No More Grubby Hands

“The Sydney Morning Herald” – Oh for shame! The death of journalism itself! Actually, the transition away from the printed press to digital should be an easy progression for the SMH readership.  This paper knows it’s demographic very well and has successfully created a cumbersome site to equal its cumbersome printed counterpart.

 

“The Conversation” -  A terrific site with students in mind. This site appears to be a fairly reliable source for information research purposes. Lots of punchy short cuts and links, the site is visually well constructed and professional looking.

 

If you’re green or even mean and want to learn more about all things environmental then “The Australian Institute” or TAI is one to keep an eye on. Another fantastic resource for students and other interested parties alike.

 

“The Global Mail” - is by far the most exciting site on offer. It is visually stunning and filled with content. The horizontal scroll is unique in its kind and translates well to an ever-changing digital market. Put simply, it is a photographic and journalistic triumph. Gaining fellowship to this site should be a snap.

 

“The Daily Telegraph” is a rubbish newspaper and a rubbish site. Its appeal is limited. Stylistically and visually this site fails to capture the imagination. A big thumbs down from me.

 

“The ABC” – Is a reliable, trustworthy and ethical source of information. Clearly for research purposes it’s a definite winner. However, “The Global Mail” is by far the most stimulating and captivating. Having said that … “We love our ABC”.

 

“The Huffington Post” - Has an almost old school look to it. On quick inspection it appears a little more “conservative” than its digital news counterparts. Mostly American in content, it offers little of the world outside the US. In other words, if it isn’t in the interests of American Politics and Policy, it’s not on this website.

 

“Crikey Mail” – Call me fickle but when it comes to the provision of news on any level it still needs to look good and capture the imagination. This site, get the thumbs down from me. It’s a little too thrown together and jingoistic for my liking. Then again, maybe that’s its appeal.

 

As Print Dies …There is an Upside

No More Grubby Hands

The Global Mail: different kind of news publication

It’s a shame that I rarely update the news. But the Global Mail has caught my eyes for the first time when Peter shown an article about photography on the site last semester.  Since then, I started looking news on that site. I like The Global Mail’s layout with the side-scrolling design, which is beyond traditional format. It looks interesting but it is breaking many rules at once and hard to use for some people. Yes, sometime it’s annoying but what can I say? I like it. With the magazine-style-alike, I feel more comfortable when reading a political piece which has never grab my attention and interest before. 

However, The Global Mail is lack of a comments facility, links and engagement with other sites in the stories, a distinct impression was formed. This was a trendy website but might not reliable source. Also, more contents need posted more regularly. 5 articles for 7 days, I don't think it gives the audience a decent reason for coming back. Sometimes, I found the articles a bit long but the contents were quite good and included a range of media from photosets and video.

Apart from that, I still love a concept of a well resource and independent new sites. In my opinion, its presentation always worth a look.

The news is bad.

Admittedly, the media have great influence in shaping people's ideas.

The media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have to depend on them for information and entertainment, and so we let them affect important aspects of our lives. The undeniable usefulness of the media in providing information about events around the world is taken for granted. But we have allowed them to mould our notions and opinions of events, places and people. 

We are similarly swayed by coverage of news.

Recently, I've read an article about the life behind the bar of a cold blood murder in my country who killed a family including a couple, 18-months-baby, and mutilated 8 years old girl. And it continues to grab the headlines in electronic media. Why is a murder promoted as some kinds of new trendy phenomenon? Or celebrities misbehave, divorce. Why do we need to know about that? why should we care? Or do we really need to see the video footage of an intimate moments of tragedy?

The question is why is there so much coverage of such news items, which otherwise, have little relevance and doesn't also address the basic issues involved in them? Is it because people like to read such news or is it because its all media driven and people get what comes their way? May be we are all voyeuristic, satisfying our little pleasures by watching voyeuristically in details of such cases. Gradually, the ethical and journalistic standards have come down and so is the overall credibility of media. They are willing to trade an decent piece of information for an crappy hot news.

But can we blame the media alone? It seems like the world never get bored of celebrity mayhem or shocking crime scene. The problem is serious policy issues of social relevance are getting neglected as a result of media and general public's obsession with voyeurism and it has to stop. 

The Plight of African Albinos: Hunted for their Limbs

When you say the word "albino", most people think of the pale-faced, white-haired, bespectacled psycho Casper from "Me, Myself and Irene." I know I did.

But there is more to albinism than just looking different.
For some, it can mean skin cancers, severe eye problems, social isolation, mutilation, and even death.

"Albino" is the most common term given to people with a congenital disorder called achromia, also known as albinism. This medical condition is characterised by a lack of pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes, due to a recessive gene defect which makes the body incapable of producing the enzyme melanin. This is what gives albinos their striking appearance.

The albinism gene mutation occurs throughout the globe in all ethnicities.
All cases of albinism are striking to behold, but perhaps none more so than the albinos of African descent.

These unique individuals are most at risk of skin cancers and eye problems under the hot African sun.
But to add to this the threat of mutilation, and even death, and you get a picture of what it's like to be an albino in East Africa. African albinos’ limbs are highly valued, often fetching thousands of dollars on the black market by witch doctors who use the bones in potions they sell to those who think they bring prosperity.

Since 2007 in Tanzania, 64 people with albinism have been murdered for their body parts. Fourteen others have been mutilated, including a 13-year-old girl whose right arm was severed as she lay sleeping next to her mother.

In 2009 Mariamu Staford, a Tanzanian woman in her mid-20s, was sleeping in her hut when a group of men broke in and chopped off her arms.

This practice is obviously very concerning for both the albinos of Africa and their families, and the international community. Little wonder that so many Tanzanian albinos are flocking to a refuge on the remote island of Ukerewe on Lake Victoria, where such shocking behaviour is mercifully rare.

Hearing the plight of these beautiful, special people makes me so sad. Such brutal and outdated practices cannot be accepted, and I think more people should know of this horrific practice in order for something to be done about it. If you would like to know more, follow the links.
BEWARE: Brutal content.


http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/03/death-toll-grows-for-african-albinos-hunted-for-witch-doctors-brews/

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/2017493/Albinos-in-Africa-find-a-haven-from-being-hunted-for-body-parts.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_people_with_albinism

Press/Media Freedom

I believe the Media "has" become voyeuristic and is using sensationalism to grab ratings/sales.

Apart from the fact that all the TV and radio report the exact same headlines all trying to "out do" each other in the most shocking or titilating way.  I really don't need to know the intimate details of "how" 27 people were killed and what the killer did or thought over and over again every hour on the hour, and a lot of time these details are not even true, but heresay.

At a local level the MercuryNewspaper has gotten itself into hot water by covering a young girls death on a quad bike.  The photographer used a long lens to capture a grieving mother next to the body of her dead daughter!

Do we really need to see the graphic image of that woman's grief?

Is there so little else in the world to report on?? I think not.

Media has become lazy and jaded in what they deem news worthy.

How do we turn back the hands of time when journalism had "some" integritiy or at least had a decent amount of respect for those involved or will be affected by a story. 

I believe Reality TV has been the beginning of the end as we think nothing of being voyuers of people's most intimate moments we are becoming desensitised to what is acceptable for public consumption.

Breach of privacy

The lattest news has been sparked widely to get attention of people  over the world by the France Closer magazine over the nude picture of Kare Middleton, the ductchess of Cambridge. The paparazies had photogprahed the duchess while she wore just the topless white-back bikini and published on their magazine without permission. Apperantly, I think the Closer Magazine was wrondoing while they made  an  privacy  intrusion to the royal couple while they were in thier private property, The paprazie has hit a extremmely distress to the royal family of united kingdom. This creepy magazine also made a warning state over thier page" this Photo will be circulated around the world. Apparently, It was such an disgraceful action and should be charged as criminal action. Obviously,journalist constantly  keeps   breaching  the privacy law day by day. In my view.  We do know that the advance of mass media sush as internet, newspaper   have spread the wide range of information over the world rapidly, and living in the invaded media life, the large amount of information has been delivered to reader just a few minutes ,But those who are likely to gossip people's life, It is such an indefensible instrucsion.  Apperantly,journalism is turing to the draker side when paparazie and informer deemed  to invade the celebrity private life intentionally, it is allgeded that breach the  privacy law can be seen as criminal In this situation, I think the injuction should be taken to tackle these wrongdoing in the journalistic aspect . Similarity, it reminded me the same situation had happened when  channel  7  published the grieving mother hugging her daughter 's dead body widely over the internet , it leaded to  the  furious emotion of online spectators. Likely, when the journalists published Kate's topless picture on thier hot pages , It is appreard that her private  life have been examined in public community. Unprediablely, we all have never  that how this gossipy article degrade our personal life . In my opinion, I think the Closer magazine shoule be responsible for   thier wrongdoing , which can  be a instrucsion and disrespect  to royal family.

The Australian Institude

This site is the least engaging because it only has information on environment, economy, society and the government. Its a site for people who work in abusiness like the government and this site is about politics.

Its interesting for men and some woman but not for all age groups. The negative aspect of this site is it has not got the daily news and the only news is on politics, mining, environment, economy and society.

Its positive aspects are it mentions on the economy of Australia and some people will be interested mostly in this news site.

This site is mainly for age groups of 40 and over, its a site mainly for working men.
Educated people will be interested in this site.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Have you ever wondered if there is any truth to the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? On the surface, it seems a bit strange that one little piece of fruit can hold such power.

That little piece of fruit contains properties that can help maintain and repair bone density, prevent Alzheimer's Disease, lower cholesterol and prevent many types of cancer. As if that was not enough, research done by The National Heart and Lung Institute showed that children who drink at least one glass of apple juice a day are less likely to develop asthma symptoms.

Most research findings agree that to achieve maximum benefit you should eat two to three apples a day. The good news is that there are over 7,000 species of apple in the world, each offering their own flavour and texture. You could eat a different apple for every serving and not eat the same variety for a whole year

A fun way to meet the challenge of getting enough fruits and vegetables is to try to create the most colourful meals you can. The colours in produce are not caused by artificial dyes. Instead, they are created by pigments that contain vitamins and anti-oxidants that your body needs. A medley of colour at each meal is exciting to eat, and your body will thank you. 

To get the most nutritional benefit possible you should look for produce that is fresh, locally grew and in season. Local markets can offer a good selection, but for the best quality and variety it is best to look online.

Hot off the press

 

I personally have always found SMH the most engaging news source as they always catch my attention with their appealing headlines. Another attractive feature on the SMH website is the news bar when you can see the latest news in a range of different topics such as music, TV, art, food and the latest on what is happening around the town. With the topics they have it will attract a wide range audience from ages 15-35. Depending on the audiences preferences, both male and female can get some type of enjoyment as there is a little bit for everyone.

This site has personally helped me get over the line in my senior years in high school as I chose legal studies as one of my subjects and with the latest breaking news being just a click of a button away the site was very helpful, they even have suggested hyperlinks at the bottom of each page with related stories they think you might also enjoy and that will also make sure that you have all the facts to that particular story. 

In the media driven society we live in now I believe that the SMH is doing exactly what it needs to to keep their readers engaged and keep coming back for more. 

The new source that I found the least promising for my personally taste would be Crickey as I felt that the page was wayyy to unorganised and makes my OCD go a little bit crazy. Although the topics at hand are very interesting, I have personally always had a weak spot for trashy magazines as I thrive off the gossip so I like to be able to see that in my preferred news sources as well. 

 I think Crickey are targeted more of a mature aged generation who are well educated

Water coolers and filters

With rivers and other natural water bodies being marred by irresponsible human activities, water contamination is an obvious problem. While at home you can still carry out the tedious task of boiling water to free it the harmful microorganisms, it may become difficult to get clean water when you are out for work.

The evolution of water coolers with filters, to make water suitable for drinking, is a blessing for mankind. These days, organisations and business enterprises pay higher attention to health and hygiene of their employees. Using water coolers in offices ensures that the office staff is free from the worry of suffering from water-borne diseases that may adversely affect their work productivity. Any contamination in office water would harm the organization at large in terms of employees' health and productivity.

Water coolers may come with different features and usability.

Bottled/Bottleless- Water coolers mostly come in two varieties, bottled and bottleless water coolers. Bottled water coolers are basically meant for water dispensing through bottles containing spring water and filtered water. While bottleless coolers dispense water directly without using any bottle. Such coolers are preferred mostly in larger organizations because changing bottles can become a cumbersome task.

• Filter- These days there are many water coolers available in market that offer in-built filters in the water coolers. This is a very appealing feature as it does not require water to be filtered before supplying it through the water cooler.
• Cold water and warm water dispensers- This is another important feature of water coolers that allows you to drink cold or warm water in office easily.
• Colors and designs- There are many colors and designs available in the market for water coolers to suit one's requirements.

Merely installing a water cooler is not the end of task when you talk about providing purified water. Proper care and maintenance of the water cooler has to done to see if its filter has run out of its capacity. You can maintain a chart on the water filter changing and cleaning dates to monitor your office water because a functional water cooler brings along several benefits.

 A clean water cooler with effective filter ensures that you drink pure water that does not contain any disease-causing microorganisms or impurities.

 Natural potable water from rivers and other natural water bodies contains several minerals that are good for health. Water coolers with filters help in restoring the good minerals.

So many possibilities.

 So many possibilities.

• Enhanced communication facilities. 
• Easy data and file sharing.
• Quick access to news and information.
• The creation of new community forums.
• Ample time wasting opportunities.
• New potential for advertising.
• More tools for small business.
• More tools for large business.
• New places to meet people.
• Online gaming.
• Huge multimedia outlets.
• Freedom of speech.

These are great things, right?

Well there are a few double edged swords.

At least a few that, while they are fantastic they have bad sides to them.

When everything gets easier and faster with the internet, we start paying less and less attention and giving less and less time to each individual pursuit of ours. 

Although is the increase in opportunities to procrastinate really something that outweighs the potential good that the internet provides?

With the current prevalence of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter on the rise and their intent to ingrain themselves into our lives increasing. We need to ask ourselves personally if these sites are a detriment to our lives.

In the case of Facebook and Twitter I believe that the choice in how we use them defines how positive or negative their impact can be.

I believe that the internet is something positive but like all great things:

"With great power comes great responsibility."

The Telegraph News Site

This is the most engaging site because it has all the breaking news, entertainment, buisness, money and classifieds. This site is very interesting for everyone with anything they are after having all the infromation for what people would be looking for and the worldwide news as well.

Latest Celebrity news for all ages, Lifestyle and Cooking with different recepies for women, Sport for men, Property, money for people who what it do investments, careers for people looking for work and holescopes for people interested in star signs.

This site is for all age groups, and everyone will have an interest in something in this site.

Small classes better for kids

When class sizes are large, teacher and student morale decline along with quality of education. Less time was spent on task as stress and behavior problems mounted. Solutions to the class-size problem include using small class sizes (20 or fewer students) during primary years, and building more classrooms or using existing space and hiring more teachers.

Get Rich or Die Trying

Gina Rinehart raises a good point, too many people complain about things without actually making any effort to change. Each day people are whinging about money, work or something else that is completely not their fault, yet they refuse to do anything about it.

Don't like your job? Quit.
Don't have enough money? Get a job.
It's really not as simple as that is it?

So I guess Gina's proposal isn't exactly that helpful.
"Become one of those people who work hard, invest and build, and at the same time create employment and opportunities for others."

That's really easy for her to say, she didn't really do anything to get her fantastic fortune now did she?

In today's society that just isn't always possible. People need to relax just as much as they need to work, whats the point of working so hard just to get more money than your neighbour? Is that what our world has become? Since when were you meant to be aiming to make as much money as possible?

Don't get me wrong, I understand that money is vital to buy things and all that junk. But people forget that having millions of dollars won't make you happy. It will just mean instead of complaining about having no money you'll start complaining about something else.

So Gina, instead of making a fool of yourself with this unrealistic idea why not go do something fun and put a smile on that face of yours?

Manners are dying

Who do we have to blame?
Well, the old blame the young and the young blame the old.
But I don't think it's that simple.

In the last week I've seen so many acts of rudeness that were committed by people of all ages.On tuesday afternoon, I was catching the train home and a student from Bulli literally pushed and elderly woman down the stairs. It's not as though she cared, she literally walked over the woman like roadkill and then got off at the next stop.

Luckily enough the old woman was alright. We had a nice chat about knitting, she was making a blanket.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed the lack of patience people have nowadays? People are too used to having everything done instantly, thanks to technology and ass kissers, that they can stand to wait that tiny bit longer where they could be doing something SO much more important with their lives.

So how do we fix this problem? Do we spray someone with water when they do something rude? Or even just send them to the naughty corner? Alas, the techniques we use with children just doesn't have the same effect on grown ups. There is no clear solution except maybe pointing out when someone is being a jerk.

But for now I suggest we all just remember that a 'please' and 'thank you' can go a long way.

I think this article explains it much better than I ever could:
http://childrenofcharacter.blogspot.com.au/2006/09/where-are-your-manners.html

Moterbike Injuries week 8

Studies have proven that wearing a helmet can reduce head and neck injuries which are the most common causes of death in motorcycle accidents. A huge percentage of riders who are injured or killed in motorbike accidents were found to be using mobile phones or portable music devices at the time of the accident. By simply obeying traffic rules, wearing helmets and safety gears, and being extra alert, one can reduce the risk of being seriously injured in accidents. Also, it is not too late to look into the claims one can gather when faced or involved in a motorcycle accident. Even if you are complete with safety motorcycle apparel or have the best motorcycle tires, you still will have problems with your consciousness or the lack of ability to counter steer, break appropriately or avoid collision. Motorcycles are really dangerous and there is only so much that we can do to avoid them. These are the most typical motorcycle crash mistakes: losing control of your bike because of drinking or drugs, not keeping the distance with other vehicles or placing themselves in the blind spots. if you can't see the mud; watch out for nearby construction locations on the country roads.

If you do experience a motorcycle crash, be aware the other driver will most likely blame you for the accident. This includes the road, road conditions, any skid marks, road signs, construction, and anything else that may have contributed to the accident. Not every accident requires an attorney but a knowledgeable local attorney can help you make sense of the process, as well as insure that the other drivers insurance doesn't unfairly blame you for the accident. The rider may not immediately feel any injuries because of the shock of the crash, but it is important to determine if you have any major injuries before trying to move.

Natural Woman … Natural Selection

In many Polynesian Cultures, there is no such thing as “gay men”, “homosexuals” or “transgender” people. In the Pacific Islands, there three distinct and accepted genders. They are; male, female and the “Fa'afafine” or the “Third” gender. The Fa'afafine people are born biologically male and raised as females and are recognized as an integral part of “traditional” Polynesian life.

The “tradition” goes back centuries and required parents to “elect” one or more of their sons, to help with strictly “women’s work” when a daughter had not been produced. These young boys were encouraged from childhood to be female in dress and effeminate in manner. The result was Fa’afafine.

Modern Fa'afafine people differ in two fundamental ways from their traditional counterparts. Firstly, they are more likely to have “chosen” to live as women and secondly they are more likely to be homosexual.

These days, young boys who “appear” more effeminate then others may be attributed as Fa'afafine by their parents. However, in these evolving and modern times, “The Fa'afafine Youth” are neither encouraged nor discouraged to dress and behave as women. They are simply “allowed” to follow the path they choose.

The link below follows the story of a Fa’afafine Activist from New Zealand. If you have a quick 5 minutes, take a look at the link below. It’s a real eye opener.

Enjoy!!

Cultural Identity vs Social Awareness

Now I know that every man and woman feels the bile in their throat rise at the thought of politics in sport, but  this is due to an extreme generalisation of the term 'politics'. I am not talking about John Howard in his neatly pressed suit watching a football game with one eyebrow raised and changing the rules as he sees fit. I am talking about the more subtle things, like social awareness. Damien Hooper knew that choosing to wear the Aboriginal flag rather than the regulated Australian one was going to cause controversy. I can also accept that Aboriginal Australians might have difficulty associating themselves with this flag, as they should. It does represent a cruel and bloody period of history to many people. But so long as he is representing Australia in the international sporting field, there are rules and regulations he must follow. There are many controversial flags that are not worn for this very reason. If Hooper wanted to represent  his cultural identity, he could have painted his skin in traditional dot painting - artwork that is well known and admired across the globe - rather than those ridiculous tattoos.

The issue goes alot deeper and can become very complex once explored, devolving into into freedom of speech and human rights, but the Olympic playing field is not the place to discuss such matters.

love isnt about gender

An issue I've alway felt strongly about is gay rights.
 
When I was 15 I meant the most amazing person I think I have ever met in my life. At first I had a feeling that he might have been gay but living in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s secrets he kind of just kept to himself to avoid confrontation. One day I went to go visit him and he had the biggest smile on his face, he finally came out and admitted he was gay with his boyfriend by his side.

Later that night we were visiting some friends, but some not so friendly people were also there who did not accept his new status. After everyone got a few drinks into them things started to get a little bit out of hand and this incredible guy that everyone used to love became this punching bag for all the dickheads in the room.

In the end he had to move his life away to a different town just to be safe! Ever since he came out he has been on the run ever since just trying to find a place where he can be accepted.

People shouldn’t have to run from who they are! When I watched the GetUp video on ‘its time’ it reminded me a lot of my friends story, just a guy living his life with someone he loves wanting things to change.

Since 2001 only eleven countries have begun to allow same-sex couples to marry. One in three heterosexual marriages already end in divorce by now it should be pretty obvious that it’s not same sex couples making marriage a joke!

It’s about equality and basic human rights.

I can talk for hours about my passion to equalise same-sex marriage but these people say it better:

http://markusisthedrug.onsugar.com/tag/Gay-Rights

Videos’s and Articles used:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TBd-UCwVAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0UbCYLZcww

http://markusisthedrug.onsugar.com/tag/Gay-Rights

Gina-Bombina-Feeeeena!

There once was a lady, Gina was her name,
She liked to think she understood the "Money Game."
A woman quite plump, she ate only the finest meats,
Which she could afford thanks to her daddy, a man not of modest means.

"Bring down the wages!" She would cry from her tower,
As she supped and dined from her position of power.
A position not worked for, not hard-earned or won,
But inherited, thrust upon her,
A finger did she lift? Not one!

It's all well-and-good to say "Workers, work more!"
But my dearest Gina, what have you worked for?
Do you know what it means not to have enough money?
To be unable to afford butter, bread or even honey?

Methinks you hath eaten too well as of late,
Your mouth is even bigger than the girth that you weight!
It might sound quite harsh, but by all accounts is true,
For we here in reality are starving because of you.

You who owns more than you could ever hope to spend,
You think you know money, but let me tell you, friend,
Money is not all there is to life,
What of love? Of friendship? Of husband and wife?

You could buy all these things at a token price I suppose,
But like the world you live in, it would be a facade,
A life unreal, cold and alone...
So before you tell us to work ourselves to the bone,

Eat our our table, dine on our bread,
Work at our desks and fields, lie in our beds,
See what it is to live a life hard, real and true,
And then maybe, just maybe, we'll listen to you.

The Internet Has Changed the World as We Know it!

There is no denying that the Internet has changed EVERY human being on the planet's life!

Even those without access to the Internet in underdeveloped countries are affected as their stories/plight can be disseminated across the globe in real time as opposed to years ago, it would take the journalist to trek out of remote areas then phone/telex in the story and then newspapers/radio/tv would pick up the story.

In 2012 it is almost instantaneous,those in need can have immediate assistance in times of disaster.  An email takes only 11 seconds to travel from Australia to the USA for example.  The sharing of news and ideas has broadened our horizons and through these images and words people are able to draw their own opinions which are not necessarily those of their government or media.  We have witnessed massive political changes in countries where democracy was achieved through the Internet and mobile phones, as the government could not block all these communications.  People came together like never before, where the only way to get the message out about an upcoming demonstration was by word of mouth or paper fliers which would be taken down by government officials or government informants would have those spreading the word arrested or worse!!

I could go on and on about the benefits of the Internet, it is obvious.  However, with all positives there is always a downside and some of those would be the dissemination of things that are NOT for the betterment of man, sexual predators and paedophiles have been using the Internet for illegal exploitation and immoral purposes.

The irony of it is that the Adult Porn Industry was at the cutting edge of the internet's development.  

Let us hope that the internet remains a vehicle of free speech and expression and NOT the vehicle for those with unsavoury sexual tastes. 

Do Politics & Ideology have a Place in the Sporting Arena

In regards to the controversary regarding Damien Hooper wearing a T-shirt into the ring for an olympic bout.

The reason there are rules and dress regulations is to keep political and idealogical agendas out of the Oympics.

The fact that the T-shirt had an aboriginal flag is making it political as he knew it would attract attention the same way if he had worn a XXXX Beer T-shirt.  It is against the rules.  The Olympics pride itself on being purely all about the sport, but it would be niave to think politics would not want to creep onto the World platform, that is why there are rules and dress regulations so that it doesn't turn into a soap-box circus and NO one is offended by a T-shirt with say the Star of David or praise be to Allah or on it or Free Tibet.

Damien was not asked to wear an Australian flag t-shirt, he was expected to wear his team uniform which has a small olympic rings emblem and the australian coat of arms, animals close to the aboriginal culture, emu & kangaroo how is this offensive to his cultural background.  Damien "Chose" to compete in the australian team with the funding that goes along with it) like every other competitor he was expected to wear his "red fighting strip". Its about playing by the rules Damien.

The News Is Like Running A Marathon

I kind of feel like if I want to find the right information on a news story; then I have to run a  marathon just to find the TRUTH. That is probably one of the reasons why I don't research news stories. You never know what you're gonna find. The other reason why I don't look at the news is because I don't have time. Between work, TAFE and having somewhat of a social life - I just don't have time for the news.

For me, I am most attracted to The Daily Telegraph mainly because It's considered, young and vibrant and most people my age read this newspaper if any at all. I don't personally find a connection with any other one because they're too indepth. I really don't have time to sit down and inform myself. When really, I should make the time.

As I'm writing this I feel a little guilty not being aware with what Is going on in the world. The reason why this blog post is so short is because I have nothing else to say (which is a little odd). I'm not informed enough with what Is going on with the news.

So maybe it's about time I make time for the news hey...