New Zealand - Nai Yin Xue - The Father of Little Pumpkin Could be Released in Just 12 Years For Killing His Wife
It seems that our good friends across the Tasman have more in common with Australia than either of us might like to admit. And that sameness comes in the form of painfully weak sentencing for brutal crimes against our fellow citizens.
The father of little pumpkin, who abandoned her at a Melbourne train station, was convicted of killing his wife and stuffing her body in the boot of a car. Nai Yin Xue, a martial arts expert, then fled Australia. His disappearance sparked a massive international manhunt. He was eventually captured in the United States and extradited to New Zealand.
This case has been a travesty from go to woe. You may recall that it took the New Zealand police several days to discover the body of An An Liu, despite the fact that it was in a car directly outside the front of the house that they were searching. It is possible that they have never seen a TV police series, where bodies in the boot feature in every 4th episode. Incompetent? You bet.
And now we have a sentencing fail. Apparently the statutory minimum sentence for murder in New Zealand is 10 years. And there is your answer on what a life is worth in the land of the All Blacks. But Nai Yin Xue was given an extra 2 years due to the premeditation of the murder and the excruciating terror his wife endured.
Some sentence hey? I cant be too critical of our neighbours. We do exactly the same thing in this country.
Powerball 80 million Dollar Jackpot Winning Numbers
Yes, the odds of winning first division of Powerball are nearly 55 million to one. But somebody is likely to win given the frenzy that has occurred yet again.
But these are the winning numbers of the draw for 30 July 2009, draw number 689.
13, 15, 17, 21, 45 with a Powerball of 37
Of course if nobody wins, stay tuned for the mother of all draws.
Odds of Winning Powerball
Update: 2 Winners Shared the Prize - Thats a cool $40 million each.
Chaser's War on Everything Final Episode Video
Yes, the war is over. After 4 years, the Chaser boys have pulled the pin on what has been a massive rating success for the ABC. And haven't there been some memorable moments? They have pushed boundaries and sparked huge controversy at times. But the laughs have always been there.
The final episode of Chaser doesn't mean that we have seen the last of them. You can bet that they will be back on air in the not too distant future with a new program and new stunts. They rate too well, so even if the ABC don't bring them back, they would get snapped up in an instant by a commercial network.
The Farewell credits and War is Over song from The Chaser Team.
Kyle and Jackie O Show - 14 Year old girl on Lie Detector Test Reveals Rape
Seems those ratbags Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O have taken a step too far this time. They are certainly no strangers to controversy. But this latest incident reveals how low they will go for ratings.
A 14 year old girl was brought on the Kyle and Jackie O show to undergo a lie detector test about her personal activities. Things turned pretty pear shaped when the question was asked if she had ever had s*x.
The girl was asked a question by her mother, "Have You had S*x?" The girl responded to the question with "I’ve already told you the story about this, and don’t look at me and smile because it’s not funny...Oh okay. I got raped when I was 12 years old."
Without flinching as most of us would, Kyle came out with this little tender response "Right, is that the only experience you’ve had?"
At least Jackie O tried to save the day by offering free counselling to the teenager and shutting the segment down. What about Kyle? What did he do? Seemingly nothing.
At what point do these ridiculous shows get dragged off the air?
Interest Rates - Commentators and Economists Change Their Tune on Australian Recovery
I'm not quite ready to say i told you so. But i am feeling just a little vindicated by my previous predictions of an economic recovery in Australia sooner than expected by nearly every commentator or economist.
After consistent rises on the stock exchange, housing markets in a boom and lower than anticipated unemployment, the economists are starting to amend their positions. That's not a big surprise. An economist's position on anything can change as often as Melbourne's weather.
It didn't take them long to change their tune. Just a couple of months ago, predictions were for a worsening economic climate, with talk of more cuts in interest rates and unemployment to hit 10%. And the same commentators scoffed at the Treasury growth forecasts contained in the Rudd Budget. It was wildly optimistic they said.
Take Access Economics and Chris Richardson as an example. Earlier this year Richardson and his pay for opinion service was tipping unemployment to reach up to 10%. A month or so later, they revised down their forecast to about 8%. Just last week, Richardson and his team of spinmeisters amended their prediction yet again - unemployment to peak at around 7.5% and an economic recovery later this year. Does anyone in the media question their constant opinion changes? Of course not.
Now I will say "economic recovery" with a big grain of salt. Ive said previously that Australia was in a Claytons Recession. To "recover" actually suggests that we have had a tough time since the global financial crisis hit. We haven't. Take the newly unemployed and those about to retire out of the equation, and i would suggest that Australia has never been in a better economic position.
But there are problems on the horizon for the Australian economy. Its something Ive been rabbiting on about for months. And its called the Inflation Genie. We have all of that extra money in our pockets from government handouts and lower interest payments. No, not all of it has been spent. When it does get spent domestically, it will compound the inflation problem. The RBA has already signalled that it will be looking towards managing the expected problem with inflation soon.
And that means one thing for you out there in mortgage land. Higher interest rates. Ive long predicted that interest rates in Australia will start to rise in March of 2010. I may be slightly off in my assessment. It could actually be earlier than that - in the last couple of months of 2009. Believe it. The RBA wont be reluctant to use monetary policy to cool a possibly overheating economy.
What will come with that is some problems for those who have used the lowest interest rates in 50 years to borrow more than they can afford. They have been allowed to do this by banks and mortgage brokers too willing to throw money at the residential housing sector.
Its our own mini sub prime crisis of course. Which is one of the reasons that Australia's housing market will actually defy the trend of the rest of the world. Our property market will experience a price drop in the not too distant future. Ironic isn't it? While the US and Europe housing market recovers, Australia's will crash.
But the rest of the Australian economy need not worry. China is doing incredibly well and our commodity exports will again keep us pumping along quite nicely. Unemployment is unlikely to hit much more than 7% and wages will remain high. And we will just go back to living the life we have become accustomed to in the last decade.
Lessons learned? None.
Families under financial pressure? Where?
Anyone see that UFO?
Marriage Proposal Fail on NRL Footy Show
It hasn't been the best of years for the NRL Footy show. It just seemed to get worse when a man named Peter was called up on stage to pop the question to his girlfriend of 3 years, Catherine.
Fatty Vautin invited Peter to the stage, saying that " he has something he wants to tell you all". But when Peter popped the question to his girlfriend, he was soundly rejected, with Catherine saying that "this is insane, you can't do this like this". She ran off the stage in tears.
But it was all a big hoax. Funny too, because Fatty wasn't in on the joke.
Chaser's War on Everything Guide Dogs for the Really Blind and Munted Video
Yes, it wouldn't be right if someone without a sense of humor wasn't offended by a skit by the Chaser team. In the latest case, its the Guide Dogs for the really Blind and Munted which has resulted in much anger by the Queensland branch of Guide Dogs Australia.
Broadcasting to the world the fact that she has no grip on reality, Guide Dog Chief Executive Chris Laine said that the Chaser skit showed an "incorrect and debasing suggestion that guide dogs can be used to accommodate irresponsible and drunken behaviour. In doing this skit, the Chaser have not only offended and degraded the work and dedication of guide dog schools around the world, but also the courage and commitment shown everyday by the many clients who use a guide dog."
Yeah. Cos people might actually think this was real and dogs can be used to guide drunks home from the pub.
Ms Laine made no mention of whether blind people were watching the offensive skit by the Chaser.
Massive 80 million dollars plus jackpot for Powerball Lotto
Here we go again. Powerball has jackpotted to a massive $80 million, continuing the lottery frenzy that has hit Australia in 2009. We had Ozlotto which went well over $100 million, being won by two ticket holders. Good luck to them, I'm not envious, really.
So is 80 million dollars the final figure for Powerball this time around? Not likely. Its jackpot before it reached this figure was a mere $50 million. So you can expect the media to whip up a storm and the $80 million will be distant memory. $100 + million could be a real chance.
How likely are you to win? I'm sure we are all over the lightning story. Or the needle in a haystack. Its nearly 55 million to one. In other words you are as likely to secure first division in Powerball as man has of actually landing on the moon. Sound stage folks. True story.
If you thought you had seen the back of TV news reporters doing live crosses from their local lotto agent - think again. Personally im hoping for that really funny joke about the reporter telling their station manager they can take their job and shove it. Mark my words, they will tell that joke again. There is nothing as unoriginal as a TV News Journo.
I wish you the best of luck with Powerball. Yes. I will buy a ticket. As unlikely as i am to win, somebody has to have the winning numbers eventually. I look forward to writing about the local happenings in Barbados...
Cost of Tickets and Odds of Winning First Division Powerball
Want to win a Jackpot First Division Prize in Tattersall's Powerball? Sure thing. Get yourself a ticket and hope to god that yours is the one in 54,979,155 tickets whose numbers match.
That's right. If you thought chances of winning Super 7's Ozlotto were out there at 45 million to one, try almost 55 million to one for Powerball. You are nearly 7 times more likely to win regular Tattslotto and about 20 times more likely to win The Pools.
It doesn't stop people buying a ticket though. Winning a major prize in the lottery could solve all the money troubles we all think we have.
But at least Powerball is a whole lot cheaper than OzLotto. Each ticket will set you back around 65 cents, as opposed to about $1.10 for OzLotto. An 18 game powerball quickpick (or choose your own numbers) will cost you $11.75.
But there is a little bonus with Powerball that some people don't realise. Its the second division prize, which is a straight match 5 numbers. The odds of winning that are 1,249,526 to one. And the prizes for second division are usually very good, mostly at least $60,000.
Compare that to second division in OzLotto which is over 3 million to one with a usual prize figure almost half that of Powerball's. So while the headline 55 million to one first division doesn't sound so attractive, keep in mind the second division odds and lower ticket cost as a comparison. That makes Powerball a better value proposition over Ozlotto in my opinion.
These are the odds of winning Powerball for all divisions:
Match...
5 Winning Numbers + Powerball Number - 54,979,155 to one
5 Winning Numbers - 1,249,526 to one
4 Winning Numbers + Powerball Number - 274,896 to one
3 Winning Numbers + Powerball Number - 7,049 to one
4 Winning Numbers - 6,248 to one
2 Winning Numbers + Powerball Number - 556 to one
3 Winning Numbers - 160 to one
Chaser's War on Everything - Mr Osama Bin Laden Goes to Washington Video
Pushing the boundaries in their last season, the Chaser team have sent their most prized correspondent, Osama Bin Laden to Washington to investigate prime targets.
Its not as confronting as the APEC stunt, but its probably not the safest thing for the team to be doing. There may be a lot of trigger happy law enforcement officials in this "war on terror" climate.
But, as with the APEC motorcade, the Chaser boys emerge unscathed. Funny. With all of their dangerous stunts over the years, Chaser's War had more to fear from ABC Management and the tabloid press. Go figure.
Chaser's War on Everything - American Tourists Translation Video
If you have ever travelled the world, no doubt you have crossed the path of at least a few American tourists. And don't they stand out? From the "wows" to the "look at that" to the inane questions, Americans do their best to spread their brand to the world.
I will say however, for all their loudness and jaw dropping awe moments, Americans are much less offensive tourists than many Australians. Young Australians are the worst. Loud, obnoxious and a massive superiority complex. In contrast, young Americans are loud but have a great deal more respect for the world. True story.
And don't get me started on the chip on the shoulders of Canadians. Their stupid big maple leaf patch on their backpacks and their need to proclaim their Canadianess is spew worthy. Ever mistaken a Canadian for an American? You would never be forgiven. Mistake an American for Canadian and it would be brushed off in an instant. And for the record, Canadians are actually just as loud.
Here are the Chaser having a go at the language difficulties between English and English American.
Was Julie's Win Rigged by the Judges and Producers of Masterchef Australia?
Wow. I don't think Ive seen as much negative commentary about the winner of a reality TV show. Julie appeared to be the popular winner in the Australian community. But forums, blogs and news sites are abuzz with talk of rigging by the judges of Masterchef.
Julie certainly didn't come across as a likely winner. She was usually frazzled, had poor time management and made simple mistakes. But for all of her errors, she kept being allowed to stay in the competition.
In the final episode, Julie was given advice from the judges during the last challenge on both her chocolate dessert base and her sorbet. In fact, the taste test advice from the judges regarding her sorbet was enough to make her redo the whole thing. The same advice didn't appear to be offered to Poh, whose sorbet was criticised on final tasting. Is this allowed or fair? Probably not.
This site has not been immune from the outrage over Julie winning. We saw it when Chris was eliminated before Julie in the second last challenge show, despite not even finishing her dishes. Comments suggest that her tears and good sell of her cook book idea kept her in the show.
What do you think? Was Masterchef Australia rigged to make Julie the winner? Or does she genuinely deserve the title of the first Australian Masterchef?
These are some of the choice comments of which there are plenty just from this site:
"masterchef has got to be set up, julie doesnt deserve the title, and poh shouldve won she was obviously a much better cook than julie was, and the way that julie would shake and the sweat would just drip from her and into the food that she made disgusts me, i feel sorry for the judges, they had to eat it, ewwww."
"Congratulations to Channel 10 for a totally bogus show, we suckers tuned in every night to watch Masterchef. It was set-up from the start, boring,stupid, insipid..."
"LOL! MasterSh** Lets all cry a bit and tell a sod story about your children,OH WOW! what's that? I get 100k too..."
"This show is pathetic, completely rigged. Yes everyone has their "off days" but for Julie it was every episode. Chris and Poh made beautiful dishes, restaurant style, the POINT of MasterChef. As soon as they booted Chris I knew it was already rigged. He made an amazing dish - Julie didn't even finish the damn thing."
"Julie just starts crying and stuff when they test her food and " i need to prove for my kids " grow up seriously . She wont end up working in a restaurant as she cant handle the stress..."
and...
"Julie Goodwin. Can you spell Rigged Masterchef Australia? Rigged Rigged Rigged."
Julie Goodwin will Secure a Random House Publishing Deal for Her Family Cook Book
The cook book from Julie Goodwin is the equivalent of Guy Sebastian's first album. Its going to be a best seller. And that means plenty of dollars for the Masterchef Australia team.
Julie has planned to do a cook book based around family. Firstly, it will feature the recipes that she likes to cook for her own family. Subsequent chapters will display dishes from other families. The last chapter will be blank, which will be kept for the family recipes of the person who buys the book.
When i heard this idea from Julie, i knew she had won over the judges, especially Donna Hay. It is an amazing concept. But it probably shouldn't have been what the final winning decision was based on.
There has been plenty of commentary on forum sites, online news and blogs regarding the motives of the decision to award Julie Goodwin the title of Australia's first Masterchef. It is being alleged that Julie's book concept is the only reason that she won the competition. Its all about the dollars.
I'm inclined to agree with the theory of money and profits playing a part in the decision making process. These shows are not really genuine talent contests. Money makes the world go round, reality TV producers know that only too well.
But the question that is being asked is: Will the judges secure some of the proceeds of the book sales? I'm not sure, I'm unfamiliar with the contracts that they have. If they do, the brand of Masterchef could be seriously damaged.
If the show only comes down to who will be the most profitable for the company, then the future of Masterchef isn't as promising as Network 10 might have hoped.
Official! Julie Goodwin Beats Poh Ling Yeow to Win First Series Finale of Masterchef Australia
Its going to be controversial, but Julie Goodwin a 38 year old IT Consultant has won the first series of Masterchef Australia.
The final night consisted of three challenges - the taste test, the invention test and the pressure test. Julie secured more points than Poh in each of the challenges.
But was it a good result? Certainly there is no question on the taste test - Julie scored one more point than Poh. But on the other two tests, there would be a serious question mark over Julie's performance.
Poh hardly missed a beat on the last two challenges and her presentation was second to none. As usual, she served up dishes that wouldn't look out of place in a good restaurant. In contrast, Julie was flustered as usual, burning her potatoes in the invention test, and struggling with the pastry in the pressure test.
But that didn't stop the judges awarding the night to Julie. Even guest celebrity judge Curtis Stone heavily criticised Julie's final dish - yet awarded her a 9 out of 10.
Fair? You be the judge. I have my own opinion which i will share soon. At the end of the day, Julie's book will sell more. Work out for yourself if that had any bearing on the judge's final decision.
Network 10 The 7pm Project with Dave Hughes, Charlie Pickering and Carrie Bickmore
Its a tough time slot - 7pm weeknights. Its recently been won hands down by Masterchef Australia. But how will the 7pm project fare?
It has a good start, immediately following the last episode of Masterchef. But it is also up against Home and Away on Seven, Two and a Half Men on Nine and ABC news. None of those are easy beats.
The 7pm Project seeks to cover top news stories of the day, in a funny and light hearted way. According to Ten The 7pm Project "...is a place where people who are genuinely interested in the world around them come together to talk, offering genuine conversation in a space previously crowded by scandal and spin."
This is yet another program from Roving Enterprises. And its another one featuring Dave Hughes. Yes, its the same old faces. It seems that Dave Hughes is the go to man for Network Ten. And he is fast becoming the Eddie McGuire of the comedy circuit. He appears mornings on Nova, every Sunday on Rove, Before the Game on weekends and now every weeknight.
Is Australia ready for this at 7pm every night? I'm going to hazard a guess and say no. Yes it will rate well in the beginning. It has been promoted to death. But long term i think it would have has much more appeal as a one hour, Good News Week type program. However, i will reserve my judgement until a few weeks in.
Series 1 Masterchef Australia Final Episode - Julie Goodwin Versus Poh Ling Yeow
Here we are. After 70 episodes and nearly 3 months, we have reached the end of the series. It hasn't been without controversy. All of the favorites have been ejected from the Masterchef house, there have been claims of dirty tricks and losing contenders have been brought back to the competition.
But it has been an amazing ratings success for Network 10, being the most watched show on TV almost every day. That means big dollars for the ailing network. And the Masterchef website has received tens of millions of hits. That is significant advertising revenue in itself.
There will be a second series of the program, but it wont appear on out TV's until April next year. The judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan are likely to return, but are yet to sign up for the show.
But there will be a Celebrity Masterchef which will run over 10 weeks in October. It will be screened just once a week, in comparison to the 6 nights a week of the current program.
The final two contenders are Julie Goodwin and Poh Ling Yeow. Julie has been lucky to survive numerous challenges, and was surprisingly kept in the competition after defeating Chris Badenoch to move to the final two. Poh was brought back to the show after being eliminated midway through the competition.
Who is the winner of Masterchef Australia? We will soon know. While Julie is probably the people's favorite, Poh is arguably the much better chef. So regardless of the person chosen by the judges, you should expect the controversy to continue.
Murder Charges Expected in Death of Michael Jackson - Diprivan Painkiller
It is being reported that murder charges are expected to be laid over the death of Pop King Michael Jackson.
Reports suggest that the autopsy of Jackson will show that he died from a lethal combination of pills and the powerful painkiller Dipravin. Sources also state that his body has numerous needle marks, particularly on his neck.
Michael's father Joe Jackson has already said that he believe there was foul play in the death of his son. His sister LaToya has also said that she believed he was murdered.
The results of the autopsy are expected to be released in the next few days. Any charges relating to Jackson's death would likely coincide with the release of the information.
Invented Fake Story? Jamie Neale Scores $200,000 from Nine Network for 12 Days Lost Story
Its either Australia's most remarkable tale of survival or one of the biggest hoaxes played on us since Helen Demidenko. Jamie Neale apparently survived 12 days lost in the NSW Blue Mountains after supposedly going on an ill prepared hike.
Neale has denied that he invented the story about getting lost in the bush, suggesting that he thought he would die in and even wrote goodbye notes for his loved ones. "People can say what they want because I'm not lying. It's the truth," Neale Said.
I'll make my own opinion known. Jamie looked perfectly healthy to me for someone who had spent close to a fortnight in light clothing, subjected to subzero temperatures and with little food.
Neale also left his belongings at his backpacker hostel - including his mobile phone. I may be simple at times, but who leaves home without a mobile phone these days? Particularly young people who are usually glued to them.
Neale said that he survived on weeds and wild berries during his holiday in the bush. But nature experts have questioned the tale, saying that only about 40% of wild berries were safe to eat. They were sceptical of Neale's ability to choose which ones wouldn't make him sick, or even kill him.
Of course whatever the truth is, its a hell of a story. And one that the media don't mind paying for. Yes, chequebook journalism. Too bad if he is punking them Clare Werbeloff style.
I could do with a couple of hundred grand myself. If you don't hear from me for a couple of weeks, you know Ive gone off for a little hike.
Second Series of Masterchef Australia
Masterchef Australia has been an amazing success for Network 10, winning the ratings hands down every night. It stands to reason that another series is a certainty.
But it wont come soon enough for many fans. It is scheduled to be aired around the same time next year, commencing in April 2010. Auditions for the program will be conducted in January.
Masterchef Australia has replaced Australian Idol as the must watch reality TV show. But this one is even bigger, and it is likely that the franchise could continue for the next few years.
Already there is a celebrity Masterchef planned to be aired in October, running once a week for 10 weeks. Contestants have yet to be announced.
Celebrity Master Chef Australia Contestants
The production of Celebrity Masterchef Australia is scheduled to begin in September with about 18 contestants. It is rumored that the contestants will be drawn from diverse fields such as sport, tv and even politics. Now that should be interesting.
However the show will only run for 10 weeks to be aired on Network 10 from October. And it will only be shown once a week, as opposed to the intense almost daily Masterchef Australia series.
Given that Masterchef Australia is still fresh and very popular, you can expect to see top name A list celebrities. This contrasts to the B and C grade celebrities that Dancing With the Stars has been forced to recruit.
The new series of the regular Masterchef program wont be aired until April 2010, with auditions commencing in January.
Updates on Celebrity Contenders to follow.
Julie Goodwin to win Masterchef Australia?
Julie Goodwin is a hell of a good cook. And a really nice and genuine person. But a Masterchef she isn't.
However with Masterchef Australia, I'm sure many of you have long since recognised that this isn't always judged on talent. There have been plenty of favorites along the way, like Chris and Justine. But both have been eliminated despite their obvious talent in the kitchen.
Julie has impressed the judges and the public with her down to earth style. She is the woman who proves that anyone can do well on these shows. But does Julie have what it takes to be a top notch chef in a high class restaurant? Not even close I'm afraid.
Id love to have Julie cook a meal for a family - in a regular, non pressure setting where she sets the rules. In a restaurant kitchen however, Julie isn't someone you could rely on. She is easily frazzled, doesn't have good time management and sometimes has strange priorities. And i don't need to tell you that she can be terribly emotional.
So why is Julie Goodwin still in the competition? If you were to ask Chris, he would say that she shouldn't be. He is biased, but in my opinion, he would be right. Julie's final week was pretty poor, including serving up a sludgy custard pie and not finishing her dishes on the second last night. But she kept going through.
I have an opinion that Julie's presence has more to do with ratings and potential Masterchef Australia cook book sales than it does with talent. Julie would rate highly with 30+ something women who apparently have been tuning into Masterchef in the millions. The producers want to keep these viewers - not just now, but for the next Masterchef series.
And they want their dollars in the upcoming book sales. Keep in mind that the show where Chris was eliminated featured Julie's cook book concept about family. It won over Donna Hay and the judges who could hear the ka-ching ringing in their ears as she spoke. Because Julie has a good cook book concept.
Its unfortunate for some of the viewers who take these things seriously, but these shows are about making money for the network and the producers. And that's why Julie has a really good chance of winning. That's not to say that she wont beat Poh on the night with a better dish. But one good show does not make a chef. Its about consistency. Poh has shown that. Julie hasn't.
Link: Should Poh Win Masterchef?
Link: Official - Julie Wins Masterchef Australia
Have a look at Julie trying to kill a fish - that's not the most confident of chefs. Masterchef?
Masterchef Australia Cook Book
While the $100,000 top prize to Australia's first Masterchef is a decent amount of money, its nothing in comparison to the dollars that will find their way to the producers of Masterchef through the cook book recipes deal.
Masterchef is the adult equivalent of Australian Idol - its just in this case the cookbook is their record deal. But although Idol's CD sales diminished as the show went from bad to worse, the same is unlikely to happen for the Masterchef cookbook.
What about the profits of the book? Who gets the bulk of the sales proceeds? Probably the producers of the MasterChef Australia program. While the cook book will carry the name of Poh Ling Yeow or Julie Goodwin, they wont be expecting to receive an enormous amount in royalties. It works much the same way for Idol winners.
I'm sure Julie or Poh wont be too upset about that - either one will just be happy to win the competition. But it does make you wonder about the motives of the judges. Are they looking at who might be able to sell more cook books?
The Chris designed cook book was a for a niche market. But so is Poh's. The only mainstream concept for a cook book came from Julie. And while she isn't a Masterchef - more like a really good cook - her book would sell in the thousands. Tens or maybe even over 100,000. That's big for Australia.
If Julie does win, you might consider that there is some form of conspiracy for this whole thing to be based around book sales and profits. If she comes in second to Poh, then look out for the possibility that she will get a deal anyway.
If you are still wondering why Chris was turfed out - never rule out profits before talent.
Ken Loach, Looking for Eric and Israeli Funding of Melbourne International Film Festival
English film director Ken Loach will be boycotting the Melbourne International Film Festival because the event receives a small sponsorship from the Israeli Government. Loach wrote to the executive director of the festival, Richard Moore, demanding that he reject any funding from Israel.
If the MIFF didn't meet his demand, he would not allow them to show his film, Looking for Eric. Ken has a political slant against Israel. Its one i happen to disagree with, but that is his right. But politics is not something we want invading our festivals.
The small sponsorship by the Israeli Government includes an airfare for a filmmaker who produced the first Israel-Australia feature production. But Ken doesn't want her to attend apparently.
Well you know what Ken? You can bugger off you old git. Whatever your politics, the Melbourne Film Festival is not the place to be a show pony. Seriously, we don't want you here.
Who is the Winner of Masterchef Australia 2009? Poh Ling Yeow Defeats Julie Goodwin in Final Challenge
It has been revealed that Poh Ling Yeow has won the 2009 Masterchef Australia series, beating out rival competitor Julie Goodwin. Despite being eliminated previously, Poh was given a lifeline to come back to the competition. She has done all the right things and is a worthy winner.
Is this the truth? Can Poh win?
She should, but nothing is so certain in Masterchef Australia. The favorite to win, Chris Badenoch was eliminated despite the fact that he seemed to do all the right things to impress the judges.
Surprisingly, Julie remained in the competition, even though she was unable to finish the dishes she was creating. I have a hunch that the reason Julie stayed was because of her book concept. Yes, it was a good idea - a book about family recipes. But is that what it should have been judged on?
I will say that Julie is a really nice person. And she is a damned good cook. But she isn't a chef. If this competition is true to its name, then Julie Goodwin shouldn't win. Because she isn't and cant be a Masterchef.
Julie gets way too frazzled and cant organise herself in a kitchen. I'm not sure that is something that can be learned. If you remember back to Hong Kong - Julie cut her finger, blood was oozing out. She wanted to keep cooking, without attending to the wound. Not smart. You either have it or you don't, and I'm afraid that Julie doesn't.
And while Chris was arrogant, he was in control. Id employ him as a chef because i think he has what it takes to run a kitchen. But while its a disappointing result for him, he will run a successful business.
So Poh. She is creative, in control and takes risks. And she doesnt get too flustered. In addition, her presentation is usually top notch. She should win. But some things are not so certain in Reality Television...
Link: Should Julie Win Masterchef Australia?
Funny Photo of the Day
Okay, so this photo probably isn't really from Melbourne. But it feels so damned cold that it may as well be. Yeah yeah, global warming and all that. But with this weather I'm almost inclined to believe Andrew Bolt and his global cooling theories.
At least when it snows you get to make interesting ice or snow sculptures. Unless of course this is two people actually frozen on top of this car...
Joke of the Day - Serenity Now
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I cannot accept,
And the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people
I had to kill today because they pissed me off.
And also, help me to be careful of the toes I step on today
As they may be connected to the ass that I have to kiss tomorrow.
Help me to always give 100% at work... 12% on Monday, 23% on Tuesday,
40% on Wenesday, 20% on Thursday, and 5% on Friday.
And help me to remember...
When I'm having a really bad day,
And it seems that people are trying to piss me off,
That it takes 42 muscles to frown
And only 4 to extend my middle finger and tell them to bugger off.
Love in Over - Winner of Masterchef Australia Revealed - Chris Badenoch
Despite tight security surrounding the Masterchef Australia final result, it has been revealed by an exclusive source that Chris Badenoch is the winner of the inaugural show. Badencoh saw off the challenge by the other contestants left in the show, Poh Ling Yeow and Julie Goodwin.
Confidentiality agreements were signed by everyone involved in the show. But reports are suggesting that at least 120 people already knew the winner. The last show was filmed on July 2 and that same episode wont go to air until Sunday July 19.
Its a long time to keep the secret. All it takes is one person to tell one other. Who leaked the result? We dont have any firm proof. But the same person had access to some of the final footage.
The exclusive source has also revealed that Chris has now left his new love Julia Jenkins for George Calombaris. Other reports seem to confirm this story, with George and Chris recently being seen together at City Hatters in Melbourne.
Below is a video which has been snuck out of the studios. It shows the final scenes as Chris is announced as the winner by the master fawner and declared tart lover George. You will note the joy of the former contestants returning to congratulate Chris.
Luke Adams 19 year old Man Bashed and Choked in Chapel Street - Arrest Made
AT about 5.45 on Monday morning in Chapel Street Melbourne, 19 year Luke Adams witnessed three men kicking and punching his friend for no apparent reason. As you might expect, he stepped in to try to break up the fight. The three men turned on him, punching him repeatedly, then choking him until he was unconscious.
Adams is currently in the Alfred Hospital. It is being reported that he has suffered a brain injury, eye damage and facial fractures.
There are at least a couple of disturbing things to this story. The first is the absolutely brazen attack by three guys on a 19 year old man. It goes further than just attack though. Its bashing a kid to within an inch of his life. And then continuing to kick him while he was down and obviously unconscious.
The second disturbing element is the fact that these criminals committed this terrible act in full view of security cameras. Either they are completely retarded or they have no regard for the consequences of their actions. Probably a little of both.
Its no surprise that one man has been arrested. He is a 32 year old man from Brunswick and faces eight charges including recklessly causing serious injury. Not sure why they cant throw in attempted murder. You can bet the other thugs will be caught too. Good. But they need to be punished, and punished severely.
If these thugs don't get at least 15 years jail for this disgraceful act, then there is no justice in Victoria. Thugs like this don't deserve a place in our society. They can rot in jail.
Their parents must be so proud of these kids. Yes, its yet another Parenting Fail...
Chaser's War on Everything - Barney the Dinosaur Needs Royalties from Dick Cheney
Yeah, its safe to say that when you get involved with the United States Secret Service, things may not end well. The Chaser team apparently turn up to Former Vice President Dick Cheney's house to demand royalties for Barney the Dinosaur.
Some of Barney's songs were played to inmates at Guantanmo Bay as a form of torture.
It doesnt take long for the police and then secret service to turn up. But long enough when a man in a dinosaur suit is standing at the front gate to the former VP's house.
John Yoo - Former Justice Department Attorney in Bush Administration and Torture Advocate - Stunt at Berkeley by chaser team - Video
Nothing seems to be off limits to the Chaser team. That's usually a good thing. I'm just not sure if they keep this up that other countries will allow them back in.
This latest stunt was pulled in a classroom in University California Berkeley, where John Yoo was giving a lecture. Yoo is a former official in the Justice Department who advocated torture. It has been argued that Yoo could be indicted for crimes against humanity.
Chaser's War on Everything Parody of Will I Am Obama Yes We Can Music Video - Kevin Rudd, In Due Season
I'm not sure this is the funniest thing i have seen from the Chaser team, but it is a clever idea.
Pulling in some big name Australian celebrities to parody the great Obama music video, the Chaser team have captured what is sometimes high brow speak by Rudd.
In Due Season features stars like Hamish and Andy, Tony Martin, Amanda Keller and even Greg Matthews. Yeah yeah.
Will the TAC make an Ad about Hoon Drivers and Burnouts?
Ive long said that the TAC needs to take a different approach to young drivers in Victoria. Because many young drivers just aren't getting the message.
If you are under 25, you are almost twice as likely to die or be seriously injured in a car accident as any other age group. But do young drivers know these statistics? Probably not. Over recent weeks, we have seen countless road deaths involving teenagers. And you can bet that there will be many more.
What should the TAC do? A good start would be to find a better way to connect with young people. Ive suggested that at the very least the TAC should have a dedicated Youtube channel, open a twitter page, and have a presence on Myspace and Facebook. That's simple stuff, which would take less than a week to implement.
If you have ever had a need to visit the TAC website, you will see how outdated and unfriendly it is to young people. Its mainly designed as a government website,with a heavy media focus. That's not good enough and it should be changed.
But they need to take a step further, producing much more graphic advertising. The latest Drug Driver ad is a start. However i suspect that the target market for drug driving is much older than the under 25's.
Hard hitting ads work. And while young people may not always see them on TV, that's where social networking and video sharing comes in.
Id suggest the following ad for the TAC, targeted specifically at hooning. And much of it should be shot as if coming from a mobile phone. It has to be real and relevant.
Its an open carpark, with trees surrounding - next to a suburban footy ground. A large group of young people are gathered around to watch a mid 90's Holden Commodore and its hoon driver and passenger.
Long shot of the Commodore at the end of the car park, burning the tires in preparation for takeoff. Cut to driver and passenger, laughing and egging each other on. Back to long shot, the young crowd are encouraging the driver - some are taking videos with their phones.
The Commodore takes off and speeds into view. It skids, and starts to turn. All controlled, until the car spins off course and into the path of the crowd. It takes out a few kids, spins again and slams passenger side into a tree.
As the smoke clears we see the driver of the car, still alive and seemingly unhurt. But his passenger - probably his best mate - is bloody and dead. We then see the bloody bodies of the kids on the ground, some moving and screaming, the others lifeless.
Overlaid Message: Are You Really in Control? Hoon Driving - Death Isnt Fun
It shouldnt be too hard to produce. Here is a video of a hoon driver engaged in a similar activity. Idiot alert.
TAC Drug Driving Commercial Video
The TAC are back on the graphic advertising campaign. This time going after driving under the influence of drugs. In this instance, it is marijuana.
This ad starts off slowly, but just wait for the shock value. Ive watched it numerous times and it always makes me jump. Well done to the TAC - we need to see more of these ads. Some ads targeted specifically to youth wouldn't go astray..
Masterchef Australia - Are Chris Badenoch and Julia Jenkins in Love?
Its only an 18 year age gap. It is being reported that Chris Badenoch and Julia Jenkins are in a relationship. They have apparently been seen together cuddling up on a plane, and also out at breakfast in North Melbourne. Spies have also seen Julia and Chris leaving his Brunswick house, hand in hand.
What, Chris lives in Brunswick? Well there's a fricken surprise. Too cool for school is Chris. We can only hope that this romance puts a smile on his face.
But the love that Julia may have for Chris is nothing compared to the judges. Their fawning over him is sickening. As George Calombaris said to Chris last night, "I just love little tarts." I bet he does.
But does anyone care about this romance? If true, I'm sure their former partners might be feeling a little jilted. But i don't give a toss. I just wish he would take off those stupid hats.
Personally, i just don't trust him. He is a cunning little bugger. And is there a special make up department at Masterchef that makes him look oily, dirty and unkempt every night?
My vote still goes to Poh. I'm putting aside the fact that she is South Australian. Shes a sassy operator and just a little bit cute. And also taken...
Party Boy Corey Worthington Caught Speeding - Is Narre Warren Victoria's Biggest White Trash Suburb?
It seems that Corey just doesn't get it. Just weeks after 4 teenagers lost their lives in an accident in nearby Lynbrook, Narre Warren South resident and party boy Corey Worthington was caught speeding in his car.
How much over the speed limit was he? A mere 42 kmh. Just 3 kmh short of having his car impounded under Victoria's hoon laws.
It's obvious that Corey is a couple of IQ points below retarded. But how much like his fellow residents of Narre Warren is he? Has Narre Warren crept up to be the biggest bogan, white trash suburb in Victoria? Or indeed, Australia?
Is there a problem with the education system that makes these people so stupid? Or is it in their genes - spaticsity following from one generation to the next. Or maybe its just something in the drinking water.
Maybe i am wrong on Narre Warren being Victoria's Whie Trash Capital. Could it be Cranbourne instead? Or is Frankston still a contender?
2009 Goal of the Year? Brendan Fevola stars for the Blues against Richmond with 9 Goals
Brendan Fevola has had an inconsistent 2009. But when he is on fire, he sure is something to watch. He kicked a career high 9 goals against the Tigers.
And at least one of those goals is likely to be a strong contender for 2009 Goal of the Year. It has my vote anyway, its just freakily good. Its about a minute in to the report, but check out his earlier effort - almost a contender too.
Girl in America Falls into Sewer after Manhole Cover Removed - Busy sending SMS
I'm not sure whether to laugh or to cry. A 15 year old girl suffered cuts and bruises after falling into a sewer. The reason? The manhole cover was removed by city workers, and she didn't notice a hole in the footpath because she was busy using her mobile phone.
The city workers were going to flush the sewer and had removed the manhole cover before going to their truck to place cones at the site to warn against the open hole. Granted, they probably should have put the cones there first.
But what responsibility should the girl take for not looking where she was going? So lets say she walks into a power pole and suffers concussion. Who is to blame? The city, for erecting the pole? Or the stupid idiot for not looking where she is going?
Of course, the girl will sue the city. After all, she lost a shoe. True story.
Victory at Last - Australian Mark Webber Winner of German Grand Prix
I think that many Australians had given up on Mark Webber ever winning a race. He doesn't feature as heavily in the media as you might expect of an Australian driving at an elite level. But the nice guy of the GP circuit has finally secured a win in The German Grand Prix.
While he has had numerous podium finishes, mostly this year, after 8 years of driving in Formula 1, the top prize has eluded him. This win actually puts in in third place in the championship.
Driving for Red Bull, Webber was 9.3 seconds clear of his teammate Sebastian Vettel. This is the first win for an Australian driver since Alan Jones won in 1981.
For determination, persistence and for being a down to earth sportsperson, you just have to say well done to Webber.
Murder? - Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson Suggests his son was the victim of Foul Play
In an exclusive interview with ABC, Michael's father Joe Jackson has said that his son was the victim of foul play. Police have not yet ruled out homicide. Results of the autopsy on Michael Jackson and toxicology reports have yet to be released.
Powerful drugs were allegedly found at Michael Jackson's rented Los Angeles home.
Joke of the Day
Once upon a time in a nice little forest, there lived an orphaned bunny and an orphaned snake. By surprising coincidence both were blind from birth.
One day the bunny was hopping through the forest and the snake was slithering through the forest, when the bunny tripped over the snake and fell down. This of course knocked the snake about quite a bit.
'Oh, my,' said the bunny, 'I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I've been blind since birth, so I can't see where I'm going. In fact since I'm also an orphan I don't even know what I am.'
'It's quite OK,' replied the snake. 'Actually, my story is much the same as yours. , too have been blind since birth, and also never knew my mother. Tell you what, maybe I could slither all over you and work out what you are, so at least you'll have that going for you.'
'Oh, that would be wonderful,' replied the bunny. So the snake slithered all over the bunny, and said, 'Well, you're covered with soft fur, you have really long ears, your nose twitches and you have a soft cottony tail. I'd say that you must be a bunny rabbit.'
'Oh, thank you! Thank you,' cried the bunny in excitement.
The bunny suggested to the snake, 'Maybe I could feel you all over with my paw and help you the same way you've helped me.' So the bunny felt the snake all over, and remarked, 'Well, you're scaly and smooth, and you have a forked tongue, no backbone and no balls. I'd say you must be either an accountant, or possibly someone in senior management.'
Harry Potter - Sassy Cute Emma Watson interviewed on David Letterman Video
Hasn't Emma Watson grown into a sassy young woman? Watson gives as good as she gets from Letterman in this interview before the Half Blood Prince opens in cinemas.
Id be surprised if Watson isn't the biggest long term star to emerge from the Harry Potter movie series. Talented, funny, smart and very cute.
Video - Newcastle's Greater Building Society Scores Jerry Seinfeld for Advertising Commercial
This is quite a coup. Perhaps the world's best known comedian has been contracted to do a commercial for Newcastle's Greater Building Society. This puts them in the same company as Microsoft and American Express - the only other adverts Seinfeld has done in his career. The ads will air around Newcastle and Gold Coast regions.
Management at the Building society decided to pitch the idea to Seinfeld, thinking they had nothing to lose. Indeed. Apparently Seinfeld was happy to do the ad, and also helped write the script. The commercial was filmed in New York at a makeshift branch. It is not disclosed how much Seinfeld was paid to do the ad, but it is likely in the millions.
Sam Newman Questioned by Police over Road Rage Incident in Armstrong Street, Middle Park
Will this be the Media's latest attempt to stitch up Sam Newman? They do love a good Newman story. Granted, sometimes he pushes the boundaries. But that's who he is. And there isn't any doubt in my mind that Newman is one of the most intelligent people on TV today.
Apparently Newman has been questioned by police after an incident that occurred in Armstrong Street, Middle Park.
No further details are yet available, but be sure to stand by - you wont hear the end of this one soon - that's for sure. Id suggest this might just find its way on to the front cover of Saturday's papers.
More to follow...
Flowers and Tributes to Four Teenager Car Accident Deaths lead to Fatal Car Crash
Police are saying that the massive amount of flowers and tributes to teenagers at a Lynbrook intersection have caused the death of a 21 year old woman from Wantirna.
The woman collided with a truck at the intersection of Ormond and Hallam Roads Lynbrook at about 6.30am. Four teenagers died at the exact same spot just 2 weeks ago.
Acting Inspector Smith of Victoria Police said the following: "We suspect that the amount of tributes and everything that have been put up at the intersection has distracted the deceased driver and she's pulled into the path of the truck."
The tributes were excessive according to police and they obscured signs and distracted drivers. They included flowers, boards, messages, letters, signs and photos. Police moved quickly to remove the tributes after the latest accident. Good.
But in a sign of how stupid some of these locals are, they started laying more tributes just 90 minutes after police removed them. Are they really so inconsiderate? Someone just died because of you.
I think tributes like these should be banned. A cemetery is much more appropriate. What do you think?
Greater Dandenong Councillors Give themselves a 35% pay rise
In an area where some of Victoria's lowest paid employees live, local Councillors have voted to give themselves a massive 35% pay rise. Greater Dandenong Councillors passed a motion to increase the Mayoral Salary from $57,500 to $77,300 (plus $6957 in superannuation). Regular councillors salary went up $6000 to $24,200 (plus $2718 in superannuation).
So in the global financial crisis, how much did the lowest paid workers get in the latest national wage case? Nothing. Not a red cent.
You can bet that the rates at Dandenong Council and other thieving councils like them will go through the roof, yet again. Somebody has to pay for the freeloading councillors.
Not only do these councillors get a salary, they get a mobile phone, laptop computer, free meals and office support. Not a bad gig is it? And the Mayor gets the use of a V8 Statesmen.
Really doing their bit for the environment is Dandenong Council. Even most Members of Parliament don't drive in such luxury. I wonder if they have heard of a hybrid car in Dandenong.
In her defence, the Mayor of Dandeong Pinar Yesil voted against the money grab, as did Roz Blades, Yvonne Herring and John Kelly. Fair play to them.
Councillors Peter Brown, Youhorn Chea, Paul Donovan, Angela Long, Jim Memeti, Maria Sampey and Loi Truong voted to line their pockets with more ratepayers money. Id use the words corruption and filth, but I'm actually fearful of some of those people in Dandenong. I'm quite sure at least one has a criminal conviction....
Victoria Bitter - VB Regulars TV Advertisement Commercial Video
Hard earned thirst? Not anymore. The Regulars is the new ad for VB, and its a big one. Perhaps not as massive as the really big ad campaign for Carlton Draught. But still huge.
Im still trying to work out my opinion on this one. I do like the hard earned thirst ad - that song and John Meillon voice over has stood the test of time. Perhaps a temporary break is a good thing. As long as they return to the original in time, I'm happy.
Im thinking im in the Blokes Punching Above their Weight group. Which banner best describes you?
Joke of the Day
Bob wakes up at home with a huge hangover after the night at a business function. He forces himself to open his eyes and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!
Bob sits down and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and ironed. Bob looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house.
He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror and notices a note on the table:
"Darling, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping – Love you!!"
He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating.
Bob asks, "What the hell happened last night?"
"Well, you came home after 3am, drunk and out of your mind. You broke the coffee table, threw up in the hallway and got that black eye when you ran into the door."
"So, why is everything in such perfect order, so clean, I have a rose and breakfast is on the table waiting for me?"
His son replies, "Oh, THAT!.. Mum dragged you to the bedroom and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed, "Leave me alone bitch, I'm married!!!"
Who's Loving You - Britain's Got Talent Star Shaheen Jarfargholi at Michael Jackson's Funeral Memorial Service Video
I think that Shaheen Jarfagholi will emerge in the future as a much bigger star than Susan Boyle. Not that she isn't any good - she is. But this kid is only 12 years old, is down to earth and has an amazing range. Who won Britain's got talent in the end? See, ive already forgotten.
Nice that Shaheen got to sing at Michael Jackson's memorial service. Sound quality is a little rough at the start - but this kid does have some talent.
Video - Sacha Baron Cohen on Late Night with David Letterman Discusses Bruno's meeting with a Middle Eastern Terrorist
Nice to see Sacha Baron Cohen turn up and not Bruno. Not that Bruno isn't funny, I'm just not sure what he would have done to Dave. You saw what he did to Rove.
Check his story of Bruno meeting with a terrorist in the Middle East.
Racism? Indian Taxi Drivers Fight over Fare in South Melbourne Photos
I don't think anyone was seriously hurt in this incident between taxi drivers in South Melbourne. So that makes it really funny. A group of people hailed a taxi in Kavanagh Street South Melbourne - two taxis stopped for the fare.
And that's where the fight started. The group decided not to take either of the cabs - no surprise there.
I wonder what the media in India will make of the fact that Indians in Melbourne are bashing other Indians. Is this a racist attack? Have a look at the bottom photo - the anger on the faces of the drivers as a white guy tries to intervene to stop the fight.
ABS Declare Unemployment Rise of .1 of 1% in June to 5.8%
In May that the ABS announced that unemployment had dropped in April from 5.7% to 5.4%. You may recall at the time some economists and commentators scoffing at that analysis. It was wrong they said. A statistical anomaly. Unemployment was much higher than 5.7%.
The May statistics pushed the unemployment rate back up to 5.7%. Wow. Big move back to where we started from. Now, for June, the ABS has announced that the figure has jumped a massive .1 of 1% to 5.8%.
That small rise is probably cold comfort to someone who has just lost their job. But a one tenth of one percent rise is pretty darned small. Compare our unemployment figure with that of the United States which has hit 9.5% and rising fast.
This minor increase to unemployment in June comes after surveys two months in a row show the biggest jump in consumer confidence in the survey's history.
Im sorry to say it, but the scaremongers will probably make much more of this rise than is warranted. An unemployment figure starting with a 5? The rest of the world should be so lucky.
ABC's Chaser's war on Everything Outsourced to Mumbai India Video
Some Mango Chutney with Your Bucket?
How appropriate. On the day that the Chaser team ended up being outsourced to India, the ANZ bank announced that it would be slashing 248 people from its local workforce. Destination of some of the jobs? Bangalore, India.
Yes, the banks keep cutting costs. Profits keep rising. And yet they cant see fit to pass on the previous cuts to interest rates by the RBA. Tossers.
Cracked Pepper anyone? Or should that now be Mango Chutney?
Fraud? Taxpayer Funded Centrelink Disaster Compensation for Victorian Bushfire "Victims" - Cash Handouts Gone Mad
There have been a few notable cases of people fraudulently claiming to have lost property and loved ones in the tragic Victorian bushfires in February. Those vultures went before the courts for their illegal activity.
But it seems that many thousands of other Victorians who weren't materially affected by the bushfires have claimed the thousands of free dollars on offer by the Federal Government through the disaster payment scheme. At the time, i questioned "how many other fraudsters have ripped off Centrelink after the bushfires?"
I've been critical of him in the past, but I'll give credit to Ben Packham from the Herald Sun for leading with this front page story.
"About 7000 people have received Centrelink disaster recovery payments despite suffering no material loss or injury. They include about 3500 Belgrave residents, 2092 in Upwey, 440 Ferntree Gully locals and 640 in Selby."
The article goes on to suggest that:
-a family of four could get up to $2800;
-one family used their money for a trip to Bali; and
-some recipients of the grant didn't actually leave their home at all
Ive previously been very critical of the way Centrelink conducted this whole operation. They allowed one person to claim the $1000 grant 28 times times under false names.
So how many people have claimed this disaster payment from Centrelink? 55,600. Yes, you read it right. That many. It has cost the taxpayer over 63 million dollars.
I have no beef with the Federal Government giving out money to people who genuinely deserved it - those who lost homes and loved ones. But for people who had to leave their home for 24 hours? That's just sick.
Its my money you dirty white trash. You should be made to give it back. Or give it to those who truly deserve it.
Catch the Fire Ministries - Pastor Danny Nalliah's Dreams on Chaser Video
After Danny Nalliah called the Victorian Bushfires "Divine Retribution" for the Victorian Parliament's decision on Abortion laws, i suggested that he could rot in hell. In fact, i called for someone to stick a red hot poker up his arse and video it so i could post it here.
Unfortunately, nobody has yet done to Danny Nalliah what i thought was a very reasonable request. But at least the Chaser are on the job.
Check out the video of the Chaser Team rocking up to Danny's house to see if he has had any more prophetic dreams about impending disasters in Australia. Its not a red hot poker, but its a start.
VCAT approves Redevelopment of Camberwell Railway Station - Take That Mary Drost, Geoffrey Rush, Barry Humphries and Jack Roach
Its a win for common sense. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal have ruled in favor of an application to build a nine storey building, a 3 storey building, a public plaza and 118 units on the Camberwell Railway station site.
The proposal met with strong local objections, including some from people who spend most of their time overseas, namely Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries.
Nothing will make these nimbys like Jack Roach and Mary Drost happy. They don't understand that urban sprawl is bad for Victoria. All they care about is their own backyard and making sure that their oversized million dollar properties don't decline in value.
Its common sense to build up, not out. And its logical to have these medium sized developments in urban activity centres. 118 apartments right above a train station and next to a train line? To me, that is a perfect solution - its good for the environment and it saves us taxpayers money by reducing the need for more outer suburban infrastructure.
Oh and by the way, this is how it works in countless cities around the world. Why are the residents of Camberwell so special?
Well done to VCAT and the Brumby Government for recognising that projects like these need to be encouraged. Now we just have to hope that the consortium who have proposed this project will secure finance to build it.
Even if this current proposal doesn't go ahead, we can be fairly sure that a similar one will get off the ground at Camberwell train station in the future. I look forward to plenty more just like it.
Who is responsible for costing the Victorian Taxpayer Tens of Millions every year?
Without referring to any specific high profile case that the Office of Public Prosecutions are running, id just like to ask a question. Who decides to bring these baseless matters before the courts?
I understand due process and all, but what about the rights of the accused? What happens to those people who have to deal with false accusations, committal hearings and often trials?
Many cases are dismissed by a jury due to a real lack of evidence or even false evidence and lies. Is there a vetting process at the OPP for high profile matters? Or do they feel a need to bring these matters to court to justify their own existence, even if they are doomed to fail.
These cases cost the taxpayers countless millions every year. And you can bet that with high profile cases they put many extra hours into trying to secure a prosecution. When it fails, who is answerable? Nobody.
In the meantime, the accused's name is dragged through the mud and they must spend thousands of dollars defending themselves. In some specific cases, it might be useful to pursue these matters by keeping the accused's name anonymous too. After all, those rights are afforded to the alleged victim.
Funny Photos - Objects May Be Fatter Than They Appear - Not a Skinny Blonde Beer Offensive Ad.
Thank god the following photo is not an advertisement. I'm sure the Advertising Standards Bureau would have something to say about it.
The sheltered workshop square peg brigade at the ASB have declared the website based campaign of Skinny Blonde beer to be offensive and degrading to women. The website showed cartoon images of a women's breasts. Cartoon images indeed. Alas, that was too offensive for the ASB.
I hope this photo is OK. Guys, take note - drinking too much can make some things appear much more attractive...bloody tequila shooters...
An elderly man lay dying in his bed. While suffering the agonies of impending death, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite cookies wafting up the stairs. Gathering his remaining strength, he lifted himself from the bed.
Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort, gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled downstairs.
With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Where if not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven, for there, spread out upon waxed paper on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite cookies.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife of sixty years, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself towards the table, landing on his knees in a crumpled posture. His parched lips parted, the wondrous taste of the cookie was already in his mouth, seemingly bringing him back to life.
The aged and withered hand trembled on its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when it was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife....."Back off!" she said, they're for the funeral."
Catherine Tate's Allie - How to put your foot in it Video
I'm sure we have all had some uncomfortable moments where we have said something we shouldn't have. The trick to avoiding doing it is to think before you speak.
Unfortunately, some people just cant learn to think - its a medical condition. Yet another comic genius out of the UK, Catherine Tate, has managed to portray this disease perfectly. Poor Allie.
Chasers War on Everything - HMAS Success In the Navy Video - "We Want You For Another Screw"
There's no doubt about it, The Chaser team are quick to produce excellent comedy at a moment's notice. This latest skit featuring the Village People song In the Navy refers to the scandal that has beset the HMAS Success.
Four sailors were sent home after apparently running a competition to see who could bed the most female crew. This betting ring only became mass media fodder in recent days.
Its nice to have up to the minute satirical comedy on our TV's. Can these guys work every night of the week? I think its a natural replacement to ACA - and wouldn't it rate through the roof?
Stolen Son - Mitchell Johnson's mother Vicki Harber Calls WAG Jessica Bratich Bitchy
I'm not quite sure if this story is a media beat up or genuine. But given Mitchell Johnson's mother has given an interview to the Herald Sun, I'm going with a bit of both.
According to the reports, Vicki Harber is upset that her son Mitchell Johnson has been stolen away from her by karate star and model Jessica Bratich. She has said that the wives and girlfriends or WAGS are bitchy and more interested in self promotion. Further, she is incensed that Bratich is allowed to follow Johnson on tour around the world, but she is not.
It seems that Johnson doesn't have the best of relationships with his mother. Given that she has made the following statements to the press, that doesn't come as too much of a surprise.
This is some of what she said to the Herald Sun:
"I get a text on Mother's Day and a text on my birthday. The last time I actually spoke to him was when the beach cricket was here (and) Dennis Lillee told him he had to ring his mother, so Mitchell rang me that day.It has been like this since Jess came on the scene.
"For the wives and the children I think it is great that they support them and send the over there, but who are these girlfriends? They are just girlfriends. Mitch met Jess and since then she has flown off to South Africa, to England and the Bahamas. She gets all these trips, she gets flown there, accommodation, food and all of that."
For the record, the player gets to determine who will accompany them on a trip. Seems his mum isn't on the list.
700 Year Old Child's skull found on beach in Sydney, Australia
This really is a cold case. Scientists in New Zealand have determined that the skull that washed up on a beach in Mona Vale, Sydney is actually around 700 years old. It is apparently that of a young girl and is not Aboriginal.
The skull was found in 2008 by a person out for a morning walk. Not something you would expect to find. Police were called and a search of the surrounding area was conducted. Nothing further was discovered.
The age of the skull only emerged after samples were sent to New Zealand for carbon dating. I have a query as to why this needed to be done in New Zealand. No offence to our Kiwi neighbours, but cant this testing be done in Australia?
Anyway, authorities are still baffled as to the origin of the skull. It is possibly part of a collection, left on the beach as a stunt. But nobody has come forward to claim the skull. It doesn't appear as if it was in the water for long, if at all, which suggests to me a careful placement.
Police have ruled out foul play. Seriously. Anybody have theories on where the skull came from?
150 Tickets from UK to Australia with Qantas for Just Ten Pounds
What a cheap and simple promotional event for Qantas. And god knows that they need it in this global financial crisis. Air travel has dried up recently which has seen significant discounting from major carriers.
Qantas has been hit hard, announcing just last month that they would cancel their order for the new Boeing Dreamliners. They have also suffered a loss of market share in the newly competitive Trans Pacific route.
So this little stunt might be a nice little winner for Qantas. Basically, they are offering 150 tickets for just 10 pounds to British residents wanting to take a working holiday in Australia for up to 12 months.
The criteria? You have to be between 18 and 30, hold a UK passport and have a valid Working Holiday Visa. And the departures are for flights between August 15 and September 30 and also November 1 to 30 this year.
All you then need to is rock up to a selected STA Travel outlet on August 5 to get your ticket. But no doubt this little promo will encourage a great deal of interest - so expect to be camping out. Maybe for a few days even. But if you were already planning to go - this could be a saving of 669 pounds.
But don't worry if you miss out on the day. Qantas and STA will be offering special promo fares for 679 pounds. That's not bad for a premium airline.
These are the STA outlets where the tickets will be for sale on August 5.
Belfast, 92/94 Botanic Avenue BT7 1JR
Birmingham High St, 222-224 Corporation Street B4 6QB
Bristol, 43 Queens Road BS8 1QQ
Glasgow, 122 George Street G1 1RF
Leeds, 88 Vicar Lane LS1 7JH
London Victoria, 52 Grosvenor Gardens SW1W 0AG
Manchester, Albert Square 86 Cross Street M2 4LA
Southampton, 6-8 Civic Centre Road SO14 7FL
Don't forget to register online for a special 5 golden tickets which will go to those who miss out on the other 10 pound tickets on the day. You can also take advantage of the 679 pound deal.
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