Australia has all but escaped the wrath of a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of central Chile.
Beaches today were closed and emergency services were on patrol as the brunt of the tsunami waves travelled in a northwest direction, narrowly missing Australia's east coast.
But tsunami waves were recorded along the NSW, Queensland and Tasmanian coasts, with Norfolk Island recording a 50cm surge in sea levels.
The Gold Coast saw a 20cm increase in sea levels. In Tasmania, Southport and Darlington experienced a 17cm increase.
Port Kembla on NSW's south coast recorded a 14cm increase, but no damage or emergencies occurred.
All nipper activities were cancelled, people were ordered out of the ocean and events such as the Quiksilver Pro surfing competition at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast were postponed and spectators asked to leave.
The earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile about 5.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, killing hundreds and sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific.
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issued a tsunami alert, declaring a "potential tsunami threat" for Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.
Dangerous waves and foreshore flooding listed in the warnings did not eventuate but the JATWC was focused on strong ocean currents affecting people in boats or in the water.
The peak of activity was expected around 9am (AEDT) today at the time of the high tide, but it arrived 90 minutes later when an outgoing tide worked to subdue any potential devastating effects.
"We will probably start to wind it back from later this afternoon," JATWC acting assistant director Alasdair Hainsworth told AAP on Sunday afternoon.
"In all likelihood (the tsunami warning) will be cancelled later today or tonight."
Mr Hainsworth said shockwaves from an underwater 8.8-magnitude earthquake could be devastating.
The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami wiped out entire coastlines and villages as it swept through south-east Asia.
"We in Australia have been very, very lucky indeed," Mr Hainsworth said.
"The focus of the energy from the earthquake was definitely to the northwest from South America.
"So we were much on the periphery of the seismic seawave events."
But JATWC kept its tsunami warning in place today, because the quick changes in sea levels around Australia's east coast could cause severe currents.
"We were never, ever expecting a large wave," Mr Hainsworth said.
"We were only ever expecting a marine wave and a marine warning situation which was directed at those people on boats or in the water."
At one point this morning, the JATWC issued an immediate warning for people to exit coastal waters.
Many ignored the danger to enjoy the last day of summer with a swim, a surf or a local fishing expedition.
"We can try, but we have no policing powers," a Surf Life Saving NSW spokeswoman told AAP.
More than 800 nippers were sent home from Sydney's Coogee beach, but people remained near the shore after receiving official warnings from surf life savers.
Surfers continued to catch waves at nearby Bondi beach as swimmers risked a morning dip.
State Emergency Service volunteers remained on alert and rescue helicopters patrolled beaches, using loudspeakers to warn rock fisherman to leave the foreshore.
AAP
My critique
It is really a tragedy! it happens more frequently this decade if compared to the previous decades or centuries...Is it man-made or natural disaster? I think that we, human should bear some degree of responsibility for the happenings as well. We totally neglect the mother earth for the sake of development, even though conferences and regulations have been set up to solve the adverse effects we created, it is non-sense without the cooperation of all inhabitants of the planet! Tsunami has occurred again and it is devastating...I disagree with the people who continues to enjoy their summer activities along the beach although warning has been announced as mentioned above. They should care for their lives!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Home prices extend their rally
Home prices extended their rally into 2010, adding to the difficulties faced by first-time buyers struggling to get into the market.
National home prices for houses and units increased 1.8 per cent in January, according to RP Data, taking them 11.8 per cent higher in 12 months. If the preliminary January figures are confirmed, the gain would mark the biggest monthly jump in the five-year series.
“What makes me angry is that my father was able to buy a three bedroom house in Williamstown and support a family (my mother didn't work) on the average income of a school teacher,” said Melbourne-based Justin O'Farrell. “I have no hope of doing the same.”
Home prices in Melbourne rose 4.3 per cent in the three months to January to a median price of $455,000 in January, while in Sydney they nudged up 1.7 per cent to $494,500, RP Data said.
Over the same period, Darwin home prices rose the most in January, jumping 4.6 per cent to $475,000, while in Perth they fell 0.6 per cent to a median price of $472,500, RP Data said.
Brisbane homes rose 1.8 per cent to a median price $440,00, while in Adelaide they jumped 3.2 per cent, to a median of $379,600, in the three months to January.
Canberra values rose 4.3 per cent to a median level of $489,250, while in Hobart values were down slightly by 0.1 per cent to $320,000.
Home loans rise
The rise in home prices is mirrored by rising mortgage lending, according to private lending figures released today by the Reserve Bank. Notably, business borrowing continued its slide.
The latest news of home price rise comes amid increasing signs housing affordability is out of the question for many first-home buyers.
''My wife and I are recently married and are looking to start a family,'' said Mr O'Farrell. ''We are currently renting but would like to buy a house as soon as possible. Unfortunately at the moment this is looking like it will not be possible.''
RP Data national research director Tim Lawless said January's result suggests the residential market has begun the year with a degree of confidence.
"Week-on-week, we are seeing an increase in the number of new property advertisements coming to the market," he said.
"Whilst new stock has been increasing rapidly, the total number of properties available for sale has been falling which is an indicator that buyers are for the time being outweighing sellers and new supply is being quickly consumed," Mr Lawless said.
Summary --
There is a bad news for those who wants to buy first hand house over in Australia. The premises are costly and there is a trend of continuous increasing. Their burden adds on when the bank loan rates have been increased as well. This spoils the dream of a new family to create their own warm and ideal home. However, there is a sign of increasing advertisements of new property and the units have been sold quickly as well. What is actually happening?
My critique --
From this news, we know that it is getting harder and harder to live a comfortable life during recession. People are now less affordable top own a house with the soaring house price and increase in housing loan rates. However, why there is a condition where the new property being consumed faster than it is supplied?? Is it the problem of wealth gap created this?
National home prices for houses and units increased 1.8 per cent in January, according to RP Data, taking them 11.8 per cent higher in 12 months. If the preliminary January figures are confirmed, the gain would mark the biggest monthly jump in the five-year series.
“What makes me angry is that my father was able to buy a three bedroom house in Williamstown and support a family (my mother didn't work) on the average income of a school teacher,” said Melbourne-based Justin O'Farrell. “I have no hope of doing the same.”
Home prices in Melbourne rose 4.3 per cent in the three months to January to a median price of $455,000 in January, while in Sydney they nudged up 1.7 per cent to $494,500, RP Data said.
Over the same period, Darwin home prices rose the most in January, jumping 4.6 per cent to $475,000, while in Perth they fell 0.6 per cent to a median price of $472,500, RP Data said.
Brisbane homes rose 1.8 per cent to a median price $440,00, while in Adelaide they jumped 3.2 per cent, to a median of $379,600, in the three months to January.
Canberra values rose 4.3 per cent to a median level of $489,250, while in Hobart values were down slightly by 0.1 per cent to $320,000.
Home loans rise
The rise in home prices is mirrored by rising mortgage lending, according to private lending figures released today by the Reserve Bank. Notably, business borrowing continued its slide.
The latest news of home price rise comes amid increasing signs housing affordability is out of the question for many first-home buyers.
''My wife and I are recently married and are looking to start a family,'' said Mr O'Farrell. ''We are currently renting but would like to buy a house as soon as possible. Unfortunately at the moment this is looking like it will not be possible.''
RP Data national research director Tim Lawless said January's result suggests the residential market has begun the year with a degree of confidence.
"Week-on-week, we are seeing an increase in the number of new property advertisements coming to the market," he said.
"Whilst new stock has been increasing rapidly, the total number of properties available for sale has been falling which is an indicator that buyers are for the time being outweighing sellers and new supply is being quickly consumed," Mr Lawless said.
Summary --
There is a bad news for those who wants to buy first hand house over in Australia. The premises are costly and there is a trend of continuous increasing. Their burden adds on when the bank loan rates have been increased as well. This spoils the dream of a new family to create their own warm and ideal home. However, there is a sign of increasing advertisements of new property and the units have been sold quickly as well. What is actually happening?
My critique --
From this news, we know that it is getting harder and harder to live a comfortable life during recession. People are now less affordable top own a house with the soaring house price and increase in housing loan rates. However, why there is a condition where the new property being consumed faster than it is supplied?? Is it the problem of wealth gap created this?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Noise cameras to target trucks on Victoria's roads
UPDATE 12.50pm: SLEEPLESS residents tormented 24/7 by noisy engine braking have welcomed the sound relief of a new camera aimed at catching out trucks, motorcyclists and cars roaring through their neighbourhood.
A noise camera will be used in around 28 hotspots around Melbourne from early March.
Trucks or motorcycles letting off a sound greater than 80 decibels and a car that reaches more than 74 decibels will be detected by the roadside camera.
Are noisy trucks a problem in your area? Tell us below
The noise will trigger the roadside camera to take a picture of the offender and record the sound.
Geelong Ring Rd, near Waurn Ponds, Frankston, Yarraville, Buninyoung and Southbank will be the first to be targeted.
Chairman of the local owners’ corporation in Southbank David Jones welcomed the measure that he says will finally bring relief to thousands of residents living near main roads.
“It’s a tremendous problem it keeps them up at night, trucks go past almost 24 hours a day,” Mr Jones said.
“It’s the kind of sound that really penetrates.
“It’s like a thunder clap, five or six times a second.”
Critics claim the penalty system will allow noisy drivers to escape a hefty fine as they will be given a chance to fix the problem and then face losing their registration.
Drivers will only be issued with a notice asking them to appear before an approved EPA noise testing station.
If they fail to attend then they could wind up losing their vehicle registration.
But Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the first phase of the crackdown would ensure that the problem was actually fixed rather than being used as a new form of revenue raising.
“Heavy vehicles are generally fitted with good muffler systems that cause minimal noise when the engine break is activated, but vehicle owners need to ensure their trucks are well maintained and that exhaust systems are not defective,” Mr Pallas said.
Over the next 12 months, the Government plans to introduce automatic infringement notices using the noise cameras.
It is waiting on an outcome of a trial in NSW.
Summary:
There is a lot of people being tormented by the noise pollution created from the vehicles, especially trucks. It disturbes the life of the neighbourhood in certain residential areas near the busy roads.Therefore, noise cameras have been introduced in 28 hotspots in Melbourne from this month to detect sound greater than 80 decibels from trucks or motorcycles and sound greater than 70 decibles from cars. The picture of the vehicles will be captured and the sound will be recorded by the noise cameras. First time offenders will be given a chance to regulate their problem. Automatic infringment plans are also to be carried our over the next 12 months.
My critique:
This new system seems to be a good idea! It is really a good news for those who are tortured by the noise pollution,especially for those who areliving along the main roads. It can solve the externalities created through the use of noise camera. Drivers have to internalise the externalties by carrying out maintenance over a fix period so that their vehicles are functioning under good conditions. No one will be glad to be imposed or break the law. However, I personally think that the decibles it detect should be adjusted at different time slot. For example, the decibles can de adjusted lower at the night time in which most residents sleep. It is inevitable there is certain level of noise pollution during peak hours. Therefore, It can be adjusted accordingly. Besides that, this system can also be introduced in others places as well so that it benefits more.:)
A noise camera will be used in around 28 hotspots around Melbourne from early March.
Trucks or motorcycles letting off a sound greater than 80 decibels and a car that reaches more than 74 decibels will be detected by the roadside camera.
Are noisy trucks a problem in your area? Tell us below
The noise will trigger the roadside camera to take a picture of the offender and record the sound.
Geelong Ring Rd, near Waurn Ponds, Frankston, Yarraville, Buninyoung and Southbank will be the first to be targeted.
Chairman of the local owners’ corporation in Southbank David Jones welcomed the measure that he says will finally bring relief to thousands of residents living near main roads.
“It’s a tremendous problem it keeps them up at night, trucks go past almost 24 hours a day,” Mr Jones said.
“It’s the kind of sound that really penetrates.
“It’s like a thunder clap, five or six times a second.”
Critics claim the penalty system will allow noisy drivers to escape a hefty fine as they will be given a chance to fix the problem and then face losing their registration.
Drivers will only be issued with a notice asking them to appear before an approved EPA noise testing station.
If they fail to attend then they could wind up losing their vehicle registration.
But Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the first phase of the crackdown would ensure that the problem was actually fixed rather than being used as a new form of revenue raising.
“Heavy vehicles are generally fitted with good muffler systems that cause minimal noise when the engine break is activated, but vehicle owners need to ensure their trucks are well maintained and that exhaust systems are not defective,” Mr Pallas said.
Over the next 12 months, the Government plans to introduce automatic infringement notices using the noise cameras.
It is waiting on an outcome of a trial in NSW.
Summary:
There is a lot of people being tormented by the noise pollution created from the vehicles, especially trucks. It disturbes the life of the neighbourhood in certain residential areas near the busy roads.Therefore, noise cameras have been introduced in 28 hotspots in Melbourne from this month to detect sound greater than 80 decibels from trucks or motorcycles and sound greater than 70 decibles from cars. The picture of the vehicles will be captured and the sound will be recorded by the noise cameras. First time offenders will be given a chance to regulate their problem. Automatic infringment plans are also to be carried our over the next 12 months.
My critique:
This new system seems to be a good idea! It is really a good news for those who are tortured by the noise pollution,especially for those who areliving along the main roads. It can solve the externalities created through the use of noise camera. Drivers have to internalise the externalties by carrying out maintenance over a fix period so that their vehicles are functioning under good conditions. No one will be glad to be imposed or break the law. However, I personally think that the decibles it detect should be adjusted at different time slot. For example, the decibles can de adjusted lower at the night time in which most residents sleep. It is inevitable there is certain level of noise pollution during peak hours. Therefore, It can be adjusted accordingly. Besides that, this system can also be introduced in others places as well so that it benefits more.:)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sympathy for the devil of the deep
Few creatures provoke more fear than sharks, yet they are in far more danger from us than we are from them, writes Alex Duval Smith from South Africa.
Mike Rutzen offers his hands as evidence that he knows what he is talking about. They have the texture of chopping boards: 34scars inflicted by the "sushi knife" teeth of great white sharks, including a twice-severed index finger on his left hand.
"We should not be worrying about sharks killing bathers but about humans killing great whites," says the former fisherman, who runs a cage-diving company at the southern tip of South Africa.
"They are apex predators that are crucial to our biodiversity, yet humans continue, primitively, to hunt them for their fins and their $US50,000 ($55,600) jaws."
But you can't ask Lloyd Skinner his opinion. On January 12, the 37-year-old tourist swam out from busy Fish Hoek beach, near Cape Town. Wearing goggles and swimmers, the Zimbabwean was in about two metres of water when a great white charged him.
The attack, which lasted three minutes, was watched by hundreds of holidaymakers, including bodyboarders only metres away. The 4.6-metre shark reportedly returned five or six times to eat its prey. All that remained were Skinner's towel, thongs and the box for his goggles, left with his shirt on the beach.
His death – the second in this spot in six years – reignited the debate about whether shark tourism, particularly cage diving from boats, is encouraging great whites to regard humans as a food source. The cage-dive operators, deny this vehemently.
"Our coastline is unique in the world because we have fish for the sharks to feed on," Rutzen said. "Until 1994, apartheid closed our coastal waters and slowed seaside development, so this became a haven for sea life. My business gives the great whites a value alive, whereas previously their only value was their fins and jaws."
Rutzen's Shark Diving Unlimited has been going for 16 years – one of eight cage-diving companies in Gansbaai, a tiny port three hours east of Cape Town.
About 32,000 people cage dive with great whites every year at Gansbaai and nearby Mossel Bay – a pursuit worth an estimated 48million rand ($7million).
Rutzen insists the animals find humans bony to eat. "They prefer fish and seal blubber. Humans are the slowest form of available protein. Given what an easy catch we are, they would eat us in large numbers if they were interested."
Estimates of the great white population left in the world vary from 2600 to just 800. Rutzen puts the figure at 1000 and claims it is falling unchecked as humans deplete the oceans.
The baiting, used to attract the sharks to the cage dive boats, has been said to habituate the great whites to humans. Rutzen denies this and is supported by most scientists, including Leonard Compagno, a Californian marine biologist who advised Steven Spielberg on Jaws. He says: "Fishermen have been baiting sharks for generations and sharks regularly break open trawler nets. I don't see that chumming for cage-diving is a particular culprit. There are far more serious concerns, such as man depleting the fish stocks that sharks feed on and marine pollution.
"When we made that film, we did not realise how gentle great whites are. Now we know that you can hand-feed them."
Since 1991, after a campaign led by Compagno, great whites have been listed as endangered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
"They are unpredictable," Compagno says. "But so are humans, who can turn round and punch you. What is worse, being bitten by a cobra, hit by a car or eaten by shark? The shark is just messier."
In our collective imagination, sharks remain dragons of the deep.
The fact that they are older than the dinosaurs only makes them scarier and people think it is shocking that you can still be eaten alive in a city.
But if you ask Rutzen and Compagno, it is the great whites who have much more to fear.
My critique-
In my opinion. shark should be protected in order to conserve and preserve the balance of the ecosystem. We, human being as the inhabitants of the earth should carry out our duty to protect them, not to disrupt and exploit them for our own benefits. Leave them to live in their nature. Eat less shark fins...And tourism in this sector should be constantly reviewed to ensure the safety of human and also the biodiversity.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Cold case: hunt for Janie's sex killer
Police are renewing an appeal for public help to solve the death of an elderly woman in NSW's west almost two decades ago.
Janie Perrin, 73, was found bludgeoned in her unit in Bourke on November 3, 1990.
Police believe she was sexually assaulted and killed after 9pm the previous day.
Strike Force Pollwood was formed after the death, but the case remains unsolved even though detectives have interviewed hundreds of people during a lengthy investigation.
"Mrs Perrin's death is one that police continue to actively investigate almost 20 years later," acting Inspector Nathaniel Luck said in a statement today.
"We have not forgotten her case and my detectives are constantly reviewing our information on the matter and following numerous lines of inquiry.
Inspector Luck said Mrs Perrin's family was desperate for her killer to be found and to "put an end to this horrific chapter in their lives".
"They lost a loving mother and grandmother almost two decades ago and they deserve to see someone brought to justice over her death," he said.
He said investigators were confident people in the Bourke community, and possibly in other areas within the state, held vital information about this killing.
"Do the right thing and tell police what you know," he said.
"If you are shielding someone through a misguided sense of loyalty, I urge you to consider the victim in this matter, an elderly woman, and her family, who continue to suffer with the knowledge that justice has not been served for Janie Perrin."
A $100,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
AAP
My critique--
I think justice should be revealed in order to protect those who are suffered from the exploitation especially involved reputation and also lives. Law should be in priority. We should not leave these sinner to get the punishment that supposed to be charged onto them.
Janie Perrin, 73, was found bludgeoned in her unit in Bourke on November 3, 1990.
Police believe she was sexually assaulted and killed after 9pm the previous day.
Strike Force Pollwood was formed after the death, but the case remains unsolved even though detectives have interviewed hundreds of people during a lengthy investigation.
"Mrs Perrin's death is one that police continue to actively investigate almost 20 years later," acting Inspector Nathaniel Luck said in a statement today.
"We have not forgotten her case and my detectives are constantly reviewing our information on the matter and following numerous lines of inquiry.
Inspector Luck said Mrs Perrin's family was desperate for her killer to be found and to "put an end to this horrific chapter in their lives".
"They lost a loving mother and grandmother almost two decades ago and they deserve to see someone brought to justice over her death," he said.
He said investigators were confident people in the Bourke community, and possibly in other areas within the state, held vital information about this killing.
"Do the right thing and tell police what you know," he said.
"If you are shielding someone through a misguided sense of loyalty, I urge you to consider the victim in this matter, an elderly woman, and her family, who continue to suffer with the knowledge that justice has not been served for Janie Perrin."
A $100,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
AAP
My critique--
I think justice should be revealed in order to protect those who are suffered from the exploitation especially involved reputation and also lives. Law should be in priority. We should not leave these sinner to get the punishment that supposed to be charged onto them.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Police probe Facebook abuse posted on tribute pages for slain schoolboy Elliot Fletcher
POLICE have vowed to hunt down and charge whoever posted child pornography on online tribute pages for slain schoolboy Elliot Fletcher.
Queensland's top police officers said they were sickened by the postings on Facebook, which included images of child sexual abuse, bestiality and torture.
The images caused deep distress to 12-year-old Elliot's family, already struggling to cope with his stabbing death at St Patrick's College in Brisbane on Monday.
The offensive material, posted in the hours after the boy's death, was removed from Facebook after police took action overnight.
Officers say they'll do everything possible to trace and prosecute the culprit, or culprits, who could face 10 years in jail in Australia for posting child pornography online.
If it's determined the material was posted overseas, authorities in Australia will work with that country to ensure those responsible are caught.
"It's some of the most disgusting and unacceptable behaviour that you can ever imagine,'' Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told reporters in Brisbane today.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon praised Facebook's Australian representatives, saying they acted quickly to help get the material removed.
"The material on the site is classed as child exploitation material,'' he said.
"It's some of the most disgusting material I've seen in a lot of years.
"Offences relating to that sort of material carry a 10-year sentence from the state perspective, and 10 years from the Commonwealth perspective.''
Janine Edwards, whose son is in grade 12 at St Patrick's, said she was sickened by the offensive material posted online.
"There was an awful lot of things on Facebook last night. There's just so many sick people that write such disgusting things,'' Ms Edwards said, as she attended a mass for Elliot at the school.
Another Brisbane mother told ABC Radio she and her 12-year-old son were posting their respects when a user pretending to be the dead boy said it was all a hoax.
"The one that upset me the most was a Facebook user by the name of the boy who died, with a photo of his face that's been in media, popped up saying, 'Hi, I was just joking,'" the woman said.
"It really shocked me.''
AAP
My critique~
It's really too convenient to post something, our thoughts, rumours, incidents onto facebook. And it will be trasnferrend and known to each other around the world. It's really unsafe and having a certain risks there. So, I think that stricter regulations should be imposed to prevent such exploitation which will bring harm and side effects onto others.
Queensland's top police officers said they were sickened by the postings on Facebook, which included images of child sexual abuse, bestiality and torture.
The images caused deep distress to 12-year-old Elliot's family, already struggling to cope with his stabbing death at St Patrick's College in Brisbane on Monday.
The offensive material, posted in the hours after the boy's death, was removed from Facebook after police took action overnight.
Officers say they'll do everything possible to trace and prosecute the culprit, or culprits, who could face 10 years in jail in Australia for posting child pornography online.
If it's determined the material was posted overseas, authorities in Australia will work with that country to ensure those responsible are caught.
"It's some of the most disgusting and unacceptable behaviour that you can ever imagine,'' Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told reporters in Brisbane today.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon praised Facebook's Australian representatives, saying they acted quickly to help get the material removed.
"The material on the site is classed as child exploitation material,'' he said.
"It's some of the most disgusting material I've seen in a lot of years.
"Offences relating to that sort of material carry a 10-year sentence from the state perspective, and 10 years from the Commonwealth perspective.''
Janine Edwards, whose son is in grade 12 at St Patrick's, said she was sickened by the offensive material posted online.
"There was an awful lot of things on Facebook last night. There's just so many sick people that write such disgusting things,'' Ms Edwards said, as she attended a mass for Elliot at the school.
Another Brisbane mother told ABC Radio she and her 12-year-old son were posting their respects when a user pretending to be the dead boy said it was all a hoax.
"The one that upset me the most was a Facebook user by the name of the boy who died, with a photo of his face that's been in media, popped up saying, 'Hi, I was just joking,'" the woman said.
"It really shocked me.''
AAP
My critique~
It's really too convenient to post something, our thoughts, rumours, incidents onto facebook. And it will be trasnferrend and known to each other around the world. It's really unsafe and having a certain risks there. So, I think that stricter regulations should be imposed to prevent such exploitation which will bring harm and side effects onto others.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Police chief fined after collision
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has been fined $253 and three points were deducted from his licence after he failed to give way at a give-way sign, causing a collision on Saturday.
A Traffic Infringement Notice was served on his office today, police said.
Mr Scipione admitted the collision was not the first time he has been involved in an accident.
He was making a right-hand turn at Belmore Road, Peakhurst, in Sydney's south-west, when he failed to see an oncoming vehicle.
His wife, Joy, and a female passenger in the other car were taken to hospital but neither sustained serious injuries.
Mr Scipione admitted immediately he was the at-fault driver, but he has been reluctant to confirm whether he had previously caused an accident.
"What I don't really want to do is go back into my driving record. But I have driven for 35 years and worked as a policeman for a long time," he told reporters today.
"Having said that I have been involved in accidents on duty and off duty."
At the time of the accident, Mr Scipione had stopped at a give-way signal and was attempting a right-hand turn following an oncoming four-wheel-drive.
He said he crept forward but failed to see the car travelling behind the four-wheel-drive and caused the collision.
Mr Scipione said his wife was recovering from slight whiplash and the elderly couple in the other car were now fine.
He said he had spoken to the couple at the accident scene and at the hospital, but "certainly did not say anything" that identified him as police commissioner, because he was off duty.
He said he had nothing to hide and admitted he did not pay adequate attention to the road manoeuvre he was trying to make.
"I got it wrong, I made a mistake," he said.
"I am the at-fault driver and, notwithstanding, I understand the insurance is not too happy with me admitting fault."
AAP
My comment~ I think it is really fair and it should be no exception for government stuff as well, especially police who catches people who violates the rule...Also, we have to be careful and cautious no matter who we are, pedestrians, drivers or cyclists...
A Traffic Infringement Notice was served on his office today, police said.
Mr Scipione admitted the collision was not the first time he has been involved in an accident.
He was making a right-hand turn at Belmore Road, Peakhurst, in Sydney's south-west, when he failed to see an oncoming vehicle.
His wife, Joy, and a female passenger in the other car were taken to hospital but neither sustained serious injuries.
Mr Scipione admitted immediately he was the at-fault driver, but he has been reluctant to confirm whether he had previously caused an accident.
"What I don't really want to do is go back into my driving record. But I have driven for 35 years and worked as a policeman for a long time," he told reporters today.
"Having said that I have been involved in accidents on duty and off duty."
At the time of the accident, Mr Scipione had stopped at a give-way signal and was attempting a right-hand turn following an oncoming four-wheel-drive.
He said he crept forward but failed to see the car travelling behind the four-wheel-drive and caused the collision.
Mr Scipione said his wife was recovering from slight whiplash and the elderly couple in the other car were now fine.
He said he had spoken to the couple at the accident scene and at the hospital, but "certainly did not say anything" that identified him as police commissioner, because he was off duty.
He said he had nothing to hide and admitted he did not pay adequate attention to the road manoeuvre he was trying to make.
"I got it wrong, I made a mistake," he said.
"I am the at-fault driver and, notwithstanding, I understand the insurance is not too happy with me admitting fault."
AAP
My comment~ I think it is really fair and it should be no exception for government stuff as well, especially police who catches people who violates the rule...Also, we have to be careful and cautious no matter who we are, pedestrians, drivers or cyclists...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Apple tablet computer the iPad is not a 'must-have', despite attention given to Steve Jobs and Apple
WHEN the iPod arrived in 2001 it replaced the Walkman.
When the iPhone showed up six years later it replaced other mobile phones.
But the Apple iPad, revealed this morning, could herald the start of an entirely new category of gadgets.
This tablet computer is not designed to replace your laptop or your mobile phone. It is not an iPod, nor does it feature a camera.
Apple is asking technology lovers to invest in a gadget that complements other devices. It steals some of their functions, like web surfing and book screening, but it does not replace them.
For this reason the Apple tablet is perhaps not a ‘must-have’ but a ‘do-want’.
It’s also a risky strategy for Apple.
Tablet computers, or computers with touchscreens, have been available for almost a decade and have yet to make their mark.
Research firm IDC reports that Australians bought just 12,000 tablet computers in the last quarter of the year, and most of those were purchased for business use.
On the e-book front, the world’s biggest e-book brand, Amazon Kindle, is picking up new fans daily, but electronic books are still in their infancy and command just 6 per cent of the company’s book sales.
Add to this the fact that Apple has already created a device like a tablet computer, and pulled it from the market.
The Newton MessagePad emerged in 1993 and featured a green-tinted touchscreen and handwriting recognition, like a Palm Pilot. It was discontinued just five years later.
But that’s not to say there isn’t hope for this risky, new Apple tablet.
The iPad has the stylish, polished, features and the finger-friendly multi-touch technology that iPhone users adore.
It promises to run for 10 hours without charge – more than any netbook – and it is just a slender thing at 1.27cm.
But what will really sell this to tech lovers is its content.
What Apple does better than its competitors is package content, from music to movies and now books, and make that content easy to access.
The fact that Apple’s existing apps, like games, maps and social networking programs, will work immediately on this new device will provide early adopters with plenty to entertain themselves.
And that’s without the benefits of Apple’s new digital bookstore, iBooks, and newspapers that can be displayed on the iPad screen.
Apple’s iPad might not be an overnight success, but with so much entertaining content screening it’s bound to attract an attentive audience.
Comment:
This new i-pad creates some arguments in the community, will the launch of this product be a success? It is considered as a risky move to try on this product. However, it is supported and improved by the package content, along with the stylish and attractive features. I hope this new electronic product can inculcate the reading habit in more population so that the development of a country can be boosted as knowledges can be acquired easily and fast with this product.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Qld students to tour carnage wards
Queensland Health will employ shock tactics to curb the increasing trend of alcohol-fuelled violence by taking school students through hospitals to view the carnage first-hand.
Queensland's parliamentary law, justice and safety committee was advised of the program today at a public hearing in its inquiry into alcohol-related violence.
Queensland Health associate professor Dr Alan O'Connor said that in the past five years alcohol-related injuries had increased from five per cent to seven per cent of the total admissions at the Royal Brisbane Hospital's emergency department.
"That translates into a number of just over 3000 to 5000 patients each year," Dr O'Connor said.
From next week, Queensland Health will begin a pilot program - Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) - where high school students will visit hospitals to show them the consequences of excessive binge drinking, he said.
Dr O'Connor said he anticipated the PARTY program will be rolled out in hospitals across the state in a couple of months, citing a similar program in Canada had proven effective.
"The students will be brought into the emergency department, given lectures, and shown where people go," he said.
He also said on occasions the students would talk to patients who were willing to participate in the program.
"If a patient has consented to being part of the program, the students could also be shown pictures of their injuries," he said.
"I think it will give students a wake-up call, and show them that alcohol-related violence is a reality."
Also at the hearing, the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union called on the committee to recommend increasing fines and custodial sentences for those involved in alcohol-fuelled violence.
Union organiser Kroy Day told the hearing that in 2006 there were 26 reported assaults on ambulance officers, while in 2009 the number had increased to more than 150 assaults.
"More than 90 per cent of those were alcohol-related, which is an absolutely unacceptable trend," he said.
Ambulance officer Nigel Stamp said it did not matter whether it was a weekend or a weeknight, he was at risk of becoming a victim of alcohol-related violence at any time while on the job.
"It could just be a simple job where a child is in trouble, and the family gets protective, the next thing we know we're in a brawl with them," he said.
AAP
critique: It is really a creative policy to deter teenagers from taking alcoholic drink excessively! However, what will be th effects on teenagers? will the situation be worsen(don't forget that teenagers are rebellious)? Or it change change their life to a better one?
Queensland's parliamentary law, justice and safety committee was advised of the program today at a public hearing in its inquiry into alcohol-related violence.
Queensland Health associate professor Dr Alan O'Connor said that in the past five years alcohol-related injuries had increased from five per cent to seven per cent of the total admissions at the Royal Brisbane Hospital's emergency department.
"That translates into a number of just over 3000 to 5000 patients each year," Dr O'Connor said.
From next week, Queensland Health will begin a pilot program - Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) - where high school students will visit hospitals to show them the consequences of excessive binge drinking, he said.
Dr O'Connor said he anticipated the PARTY program will be rolled out in hospitals across the state in a couple of months, citing a similar program in Canada had proven effective.
"The students will be brought into the emergency department, given lectures, and shown where people go," he said.
He also said on occasions the students would talk to patients who were willing to participate in the program.
"If a patient has consented to being part of the program, the students could also be shown pictures of their injuries," he said.
"I think it will give students a wake-up call, and show them that alcohol-related violence is a reality."
Also at the hearing, the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union called on the committee to recommend increasing fines and custodial sentences for those involved in alcohol-fuelled violence.
Union organiser Kroy Day told the hearing that in 2006 there were 26 reported assaults on ambulance officers, while in 2009 the number had increased to more than 150 assaults.
"More than 90 per cent of those were alcohol-related, which is an absolutely unacceptable trend," he said.
Ambulance officer Nigel Stamp said it did not matter whether it was a weekend or a weeknight, he was at risk of becoming a victim of alcohol-related violence at any time while on the job.
"It could just be a simple job where a child is in trouble, and the family gets protective, the next thing we know we're in a brawl with them," he said.
AAP
critique: It is really a creative policy to deter teenagers from taking alcoholic drink excessively! However, what will be th effects on teenagers? will the situation be worsen(don't forget that teenagers are rebellious)? Or it change change their life to a better one?
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