by two gay men ...
http://superbbluewren.livejournal.com/172586.html
You can also read my personal experience about parenting and what my daughter taught me about having three fathers.
http://superbbluewren.livejournal.com/172586.html
You can also read my personal experience about parenting and what my daughter taught me about having three fathers.
Gun-toting Yanks hit back!
My last post has caused a bit of a stir in the "land of the brave". It seems you can't criticise the USers* love for murderous tools without being vilified.
The main point against me is that I accused Wayne Chiang of being no better than Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui. I stand firm on my statement, but rather than defend it allow me to add some context.
Wayne Chiang was quoted as saying
Let's put that statement into the context of Bush's invasion of Iraq ...
Now watch the comments light up as I get a barrage of abuse from pro-war USers* who insist that terrorising the middle east for the sake of black gold is a good thing. LOL!
The truth is that any lackadaisical attitude about guns is more likely to lead to widespread carnage and murderous mayhem than it is to swiftly and simply neutralise a situation like Virginia Tech, Port Arthur, Waco, etc
The promotion of a "right to bear arms" is ludicrous and there is no possible way that governments can ensure responsible gun ownership except through extremely tough gun control laws. Volacious says it best in his comment on my previous post:
NOTE * :I tried to find where I had first described the civilians of the USA as USers, rather than their incorrect, self-appointed nickname of "Americans" (which technically applies to any resident of the two American continents). Unfortunately I couldn't find it, hence my explanation for its use. Besides I like the double meaning involved in the term "USer" :-)
The main point against me is that I accused Wayne Chiang of being no better than Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui. I stand firm on my statement, but rather than defend it allow me to add some context.
Wayne Chiang was quoted as saying
"I am a firm believer that if Virginia Tech students were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Let's put that statement into the context of Bush's invasion of Iraq ...
"I am a firm believer that if Iraqi civilians were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Now watch the comments light up as I get a barrage of abuse from pro-war USers* who insist that terrorising the middle east for the sake of black gold is a good thing. LOL!
The truth is that any lackadaisical attitude about guns is more likely to lead to widespread carnage and murderous mayhem than it is to swiftly and simply neutralise a situation like Virginia Tech, Port Arthur, Waco, etc
The promotion of a "right to bear arms" is ludicrous and there is no possible way that governments can ensure responsible gun ownership except through extremely tough gun control laws. Volacious says it best in his comment on my previous post:
"Gun control in America these days is a fairly academic argument... every idiot already has one"
NOTE * :I tried to find where I had first described the civilians of the USA as USers, rather than their incorrect, self-appointed nickname of "Americans" (which technically applies to any resident of the two American continents). Unfortunately I couldn't find it, hence my explanation for its use. Besides I like the double meaning involved in the term "USer" :-)
Falsely accused, but still a monster
He might have been the subject of internet rumour-mongering and false accusations of being the person responsible for today's massacre at Virginia Tech, but despite his protestations of innocence Wayne Chiang is no better than the man who killed 32 people, wounded more, and left a town mourning and a country in shock.
Wayne Chiang is a gun-toting cowboy who would have gladly seen even more people brandishing guns that day, with the inevitable end of a shoot-out to shame the OK Coral!
It doesn't concern me that Wayne is being falsely accused - one look at his blog and I'm instantly repulsed.
Care factor zero from me!
My heartfelt sympathy does, however, go to all the families, friends and neighbours affected by this awful tragedy across the globe.
PLEASE .... will the USA consider gun control laws to protect its own people?
Chiang believes that guns should be allowed on the Virginia Tech campus.
"I am a firm believer that if Virginia Tech students were allowed to conceal carry, this situation could have ended sooner."
Wayne Chiang is a gun-toting cowboy who would have gladly seen even more people brandishing guns that day, with the inevitable end of a shoot-out to shame the OK Coral!
It doesn't concern me that Wayne is being falsely accused - one look at his blog and I'm instantly repulsed.
Care factor zero from me!
My heartfelt sympathy does, however, go to all the families, friends and neighbours affected by this awful tragedy across the globe.
PLEASE .... will the USA consider gun control laws to protect its own people?
Well, derrrrrrrrr !!!!!!
Steve Bracks is pushing "major reform" to "improve literacy, reduce obesity and create a national preschool system".
What appears to be a gigantic leap of faith for the east-coast ALP governments is really just a simple plan from the average punter's point of view. In fact, I can hear voters across the nation bellowing out to Premiers Bracks, Beattie, Iemma & Rann ...
Time and time again, pollsters ask the average voters what the contemporary issues are leading into an election. Time and time again the same answers come forth ... education and health (aside from law and order). Everyone, it seems, thinks that health and education is low on the priority list for governments and that we all would like to see them both improved on an immense scale.
But, at the same time, we all are only too happy to blame the state governments for the obvious lack of will and fortitude while they in turn blame scrooge-like Commonwealth funding, despite record flows of cash through the GST ON TOP of the abomination of sneaky taxes, e.g.: stamp duty.
It has been my belief for many years, even before I read the policy papers from the Democrats, that States are somewhat redundant. I would dearly love to see our second and third (local government) tier bureaucracies replaced by a simple regional government similar to that seen in some other countries. In the UK, for example, the National Health System (NHS) provides funding to local councils that provide the services.
Such a move would, ideally, transfer ALL constitutional powers to the Commonwealth, whereby we would have one entity controlling the collection the tax revenue and the distribution thereof. One government to disperse ALL funds according to a fair and equitable rule of need, rather than the current rule of possession.
I dare the states to hand over jurisdiction in health and education to the Federal Government - lets have one national health system under medicare, but more importantly, we should demand a single education system with one national curriculum for all.
What appears to be a gigantic leap of faith for the east-coast ALP governments is really just a simple plan from the average punter's point of view. In fact, I can hear voters across the nation bellowing out to Premiers Bracks, Beattie, Iemma & Rann ...
"Well, derrrrrrrrr !!!!!!"
Time and time again, pollsters ask the average voters what the contemporary issues are leading into an election. Time and time again the same answers come forth ... education and health (aside from law and order). Everyone, it seems, thinks that health and education is low on the priority list for governments and that we all would like to see them both improved on an immense scale.
But, at the same time, we all are only too happy to blame the state governments for the obvious lack of will and fortitude while they in turn blame scrooge-like Commonwealth funding, despite record flows of cash through the GST ON TOP of the abomination of sneaky taxes, e.g.: stamp duty.
It has been my belief for many years, even before I read the policy papers from the Democrats, that States are somewhat redundant. I would dearly love to see our second and third (local government) tier bureaucracies replaced by a simple regional government similar to that seen in some other countries. In the UK, for example, the National Health System (NHS) provides funding to local councils that provide the services.
Such a move would, ideally, transfer ALL constitutional powers to the Commonwealth, whereby we would have one entity controlling the collection the tax revenue and the distribution thereof. One government to disperse ALL funds according to a fair and equitable rule of need, rather than the current rule of possession.
I dare the states to hand over jurisdiction in health and education to the Federal Government - lets have one national health system under medicare, but more importantly, we should demand a single education system with one national curriculum for all.
Being gay in a power-hungry world
As a country that thrives on wealth and power, and whose every breath is consumed by the who's who and the who's doing who, the USA is probably the only nation that could care less about who its top ranking homosexuals are.
But clearly, infamous queer mag "Out", believes that the punters are keen and curious and have published (outed?) the Top 50 for all to see.
Leading the dubiously formed list is one David Geffen, billionaire entertainment mogul who shares equal 50th ranking on the Forbes rich list with discount stock broker, Charles Schwab, just behind Steve Jobs of Apple fame. Geffen is the "G" in the Dreamworks SKG team, alongside Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Ellen DeGeneres may not make the Forbes Rich List, but she does outrank every other non-straight woman to make the Power 50 list at spot #3.
The list is overwhelmingly full of names from the fashion and entertainment industries. But there are also a number of names and tangible links to politics that suggest a very interesting road ahead for the coming Presidential election next year.
It brings an insightful perspective together about the roots and drivers of the historical gay rights campaign and also the contemporary same-sex marriage debate. The media is powerful and if a group can have significant sway over the media, it naturally flows that the same power is present in politics.
Some would argue that the "gay agenda" exists only in the minds of the homophobic zealots. As a gay man who understands the machinations of politics, I see every agenda as a real and credible threat to a healthy liberal democracy. Even one that seeks to serve my freedoms and self interests.
I'll wait and see, but Barack Hussein Obama might have a bit of an edge against Hilary Rodham Clinton, despite his name bearing an eerie resemblance to both Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.
But clearly, infamous queer mag "Out", believes that the punters are keen and curious and have published (outed?) the Top 50 for all to see.
Leading the dubiously formed list is one David Geffen, billionaire entertainment mogul who shares equal 50th ranking on the Forbes rich list with discount stock broker, Charles Schwab, just behind Steve Jobs of Apple fame. Geffen is the "G" in the Dreamworks SKG team, alongside Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Ellen DeGeneres may not make the Forbes Rich List, but she does outrank every other non-straight woman to make the Power 50 list at spot #3.
The list is overwhelmingly full of names from the fashion and entertainment industries. But there are also a number of names and tangible links to politics that suggest a very interesting road ahead for the coming Presidential election next year.
It brings an insightful perspective together about the roots and drivers of the historical gay rights campaign and also the contemporary same-sex marriage debate. The media is powerful and if a group can have significant sway over the media, it naturally flows that the same power is present in politics.
Some would argue that the "gay agenda" exists only in the minds of the homophobic zealots. As a gay man who understands the machinations of politics, I see every agenda as a real and credible threat to a healthy liberal democracy. Even one that seeks to serve my freedoms and self interests.
I'll wait and see, but Barack Hussein Obama might have a bit of an edge against Hilary Rodham Clinton, despite his name bearing an eerie resemblance to both Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.
Climate Conspiracy ... rebuttal
Further to my previous post on Climate Conspiracy comes news that the warming of Mars is probably caused by .... dust!
And a good thing it is too ... with temperatures on the red planet ranging between -107°C to -17°C (on good days), we may need some massive climate change before it can host Club Med style tourist resorts ;-)
And a good thing it is too ... with temperatures on the red planet ranging between -107°C to -17°C (on good days), we may need some massive climate change before it can host Club Med style tourist resorts ;-)
2007 Federal Election Conspiracy
The Australian Government has conspired with the United States to devise a plan of freeing David hicks that will ensure the impact of his case has an absolute minimal effect upon the impending Federal election.
Bold words perhaps, but lets look closely at the facts:
Detention
Hicks was captured in Afghanistan in December 2001 and was among the first prisoners the United States sent to Guantanamo a month later. Washington defined Hicks and others as unlawful "enemy combatants" who could not be treated the same way as prisoners of war and would not have the same rights under the Geneva Convention.
PM Reacts to National Outrage
Charged and Convicted
A US military tribunal has sentenced him to seven years in jail but he will only have to serve nine months with the rest suspended. He will serve the sentence in Australia and the USA must send him home by May 29.
The Deal
So clearly the government has one full year in which to be saved any embarrassment from Hicks' contact with media ... and the election will have been fought and won by then!
Bob Brown agrees
Bold words perhaps, but lets look closely at the facts:
Detention
Hicks was captured in Afghanistan in December 2001 and was among the first prisoners the United States sent to Guantanamo a month later. Washington defined Hicks and others as unlawful "enemy combatants" who could not be treated the same way as prisoners of war and would not have the same rights under the Geneva Convention.
PM Reacts to National Outrage
A poll in December (2006) on the Hicks case itself rocked the government. It showed that about two-thirds of Australians thought Mr Hicks should be returned to Australia, and only one-quarter supported Mr Howard's hands-off approach. Since then Mr Howard has changed his public tune, blaming America for the delays in bringing Mr Hicks to trial. That may not be enough to assuage public anger, which probably runs deep enough to affect elections in a few months' time.
The Economist, 29 March 2007
Charged and Convicted
A US military tribunal has sentenced him to seven years in jail but he will only have to serve nine months with the rest suspended. He will serve the sentence in Australia and the USA must send him home by May 29.
The Deal
Hicks's plea agreement bars him from speaking to the media for one year and says if he ever sells the rights to his story, the Australian Government will get the money. He was also banned from taking legal action against the United States. Hicks had previously said he was abused by the US military but said in his plea agreement he had "never been illegally treated while in US custody".
ABC Online, 31 March 2007
So clearly the government has one full year in which to be saved any embarrassment from Hicks' contact with media ... and the election will have been fought and won by then!
Bob Brown agrees
But Greens leader Bob Brown says Hicks's sentence is designed to keep him out of the political spotlight during this year's federal election campaign.
"This is an astonishing political fix between the Howard administration and the Bush administration," Senator Brown said.
"This is carefully choreographed to have Hicks shut up until after the election.
"That's because they know that this is an illegal process. It breaches Australia's standards of democracy, human rights, civil rights."
ABC Online, 31 March 2007
Teens uncover 55 year old lie!
Kiwi kids discover drug company lie!
International drugs conglomerate, GlaxoSmithKline, is facing court in New Zealand over misleading advertising, after two high school students discovered that Ribena, a blackcurrant drink it has been promoting for 55 years for its high Vitamin C content, contain very little of the essential nutrient.
International drugs conglomerate, GlaxoSmithKline, is facing court in New Zealand over misleading advertising, after two high school students discovered that Ribena, a blackcurrant drink it has been promoting for 55 years for its high Vitamin C content, contain very little of the essential nutrient.
The company has admitted to Australia's corporate watchdog, the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) that its marketing was misleading and its given an undertaking to explain the true nutritional makeup of Ribena on its packaging, its website and in future advertising.According to another report in the Sydney Morning Herald it seems that the multinational got confused about the vitamin C content of blackcurrants (which is supposedly 4 times higher than oranges) and the vitamin content of its popular drink.
And tomorrow the company's New Zealand subsidiary will be in court facing 15 similar charges brought by the ACCC's counterpart, the Commerce Commission, which carry a penalty of up to $3 million in fines.
"Weight for weight, the 'four times' statement is factually correct but we accept that there is a potential for confusion among consumers and have taken the action to remove that claim."Fancy that ... a drug company lying to us! What is the world coming to? LOL!
In January, the Herald reported an analysis of popular children's snack foods and beverages by the independent consumer watchdog Choice, which found that Ribena consisted of little more than sugar and water. Its essential ingredient - blackcurrants - made up just 5 per cent of content, the study found, and was a processed product made from concentrate.
Walk the walk ... like an Egyptian
Speaking of conspiracies ...
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
Human rights group Amnesty International has called the changes the greatest erosion of human rights in 26 yearsMeanwhile, the USA has only expressed "some concerns" about some of the amendments.
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
- give police wider powers of arrest and surveillance.
- ban all religious-based political activity and parties
- remove judicial supervision of elections
- change the previously socialist state into one based on "freedom of economic action"
- give the president powers to refer terrorists to any judicial authority - including military tribunals, which are not subject to appeal
- allow authorities to override articles protecting individual freedoms and privacy
Climate Conspiracy?
I've always loved a good conspiracy and continue to believe that every theory has its foundation in an element of truth, no matter how minute it may seem.
The death of Marilyn Monroe always had a fascination for conspiracy theorists linking her "suicide" to the Mafia, the CIA or even directly to the Oval Office. Now it comes out that even the FBI believed there was more to it than a simple overdose by a desperate woman.
Perhaps we'll hear more about President Kennedy's assassination or Harold Holt's underwater journey in a Chinese submarine as time goes by? ;-)
Meanwhile, over at the Washington Times, debate continues about the cause of climate change. This time the suggestion is that the United Nations is part of some conspiracy to promote human activity as the leading cause of global warming.
For the purposes of ... what, exactly? I have no idea!
Ali Sevin writes that
But if Earth is like a pot of soup sitting on a stove (the sun) that can't be turned down, surely you'd want to lift the lid a bit to allow some ventilation, rather than adding extra gases that will only serve to build up the heat! Wouldn't you?? Derrr!
Global warming or climate change by any other name is still a slow road to extinction just the same.
The death of Marilyn Monroe always had a fascination for conspiracy theorists linking her "suicide" to the Mafia, the CIA or even directly to the Oval Office. Now it comes out that even the FBI believed there was more to it than a simple overdose by a desperate woman.
Perhaps we'll hear more about President Kennedy's assassination or Harold Holt's underwater journey in a Chinese submarine as time goes by? ;-)
Meanwhile, over at the Washington Times, debate continues about the cause of climate change. This time the suggestion is that the United Nations is part of some conspiracy to promote human activity as the leading cause of global warming.
For the purposes of ... what, exactly? I have no idea!
Ali Sevin writes that
Two separate NASA landings on Mars showed the ice cap at the southern pole (frozen CO2) has been receding as a result of solar activity. If the sun is warming Mars it should also be warming the Earth unless some unknown phenomenon directs any increase in solar radiation only toward Mars.Further to this "evidence" is the airing of a documentary called "The Great Global Warming Scandal" on London's TV Channel 4 which, according to film reviews not cited by Sevin,
is a devastating blow to the U.N. report and to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth"Sevin has a point - maybe unusually large and frequent solar flares are to blame for the increase in world temperatures!
But if Earth is like a pot of soup sitting on a stove (the sun) that can't be turned down, surely you'd want to lift the lid a bit to allow some ventilation, rather than adding extra gases that will only serve to build up the heat! Wouldn't you?? Derrr!
Global warming or climate change by any other name is still a slow road to extinction just the same.
If I were a rich man ...
According to recent global research, I'm an above-average wealthy person - considerably wealthy in fact, when you bring things into perspective.
The report by the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University proclaims that the richest 2% of adults in the world own more than half of global household wealth. This excludes business, organisational and government wealth.
Further statistics demonstrate how the richest 1% of adults accounted for 40% of household assets in the year 2000, and that the richest 10% of adults accounted for 85% of the world total. In contrast, the bottom half of the world adult population owned a mere 1% share.
Whichever way you say it, there is no doubt that we have a massive skew in the distribution of assets and personal wealth across the globe. I'm going to keep the argument of lifestyle, quality of life, health and happiness out of this for moment, and make the assumption that each of these has a significant correlation to the relative income and assets of an individual. Money won't make you happy, but it certainly can take a few worries away from a starving family living in the dirt in a developing nation!
The report also found that just $2,200 of assets per adult placed a household in the top half of the world wealth distribution. To be among the richest 10% of adults in the world required just $61,000 in assets, and $500,000 qualified you for entry to the richest 1% along with 37 million others worldwide.
It was also noted that
Facsinating reading - it really does put your own life into perspective!
The report by the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University proclaims that the richest 2% of adults in the world own more than half of global household wealth. This excludes business, organisational and government wealth.
Further statistics demonstrate how the richest 1% of adults accounted for 40% of household assets in the year 2000, and that the richest 10% of adults accounted for 85% of the world total. In contrast, the bottom half of the world adult population owned a mere 1% share.
Whichever way you say it, there is no doubt that we have a massive skew in the distribution of assets and personal wealth across the globe. I'm going to keep the argument of lifestyle, quality of life, health and happiness out of this for moment, and make the assumption that each of these has a significant correlation to the relative income and assets of an individual. Money won't make you happy, but it certainly can take a few worries away from a starving family living in the dirt in a developing nation!
The report also found that just $2,200 of assets per adult placed a household in the top half of the world wealth distribution. To be among the richest 10% of adults in the world required just $61,000 in assets, and $500,000 qualified you for entry to the richest 1% along with 37 million others worldwide.
It was also noted that
many people in high-income countries have negative net worth and—somewhat paradoxically—are among the poorest people in the world in terms of household wealth
Facsinating reading - it really does put your own life into perspective!
Australia Deliberated ... and, what now?
I've been asked why I haven't reported further on the recent deliberative poll in Canberra.
It isn't because of laziness, although I am a major procrastinator at times. And it isn't because of any disinterest in the topic or a dwindling motivation to see the issues resolved.
My silence has primarily been due to a critical lack of direction or sense of conclusion. I left Canberra feeling at a loss and with some disappointment in how the proceedings were brought to a swift and insalubrious end.
"Fill out a survey, here's a cheque for $100, buses will leave at the appointed times and thank you ... now go and have lunch and listen to Bob Hawke sing Waltzing Matilda"Ummm! But, excuse me ... What should we do now?
We had several dozen groups of people from all over the nation, brought together as strangers, all leaving with a sense that more needed to be done. Our work wasn't complete. We couldn't just send everyone away without some conclusion, some closure, some sense of a future direction. Yet, that's exactly what happened.
Most of us want to help break down these barriers; to keep the media accountable for their biased reporting; to educate others and facilitate harmony and interaction and pursue the goal of a truly multicultural society where no-one was abused for their beliefs or threatened by the beliefs of others.Come in, spinner!
Alas, this weekend was not about developing solutions. It had very little to do with Islam in Australian society, and it certainly had nothing to achieve except to promote a system of political polling and facilitating some behavioural research.
It has taken me all this time to admit to myself the futility of this process in facilitating change on a large scale. Certainly, there were many individuals who were inspired to be better people; to take the message of unity back to their local communities, their families, workplaces and schools. But very little can be accomplished on a broader scale when the participants were swiftly dispersed without so much as a brief discussion on taking "the next step".
Perhaps I misled myself into thinking that a forum such as this would be a catalyst for change. No-one promised me that the weekend would provide answers, yet I went fully expecting to be part of the grand solution. Nobody suggested that this was an exercise in negotiation or diplomacy, but still my expectations were high for an outcome of significant proportions.
Three weeks after this extraordinary weekend, I am left sullen and void of satisfaction. It was a great holiday and an awesome opportunity to visit Canberra. It was also a wonderful way to meet some colourful characters and interesting individuals, partake of some excellent education and stimulating discourse. However, it was merely a talk fest amidst a series of research projects - nothing more!Of course, there is a lot that I can do (and will do) as an individual, but I really feel that without some groundswell of support from the wider community, there will be little to achieve in pushing this barrow.
C'est la vie!
The Gender pay gap - fact or fiction?
Every year the same questionable report gets trotted out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and every year the media lap it up without so much as a blink!
human Resource magazine was one of publications to spew forth the recycled hyperbole Australians have heard year after year. In their article, Women behind in pay stakes, they claim that "There is a significant gap between male and female earnings, according to a recent Australian Bureau of statistics (ABS) report".
Fair call, one might say after skimming the superficial statistics. But sit and think and ask yourself the following questions before coming to a conclusion ...
human Resource magazine was one of publications to spew forth the recycled hyperbole Australians have heard year after year. In their article, Women behind in pay stakes, they claim that "There is a significant gap between male and female earnings, according to a recent Australian Bureau of statistics (ABS) report".
Fair call, one might say after skimming the superficial statistics. But sit and think and ask yourself the following questions before coming to a conclusion ...
- Is gender THE differentiating factor, or do elements like time in the field, capability to be a slave to the job, and career drivers play more of an important role?
- Why does the media only report the average earnings, knowing that women are more commonly employed in lower paid occupations (e.g. hospitality) while highly paid occupations (e.g. tradespeople in mining) are predominantly male? This in itself will skew the survey results!
- What factor does significant time away (e.g. maternity leave & child rearing) from a technical occupation, such as accounting, have on the remuneration afforded to women? It seems that some voices are asking that employers pay equal remuneration on a gender basis regardless of all other factors! The fact that a woman may take 5 years away from her career seems to mean little to the lobbyists, who just want equal pay, end of story! Isn't it funny how we don't have cries from young people seeking pay that is on par to the nearly retired!
As a recruiter the arguments don't wash with me. I see men and women getting equal pay everyday in my job, however the issue is that the majority of CFOs tend to be male, while the majority of accounts support staff tend to be female. Notwithstanding that there are some exceptional cases of sexism, I believe that the majority of pay disparity is due to decisions made by the individual and very little to do with glass ceilings or gender disparity.
But then again .. I am, more than likely, a sexist male!
Attitude, stupid!
So, I was telling my folks about my weekend in Canberra and my Father asks "Are they going to run one for New Zealanders in Australia?"
... Ummm, No Dad ....
"What about Pakistanis in Australia?"
... Ahhh - nooo (waiting for it) ...
"Well, why are they running one for fucking Muslims?"
*sigh*
Because of exactly that kind of attitude, Dad!
... Ummm, No Dad ....
"What about Pakistanis in Australia?"
... Ahhh - nooo (waiting for it) ...
"Well, why are they running one for fucking Muslims?"
*sigh*
Because of exactly that kind of attitude, Dad!
Muslims and non-Muslims in Australia
This coming weekend will see me join 350 other Australians from around the country in old Parliament House, Canberra for a another epic forum under the banner of "Australia Deliberates". This will be the third such event to be held on a national basis, following on from the success of the republic and reconciliation issues.
I've given up my planned party weekend in Sydney (Mardi Gras and the amazing Toybox Luna Park *sob sob*) to attend this event and am very excited to be a participant.
I really don't know what to expect, but I'm under no illusions that I will be confronted by ignorance and arrogance, fundamentalist views, religious indoctrination, fear, and a range of emotions and reactions to some mighty important issues that will be discussed this weekend.
I'm also keeping an open mind - I don't think that I'm immune from having my views challenged, my perceptions altered or my opinion changed for the greater good.
More reports at the end of the week, or check out www.ida.org.au for details of the event.
I've given up my planned party weekend in Sydney (Mardi Gras and the amazing Toybox Luna Park *sob sob*) to attend this event and am very excited to be a participant.
I really don't know what to expect, but I'm under no illusions that I will be confronted by ignorance and arrogance, fundamentalist views, religious indoctrination, fear, and a range of emotions and reactions to some mighty important issues that will be discussed this weekend.
I'm also keeping an open mind - I don't think that I'm immune from having my views challenged, my perceptions altered or my opinion changed for the greater good.
More reports at the end of the week, or check out www.ida.org.au for details of the event.
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