Students to take anti-bullying classes at G-D schools - Nashoba Publishing Online
Middle-school principal Steve Silverman said after the forum, the information that had been gathered over the public-review period was taken into account and added to the plan where applicable and a final draft was prepared for the School Committee.
In addition, Silverman said that a new bullying and violence prevention component would be added to the middle school's existing wellness education program with fifth-graders taking "understanding, preventing, and stopping bullying;" sixth-graders taking "conflict resolution and violence prevention;" seventh-graders taking "hazing and cyber bullying;" and eighth-graders taking "voices against violence, the power of bystanders."
The state defines bullying as "the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or physical act or gesture or any combination of those directed at a target that causes physical or emotional harm, or damage to property, places the target in reasonable fear of harm, or of damage to his property, that creates a hostile environment at school, infringes on the rights of a target at school, or materially or substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school."
Congratulations to Steve Silverman for implementing what I always advocate "education is the key", they will see violence decreasing in the school and community.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
This report presents the results of the largest study ever conducted into the law, policy and practice of primary school teachers’ reporting of child sexual abuse in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The study included the largest Australian survey of teachers about reporting sexual abuse, in both government and non-government schools.
The seven key areas, and the essence of our findings, are:
1. Nature of State legislative duties to report child sexual abuse
In each State there are elements of the legislation which require amendment to improve legal and practical soundness. These amendments are easily achievable and are cost-neutral. This is especially important for Queensland, where amendments are most necessary.
3. Government data about teachers’ actual past reporting of child sexual abuse
Teachers are making an enormously valuable contribution to child protection, detecting hundreds of cases of child sexual abuse every year. However, there are features of teachers’ reporting practices that can be enhanced within each State, both to reduce failure to report child sexual abuse, and to avoid the making of reports that are not necessary. Three key features are: a small but significant proportion of teachers have never reported when suspecting abuse; in New South Wales, the evidence indicates there may be a degree of overreporting; and in Western Australia, the evidence indicates there may be a degree of failure to report.
4. Teachers’ training about reporting duties
Teachers in each sector in each State require more and better training, both preservice and inservice. Teachers with higher levels of training are more knowledgeable about their duty to report sexual abuse and are better equipped to discharge the reporting duty. We suggest ways in which teachers can be trained more effectively, including in preservice teacher education and ensuring that, at inservice levels,
Read the full report
The seven key areas, and the essence of our findings, are:
1. Nature of State legislative duties to report child sexual abuse
In each State there are elements of the legislation which require amendment to improve legal and practical soundness. These amendments are easily achievable and are cost-neutral. This is especially important for Queensland, where amendments are most necessary.
3. Government data about teachers’ actual past reporting of child sexual abuse
Teachers are making an enormously valuable contribution to child protection, detecting hundreds of cases of child sexual abuse every year. However, there are features of teachers’ reporting practices that can be enhanced within each State, both to reduce failure to report child sexual abuse, and to avoid the making of reports that are not necessary. Three key features are: a small but significant proportion of teachers have never reported when suspecting abuse; in New South Wales, the evidence indicates there may be a degree of overreporting; and in Western Australia, the evidence indicates there may be a degree of failure to report.
4. Teachers’ training about reporting duties
Teachers in each sector in each State require more and better training, both preservice and inservice. Teachers with higher levels of training are more knowledgeable about their duty to report sexual abuse and are better equipped to discharge the reporting duty. We suggest ways in which teachers can be trained more effectively, including in preservice teacher education and ensuring that, at inservice levels,
Read the full report
Kebab shops are 'top spot for violence' | News.com.au
Kebab shops are 'top spot for violence' | News.com.au
He has urged parents, friends and girlfriends of young men to encourage a more sensible approach to going out.
"For some reason, our society has become more violent and all the rules of engagement that were around 10 years ago, like one-on-one fights and one punch, no longer apply," Dr Fulde said.
"We now have situations where someone is down on the ground and they're still being hit. Then there are packs of men who jump in and kick, stomp and punch the person."
In one of the most shocking cases, a man was killed after his attacker took offence to the way he was staring in a Hungry Jack's store.
What are we doing to address this growing violence?
Young men see media reporting crimes perpetuated by famous people such sexual abuse, drugs and violence against women with no serious consequences socially or by law.
If this is acceptable against women and children certainly no big deal to exert violence against other men.
The only way to decrease violence is not only to give them football, and sport but also to provide them with education and support in their teens and young age.
Schools should provide education in areas such as conflict resolution, empathy, etc.
A new curriculum will certainly make a difference, we want to continue feeling safe when we go out, please maintain our Aussie way and stop this nonsense, cruel violence.
Education is the key.
He has urged parents, friends and girlfriends of young men to encourage a more sensible approach to going out.
"For some reason, our society has become more violent and all the rules of engagement that were around 10 years ago, like one-on-one fights and one punch, no longer apply," Dr Fulde said.
"We now have situations where someone is down on the ground and they're still being hit. Then there are packs of men who jump in and kick, stomp and punch the person."
In one of the most shocking cases, a man was killed after his attacker took offence to the way he was staring in a Hungry Jack's store.
What are we doing to address this growing violence?
Young men see media reporting crimes perpetuated by famous people such sexual abuse, drugs and violence against women with no serious consequences socially or by law.
If this is acceptable against women and children certainly no big deal to exert violence against other men.
The only way to decrease violence is not only to give them football, and sport but also to provide them with education and support in their teens and young age.
Schools should provide education in areas such as conflict resolution, empathy, etc.
A new curriculum will certainly make a difference, we want to continue feeling safe when we go out, please maintain our Aussie way and stop this nonsense, cruel violence.
Education is the key.
Mix cowards and cruelty and you end up with these two monsters
Shetland pony injured but alive after Christmas Day torture | News.com.au
A SHETLAND pony is lucky to be alive after being cruelly dragged by a rope behind a car on Christmas Day in southeast Queensland, the RSPCA says.
This is the kind of people you do not want spend your Christmas day with.
To exert such cruelty on a defenseless animal is inexplicable.
A SHETLAND pony is lucky to be alive after being cruelly dragged by a rope behind a car on Christmas Day in southeast Queensland, the RSPCA says.
This is the kind of people you do not want spend your Christmas day with.
To exert such cruelty on a defenseless animal is inexplicable.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Medical bionics - Key text
Medical bionics - Key text
You only have to go to the movies to get an insight into the possibilities of bionics. The films Terminator, Ironman and Robocop all feature characters with artificial body parts.
One of the most well-known examples is Anakin Skywalker, of the Star Wars films. Skywalker was left for dead following a light sabre duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Having lost both legs and an arm and with his body badly burned, Skywalker was transformed into Darth Vader, with his distinctive black armour working as a life support system. Likewise, his son Luke Skywalker also received a bionic right hand after it was cut off in a light sabre duel.
Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker might be fictional characters from a galaxy far, far away, but creation of high-tech artificial body parts is already science fact here on Earth.
Research is underway in several key areas and although much has been achieved, bionics is still very much in its infancy. Scientists are striving to develop better controlled, lighter, smaller, more life-like and affordable bionic options. Here’s a rundown on the body parts you might be using in years to come.
Wonderful what this technology will do for so many people living with disabilities, I also wish humanity could evolve in other areas as well as we do in technology, for example:empathy.
You only have to go to the movies to get an insight into the possibilities of bionics. The films Terminator, Ironman and Robocop all feature characters with artificial body parts.
One of the most well-known examples is Anakin Skywalker, of the Star Wars films. Skywalker was left for dead following a light sabre duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Having lost both legs and an arm and with his body badly burned, Skywalker was transformed into Darth Vader, with his distinctive black armour working as a life support system. Likewise, his son Luke Skywalker also received a bionic right hand after it was cut off in a light sabre duel.
Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker might be fictional characters from a galaxy far, far away, but creation of high-tech artificial body parts is already science fact here on Earth.
Research is underway in several key areas and although much has been achieved, bionics is still very much in its infancy. Scientists are striving to develop better controlled, lighter, smaller, more life-like and affordable bionic options. Here’s a rundown on the body parts you might be using in years to come.
Wonderful what this technology will do for so many people living with disabilities, I also wish humanity could evolve in other areas as well as we do in technology, for example:empathy.
Fearless woman helps unlock anxiety puzzle › News in Science (ABC Science)
Fearless woman helps unlock anxiety puzzle › News in Science (ABC Science)
A woman in the US who is incapable of experiencing fear could lead researchers towards a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety conditions.
The study, by researchers at the University of Iowa, University of California, Los Angeles, and California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, centred on a 44-year-old woman who is missing a part of her brain essential for processing and acting on fear.
"Normally, the amygdala is constantly sorting through all the information coming into our brain through the different senses in order to rapidly detect anything that might impact our survival," he says.
"Once it detects danger, the amygdala orchestrates a rapid full-body response that compels us to stay away from the threat, thereby improving our chances for survival."
Scientists have known for more than thirty years that the amygdala, a tiny almond-shaped part of the brain, plays an important role in multiple aspects of fear processing. Work with rats and monkeys also demonstrated the amygdala was responsible for fear conditioning, fear recognition and fear-related behaviours.
But little was known about the amygdala's role in the conscious experience of fear, as animal subjects aren't able to report on their internal subjective experience.
That's where the patient referred to as SM comes into the picture. She has a rare condition, which has left lesions on both bilateral amygdala, essentially disconnecting the part of her brain that recognises and processes fear.
The researchers say SM performs within the normal range on standardised IQ tests, memory, language, and perception, and her emotional responses only seem to be limited when it comes to fear.
The authors say by studying SM, they can confirm for the first time that the amygdala is also required for triggering the feeling of fear in humans.
This study could offer wonders to people suffering of PTS but havoc int the wrong hands...
A woman in the US who is incapable of experiencing fear could lead researchers towards a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety conditions.
The study, by researchers at the University of Iowa, University of California, Los Angeles, and California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, centred on a 44-year-old woman who is missing a part of her brain essential for processing and acting on fear.
"Normally, the amygdala is constantly sorting through all the information coming into our brain through the different senses in order to rapidly detect anything that might impact our survival," he says.
"Once it detects danger, the amygdala orchestrates a rapid full-body response that compels us to stay away from the threat, thereby improving our chances for survival."
Scientists have known for more than thirty years that the amygdala, a tiny almond-shaped part of the brain, plays an important role in multiple aspects of fear processing. Work with rats and monkeys also demonstrated the amygdala was responsible for fear conditioning, fear recognition and fear-related behaviours.
But little was known about the amygdala's role in the conscious experience of fear, as animal subjects aren't able to report on their internal subjective experience.
That's where the patient referred to as SM comes into the picture. She has a rare condition, which has left lesions on both bilateral amygdala, essentially disconnecting the part of her brain that recognises and processes fear.
The researchers say SM performs within the normal range on standardised IQ tests, memory, language, and perception, and her emotional responses only seem to be limited when it comes to fear.
The authors say by studying SM, they can confirm for the first time that the amygdala is also required for triggering the feeling of fear in humans.
This study could offer wonders to people suffering of PTS but havoc int the wrong hands...
Japanese tourist claims man told her: 'You must have sex with me or die' | News.com.au
Japanese tourist claims man told her: 'You must have sex with me or die' | News.com.au
What do you expect this man will do in the future? No consequences so will he offend again?
What do you expect this man will do in the future? No consequences so will he offend again?
Honey best hangover cure - scientists | News.com.au
Honey best hangover cure - scientists | News.com.au
HONEY is being hailed as a new hangover cure, with scientists claiming the natural sweetener helps break down alcohol.
Scientists from Britain's Royal Society of Chemistry claimed that the fructose in honey is an essential compound that helps the body break down alcohol into harmless by-products, The (London) Daily Telegraph reported Friday.
Dr John Emsley said that hangovers are caused by alcohol breaking down into the toxic substance acetaldehyde. The body can then use fructose to convert the compound into acetic acid, which is burned up naturally by the body.
Putting honey on toast could be even more effective because it adds potassium and sodium, which also help process alcohol.
Better not drink in excess but if you do in this festive season have honey on toast for breakfast.
HONEY is being hailed as a new hangover cure, with scientists claiming the natural sweetener helps break down alcohol.
Scientists from Britain's Royal Society of Chemistry claimed that the fructose in honey is an essential compound that helps the body break down alcohol into harmless by-products, The (London) Daily Telegraph reported Friday.
Dr John Emsley said that hangovers are caused by alcohol breaking down into the toxic substance acetaldehyde. The body can then use fructose to convert the compound into acetic acid, which is burned up naturally by the body.
Putting honey on toast could be even more effective because it adds potassium and sodium, which also help process alcohol.
Better not drink in excess but if you do in this festive season have honey on toast for breakfast.
Assange's accusers are WikiLeaks fans | News.com.au
Assange's accusers are WikiLeaks fans | News.com.au
Even in gender-conscious Sweden, Borgstrom has raised eyebrows for speaking out so strongly against the male norms he says still pervade Swedish society.
He has said all men bear a collective responsibility for the fact that some men abuse women. In 2006, he even proposed that Sweden withdraw from soccer's World Cup because of an expected surge in the sex trade in host nation Germany, where prostitution is legal.
"What happens during the World Cup is that women are imported - in the full sense of the word - to meet the demands from the men going there to buy sex," Borgstrom told Swedish TV at the time.
His proposal was rejected by the Swedish soccer federation and Sweden took part in the tournament as planned.
Mr Borgstrom has previously described his passion for women's rights and equality as bordering on an obsession.
"Now that I really have put on my 'gender goggles' I see everything through them," he was quoted as saying in 2004 by the tabloid Aftonbladet.
A 2009 study funded by the European Commission found Sweden had the highest rate of reported sex offences among 24 European countries - 47 per 100,000 citizens - though only 10 per cent led to convictions.
The high number of complaints doesn't necessarily mean rape is more common in Sweden but that victims are just more likely to step forward, Mr Borgstrom said.
"We have better knowledge than other countries in the field of gender equality," he said. "That also means women don't accept certain things in the same way they do in other countries."
Will there be a day that the majority of men will see the same way as Mr. Borgstrom?
In name of all the abused women and children that suffer every day in this world we need good men to step up, and help the world to become a fair and better place to millions of women and children.
Children labor, slavery and many other rights were conquered in many countries and humanity evolved.
I just hope that one day men,women and children will be treated equally in the media, school, home, work, the court of law and they can say at last discrimination has ended.
Even in gender-conscious Sweden, Borgstrom has raised eyebrows for speaking out so strongly against the male norms he says still pervade Swedish society.
He has said all men bear a collective responsibility for the fact that some men abuse women. In 2006, he even proposed that Sweden withdraw from soccer's World Cup because of an expected surge in the sex trade in host nation Germany, where prostitution is legal.
"What happens during the World Cup is that women are imported - in the full sense of the word - to meet the demands from the men going there to buy sex," Borgstrom told Swedish TV at the time.
His proposal was rejected by the Swedish soccer federation and Sweden took part in the tournament as planned.
Mr Borgstrom has previously described his passion for women's rights and equality as bordering on an obsession.
"Now that I really have put on my 'gender goggles' I see everything through them," he was quoted as saying in 2004 by the tabloid Aftonbladet.
A 2009 study funded by the European Commission found Sweden had the highest rate of reported sex offences among 24 European countries - 47 per 100,000 citizens - though only 10 per cent led to convictions.
The high number of complaints doesn't necessarily mean rape is more common in Sweden but that victims are just more likely to step forward, Mr Borgstrom said.
"We have better knowledge than other countries in the field of gender equality," he said. "That also means women don't accept certain things in the same way they do in other countries."
Will there be a day that the majority of men will see the same way as Mr. Borgstrom?
In name of all the abused women and children that suffer every day in this world we need good men to step up, and help the world to become a fair and better place to millions of women and children.
Children labor, slavery and many other rights were conquered in many countries and humanity evolved.
I just hope that one day men,women and children will be treated equally in the media, school, home, work, the court of law and they can say at last discrimination has ended.
Sex assault after accepting lift | News.com.au
Sex assault after accepting lift | News.com.au
A WOMAN has been sexually assaulted after accepting a lift from a man on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Police say the woman was walking past bushland near Ourimbah railway station about 7pm (AEDT) last night when a man driving a white utility pulled up alongside her and offered her a lift.
Someone is not teaching men that NO is NO and rape is an horrendous crime.
Famous people such as sports idols, stars and the media play an important role on it, and I do not see an outrageous community portrayed in the media about pedophilia and rape, the report of the crime is casual and often the sentences are as well.
Rape women and children often will never enjoy a normal healthy life, and it is about time that the media and the law punishes this crime accordingly.
A WOMAN has been sexually assaulted after accepting a lift from a man on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Police say the woman was walking past bushland near Ourimbah railway station about 7pm (AEDT) last night when a man driving a white utility pulled up alongside her and offered her a lift.
Someone is not teaching men that NO is NO and rape is an horrendous crime.
Famous people such as sports idols, stars and the media play an important role on it, and I do not see an outrageous community portrayed in the media about pedophilia and rape, the report of the crime is casual and often the sentences are as well.
Rape women and children often will never enjoy a normal healthy life, and it is about time that the media and the law punishes this crime accordingly.
AFL Players and Management shameful treatment of a child
Girl agrees to destroy nude player photos - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
We are allowing the media and AFL management/players with all their mighty power to persecute this young girl.
How can the media be silenced when these players were given the opportunity by the school to contact such young girls and took advantage of their inexperience and young age?
Is the media bias?
I do not see many shocked by it, why not? Are sport fans blind to the scandalous attitudes of their idols?
If you are famous or a player is it acceptable to rape,beat and pedophilia?
Where are the protesting voices? Is decency a word of the past?
Are decent men so afraid of peer pressure that they went silent?
If they took action against this type of attitude by their sport idols, we would not be reading time and time again rape, beating and women and now children abuse.
Please not children, leaving them alone and stop schools visits until we can trust their integrity.
We are allowing the media and AFL management/players with all their mighty power to persecute this young girl.
How can the media be silenced when these players were given the opportunity by the school to contact such young girls and took advantage of their inexperience and young age?
Is the media bias?
I do not see many shocked by it, why not? Are sport fans blind to the scandalous attitudes of their idols?
If you are famous or a player is it acceptable to rape,beat and pedophilia?
Where are the protesting voices? Is decency a word of the past?
Are decent men so afraid of peer pressure that they went silent?
If they took action against this type of attitude by their sport idols, we would not be reading time and time again rape, beating and women and now children abuse.
Please not children, leaving them alone and stop schools visits until we can trust their integrity.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy the answer and if so, what is the responsibility of the media and programs such as Australia Idol, X-factor, etc?
Are we allowing and legitimating bullying socially when broadcasting programs that do humiliate and bully someone because of their looks and their presumed inadequacies?
What are we saying to our youth? That there is nothing wrong and socially unacceptable in making fun of the different and less fortunate.
We are making our future and it does not look pretty...
Ten Weirdest New Animals of 2010: Editors' Picks
Ten Weirdest New Animals of 2010: Editors' PicksThe up-to-three-inch-long (about seven-centimeter-long) leech has large teeth, like its dinosaur namesake Tyrannosaurus rex
Squid? Worm? Initially, this new species—with bristle-based "paddles" for swimming and tentacles on its head—so perplexed Census of Marine Life researchers that they threw in the towel and simply called it squidworm, National Geographic News reported in November.
A new purple octopus,a tube-nosed fruit bat,long-tailed slug is found that shoots its mate with "love darts" made of calcium carbonate and spiked with hormoneshence its nickname: ninja slug.
A new monkey species in Myanmar is so snub-nosed that rainfall is said to makes it sneeze
A new species of armored, wood-eating catfish (pictured underwater) found in the Amazon rain forest feeds on a fallen tree in the Santa Ana River in Peru in 2006
the newfound Leiolepis ngovantrii is no run-of-the-mill reptile—the all-female species reproduces via cloning, without the need for male lizards.
Using its fins to walk, rather than swim, along the ocean floor in an undated picture, the pink handfish is one of nine newly named species described in a scientific review of the handfish family released in May.
Follow the links and see their photos.
Squid? Worm? Initially, this new species—with bristle-based "paddles" for swimming and tentacles on its head—so perplexed Census of Marine Life researchers that they threw in the towel and simply called it squidworm, National Geographic News reported in November.
A new purple octopus,a tube-nosed fruit bat,long-tailed slug is found that shoots its mate with "love darts" made of calcium carbonate and spiked with hormoneshence its nickname: ninja slug.
A new monkey species in Myanmar is so snub-nosed that rainfall is said to makes it sneeze
A new species of armored, wood-eating catfish (pictured underwater) found in the Amazon rain forest feeds on a fallen tree in the Santa Ana River in Peru in 2006
the newfound Leiolepis ngovantrii is no run-of-the-mill reptile—the all-female species reproduces via cloning, without the need for male lizards.
Using its fins to walk, rather than swim, along the ocean floor in an undated picture, the pink handfish is one of nine newly named species described in a scientific review of the handfish family released in May.
Follow the links and see their photos.
All internet porn will be blocked to protect children, under UK government plan | News.com.au
All internet porn will be blocked to protect children, under UK government plan | News.com.au
THE UK Government is to combat the early sexualization of children by blocking internet pornography unless parents request it, it was revealed today.
The move is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to sex as a routine by-product of the internet. It follows warnings about the hidden damage being done to children by sex sites.
With so many pedophilia and pornography in the internet it is a monumental and quite impossible task for parents to protect their children.
It makes sense to block all internet porn, it is about time that we put children rights in front of adult rights to sexual entertainment.
Australia should follow their example.
THE UK Government is to combat the early sexualization of children by blocking internet pornography unless parents request it, it was revealed today.
The move is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to sex as a routine by-product of the internet. It follows warnings about the hidden damage being done to children by sex sites.
With so many pedophilia and pornography in the internet it is a monumental and quite impossible task for parents to protect their children.
It makes sense to block all internet porn, it is about time that we put children rights in front of adult rights to sexual entertainment.
Australia should follow their example.
High school coaching clinics a danger for teen girls
Nick Riewoldt to front the media as teen warns more nude pics of St Kilda players to come | News.com.au
The girl claimed this year she had become pregnant to an AFL star after meeting players at a school clinic.
An investigation followed and the AFL and St Kilda Football Club cleared two players of inappropriate behaviour in May.
The 17-year-old girl reportedly said she met players at a high school football coaching clinic and later re-introduced herself to them in Sydney after the club's round one match against the Swans on March 27.
The constant sex scandals attributed to players are red flags to school football coaching clinics.
Our schools have an obligation to protect our children and not put them at risk by introducing them to sick, unsafe individuals.
How do you think a parent should feel if our schools introduces students to sex industry workers?
Australian sports institutions are treating women as sexual objects, do they have mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends?
Who is in charge of these players? No one is teaching them how to be decent good men? What role models do they have?
We constantly read stories of sexual abuse with no consequences, what are decent men doing about it?
Fix your clubs and educate your players, meanwhile our schools students should not be taking part in any football coaching clinics.
The girl claimed this year she had become pregnant to an AFL star after meeting players at a school clinic.
An investigation followed and the AFL and St Kilda Football Club cleared two players of inappropriate behaviour in May.
The 17-year-old girl reportedly said she met players at a high school football coaching clinic and later re-introduced herself to them in Sydney after the club's round one match against the Swans on March 27.
The constant sex scandals attributed to players are red flags to school football coaching clinics.
Our schools have an obligation to protect our children and not put them at risk by introducing them to sick, unsafe individuals.
How do you think a parent should feel if our schools introduces students to sex industry workers?
Australian sports institutions are treating women as sexual objects, do they have mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends?
Who is in charge of these players? No one is teaching them how to be decent good men? What role models do they have?
We constantly read stories of sexual abuse with no consequences, what are decent men doing about it?
Fix your clubs and educate your players, meanwhile our schools students should not be taking part in any football coaching clinics.
Simone devastated by latest Warne scandal | News.com.au
Simone devastated by latest Warne scandal | News.com.au
SHANE Warne's ex Simone Callahan has been left humiliated and heartbroken by his latest exploits with Liz Hurley and Melbourne woman Adele Angeleri.
New Idea magazine reports the long-suffering WAG thought she and Warne were back together and was even considering remarrying the former test star until his fling with Hurley was revealed in an English newspaper.
According to the magazine, a devastated Simone has fled the couple's new $9 million Victorian-style mansion in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton and has not seen Shane since he returned from London
I feel sorry for any women with children, when they have "sick" husbands, and Simone's husband is very "toxic". I am afraid forever be.
He does not even care about the damage he is causing to his ex and own children, Simone should remove herself from his drama sex movies.
SHANE Warne's ex Simone Callahan has been left humiliated and heartbroken by his latest exploits with Liz Hurley and Melbourne woman Adele Angeleri.
New Idea magazine reports the long-suffering WAG thought she and Warne were back together and was even considering remarrying the former test star until his fling with Hurley was revealed in an English newspaper.
According to the magazine, a devastated Simone has fled the couple's new $9 million Victorian-style mansion in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton and has not seen Shane since he returned from London
I feel sorry for any women with children, when they have "sick" husbands, and Simone's husband is very "toxic". I am afraid forever be.
He does not even care about the damage he is causing to his ex and own children, Simone should remove herself from his drama sex movies.
16 years old girl raped, their 20 year old rapist was pardoned, she was given 101 lashes and family outcasted by Sharia Law
Imam arrested after flogged woman dies in Bangladesh | News.com.au
In one of the most notorious cases, a 16-year-old girl who was raped was given 101 lashes in January for conceiving during the assault.
The girl’s father was also fined and was told that the family would be branded outcasts from their village if he did not pay. The 20-year-old rapist was pardoned.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has vowed to eradicate Islamic militancy, has warned of “zero tolerance” for Sharia punishments.
How can a victim be punished and a perpetrator be pardoned? Inhumane, unfair in one word barbaric.
How can someone justify this type of judgment and accept such act of injustice?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a brave man, hopefully many more decent men will stand up to such barbaric acts of injustice.
Australia can never accept Sharia law.
In one of the most notorious cases, a 16-year-old girl who was raped was given 101 lashes in January for conceiving during the assault.
The girl’s father was also fined and was told that the family would be branded outcasts from their village if he did not pay. The 20-year-old rapist was pardoned.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has vowed to eradicate Islamic militancy, has warned of “zero tolerance” for Sharia punishments.
How can a victim be punished and a perpetrator be pardoned? Inhumane, unfair in one word barbaric.
How can someone justify this type of judgment and accept such act of injustice?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a brave man, hopefully many more decent men will stand up to such barbaric acts of injustice.
Australia can never accept Sharia law.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
People 'thrown through air' as boat smashed into rocks What kind of life their own country is offering them? Australia do not change ever
People 'thrown through air' as boat smashed into rocks - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
"It was a horrific scene with people being thrown through the air, boards being thrown 30 metres up in the air and raining down amongst the volunteers. It was just a seriously horrific situation.
"I don't believe a single one of them could swim. There were no life boats [or] life jackets on board, or maybe one or two. It's starting to become a little bit difficult for me to remember.
"But when those people were in the water, that's when we were all busy passing out our own life jackets down to them.
"Christmas islanders volunteered together or banded together and we saved a lot of lives, though not enough.
"People are disturbed by the scenes here, most definitely. Certainly I am.
"I've got some very unsettling images and I can't imagine I'm going to forget the sight of a small girl lying face down in the water with a life jacket around her."
======
We can only imagine the desperation a human being feels, to make them get into a boat with their children and so many people without ever learning how to swim.
What kind of life their own country is offering them?
I just hope we all understand how lucky we are, and honor their sacrifice by cherishing and loving this wonderful country that is Australia.
Enjoy, respect and love, we live in a country where there is peace, and wonderful opportunities for me, you and all. Australia do not change...
"It was a horrific scene with people being thrown through the air, boards being thrown 30 metres up in the air and raining down amongst the volunteers. It was just a seriously horrific situation.
"I don't believe a single one of them could swim. There were no life boats [or] life jackets on board, or maybe one or two. It's starting to become a little bit difficult for me to remember.
"But when those people were in the water, that's when we were all busy passing out our own life jackets down to them.
"Christmas islanders volunteered together or banded together and we saved a lot of lives, though not enough.
"People are disturbed by the scenes here, most definitely. Certainly I am.
"I've got some very unsettling images and I can't imagine I'm going to forget the sight of a small girl lying face down in the water with a life jacket around her."
======
We can only imagine the desperation a human being feels, to make them get into a boat with their children and so many people without ever learning how to swim.
What kind of life their own country is offering them?
I just hope we all understand how lucky we are, and honor their sacrifice by cherishing and loving this wonderful country that is Australia.
Enjoy, respect and love, we live in a country where there is peace, and wonderful opportunities for me, you and all. Australia do not change...
Riots return to the streets of Athens - Aren't we lucky to be living in Australia?
Riots return to the streets of Athens - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Greek police have clashed with protesters in Athens as unions stage a general strike against government austerity measures.
It is so sad to see so many people in so many countries suffering due to the World recession. Aren't we lucky to be living in Australia?
Greek police have clashed with protesters in Athens as unions stage a general strike against government austerity measures.
It is so sad to see so many people in so many countries suffering due to the World recession. Aren't we lucky to be living in Australia?
Journalism: Not just another business model - Unleashed (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Journalism: Not just another business model - Unleashed (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
If nothing else, I just wish that more of our public debate can be moved back onto the question of whether journalism itself is performing the function we expect it to, rather than dwell endlessly on the far less important issue of the way it is funded.
If nothing else, I just wish that more of our public debate can be moved back onto the question of whether journalism itself is performing the function we expect it to, rather than dwell endlessly on the far less important issue of the way it is funded.
Facebook police walk the beat | Social Barrel
Facebook police walk the beat | Social Barrel
Facebook chief executive and co-founder Mark Zuckerburg says his website helps bring people together, and makes the world a better place, but this has to be balanced against other online activities like harassment or bullying. When Zuckerburg’s vision of an internet utopia where we all come together and get along falls short, Facebook’s virtual police squad are put to work.
Facebook’s role in the ongoing debate over free speech on the internet was underscored last week after important government and company websites like PayPal and MasterCard, viewed as hostile to Wikileaks, were attacked by hackers. Wikileak supporters put up a Facebook page in order to organize hacking attacks. Facebook took down the page saying it violated terms of service which prohibit content that is pornographic, threatening, hateful, or incites violence or illegal acts. However, Facebook did not take down Wikileak’s Facebook pages.
======
Do not take for granted free speech protect it, and do not allow bullying, pedophilia, racism, hate, threatening violence or illegal acts in the internet.
Facebook chief executive and co-founder Mark Zuckerburg says his website helps bring people together, and makes the world a better place, but this has to be balanced against other online activities like harassment or bullying. When Zuckerburg’s vision of an internet utopia where we all come together and get along falls short, Facebook’s virtual police squad are put to work.
Facebook’s role in the ongoing debate over free speech on the internet was underscored last week after important government and company websites like PayPal and MasterCard, viewed as hostile to Wikileaks, were attacked by hackers. Wikileak supporters put up a Facebook page in order to organize hacking attacks. Facebook took down the page saying it violated terms of service which prohibit content that is pornographic, threatening, hateful, or incites violence or illegal acts. However, Facebook did not take down Wikileak’s Facebook pages.
======
Do not take for granted free speech protect it, and do not allow bullying, pedophilia, racism, hate, threatening violence or illegal acts in the internet.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Net closes on child rapist and killer Mr Cruel | News.com.au
Net closes on child rapist and killer Mr Cruel | News.com.au
POLICE have revealed a potential breakthrough in the hunt for a notorious child rapist and killer came after they trawled through 12,000 pieces of evidence.
The man is wanted over the murder of Karmein Chan and attacks on other girls.
Mr Cruel - considered a serial paedophile - terrorised Melbourne families in the late 1980s and early '90s. His last suspected crime was the killing of Karmein Chan, who was abducted from her Templestowe home as she babysat her sisters on April 13, 1991.
Her remains were found at Edgars Creek, Thomastown, a year later. She had been shot three times in the head.
Karmein's mother, Phyllis, has kept in regular contact with police during the 20-year hunt for her daughter's killer.
Mr Cruel is wanted over attacks on at least three other girls, and is believed to have attacked up to 12 children over 10 years dating back to 1985.
How many more did he hurt that we will never know?
Pedophiles are often given ridiculous short sentences, allowed to perfect their monstrous skills in molesting children they become less prone to be caught.
We are not protecting children effectively. It tell you heaps about our society, and who rules the world, when criminals rights are better protected than the rights of innocent children.
POLICE have revealed a potential breakthrough in the hunt for a notorious child rapist and killer came after they trawled through 12,000 pieces of evidence.
The man is wanted over the murder of Karmein Chan and attacks on other girls.
Mr Cruel - considered a serial paedophile - terrorised Melbourne families in the late 1980s and early '90s. His last suspected crime was the killing of Karmein Chan, who was abducted from her Templestowe home as she babysat her sisters on April 13, 1991.
Her remains were found at Edgars Creek, Thomastown, a year later. She had been shot three times in the head.
Karmein's mother, Phyllis, has kept in regular contact with police during the 20-year hunt for her daughter's killer.
Mr Cruel is wanted over attacks on at least three other girls, and is believed to have attacked up to 12 children over 10 years dating back to 1985.
How many more did he hurt that we will never know?
Pedophiles are often given ridiculous short sentences, allowed to perfect their monstrous skills in molesting children they become less prone to be caught.
We are not protecting children effectively. It tell you heaps about our society, and who rules the world, when criminals rights are better protected than the rights of innocent children.
Phone stalking and abuse increasing in solar power telemarketing calls | News.com.au
Phone stalking and abuse increasing in solar power telemarketing calls | News.com.au
CALL centre creeps are stalking Melbourne residents in a campaign of aggression and harassment.
One terrified woman was told she would be burnt alive, while another was asked if she was single and what she looked like naked.
Authorities have confirmed a spike in complaints about aggressive telemarketers linked to the sale of solar power systems.
Have you had a bad experience with telemarketers. Tell us below.
One woman aged in her mid 60s was pestered by a salesman who left a tirade of obscene messages on her answering machine after she declined an offer.
"If you will not apologise to me I will go there now and burn you alive you f------ w----," he screamed.
The man even repeatedly mentioned the women's correct address details.
In another bizarre phone confrontation, a telemarketer exploded after an unsuccessful pitch.
When the caller asked the speak to his supervisor, the man snarled: "Why don't you get f-----."
She said traders who used force, harassment or coercion faced fines of more than $70,000.
Concerned consumers can add their name to the no-calls register by visiting www.donotcall.gov.au or calling 1300 792 958.
CALL centre creeps are stalking Melbourne residents in a campaign of aggression and harassment.
One terrified woman was told she would be burnt alive, while another was asked if she was single and what she looked like naked.
Authorities have confirmed a spike in complaints about aggressive telemarketers linked to the sale of solar power systems.
Have you had a bad experience with telemarketers. Tell us below.
One woman aged in her mid 60s was pestered by a salesman who left a tirade of obscene messages on her answering machine after she declined an offer.
"If you will not apologise to me I will go there now and burn you alive you f------ w----," he screamed.
The man even repeatedly mentioned the women's correct address details.
In another bizarre phone confrontation, a telemarketer exploded after an unsuccessful pitch.
When the caller asked the speak to his supervisor, the man snarled: "Why don't you get f-----."
She said traders who used force, harassment or coercion faced fines of more than $70,000.
Concerned consumers can add their name to the no-calls register by visiting www.donotcall.gov.au or calling 1300 792 958.
Man follows, lifts five-year-old's dress | News.com.au
Man follows, lifts five-year-old's dress | News.com.au
The man was seen following the girl and her nanny at the Galleria Shopping Centre in Perth's north as they walked through the Target store on Friday morning.
He was then seen behind the girl, lifting her dress and looking under it before letting it go.
He was then seen kneeling in the next aisle and looking through the shelves at the girl and her nanny as they left the area.
The offender is described as being in his late 30s, about 160cm tall, of stocky build, and with tanned skin and short brown hair.
He was wearing jeans, a green long-sleeved zip-up jacket with the number 32 written on the front, a blue shirt, a grey and red cap, and white sunglasses.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Help to catch him before he destroys another innocent life.
The man was seen following the girl and her nanny at the Galleria Shopping Centre in Perth's north as they walked through the Target store on Friday morning.
He was then seen behind the girl, lifting her dress and looking under it before letting it go.
He was then seen kneeling in the next aisle and looking through the shelves at the girl and her nanny as they left the area.
The offender is described as being in his late 30s, about 160cm tall, of stocky build, and with tanned skin and short brown hair.
He was wearing jeans, a green long-sleeved zip-up jacket with the number 32 written on the front, a blue shirt, a grey and red cap, and white sunglasses.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Help to catch him before he destroys another innocent life.
JUDGE WE NEED TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN NOT THE PAEDHOPILES-ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Queensland father acquitted over a conviction for the sexual abuse of his pre-teen daughter | News.com.au
"Solicitude for a child witness has to be balanced against an accused's right to a fair trial," the judgment said.
You have got to be kidding me, this judge is putting another pedophile out sooner to make more victims, it is outrageous that a small technicality will jeopardize this case. Where is the justice?
Australia is becoming a pedophiles paradise, are Australians going to do anything about it? Are we comfortable with these types of judgments?
What is the real reason?
We need to unite,protest and protect the ones that do not have a voice, the children not the pedophiles.
"Solicitude for a child witness has to be balanced against an accused's right to a fair trial," the judgment said.
You have got to be kidding me, this judge is putting another pedophile out sooner to make more victims, it is outrageous that a small technicality will jeopardize this case. Where is the justice?
Australia is becoming a pedophiles paradise, are Australians going to do anything about it? Are we comfortable with these types of judgments?
What is the real reason?
We need to unite,protest and protect the ones that do not have a voice, the children not the pedophiles.
JUDGE WE NEED TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN NOT THE PAEDHOPILES-ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Queensland father acquitted over a conviction for the sexual abuse of his pre-teen daughter | News.com.au
"Solicitude for a child witness has to be balanced against an accused's right to a fair trial," the judgment said.
You have got to be kidding me, this judge is putting another pedophile out sooner to make more victims, it is outrageous that a small technicality will jeopardize this case. Where is the justice?
Australia is becoming a pedophiles paradise, are Australians going to do anything about it? Are we comfortable with these types of judgments?
What is the real reason?
We need to unite,protest and protect the ones that do not have a voice, the children not the pedophiles.
"Solicitude for a child witness has to be balanced against an accused's right to a fair trial," the judgment said.
You have got to be kidding me, this judge is putting another pedophile out sooner to make more victims, it is outrageous that a small technicality will jeopardize this case. Where is the justice?
Australia is becoming a pedophiles paradise, are Australians going to do anything about it? Are we comfortable with these types of judgments?
What is the real reason?
We need to unite,protest and protect the ones that do not have a voice, the children not the pedophiles.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Australian Women Links: Hillary Clinton: Empower girls and women - CNN.com...
Australian Women Links: Hillary Clinton: Empower girls and women - CNN.com...: "Hillary Clinton: Empower girls and women - CNN.com Give women equal rights and entire nations are more stable and secure. 'Let women work an..."
Clinton said the goal of empowering women and girls is a "central tenet" of American foreign policy. "Women's equality is not just a moral issue, it's not just a humanitarian issue, it is not just a fairness issue," she said, "It is a security issue, it is a prosperity issue, and it is a peace issue.
"We need to reach out to faith leaders and community leaders to change the perception and treatment of girls, and to persuade men and boys to value their sisters and their daughters, their talents and their intrinsic worth."
Clinton said the goal of empowering women and girls is a "central tenet" of American foreign policy. "Women's equality is not just a moral issue, it's not just a humanitarian issue, it is not just a fairness issue," she said, "It is a security issue, it is a prosperity issue, and it is a peace issue.
"We need to reach out to faith leaders and community leaders to change the perception and treatment of girls, and to persuade men and boys to value their sisters and their daughters, their talents and their intrinsic worth."
Swedish security police: Violence was 'an act of terrorism' - CNN.com
Swedish security police: Violence was an act of terrorism; - CNN.com
(CNN) -- The explosions that killed one person and wounded two others in central Stockholm, Sweden, were "an act of terrorism," a Swedish police official said Sunday.
The Swedish Security Service said the incidents appeared to be the work of "a single perpetrator." Reinfeldt called the explosions "completely unacceptable" as he mounted an impassioned defense of Swedish society in the face of what seems to be its first suicide bombing.
"This is not the path we want to go down. It is very serious that this has already happened," he said.
"Sweden is an open society," Reinfeldt added. "It is an open society which has demonstrated a will that people must be able to come from different backgrounds, believe in different gods or not believe in any god at all. Be able to live side by side, together, in our open society."
Australia is and hopefully will continue to be an open society to all.
(CNN) -- The explosions that killed one person and wounded two others in central Stockholm, Sweden, were "an act of terrorism," a Swedish police official said Sunday.
The Swedish Security Service said the incidents appeared to be the work of "a single perpetrator." Reinfeldt called the explosions "completely unacceptable" as he mounted an impassioned defense of Swedish society in the face of what seems to be its first suicide bombing.
"This is not the path we want to go down. It is very serious that this has already happened," he said.
"Sweden is an open society," Reinfeldt added. "It is an open society which has demonstrated a will that people must be able to come from different backgrounds, believe in different gods or not believe in any god at all. Be able to live side by side, together, in our open society."
Australia is and hopefully will continue to be an open society to all.
Girl made to strip, pose for pictures in school bullying
Girl made to strip, pose for pictures in school bullying
Female middle-school students in Taoyuan County ganged up on a fellow student, physically attacked her, forced her to strip and took pictures of her naked in a vicious case of schoolyard bullying, local media reported yesterday. The victim reported her behavior to her parents on Monday, Dec. 6, who in turn informed the police. The father of the traumatized girl, with the support of county councilors, yesterday came forward with the story of his daughter's abuse.
With tears in his eyes, the father expressed his shock at the fact that the bullying happened over a period of weeks, was committed on school grounds, in broad daylight and in view of many students, none of whom came forward to defend the girl or report the behavior to teachers.
How many more similar incidents are not being reported? Bystanders can unite and Sop the bullies.
Female middle-school students in Taoyuan County ganged up on a fellow student, physically attacked her, forced her to strip and took pictures of her naked in a vicious case of schoolyard bullying, local media reported yesterday. The victim reported her behavior to her parents on Monday, Dec. 6, who in turn informed the police. The father of the traumatized girl, with the support of county councilors, yesterday came forward with the story of his daughter's abuse.
With tears in his eyes, the father expressed his shock at the fact that the bullying happened over a period of weeks, was committed on school grounds, in broad daylight and in view of many students, none of whom came forward to defend the girl or report the behavior to teachers.
How many more similar incidents are not being reported? Bystanders can unite and Sop the bullies.
WA Police documents reveal bullying, corruption, discrimination | Perth Now
WA Police documents reveal bullying, corruption, discrimination | Perth Now
ONE in five police officers who quit the WA force in the past two years say they were bullied, while one in 10 saw improper, illegal or corrupt behaviour within the ranks.
Exit questionnaires obtained by The Sunday Times under Freedom of Information laws also revealed one in 10 departing officers and staff reported sexual or racial harassment or discrimination from their supervisors or colleagues.
If the police bullying and corruption behavior cannot be fixed, what kind of hope there is for the rest of us, aren't they the ones we trust to enforce the law?
ONE in five police officers who quit the WA force in the past two years say they were bullied, while one in 10 saw improper, illegal or corrupt behaviour within the ranks.
Exit questionnaires obtained by The Sunday Times under Freedom of Information laws also revealed one in 10 departing officers and staff reported sexual or racial harassment or discrimination from their supervisors or colleagues.
If the police bullying and corruption behavior cannot be fixed, what kind of hope there is for the rest of us, aren't they the ones we trust to enforce the law?
It is real, not a film or a game, you can go to prison, end up in a wheelchair, or worst kill someone or be killed
Dying teen Candice Falls pleaded with paramedics to save her unborn baby | News.com.au
"I wish I could of help you babe but I couldn't," he wrote.
Not long ago three of their friends die in a similar car accident, now another life was lost.
Young people are not getting the message, why? What can be done for them to understand the pain they will cause to their friends and families.
It is real, not a film or a game, you can go to prison, end up in a wheelchair, or worst kill someone or be killed.
Just STOP acting like idiots, and putting yourself and others at risk.
"I wish I could of help you babe but I couldn't," he wrote.
Not long ago three of their friends die in a similar car accident, now another life was lost.
Young people are not getting the message, why? What can be done for them to understand the pain they will cause to their friends and families.
It is real, not a film or a game, you can go to prison, end up in a wheelchair, or worst kill someone or be killed.
Just STOP acting like idiots, and putting yourself and others at risk.
New research suggests viruses could be the cause of the obesity epidemic | News.com.au
New research suggests viruses could be the cause of the obesity epidemic | News.com.au
The scientists' work, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, says that apart from obvious explanations such as over-eating and lack of exercise - there are many others, including the accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and that obesity is of infectious origin.
The findings have implications for our understanding of the dramatic rise in human obesity. What cannot be explained is the rise in obesity in laboratory animals on controlled diets.
THE obesity epidemic seen in humans and their pets may be caused by more than rubbish diets and lack of exercise.
Some scientists think it may be due to a combination of issues, including viruses or something else that affects cells or organs.
This is opposed to the commonly held belief based on poor Western lifestyles that feature over-eating, little exercise and fatty foods.
The scientists' work, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, says that apart from obvious explanations such as over-eating and lack of exercise - there are many others, including the accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and that obesity is of infectious origin.
The findings have implications for our understanding of the dramatic rise in human obesity. What cannot be explained is the rise in obesity in laboratory animals on controlled diets.
THE obesity epidemic seen in humans and their pets may be caused by more than rubbish diets and lack of exercise.
Some scientists think it may be due to a combination of issues, including viruses or something else that affects cells or organs.
This is opposed to the commonly held belief based on poor Western lifestyles that feature over-eating, little exercise and fatty foods.
Drink-spiking gang hits Darwin clubgoers | News.com.au
Drink-spiking gang hits Darwin clubgoers | News.com.au
POLICE are hunting for a drink-spiking gang after 10 people - mostly young women - reported having their drinks tampered with at Darwin night spots over the weekend.
Police last night released an image of one of the men they want to talk to after women reported having their drinks spiked at CBD nightclubs for the second night in a row, the NT News said.
The sentence should be so long that they will not have opportunity to do it again, only then this type of crime will be rare and probably eradicated.
POLICE are hunting for a drink-spiking gang after 10 people - mostly young women - reported having their drinks tampered with at Darwin night spots over the weekend.
Police last night released an image of one of the men they want to talk to after women reported having their drinks spiked at CBD nightclubs for the second night in a row, the NT News said.
The sentence should be so long that they will not have opportunity to do it again, only then this type of crime will be rare and probably eradicated.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Study shows child brain tumor is really two cancers | Reuters
Study shows child brain tumor is really two cancers | Reuters
(Reuters) - The most common type of malignant childhood brain tumor is actually two different types of cancer, researchers said on Wednesday in a study they said also suggested the youngest patients could receive less toxic treatments.
The cancer, called medulloblastoma, is usually curable but children can suffer lifetime effects from treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Tests in mice show there are two distinct forms of the cancer and one might require less treatment
(Reuters) - The most common type of malignant childhood brain tumor is actually two different types of cancer, researchers said on Wednesday in a study they said also suggested the youngest patients could receive less toxic treatments.
The cancer, called medulloblastoma, is usually curable but children can suffer lifetime effects from treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Tests in mice show there are two distinct forms of the cancer and one might require less treatment
Certain Drug Combinations May Beat Back Aggressive Breast Cancer
Certain Drug Combinations May Beat Back Aggressive Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Combinations of targeted therapies for an especially aggressive type of breast cancer could potentially usher the majority of affected patients into remission, researchers at a major breast cancer meeting said Friday.
Presenting results from three trials at the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, scientists explained that administering two or more drugs designed to treat HER2-positive tumors resulted in much higher remission rates than doses of any one drug or standard chemotherapy alone.
Given to patients several weeks before cancer surgery, with or without chemotherapy, the medications often shrank tumors dramatically or eradicated them altogether, the researchers said.
HER2-positive cancer is receptive to a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which promotes the growth of malignant cells. Drugs that specifically target HER2 cells -- including Herceptin, Tykerb and pertuzumab -- have been proven effective on these types of tumors, which tend to be more aggressive than other breast cancers.
"I think it's a very exciting era, because we've gone from a very lethal era . . . to a point where we might be able to cure this disease," said Dr. Neil Spector, a professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, who moderated the symposium session.
Using Tykerb and Herceptin combined with chemotherapy before surgery, researchers followed 2,500 women with early breast cancer at 85 facilities throughout Germany. About half of these patients achieved remission before surgery, said Dr. Michael Untch, head of the multidisciplinary breast cancer department at Helios Clinic in Berlin.
"In a majority of these patients, we could do breast-conserving surgery where previously they were candidates for mastectomy," Untch said.
The team will continue following the patients to see if remission at surgery affects their outcome.
Another study showed the combination of pertuzumab and Herceptin, when given with the chemotherapy drug docetaxel, eradicated 46 percent of tumors, 50 percent more than the results achieved without pertuzumab. Also, 17 percent of tumors were eradicated by combining the two targeted drugs and skipping chemotherapy, the researchers said.
"Our study is the only one that has tested the hypothesis that [pertuzumab and Herceptin] could work without chemotherapy in these women," said lead researcher Dr. Luca Gianni, director of medical oncology at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nationale Tumori Fondazione IRCCS Istituto di Milano in Italy.
The third study, which included 455 patients followed at 99 sites for nearly two years, indicated that a combination of Tykerb, Herceptin and the chemotherapy drug Taxol improved tumor response rates significantly more than any of the drugs alone.
The mix led to a 51 percent remission rate, compared to 29 percent for a single therapy, said lead researcher Dr. Jose Baselga, chief of the division of hematology and oncology and associate director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.
"With these new therapies, we could easily go to curing over 90 percent of these patients, which is remarkable since this was the most lethal kind of breast cancer 10 years ago," said Baselga.
"This is a very fast advancement of new therapies," Untch agreed.
Researchers countered negative side effects of the drugs, which included diarrhea, liver function abnormalities, skin disorders and a low white blood cell count, by lowering patients' dosages or administering additional medications to alleviate specific symptoms.
Describing targeted therapies as a "HER2 blockade," Spector said if cost was not an issue, he would use all three drugs on HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
Discussing the high cost of treatment at the session, the researchers noted that spending more money on faster-acting, more effective treatments could save other treatment expenditures down the line.
"I do think we need to be creative in the ways we [run through] this data to make things more affordable," Spector said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the findings should be viewed as preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal.
FRIDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Combinations of targeted therapies for an especially aggressive type of breast cancer could potentially usher the majority of affected patients into remission, researchers at a major breast cancer meeting said Friday.
Presenting results from three trials at the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, scientists explained that administering two or more drugs designed to treat HER2-positive tumors resulted in much higher remission rates than doses of any one drug or standard chemotherapy alone.
Given to patients several weeks before cancer surgery, with or without chemotherapy, the medications often shrank tumors dramatically or eradicated them altogether, the researchers said.
HER2-positive cancer is receptive to a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which promotes the growth of malignant cells. Drugs that specifically target HER2 cells -- including Herceptin, Tykerb and pertuzumab -- have been proven effective on these types of tumors, which tend to be more aggressive than other breast cancers.
"I think it's a very exciting era, because we've gone from a very lethal era . . . to a point where we might be able to cure this disease," said Dr. Neil Spector, a professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, who moderated the symposium session.
Using Tykerb and Herceptin combined with chemotherapy before surgery, researchers followed 2,500 women with early breast cancer at 85 facilities throughout Germany. About half of these patients achieved remission before surgery, said Dr. Michael Untch, head of the multidisciplinary breast cancer department at Helios Clinic in Berlin.
"In a majority of these patients, we could do breast-conserving surgery where previously they were candidates for mastectomy," Untch said.
The team will continue following the patients to see if remission at surgery affects their outcome.
Another study showed the combination of pertuzumab and Herceptin, when given with the chemotherapy drug docetaxel, eradicated 46 percent of tumors, 50 percent more than the results achieved without pertuzumab. Also, 17 percent of tumors were eradicated by combining the two targeted drugs and skipping chemotherapy, the researchers said.
"Our study is the only one that has tested the hypothesis that [pertuzumab and Herceptin] could work without chemotherapy in these women," said lead researcher Dr. Luca Gianni, director of medical oncology at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nationale Tumori Fondazione IRCCS Istituto di Milano in Italy.
The third study, which included 455 patients followed at 99 sites for nearly two years, indicated that a combination of Tykerb, Herceptin and the chemotherapy drug Taxol improved tumor response rates significantly more than any of the drugs alone.
The mix led to a 51 percent remission rate, compared to 29 percent for a single therapy, said lead researcher Dr. Jose Baselga, chief of the division of hematology and oncology and associate director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.
"With these new therapies, we could easily go to curing over 90 percent of these patients, which is remarkable since this was the most lethal kind of breast cancer 10 years ago," said Baselga.
"This is a very fast advancement of new therapies," Untch agreed.
Researchers countered negative side effects of the drugs, which included diarrhea, liver function abnormalities, skin disorders and a low white blood cell count, by lowering patients' dosages or administering additional medications to alleviate specific symptoms.
Describing targeted therapies as a "HER2 blockade," Spector said if cost was not an issue, he would use all three drugs on HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
Discussing the high cost of treatment at the session, the researchers noted that spending more money on faster-acting, more effective treatments could save other treatment expenditures down the line.
"I do think we need to be creative in the ways we [run through] this data to make things more affordable," Spector said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the findings should be viewed as preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Low-dose aspirin can improve accuracy of colorectal cancer test - latimes.com
Low-dose aspirin can improve accuracy of colorectal cancer test - latimes.com
Taking a low-dose aspirin prior to having a fecal occult blood test appears to increase the ability of the test to detect colorectal cancer, according to a new study.
The fecal occult blood test, which looks for blood in the stool, is a common test used to detect colon cancer because advanced colorectal tumors often bleed. Moreover, use of low-dose aspirin is a common practice in people ages 55 and older because studies show the therapy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The study, from German researchers, examined 1,979 patients for the accuracy of fecal occult blood testing. Researchers found the test's sensitivity -- the correct identification of positive results -- was 70.8% for low-dose aspirin users compared with 35.9% for nonusers. Test specificity -- the correct identification of negative results -- was slightly lower among users of low-dose aspirin.
It appears that low-dose aspirin use increases the likelihood of bleeding from a colorectal tumor, thus increasing the odds that the test will detect blood.
Taking a low-dose aspirin prior to having a fecal occult blood test appears to increase the ability of the test to detect colorectal cancer, according to a new study.
The fecal occult blood test, which looks for blood in the stool, is a common test used to detect colon cancer because advanced colorectal tumors often bleed. Moreover, use of low-dose aspirin is a common practice in people ages 55 and older because studies show the therapy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The study, from German researchers, examined 1,979 patients for the accuracy of fecal occult blood testing. Researchers found the test's sensitivity -- the correct identification of positive results -- was 70.8% for low-dose aspirin users compared with 35.9% for nonusers. Test specificity -- the correct identification of negative results -- was slightly lower among users of low-dose aspirin.
It appears that low-dose aspirin use increases the likelihood of bleeding from a colorectal tumor, thus increasing the odds that the test will detect blood.
Links on cancer at chromium sites-Do or can we have the same problem in Australia?
NJ releases 2nd report on cancer at chromium sites
The finding released Wednesday by the Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection were from a study prompted by a 2008 assessment that found lung cancer rates from 1979 to 2003 were higher in chromium-tainted sites. The latest study examined rates for other types of cancer.
During the 1950s and '60s, waste from chromium ore processing was used as fill material at residential and commercial construction sites. Some of the waste contains hexavalent chromium — a known carcinogen.
The most recent study was based on data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry and information on the chromium waste sites.
But environmentalists have been critical of the state for allowing developers to build on top of the sites instead of completely removing all toxic material.
The finding released Wednesday by the Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection were from a study prompted by a 2008 assessment that found lung cancer rates from 1979 to 2003 were higher in chromium-tainted sites. The latest study examined rates for other types of cancer.
During the 1950s and '60s, waste from chromium ore processing was used as fill material at residential and commercial construction sites. Some of the waste contains hexavalent chromium — a known carcinogen.
The most recent study was based on data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry and information on the chromium waste sites.
But environmentalists have been critical of the state for allowing developers to build on top of the sites instead of completely removing all toxic material.
Russian mothers in media campaign on army bullying | World | Reuters
Russian mothers in media campaign on army bullying | World | Reuters
The new ad campaign by non-governmental organisation Mother's Right has splashed the illustration across Russian newspapers to draw attention to the 3,000 deaths it says occur every year in peacetime military service in the country.
Suicide is the leading reported cause of death in the military, says Veronika Marchenko, the chairwoman of the group. But she said the real cause is often bullying, a major problem cited by rights groups inside and outside the country.
The new ad campaign by non-governmental organisation Mother's Right has splashed the illustration across Russian newspapers to draw attention to the 3,000 deaths it says occur every year in peacetime military service in the country.
Suicide is the leading reported cause of death in the military, says Veronika Marchenko, the chairwoman of the group. But she said the real cause is often bullying, a major problem cited by rights groups inside and outside the country.
Bullying pervasive, expert warns
Bullying pervasive, expert warns
Koster was addressing a gathering of health care professionals to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women commemorating the murder of 14 female engineering students at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal 21 yeas ago.
She said violence can spring from the common, day-to-day harassment, discrimination, sexism and intimidation that can happen in any workplace.
"Anyone can be the target," Koster said. "Don't underestimate how far someone can be pushed. Look at Columbine (high school in the U.S. where two students went on a shooting rampage). People can get to the point where they think someone's got to go and it's not me."
She pointed to the 1998 shooting at the Ottawa transit company OC Transpo, where an employee shot four co-workers and killed himself after living with constant bullying over a speech impediment.
But, she said, there are always warning signs. And bullying often stops short of physical violence but can be devastating to the victim's sense of well-being and self esteem, "depriving them of their dignity."
She gave examples of the more subtle kinds, including the act of isolating a co-worker through snubs, "the silent treatment" or outright discrimination.
"If someone punches you, you can act and call the police," said Koster. "What do you do with the silent treatment? Call 9-11? Isolation can be harder to take. How do you defend against something you can't see, the ice buildup that has you in the bathroom throwing up, when you would rather be anywhere on the planet than at work."
Koster was addressing a gathering of health care professionals to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women commemorating the murder of 14 female engineering students at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal 21 yeas ago.
She said violence can spring from the common, day-to-day harassment, discrimination, sexism and intimidation that can happen in any workplace.
"Anyone can be the target," Koster said. "Don't underestimate how far someone can be pushed. Look at Columbine (high school in the U.S. where two students went on a shooting rampage). People can get to the point where they think someone's got to go and it's not me."
She pointed to the 1998 shooting at the Ottawa transit company OC Transpo, where an employee shot four co-workers and killed himself after living with constant bullying over a speech impediment.
But, she said, there are always warning signs. And bullying often stops short of physical violence but can be devastating to the victim's sense of well-being and self esteem, "depriving them of their dignity."
She gave examples of the more subtle kinds, including the act of isolating a co-worker through snubs, "the silent treatment" or outright discrimination.
"If someone punches you, you can act and call the police," said Koster. "What do you do with the silent treatment? Call 9-11? Isolation can be harder to take. How do you defend against something you can't see, the ice buildup that has you in the bathroom throwing up, when you would rather be anywhere on the planet than at work."
Boy who killed cousin had history of bullying | Stuff.co.nz
Boy who killed cousin had history of bullying | Stuff.co.nz
A 12-year-old boy who shot and killed an 11-year-old cousin was a bully who had been reprimanded at three of his previous schools for picking on his classmates.
Stories like this one, should motivate us to take steps to address bullying in schools and society in general.
People have to be educated of the dangers of bullying, and the media should take responsibility for the people and programs they endorse.
A 12-year-old boy who shot and killed an 11-year-old cousin was a bully who had been reprimanded at three of his previous schools for picking on his classmates.
Stories like this one, should motivate us to take steps to address bullying in schools and society in general.
People have to be educated of the dangers of bullying, and the media should take responsibility for the people and programs they endorse.
Cancer cures will depend on profitability
Seattle Genetics' Experimental Drug Shrinks Hodgkin's Tumors, Study Shows - Bloomberg
Overall, 94 percent of 102 patients had their tumors shrink by at least a quarter, an “unheard-of” level of improvement in people who had failed other treatments, said study leader Robert Chen, an assistant professor at City of Hope, a nonprofit cancer center in Duarte, California. He presented the study today at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Orlando, Florida.Results for the drug, SGN-35, drew mixed responses from analysts about the therapy’s potential for hard-to-treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma and pushed shares down as much as 6.6 percent. While the data should support approval, the drug may have a “limited market opportunity,” George Farmer, an analyst with Canaccord Genuity in New York, said today in a note to investors.“We believe shares are overvalued,” Farmer wrote. The 34 percent complete response rate fell short of what was hoped for by some investors, he said.Seattle Genetics fell 64 cents, or 4 percent, to $15.23 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading.‘Widely Adopted’“Some investors are concerned that the size of the market for SGN-35 is small,” said Jason Kantor, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets in San Francisco, in an e-mail. “I believe that a targeted agent with this level of efficacy and tolerability will be widely adopted in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and there are other market opportunities.”Seattle Genetics may have annual worldwide revenue from SGN-35 of $425 million in 2015, Kantor said.The treatment uses an antibody to target and bind with a protein on the surface of lymphoma cells, then blasts them with a cancer-killing chemical. This keeps the drug out of the bloodstream and away from healthy tissue, avoiding the side effects of standard chemotherapy, Chen said.The drug’s effectiveness “met our expectations,” said Bret Holley, an analyst for Oppenheimer & Co., in an analyst note released today. The low rate of side effects “likely exceeded expectations,” Holley wrote.
====
The drug may have a “limited market opportunity, and some investors are concerned about profits, and this is why millions are still dying with cancer. For the dying and their families the cure of cancer is somewhere or nowhere , depending on profitability.
Overall, 94 percent of 102 patients had their tumors shrink by at least a quarter, an “unheard-of” level of improvement in people who had failed other treatments, said study leader Robert Chen, an assistant professor at City of Hope, a nonprofit cancer center in Duarte, California. He presented the study today at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Orlando, Florida.Results for the drug, SGN-35, drew mixed responses from analysts about the therapy’s potential for hard-to-treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma and pushed shares down as much as 6.6 percent. While the data should support approval, the drug may have a “limited market opportunity,” George Farmer, an analyst with Canaccord Genuity in New York, said today in a note to investors.“We believe shares are overvalued,” Farmer wrote. The 34 percent complete response rate fell short of what was hoped for by some investors, he said.Seattle Genetics fell 64 cents, or 4 percent, to $15.23 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading.‘Widely Adopted’“Some investors are concerned that the size of the market for SGN-35 is small,” said Jason Kantor, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets in San Francisco, in an e-mail. “I believe that a targeted agent with this level of efficacy and tolerability will be widely adopted in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and there are other market opportunities.”Seattle Genetics may have annual worldwide revenue from SGN-35 of $425 million in 2015, Kantor said.The treatment uses an antibody to target and bind with a protein on the surface of lymphoma cells, then blasts them with a cancer-killing chemical. This keeps the drug out of the bloodstream and away from healthy tissue, avoiding the side effects of standard chemotherapy, Chen said.The drug’s effectiveness “met our expectations,” said Bret Holley, an analyst for Oppenheimer & Co., in an analyst note released today. The low rate of side effects “likely exceeded expectations,” Holley wrote.
====
The drug may have a “limited market opportunity, and some investors are concerned about profits, and this is why millions are still dying with cancer. For the dying and their families the cure of cancer is somewhere or nowhere , depending on profitability.
Scientists discovered planet likely made up of diamonds
BBC News - 'Diamond exoplanet' idea boosted by telescope find
"You might see land masses and mountains made up of diamonds," the lead researcher Dr Nikku Madhusudhan told BBC News.
"You might see land masses and mountains made up of diamonds," the lead researcher Dr Nikku Madhusudhan told BBC News.
Australian Women Links: BBC News - Database shows how bees see world in UV...
Australian Women Links: BBC News - Database shows how bees see world in UV...: "BBC News - Database shows how bees see world in UV 'This research highlights that the world we see is not the physical or the 'real' world -..."
No bees, no food, taking good care of bees is essential for humanity survival.
No bees, no food, taking good care of bees is essential for humanity survival.
NSW Man in court over teen sex charge - suspected pedophile -We are not defending our children appropriately
NSW Man in court over teen sex charge - suspected pedophile | News.com.au
A SUSPECTED pedophile will appear in court charged with the sexual assault of two teenage boys in Sydney's north-west.
A 14-year-old boy claimed on Thursday he had been the victim of a sexual assault in Castle Hill while gaining work experience through a local employer.
Police arrested a 50-year-old man before searching his office on Victoria Avenue yesterday.
His computer was seized and the man was charged with an alleged assault on the boy and an unrelated sexual assault of a second 14-year-old.
He will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault.
=======================================
How much damage does paedophilia really causes to Australia society, and are we really committed to stop it?
How long will he be sentenced for? Are we letting paedophiles out even with the knowledge that they will re offend and more young lives will be destroyed?
How guilt are we of neglect? How can we look those children in the eyes and say sorry we could have prevented it but we did not.
Australia is sentencing this type of crimes to lightly, what is the message for paedophiles, come and get some more?
We are not valuing and defending our children appropriately.
A SUSPECTED pedophile will appear in court charged with the sexual assault of two teenage boys in Sydney's north-west.
A 14-year-old boy claimed on Thursday he had been the victim of a sexual assault in Castle Hill while gaining work experience through a local employer.
Police arrested a 50-year-old man before searching his office on Victoria Avenue yesterday.
His computer was seized and the man was charged with an alleged assault on the boy and an unrelated sexual assault of a second 14-year-old.
He will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault.
=======================================
How much damage does paedophilia really causes to Australia society, and are we really committed to stop it?
How long will he be sentenced for? Are we letting paedophiles out even with the knowledge that they will re offend and more young lives will be destroyed?
How guilt are we of neglect? How can we look those children in the eyes and say sorry we could have prevented it but we did not.
Australia is sentencing this type of crimes to lightly, what is the message for paedophiles, come and get some more?
We are not valuing and defending our children appropriately.
Some newsreaders sarcastic and resentefull of Ophra.Why?
Australia’s faith and fury over Oprah | Daily Telegraph Sarrah Le Marquand Blog
It’s the unrelenting enthusiasm, capacity to break into tears at the slightest provocation, effusive public displays of affection and willingness to wear her heart on her sleeve.
We don’t make them like that in Australia. And if we did, we certainly wouldn’t turn them into national heroes.
...
Indeed. Why all the fuss about getting Julian Assange behind bars when the real villain is enjoying a BBQ on Whitehaven Beach and cocktails in Sydney?
Hysterical denouncements of The Empire of Oprah are not new. There’s always been something about her deceptively folksy style that rankles the critics.
It’s long been fashionable to dismiss her as lowbrow and portray her slavishly devoted fans as brainless housewives.
....
A group of men cheering fanatically in the rugby stands is understandable. But a gaggle of women shrieking with delight at the sight of John Travolta? That’s just embarrassing.
It was a patronising assumption made famous by author Jonathan Franzen when he complained about one of his works being selected for Winfrey’s book club back in 2001, a decision he felt undermined his position in “the high-art literary tradition”.
Nine years on, having realised Winfrey’s reading circle does in fact tackle titles with more literary value than a Jackie Collins novel, a repentant Franzen appeared on Winfrey’s couch on Monday to plug his new book.
.....
But not everyone is ready to be converted. Particularly in Australia, where scoffing at the celebration of the high-priestess of confessional TV could well rival cricket as our national sport this summer.
Ironically it’s the very same qualities that incite fury among her detractors that are largely responsible for her success.
In a sea of super-slim blondes in their 20s and 30s, she has always proved unique. An unmarried, overweight, black woman rapidly approaching her sixties.
Unashamedly a girl’s girl, she’s fond of peppering her conversation with self-help vocabulary and is ever-vigilant in her quest to empower fans to “Live your best life.”
We’re just not into that sort of thing. In this country only people on reality shows use words like “journey” and “self-discovery”. Talk like that in real life and you’ll attract the kind of stare reserved for the certifiably insane.
But while a 56-year-old who conducts herself with the giddiness and open-mouthed wonder of an 11-year-old might leave some perplexed, it’s obviously a formula that resonates.
Not the most powerful woman. Not the most influential African-American. The most powerful and influential person.
Next year she will launch her own network (named after herself, of course), the first woman to do so.
It’s a rags to riches trajectory rarely seen outside of a fairytale. A girl once so poor she was forced to wear dresses made from potato sacks now at the helm of a media empire.
And it would never have happened had she been born in Australia. Winning a beauty pageant or catching the eye of a Danish prince is a more reliable path to media superstardom in these parts.
A healthy dose of cynicism as the Oprah Roadshow rolls into town is wise. Our culture is very different to that of America – and that’s how it should be.
But let’s not get too smug. That we have to import someone who broke the mould as effectively as Winfrey is actually quite sad.
====================================================================================
I was ashamed by the sarcastic tone used by most of our news reporters when they were talking about Ophra.
Reminded me of girl bullying at school(they surrounded her, sarcastically told her how wonderful her dress was, revolving their eyes and making effort not to laugh- they wanted to make fun of her. Why? She was a nice and intelligent girl, not as fashionable or cool as they were, so they thought. Bullies).
I thought some news readers displayed a self-important and sarcastic attitude. Why? Ophra changed, saved and helped so many people. Just sad...
Where is the logic? Are you blind? Go and take a pick of your recorded program and see yourselves.
Ophra can give our tourism a boost ...not intelligent at all. Who has no-brain, the housewives or the newsreaders?
Lucky the majority of Australians did show Ophra how friendly we are, and how we receive guests.
To the bunch of bullying snobs, get a life, do some good, and stop harming our friendly, easy going Australia reputation.
It’s the unrelenting enthusiasm, capacity to break into tears at the slightest provocation, effusive public displays of affection and willingness to wear her heart on her sleeve.
We don’t make them like that in Australia. And if we did, we certainly wouldn’t turn them into national heroes.
...
Indeed. Why all the fuss about getting Julian Assange behind bars when the real villain is enjoying a BBQ on Whitehaven Beach and cocktails in Sydney?
Hysterical denouncements of The Empire of Oprah are not new. There’s always been something about her deceptively folksy style that rankles the critics.
It’s long been fashionable to dismiss her as lowbrow and portray her slavishly devoted fans as brainless housewives.
....
A group of men cheering fanatically in the rugby stands is understandable. But a gaggle of women shrieking with delight at the sight of John Travolta? That’s just embarrassing.
It was a patronising assumption made famous by author Jonathan Franzen when he complained about one of his works being selected for Winfrey’s book club back in 2001, a decision he felt undermined his position in “the high-art literary tradition”.
Nine years on, having realised Winfrey’s reading circle does in fact tackle titles with more literary value than a Jackie Collins novel, a repentant Franzen appeared on Winfrey’s couch on Monday to plug his new book.
.....
But not everyone is ready to be converted. Particularly in Australia, where scoffing at the celebration of the high-priestess of confessional TV could well rival cricket as our national sport this summer.
Ironically it’s the very same qualities that incite fury among her detractors that are largely responsible for her success.
In a sea of super-slim blondes in their 20s and 30s, she has always proved unique. An unmarried, overweight, black woman rapidly approaching her sixties.
Unashamedly a girl’s girl, she’s fond of peppering her conversation with self-help vocabulary and is ever-vigilant in her quest to empower fans to “Live your best life.”
We’re just not into that sort of thing. In this country only people on reality shows use words like “journey” and “self-discovery”. Talk like that in real life and you’ll attract the kind of stare reserved for the certifiably insane.
But while a 56-year-old who conducts herself with the giddiness and open-mouthed wonder of an 11-year-old might leave some perplexed, it’s obviously a formula that resonates.
Not the most powerful woman. Not the most influential African-American. The most powerful and influential person.
Next year she will launch her own network (named after herself, of course), the first woman to do so.
It’s a rags to riches trajectory rarely seen outside of a fairytale. A girl once so poor she was forced to wear dresses made from potato sacks now at the helm of a media empire.
And it would never have happened had she been born in Australia. Winning a beauty pageant or catching the eye of a Danish prince is a more reliable path to media superstardom in these parts.
A healthy dose of cynicism as the Oprah Roadshow rolls into town is wise. Our culture is very different to that of America – and that’s how it should be.
But let’s not get too smug. That we have to import someone who broke the mould as effectively as Winfrey is actually quite sad.
====================================================================================
I was ashamed by the sarcastic tone used by most of our news reporters when they were talking about Ophra.
Reminded me of girl bullying at school(they surrounded her, sarcastically told her how wonderful her dress was, revolving their eyes and making effort not to laugh- they wanted to make fun of her. Why? She was a nice and intelligent girl, not as fashionable or cool as they were, so they thought. Bullies).
I thought some news readers displayed a self-important and sarcastic attitude. Why? Ophra changed, saved and helped so many people. Just sad...
Where is the logic? Are you blind? Go and take a pick of your recorded program and see yourselves.
Ophra can give our tourism a boost ...not intelligent at all. Who has no-brain, the housewives or the newsreaders?
Lucky the majority of Australians did show Ophra how friendly we are, and how we receive guests.
To the bunch of bullying snobs, get a life, do some good, and stop harming our friendly, easy going Australia reputation.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Man who raped girl while driving drunk ordered to pay $18,750 compensation -Does Australia have such little value for children ?
Man who raped girl while driving drunk ordered to pay $18,750 compensation | News.com.au
A MAN has been ordered to pay almost $19,000 in compensation to a 10-year-old girl he raped while she sat on his lap "unrestrained'' as he drove drunk twice around a Brisbane suburban block.
Beenleigh District Court judge Ian Dearden, in a decision published today, ordered the man, identified only as "JPS", pay criminal compensation to the girl, now aged 15 and identified as AJC, for attacks committed on an unspecified date almost five years ago.
Judge Dearden sentenced the now convicted child rapist to two years' jail after a jury found the man guilty on October 31, 2007, of two counts of rape and four of indecent treatment of a child.
I miss Hinch on TV, where is the media on this one.
After I read the above sentence my blood started to boil. Is this how much we value our children? When a convicted rapist gets only 2 years and a few thousand dollars as a penalty for destroying a innocent life, he will be free to do it again in 2 years time, how many more lives is he going to destroy, is this justice?
Crimes against children should have harder sentences. This is a joke.
My question is why do we have sentences so light to a crime so horrendous. Can you imagine a child's body being desecrated by a grown man?
Where is the justice? No wonder we have so many pedophiles with such little punishment for such horrendous crimes.
I want to ask the men and women of Australia why do we value our children so little?
A MAN has been ordered to pay almost $19,000 in compensation to a 10-year-old girl he raped while she sat on his lap "unrestrained'' as he drove drunk twice around a Brisbane suburban block.
Beenleigh District Court judge Ian Dearden, in a decision published today, ordered the man, identified only as "JPS", pay criminal compensation to the girl, now aged 15 and identified as AJC, for attacks committed on an unspecified date almost five years ago.
Judge Dearden sentenced the now convicted child rapist to two years' jail after a jury found the man guilty on October 31, 2007, of two counts of rape and four of indecent treatment of a child.
I miss Hinch on TV, where is the media on this one.
After I read the above sentence my blood started to boil. Is this how much we value our children? When a convicted rapist gets only 2 years and a few thousand dollars as a penalty for destroying a innocent life, he will be free to do it again in 2 years time, how many more lives is he going to destroy, is this justice?
Crimes against children should have harder sentences. This is a joke.
My question is why do we have sentences so light to a crime so horrendous. Can you imagine a child's body being desecrated by a grown man?
Where is the justice? No wonder we have so many pedophiles with such little punishment for such horrendous crimes.
I want to ask the men and women of Australia why do we value our children so little?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Europe's future uncertain, says IMF chief-In order "for this population to continue to benefit from this system would require either immigration or change."
World News Australia - Europe's future uncertain, says IMF chief
He explained that the region is suffering from a budgetary problem as it is unable to finance its social model as its workforce ages.
Reforms were necessary to help Europe adjust, but "these reforms are politically difficult."
In order "for this population to continue to benefit from this system would require either immigration or change.
"
He explained that the region is suffering from a budgetary problem as it is unable to finance its social model as its workforce ages.
Reforms were necessary to help Europe adjust, but "these reforms are politically difficult."
In order "for this population to continue to benefit from this system would require either immigration or change.
"
World News Australia - Visa cyber-attacked to 'avenge' WikiLeaks
World News Australia - Visa cyber-attacked to 'avenge' WikiLeaks
The website of credit card giant Visa was intermittently unavailable after a cyber attack by members of the hackers group "Anonymous" angered by its blocking of payments to WikiLeaks.
Visa.com went down instantaneously at 4:00 pm (2100 GMT) as members of Anonymous launched a coordinated cyber attack announced on their Twitter feed @Anon_Operation.
"Operation Payback. TARGET: WWW.VISA.COM :: FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! WEAPONS," the message said.
Members of "Anonymous," in an online chat with AFP on Wednesday, vowed to extend their cyber campaign to anyone with an "anti-WikiLeaks agenda."
The group has already taken credit for temporarily taking down the websites of Mastercard, PayPal, the Swiss Post Office bank and others with distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
In a typical DDoS attack, a large number of computers are commanded to simultaneously visit a website, overwhelming its servers, slowing service or knocking it offline completely.
The website of credit card giant Visa was intermittently unavailable after a cyber attack by members of the hackers group "Anonymous" angered by its blocking of payments to WikiLeaks.
Visa.com went down instantaneously at 4:00 pm (2100 GMT) as members of Anonymous launched a coordinated cyber attack announced on their Twitter feed @Anon_Operation.
"Operation Payback. TARGET: WWW.VISA.COM :: FIRE FIRE FIRE!!! WEAPONS," the message said.
Members of "Anonymous," in an online chat with AFP on Wednesday, vowed to extend their cyber campaign to anyone with an "anti-WikiLeaks agenda."
The group has already taken credit for temporarily taking down the websites of Mastercard, PayPal, the Swiss Post Office bank and others with distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
In a typical DDoS attack, a large number of computers are commanded to simultaneously visit a website, overwhelming its servers, slowing service or knocking it offline completely.
World News Australia - Curriculum may not be identical: AEU
World News Australia - Curriculum may not be identical: AEU
The national school curriculum won't be the same in each state and territory, Australia's peak public education union says.
School Education Minister Peter Garrett admitted on Wednesday that the new kindergarten to Year 10 English, maths, science and history curriculums won't be implemented in all states until at least 2013, two years later than first hoped.
We are in the 20th century,and not having a national curriculum is kind of ridiculous, the implementation of a national curriculum in Australia is a must and despite many obstacles will hopefully be successfully implemented.
The government should be given credit for this one.
Values in Education - Australia
Language Planning and Education in Australia and the South Pacific (Multilingual Matters)
The national school curriculum won't be the same in each state and territory, Australia's peak public education union says.
School Education Minister Peter Garrett admitted on Wednesday that the new kindergarten to Year 10 English, maths, science and history curriculums won't be implemented in all states until at least 2013, two years later than first hoped.
We are in the 20th century,and not having a national curriculum is kind of ridiculous, the implementation of a national curriculum in Australia is a must and despite many obstacles will hopefully be successfully implemented.
The government should be given credit for this one.
Values in Education - Australia
Language Planning and Education in Australia and the South Pacific (Multilingual Matters)
Arbib not a spy: Shorten
World News Australia - Arbib not a spy: Shorten"I completely reject the idea that he is a spy," Mr Shorten told Sky News on Thursday.
"I just think that's nonsense."
Senator Arbib was "a very conscientious minister", Mr Shorten said.
"He puts a lot of effort into his portfolios and any other proposition about him just isn't correct at all."
Mr Shorten played down reports that Mr Arbib forewarned US officials in October 2009 that then-prime minister Kevin Rudd may face a leadership challenge.
"I think that the commentary I've seen this morning in the newspapers is dinner party gossip masquerading as US intelligence.
"I think each week someone's got to send a report of to America. So they jot down gossip and conversation.
"I just don't think what I've seen today is any more than what any journalist in the press gallery would already know, indeed what half of Australia might already know."
Bill Shorten and Arbib do they have a deal or are just best friends?
Government and Politics in Australia
"I just think that's nonsense."
Senator Arbib was "a very conscientious minister", Mr Shorten said.
"He puts a lot of effort into his portfolios and any other proposition about him just isn't correct at all."
Mr Shorten played down reports that Mr Arbib forewarned US officials in October 2009 that then-prime minister Kevin Rudd may face a leadership challenge.
"I think that the commentary I've seen this morning in the newspapers is dinner party gossip masquerading as US intelligence.
"I think each week someone's got to send a report of to America. So they jot down gossip and conversation.
"I just don't think what I've seen today is any more than what any journalist in the press gallery would already know, indeed what half of Australia might already know."
Bill Shorten and Arbib do they have a deal or are just best friends?
Government and Politics in Australia
Man changes name to Captain Awesome | News.com.au
Man changes name to Captain Awesome | News.com.au
Douglas Allen Smith Jr from Oregon says he changed his name to Captain Awesome last month because he was inspired by the nickname of a character on the television show Chuck, Dr Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.
The unemployed cabinet installer says he found it funny Dr Woodcomb's father gave him that nickname because a "poor nickname builds good character".
Douglas Allen Smith Jr from Oregon says he changed his name to Captain Awesome last month because he was inspired by the nickname of a character on the television show Chuck, Dr Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.
The unemployed cabinet installer says he found it funny Dr Woodcomb's father gave him that nickname because a "poor nickname builds good character".
Barrister arrested for wife's murder | The Australian
Barrister arrested for wife's murder | The Australian
The body of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney was found in a bush grave in Perth's Kings Park.
Early in their investigation police had named the former senior prosecutor as the "prime suspect", prompting Mr Rayney, who vigorously denies the allegations, to launch multi-million-dollar defamation action against police.
Mr Rayney was arrested by major crime squad detectives as he was driving into the city at about 10.30am yesterday.
He is a barrister, will he get away with murder?
Continuing Legal Education Department Seminar Papers
The body of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney was found in a bush grave in Perth's Kings Park.
Early in their investigation police had named the former senior prosecutor as the "prime suspect", prompting Mr Rayney, who vigorously denies the allegations, to launch multi-million-dollar defamation action against police.
Mr Rayney was arrested by major crime squad detectives as he was driving into the city at about 10.30am yesterday.
He is a barrister, will he get away with murder?
Continuing Legal Education Department Seminar Papers
WikiLeaks outs America's Aussie mole: Labor's Mark Arbib named as embassy source | News.com.au
WikiLeaks outs America;s Aussie mole: Labor;s Mark Arbib named as embassy source | News.com.au
FEDERAL Labor powerbroker Mark Arbib has been outed as a key source of intelligence on government and internal party machinations to the US embassy.
New embassy cables, released by WikiLeaks to Fairfax newspapers today, reveal the influential right-wing Labor MP has been one of the embassy's best ALP informants, along with former frontbencher Bob McMullan and current MP Michael Danby.
The documents say the Minister for Sport had been secretly offering details of Labor's inner workings even before his election to the Senate in 2007, dating back to his time as general secretary of the party's NSW branch from 2004.
Senator Arbib was one of the "faceless men" who was instrumental in the decision to oust Kevin Rudd and install Julia Gillard as Prime Minister in June.
What goes around comes around.How hungry for power is this man?
FEDERAL Labor powerbroker Mark Arbib has been outed as a key source of intelligence on government and internal party machinations to the US embassy.
New embassy cables, released by WikiLeaks to Fairfax newspapers today, reveal the influential right-wing Labor MP has been one of the embassy's best ALP informants, along with former frontbencher Bob McMullan and current MP Michael Danby.
The documents say the Minister for Sport had been secretly offering details of Labor's inner workings even before his election to the Senate in 2007, dating back to his time as general secretary of the party's NSW branch from 2004.
Senator Arbib was one of the "faceless men" who was instrumental in the decision to oust Kevin Rudd and install Julia Gillard as Prime Minister in June.
What goes around comes around.How hungry for power is this man?
WikiLeaks outs Mark Arbib as US informant | The Australian
WikiLeaks outs Mark Arbib as US informant | The Australian
"Mr Assange is not himself responsible for the unauthorised release of 250,000 documents from the US diplomatic communications network," Mr Rudd told Reuters news agency. "The Americans are responsible for that. I don't, frankly, give a damn about this sort of thing. Just get on with it."
Although not agreeing with the release of certain US diplomatic documents, Mr. Assange is not responsible for the US incompetence of keeping such documents safe.
Mr. Assange is an Australian citizen and everyone believes the rape allegations to be bogus, for that reason alone he should not be deported to the US. The world would not give up freedom of information so easy and the US should stop such unpopular course of action, and put the blame where it resides their own security.
"Mr Assange is not himself responsible for the unauthorised release of 250,000 documents from the US diplomatic communications network," Mr Rudd told Reuters news agency. "The Americans are responsible for that. I don't, frankly, give a damn about this sort of thing. Just get on with it."
Although not agreeing with the release of certain US diplomatic documents, Mr. Assange is not responsible for the US incompetence of keeping such documents safe.
Mr. Assange is an Australian citizen and everyone believes the rape allegations to be bogus, for that reason alone he should not be deported to the US. The world would not give up freedom of information so easy and the US should stop such unpopular course of action, and put the blame where it resides their own security.
Monday, December 6, 2010
One dose of aspirin a day cuts cancer risk | The Australian
One dose of aspirin a day cuts cancer risk | The Australian
TAKING a daily aspirin can dramatically cut the risk of dying from cancer, a landmark study has concluded.
Significant health benefits begin to appear after five years of taking a low dose of the drug, with death rates for all cancers falling by 34 per cent, and for stomach and bowel cancers by 54 per cent.
Aspirin is already known to protect against heart attacks and strokes, but the study of more than 25,570 patients, published today in The Lancet, is the first to prove that the drug is effective against a range of common cancers.
The findings suggest that millions of people could benefit from taking a daily pill, which would also reduce the chances of dying from prostate, lung, oesophagus, brain and pancreatic cancers.
The effects were seen even at a low dose of 75mg a day, about a quarter of that contained in a standard pill taken to relieve headache.
Although taking aspirin daily is known to increase the risk of internal bleeding, the researchers said the protection that the drug could offer against cancer means that many more people should consider taking it from middle age, and official advice may have to be changed.
"These results do not mean that all adults should immediately start taking aspirin, but they do demonstrate major new benefits that have not previously been factored into guideline recommendations," said Professor Peter Rothwell, of the University of Oxford, who led the research.
"Previous guidelines have rightly cautioned that in healthy middle-aged people the small risk of bleeding on aspirin partly offsets the benefits from prevention of strokes and heart attacks, but the reductions in deaths due to several common cancers will now alter this balance for many people."
Professor Rothwell and his colleagues also say that those who took aspirin for between five and ten years had a 10 per cent lower risk of dying from any cause, including internal bleeding, during that time.
He believes that people in their late forties and fifties would benefit from taking aspirin for 20 to 30 years, when the benefits outweigh the risks. Professor Rothwell, 46, said that he had recently begun taking daily aspirin himself as a result of his data. "Some people will look at this and say that the sensible thing to do is to start taking aspirin at about 45, take it for 25 to 30 years, then stop," he added.
For cancers of the pancreas, oesophagus, brain and lungs, it took at least five years of daily aspirin to see a reduction in deaths, ten years for stomach and bowel cancer and 15 years for prostate cancer.
The mechanism by which aspirin stops cancer developing is unclear, although laboratory research suggests that it may repair damaged DNA or cause potentially dangerous cells to commit suicide.
Two months ago Professor Rothwell's team showed that a daily low dose of aspirin can reduce death rates from bowel cancer by more than a third, while this year scientists in the US reported that the same low dose cut the risk of men developing prostate cancer by up to 30 per cent.
But this latest study is the first to show a clear effect across a whole range of human cancers.
...
They found that for those who had taken aspirin for several years the 20-year risk of dying of all solid cancers was cut by 20 per cent, and by 35 per cent for stomach and bowel cancers.
The 20-year risk of death was reduced by about 10 per cent for prostate cancer, 30 per cent for lung cancer, 40 per cent for bowel cancer and 60 per cent for oesophageal cancer.
Alastair Watson, of the University of East Anglia, said that the study was "a very important new development in our understanding of how to prevent cancer in general. It is further proof that aspirin is, by a long way, the most amazing drug in the world".
TAKING a daily aspirin can dramatically cut the risk of dying from cancer, a landmark study has concluded.
Significant health benefits begin to appear after five years of taking a low dose of the drug, with death rates for all cancers falling by 34 per cent, and for stomach and bowel cancers by 54 per cent.
Aspirin is already known to protect against heart attacks and strokes, but the study of more than 25,570 patients, published today in The Lancet, is the first to prove that the drug is effective against a range of common cancers.
The findings suggest that millions of people could benefit from taking a daily pill, which would also reduce the chances of dying from prostate, lung, oesophagus, brain and pancreatic cancers.
The effects were seen even at a low dose of 75mg a day, about a quarter of that contained in a standard pill taken to relieve headache.
Although taking aspirin daily is known to increase the risk of internal bleeding, the researchers said the protection that the drug could offer against cancer means that many more people should consider taking it from middle age, and official advice may have to be changed.
"These results do not mean that all adults should immediately start taking aspirin, but they do demonstrate major new benefits that have not previously been factored into guideline recommendations," said Professor Peter Rothwell, of the University of Oxford, who led the research.
"Previous guidelines have rightly cautioned that in healthy middle-aged people the small risk of bleeding on aspirin partly offsets the benefits from prevention of strokes and heart attacks, but the reductions in deaths due to several common cancers will now alter this balance for many people."
Professor Rothwell and his colleagues also say that those who took aspirin for between five and ten years had a 10 per cent lower risk of dying from any cause, including internal bleeding, during that time.
He believes that people in their late forties and fifties would benefit from taking aspirin for 20 to 30 years, when the benefits outweigh the risks. Professor Rothwell, 46, said that he had recently begun taking daily aspirin himself as a result of his data. "Some people will look at this and say that the sensible thing to do is to start taking aspirin at about 45, take it for 25 to 30 years, then stop," he added.
For cancers of the pancreas, oesophagus, brain and lungs, it took at least five years of daily aspirin to see a reduction in deaths, ten years for stomach and bowel cancer and 15 years for prostate cancer.
The mechanism by which aspirin stops cancer developing is unclear, although laboratory research suggests that it may repair damaged DNA or cause potentially dangerous cells to commit suicide.
Two months ago Professor Rothwell's team showed that a daily low dose of aspirin can reduce death rates from bowel cancer by more than a third, while this year scientists in the US reported that the same low dose cut the risk of men developing prostate cancer by up to 30 per cent.
But this latest study is the first to show a clear effect across a whole range of human cancers.
...
They found that for those who had taken aspirin for several years the 20-year risk of dying of all solid cancers was cut by 20 per cent, and by 35 per cent for stomach and bowel cancers.
The 20-year risk of death was reduced by about 10 per cent for prostate cancer, 30 per cent for lung cancer, 40 per cent for bowel cancer and 60 per cent for oesophageal cancer.
Alastair Watson, of the University of East Anglia, said that the study was "a very important new development in our understanding of how to prevent cancer in general. It is further proof that aspirin is, by a long way, the most amazing drug in the world".
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