March 28, 2024, 11:28:38 AM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: NEW CHILD BOARD CREATED IN THE POLITICAL SECTION FOR THE 2016 ELECTION
 
   Home   Help Login Register  
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 »   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: Australia by Tibrogargan January 2007 - present and 155216+ views later!  (Read 657558 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1900 on: October 21, 2013, 08:18:02 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/live-coverage-of-the-new-south-wales-bushfires/story-fncynjr2-1226744347084

Live coverage of the New South Wales bushfires

FIREFIGHTERS have joined two major bushfires in the Blue Mountains as they desperately try to contain the situation before weather conditions worsen tomorrow.

The Rural Fire Service deliberately combined the State Mine and Mt Victoria fires to reduce the fuel load on the ground and prevent them from joining the Springwood fire.

Here's what we know so far:

- 62 fires are currently burning across the state, with 13 uncontained

- The State Mine and Mt Victoria fires have been merged

- More than 1100 firefighters were battling blazes overnight, with 84 aircraft deployed

- Five children have been implicated in the bushfires, including two boys arrested yesterday

- 200 homes have been lost, with the insurance bill hitting $94 million

- Conditions expected to deteriorate tomorrow, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s and wind gusts accelerating to 100km/h

- Light rain fell in the Blue Mountains this morning, but its effect was negligible

- A total fire ban remains in place for Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Central Ranges areas

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1901 on: October 21, 2013, 08:21:15 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/twelve-simple-points-to-help-explain-the-nsw-bushfire-crisis/story-fncynjr2-1226744215640

Twelve simple points to help explain the NSW bushfire crisis.

THEY'RE calling these the worst NSW fires in 50 years, but are they right?

Joel Kursawe, an experienced bushfire expert with the NSW Rural Fire Service, explains a few key points about current crisis - and any other fire emergencies to come during what is sure to be a long, hot summer.

ARE THESE REALLY THE WORST NSW FIRES IN 50 YEARS?

December 1993 and January 1994, Sydney had huge fires which generated headlines around the world. When that awful month-long period ended, there had been four deaths, 800,000 hectares burnt out and 225 homes destroyed from over 80 fires.

There are currently 58 fires burning in New South Wales and already, one life has been lost and around 200 homes razed. We're not quite at 1993/94 level, but as RFS man Joel Kursawe explains, we could be. And if that happens, then it'll definitely be the worst situation in half a century or more.

"In terms of conditions up there, if we were to draw a parallel, we have not seen conditions like this since the 1960s in some areas," Joel says.

As he explains, one problem was the wet autumn and early winter in eastern NSW which promoted undergrowth - followed by one of the driest mid-to-late winters and early springs in history. "And there's no meaningful rain on the horizon," he says.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
klaasend
Administrator
Monkey Mega Star
*
Offline Offline

Posts: 74276



WWW
« Reply #1902 on: October 21, 2013, 09:41:00 PM »

Tibro - been thinking about you and the fires.  Hope they are far from you home.  These fires are just horrible. 
Logged
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1903 on: October 22, 2013, 04:57:16 AM »

Thank you for the concern Klaas.  The fires are many miles and across a wide stretch of water from where I live.  Our state had our share of devastating fires last year and hoping we do not get a repeat this year.

Weather forecast for New South Wales is not good, with no or only light rain, and they are expecting some fires to join up and then become mega fires.  I know they have to project the worst scenario and I do hope they are wrong.

Most people here would like to get their hands on those kids who have been noted for starting some of the fires.  Hope they find a suitable punishment - maybe something like sending them out to help clear up afterwards.

The firefighters are going to the affected areas from all other states and we are all praying for their safety.  They are so brave and most cases are volunteers from rural fire services brigades.  Amazing men and women.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1904 on: October 22, 2013, 08:03:19 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/live-coverage-of-the-new-south-wales-bushfires/story-fncynjr2-1226744347084


Live coverage of the New South Wales bushfires


October 23, 2013

LIGHTNING and slippery conditions have hampered firefighters battling bushfires in the Blue Mountains.

As the crisis in New South Wales enters its seventh day, Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has warned of the "very real potential" for new fires to start and said we "can't afford to think today will be OK".

"This is as bad as it gets," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

Currently, there are 59 fires burning across NSW, with 18 uncontained.

Here's what we know so far:

- Firefighters are battling 57 fires, 17 of which are uncontained. This includes a 1500km fire front in the Blue Mountains.

- All public, Catholic and Independent schools are closed in the Blue Mountains, along with a number of schools in Hawkesbury and the Southern Highlands. You can read the full list of closures here.

- Anyone without a reason to be in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday has been urged to leave before lunch.

- Conditions expected to be dry, with humidity dropping to 15 per cent, temperatures rising into the mid-30s and wind gusts accelerating to 100km/h.

- Boy, aged 14, charged with deliberately lighting a large fire near Newcastle as 11-year-old boy appears in court and is placed under house arrest on same charge.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1905 on: October 24, 2013, 04:32:28 AM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/rfs-confirms-that-david-black-died-fighting-fires-when-his-plane-crashed-and-caused-new-blaze/story-fnii5s3x-1226745842189

RFS confirms that David Black died fighting fires when his plane crashed and caused new blaze

October 24, 2013

A PILOT killed while helping the Rural Fire Service with bushfire control on the NSW South Coast today has been named as David Black.

The 43-year-old man, from Trangie in the state's west, died when his fixed-wing aircraft crashed in rugged terrain near Ulladulla.

Mr Black, who has three young children, is the owner of Rebel Agricultural, the company which had been contracted to help the RFS with water bombing activities.

His family has been notified by police, along with colleagues at his work.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1906 on: October 24, 2013, 04:38:44 AM »

http://www.news.com.au/technology/american-network-nbc-publishes-map-showing-the-whole-of-australia-is-on-fire-oops/story-e6frfrnr-1226746114107

American network NBC publishes map showing the whole of Australia is on fire. Oops


    October 24, 2013

AMERICA, the nation which gave the world 307 Nobel laureates, has today shown that its media is about as smart as one of its famously dopey teen beauty pageant contestants.

In a bizarre map produced by NBC News, pretty much the whole of Australia is depicted as being ablaze this week.

You might have thought the bushfires of the past week have been confined largely to New South Wales, but noooo. Not according to NBC they're not.

According to NBC, pretty much the entire country is on fire, including vast swathes of Cape York, the entire Darwin region, and vast portions of Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert where you'd be lucky to find two blades of grass to rub together.

 

 Monkey Devil!
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1907 on: October 24, 2013, 04:45:12 AM »

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/nsw-bushfires-aggressive-and-highrisk-strategies-avert-catastrophe-20131023-2w1kf.html

NSW bushfires: 'Aggressive and high-risk strategies' avert catastrophe

Date
    October 23, 2013

A high-risk gamble by firefighters paid off as NSW escaped one of its most threatening bushfire days on record largely unscathed. But the latest weather forecasts show an elevated threat for months to come.

Hot, dry conditions forecast for Wednesday arrived early in the morning and by mid-afternoon strong, gusty winds were fanning six major fires burning near homes in the Blue Mountains and the Hunter.

One of those that threatened throughout the day was the State Mine fire, which has terrorised tiny townships between Lithgow and the Blue Mountains for a week. The Rural Fire Service confirmed on Wednesday it had been caused by explosives training carried out in the area by the Department of Defence.

 

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/nsw-bushfires-aggressive-and-highrisk-strategies-avert-catastrophe-20131023-2w1kf.html#ixzz2icyV14MI




Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1908 on: October 24, 2013, 04:47:26 AM »

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/10/23/326492_ntnews.html

Morcombe talk helped girl escape

SARAH CRAWFORD   |  October 23rd, 2013

A PALMERSTON girl, 10, was able to escape an alleged abductor and provide police with a detailed description that led to his arrest after tips from a stranger danger talk by the parents of Daniel Morcombe.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe, whose 13-year-old son was allegedly abducted and killed by Brett Peter Cowan in Queensland, gave a stranger danger talk at Rosebery Primary School two weeks ago.

A senior constable who listened to the talk passed the message onto students at Woodroffe Primary School – where the girl attends.

Mr Morcombe said after speaking at more than 350 schools they were pleased - in this case - their presentation could have made a difference.

"It is of huge interest to us as we do always get asked: Do you make a difference? How many people have you saved?" he said.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Sister
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 8648



« Reply #1909 on: October 24, 2013, 07:36:04 AM »

http://www.news.com.au/technology/american-network-nbc-publishes-map-showing-the-whole-of-australia-is-on-fire-oops/story-e6frfrnr-1226746114107

American network NBC publishes map showing the whole of Australia is on fire. Oops


    October 24, 2013

AMERICA, the nation which gave the world 307 Nobel laureates, has today shown that its media is about as smart as one of its famously dopey teen beauty pageant contestants.

In a bizarre map produced by NBC News, pretty much the whole of Australia is depicted as being ablaze this week.

You might have thought the bushfires of the past week have been confined largely to New South Wales, but noooo. Not according to NBC they're not.

According to NBC, pretty much the entire country is on fire, including vast swathes of Cape York, the entire Darwin region, and vast portions of Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert where you'd be lucky to find two blades of grass to rub together.

 

 Monkey Devil!

 Monkey Devil!   Monkey Devil!
Logged


Sister
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 8648



« Reply #1910 on: October 24, 2013, 07:37:05 AM »

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/10/23/326492_ntnews.html

Morcombe talk helped girl escape

SARAH CRAWFORD   |  October 23rd, 2013

A PALMERSTON girl, 10, was able to escape an alleged abductor and provide police with a detailed description that led to his arrest after tips from a stranger danger talk by the parents of Daniel Morcombe.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe, whose 13-year-old son was allegedly abducted and killed by Brett Peter Cowan in Queensland, gave a stranger danger talk at Rosebery Primary School two weeks ago.

A senior constable who listened to the talk passed the message onto students at Woodroffe Primary School – where the girl attends.

Mr Morcombe said after speaking at more than 350 schools they were pleased - in this case - their presentation could have made a difference.

"It is of huge interest to us as we do always get asked: Do you make a difference? How many people have you saved?" he said.

 

that is awesome!  making a difference one child at a time!

 
Logged


grace-land
Monkey Mega Star
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 23616



« Reply #1911 on: October 24, 2013, 09:05:36 PM »

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/10/24/pilot_dies,_cause_of_australian_fire_found/en1-740096

2013-10-24 09:07:42
Pilot dies, cause of Australian fire found



(Vatican Radio) A 43-year-old Australian pilot died Thursday morning while trying to battle a wildfire in the Australian state of New South Wales. His plane crashed into a national park near Sydney, sparking a new fire.

In the meantime, investigators say an Australian military training exercise was the cause of the largest of the wildfires that burned throughout the state this past week.

The Rural Fire Service said it began at a Defense Department training area, west of Sydney, and was the result of “live ordnance exercises.” It burned 47,000 hectares and destroyed several homes.

In a statement, Acting Defense Minister George Brandis said the military was cooperating with investigators. The Rural Fire Service said the Defense Department's actions were obviously an accident and a side-effect of a routine activity.

Investigators are still looking into the causes of the other fires. Some were started by power lines brought down by strong winds; others were deliberately set. Police have arrested several children in connection with the latter.
 
Logged
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1912 on: November 02, 2013, 08:19:55 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/nsw-accepts-defence-fire-clean-up-offer/story-e6frfku9-1226751799108

NSW accepts defence fire clean-up offer

November 02, 2013

NSW has accepted a Defence Force offer of 80 army personnel to help with the massive recovery effort in the fire-affected Blue Mountains.

The Defence Force offer of assistance follows its apology for starting a bushfire through explosive training exercises at the Marrangaroo army base last month.

The State Mine Fire burned through 50,000 hectares and destroyed at least three homes.

In a statement on Saturday, Defence Minister David Johnston and Justice Minister Michael Keenan confirmed the NSW government had accepted The Defence offer to help with the community recovery.

Up to 80 personnel armed with dump trucks, bulldozers and chain saws are getting to work in the region to make safe structures damaged or destroyed in the bushfires.

The work began on Saturday in Springwood where the NSW government indicated the greatest need was.

Blue Mountains Emergency Recovery Co-ordinator Phil Koperberg told ABC Radio there would be at least 14 days work for Defence.

 

Sounds fair to me - and, as usual, the taxpayer will foot the bill whomever does the clean up!
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1913 on: November 07, 2013, 05:15:53 PM »

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/celebrity-chef-matt-golinski-moves-in-with-new-love-erin-yarwood/story-fnihsrf2-1226755295075

Celebrity chef Matt Golinski moves in with new love Erin Yarwood


    Sharnee Rawson
    The Courier-Mail
    November 08, 2013 12:00AM

IF anyone deserves happiness, it's Matt Golinski.

Still recovering from the 2011 Boxing Day house fire that left 40 per cent of his body with third degree burns, the Noosa celebrity chef has moved in with his new love.

After the intense public interest in the fire, in which he tragically lost his wife and three daughters, Golinski wants to keep the next chapter of his personal life private, but has told The Courier-Mail he is now living with girlfriend and personal trainer Erin Yarwood.

"It's going well, and she's lovely. We're living up the coast together."

 

As well as finalising his cookbook, due for release in mid-2014, Golinski is working closely with non-for-profit group the Light Foundation, which provides solar energy to poverty-stricken countries.

"In countries like Africa, the main source of fuel for cooking and lighting is kerosene, which is causing one and half million deaths from repository-related illnesses per year, from inhaling the fumes, and 800,000 burns per year."

 


Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
MuffyBee
Former Moderator
Monkey Mega Star
*
Offline Offline

Posts: 44737



« Reply #1914 on: November 07, 2013, 07:01:14 PM »

Thank you for the update, Tib.  Wishing happiness and a good life for Matt Golinski and Erin Yarwood! 
Logged

  " Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts."  - Daniel Moynihan
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1915 on: November 24, 2013, 12:09:00 AM »

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/dorothy-lee-barnett-faces-extradition-from-australia-for-taking-her-daughter-from-the-us-20-years-ago/story-fnihslxi-1226766677843 

Dorothy Lee Barnett faces extradition from Australia for taking her daughter Savanna Catherine Todd from the US 20 years ago

    AP
    November 24, 2013 10:41AM

AN American woman found in Australia is facing extradition back to the US for taking her infant daughter from the Isle of Palms 20 years ago.

US Attorney Bill Nettles said an indictment had been unsealed charging Dorothy Lee Barnett, 53, with international parental kidnapping and making a false statement on a passport application.

Barnett did not have custody of her then 10-month-old daughter Savanna Catherine Todd, who is also known as Samantha, when she left in 1994, Nettles said.

At the time, police said Barnett - who in 1993 filed for divorce from her husband, former Charleston stockbroker Benjamin Harris Todd III - left for a birthday party with her daughter and never returned.

 



Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1916 on: December 07, 2013, 03:43:41 AM »

http://www.news.com.au/national/daniel-morcombe-was-abducted-10-years-ago-today/story-fncynjr2-1226777704168

Daniel Morcombe was abducted 10 years ago today


December 07, 2013 2:53PM

ON THIS day, a decade ago, a beautiful boy in a red T-shirt was shockingly abducted from a bus stop in broad daylight.

Daniel was 13 when he disappeared while waiting for a bus at Woombye on December 7, 2003.

The schoolboy's disappearance became Queensland's biggest criminal investigation.

An inquest and almost eight years later, Perth man Brett Peter Cowan was charged with his abduction and murder. Cowan's trial begins in the Brisbane Supreme Court in February.

Meanwhile, Daniel's parents today endure another anniversary of their son's disappearance. The many years of mystery, trauma and pain have taken their toll.

Today we reflect on chilling facts from the case so far :

Daniel was gone in 90 seconds

 

Daniel's parents were only 500m from the crime scene

 

Daniel's accused killer has since changed his name

 

Cops lived alongside accused

 

Crime scene had a dark past

 

Wild animals could have dispersed Daniel's remains

 

Daniel's watch still missing

 

Police seize vehicle eight years later

 

The accused's alibi witness still has no idea

 

Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1917 on: December 12, 2013, 06:27:14 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/kiwi-man-reese-mckees-facebook-plea-to-find-katie-bombards-woman-with-2000-messages-she-deletes-social-media/story-fnjwnhzf-1226782058359

Kiwi man Reese McKee's Facebook plea to find 'Katie' bombards woman with 2000 messages; she deletes social media

December 13, 2013 12:42AM

A NEW Zealand man who begged the internet to help him find a mystery American woman he met in Hong Kong has found his "Katie" - but it seems she's not too happy with the media attention.

Kiwi man Reese McKee’s Facebook post asking for help finding an American woman he’d spent a magical evening New Year's Eve with in Hong Kong quickly went viral, becoming a media sensation.

The 25-year-old asked internet detectives to help him track down the woman – who he says only gave him her first name Katie, was from Washington DC, and left him with a photo and the request ‘find me’ when they parted after spending hours together in Hong Kong.

However, online sleuths quickly found "Katie" and hassled her with so many messages that she has gone into hiding, deleting all her social media accounts, he told the New Zealand Herald.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1918 on: December 12, 2013, 06:31:03 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/holden-cars-and-dealerships-could-be-rebadged-as-chevrolet/story-fnkgdhrc-1226781980761

Holden cars and dealerships could be rebadged as Chevrolet

December 13, 2013 12:00AM

HOLDEN cars and dealerships could be rebadged as Chevrolet once General Motors shuts its Australian manufacturing operations in 2017.

Holden has secretly been fighting to protect the Australian icon from extinction for the past decade, say company insiders.

WHY HOLDEN WON'T BE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS CHEAPER

But the switch to selling only imported cars - all of which are already sold as Chevrolets overseas - means the iconic Holden badge faces its biggest threat to date.

Holden boss Mike Devereux told News Corp Australia: "Holden is here to stay. Holden has been a part of Australia's past ... and it will part of its future for decades to come."

"Holden is one of the most valuable brands in Australia. We are committed to the brand for the long term. The brand is going to be a part of the fabric of this country for a very long time."

However, General Motors headquarters in Detroit wanted to kill the Holden nameplate during the Global Financial Crisis, along with the Hummer and Pontiac brands, but the then boss of Holden Mark Reuss fought against it.

 
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Tibrogargan
Monkey All Star Jr.
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 5315



« Reply #1919 on: December 12, 2013, 06:37:49 PM »

http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/how-a-cartel-involving-colgatepalmolive-cussons-and-unilever-began-over-laundry-powder/story-fnkgdhrc-1226781937903

How a cartel involving Colgate-Palmolive, Cussons and Unilever began over laundry powder

December 13, 2013 12:00AM

AD it remained secret, "Project Mastermind" - allegedly hatched by Colgate-Palmolive to fix prices in the laundry powder market - would have reaped it and rivals Cussons and Unilever a cool $146 million.

But a decision by Unilever to come clean over the alleged cartel now leaves its competitors and others facing fines of up to $100 million.

In Federal Court action filed in Sydney, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claims Colgate, Cussons and Unilever conspired to stop supplying standard concentrate in early 2009 and "simultaneously transition" Cold Power, Radiant and Omo respectively, to ultra concentrates.

The ACCC alleges the trio agreed to sell their super-strength powders for the "same price per wash as the equivalent standard concentrated products and not pass on the cost savings to consumers".

This had a "significant" effect on competition, the ACCC alleges.

 

I guess this would be what is known as "airing your dirty washing"    
Logged



....And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars..  A.B (Banjo) Paterson
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 »   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Use of this web site in any manner signifies unconditional acceptance, without exception, of our terms of use.
Powered by SMF 1.1.13 | SMF © 2006-2011, Simple Machines LLC
 
Page created in 6.179 seconds with 20 queries.