Showing posts with label News - Aussie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News - Aussie. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Bring back the death penalty?
When I read stories like this one I begin to think that the death penalty is the only option.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
"Cultural Sensitivity" ....
From today's news:
Defence said it did not have a policy on Christmas wrapping paper, but was aware of the "cultural sensitivity" issue.
"We are aware of advice posted on a Defence website and are taking steps to correct the information in the public domain," it said.
It is not clear if it was aware of the comments before The Sunday Times asked several questions about the email late last week.
Opposition defence personnel spokesman and former army officer Stuart Robert said someone had lost the plot.
"The Grinch this Christmas will be the government if it doesn't right this wrong," Mr Robert said.
"On the back of 'no beer for Christmas', it's now no Christmas for Christmas."
The question of a beer ration remains a matter for the operational commander on the ground to a limit of two 375ml cans a member.
Most commanders in recent years have limited beer consumption to Anzac Day.
"Deployed personnel will continue with their operational tasks throughout the Christmas-New Year period and will only consume alcohol when their tasking allows," Defence said.
"These events are authorised in advance and the consumption of alcohol is carefully controlled."
The beers cannot be transferred to another person.
The latest cultural sensitivity gaffe follows a long list of cultural problems for the military, including sexual harassment and assault, and the use of dog pens for prisoners in Afghanistan.
There's not much I can bring myself to say on this point. This whole attitude of doing everything so that no one is offended is totally offensive to me - somehow though, that doesn't make a difference!
THE air force has taken political correctness to a ridiculous new level by warning staff against wrapping gifts for troops overseas in Christmas paper because of "cultural sensitivity".
A flight lieutenant based at RAAF Base Pearce near Perth sent an email to staff and cadets encouraging them to send Christmas care packages to Australians deployed in the Middle East.
After the usual warnings about not sending alcohol or pornography and some helpful gift ideas, the officer offered the following packaging advice.
"Contents should be securely wrapped in stiff brown paper (no Christmas wrapping due to cultural sensitivities, please) and clearly addressed to: Australian Defence Force Member AFPO 60 Australian Defence Force NSW 2890."
Presumably he was concerned that bright paper featuring Santa Claus, a reindeer or baby Jesus might offend some Muslims.
After the usual warnings about not sending alcohol or pornography and some helpful gift ideas, the officer offered the following packaging advice.
"Contents should be securely wrapped in stiff brown paper (no Christmas wrapping due to cultural sensitivities, please) and clearly addressed to: Australian Defence Force Member AFPO 60 Australian Defence Force NSW 2890."
Presumably he was concerned that bright paper featuring Santa Claus, a reindeer or baby Jesus might offend some Muslims.
Defence said it did not have a policy on Christmas wrapping paper, but was aware of the "cultural sensitivity" issue.
"We are aware of advice posted on a Defence website and are taking steps to correct the information in the public domain," it said.
It is not clear if it was aware of the comments before The Sunday Times asked several questions about the email late last week.
Opposition defence personnel spokesman and former army officer Stuart Robert said someone had lost the plot.
"The Grinch this Christmas will be the government if it doesn't right this wrong," Mr Robert said.
"On the back of 'no beer for Christmas', it's now no Christmas for Christmas."
The question of a beer ration remains a matter for the operational commander on the ground to a limit of two 375ml cans a member.
Most commanders in recent years have limited beer consumption to Anzac Day.
"Deployed personnel will continue with their operational tasks throughout the Christmas-New Year period and will only consume alcohol when their tasking allows," Defence said.
"These events are authorised in advance and the consumption of alcohol is carefully controlled."
The beers cannot be transferred to another person.
The latest cultural sensitivity gaffe follows a long list of cultural problems for the military, including sexual harassment and assault, and the use of dog pens for prisoners in Afghanistan.
There's not much I can bring myself to say on this point. This whole attitude of doing everything so that no one is offended is totally offensive to me - somehow though, that doesn't make a difference!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Drunken penguin prank ruined my Aussie dream, says Welsh tourist
That's the title of the "news" article. Excuse me for not feeling the slightest bit of sympathy for Mr Rhys Jones.
Basically, while DRUNK, cretin Jones and his misfit mate Mules "... were part of a group that broke into the aquatic park, set off a fire extinguisher in the shark tank and swum with dolphins before grabbing Dirk"
Dirk, being a penguin.
The next day poor Mr Jones says "... I woke up that morning, grabbed my wallet, went to get changed, opened my cupboard and there was a bloody penguin in my cupboard -- in my walk-in wardrobe".
So what did the fine upstanding choir boy do next? Ring the Police? The Zoo? Animal protection of some sort? NO. I mean that might lead to having to take RESPONSIBILITY for your ACTIONS! ... No they " panicked and released Dirk in shark-infested waters."
Sure, yer, right, "let's get rid of it", "let's hide the evidence", "then no one will know" ... we can all imagine the conversation that preceded this bit of upstanding citizenship.
Thankfully, Dirk was found, unharmed (no thanks to these idiots) and returned to the zoo.
Jones and Mules well "They were fined AU$1000, no conviction was recorded and they were allowed to stay in Australia."
Gee great thanks. Now all the Welsh miscreants back home will be planning on how they can beat this one!
Oh and they're crying into their beer that their holiday was disrupted. Poor boys.
[Update]Now I was wondering how these poor unfortunates came to be charged, seeing as the "problem of the penguin in the wardrobe" was apparently solved. So I went googling. And, yep you guessed it. They posted it on Facebook! Article is here.[/UPDATE]
Basically, while DRUNK, cretin Jones and his misfit mate Mules "... were part of a group that broke into the aquatic park, set off a fire extinguisher in the shark tank and swum with dolphins before grabbing Dirk"
Dirk, being a penguin.
The next day poor Mr Jones says "... I woke up that morning, grabbed my wallet, went to get changed, opened my cupboard and there was a bloody penguin in my cupboard -- in my walk-in wardrobe".
So what did the fine upstanding choir boy do next? Ring the Police? The Zoo? Animal protection of some sort? NO. I mean that might lead to having to take RESPONSIBILITY for your ACTIONS! ... No they " panicked and released Dirk in shark-infested waters."
Sure, yer, right, "let's get rid of it", "let's hide the evidence", "then no one will know" ... we can all imagine the conversation that preceded this bit of upstanding citizenship.
Thankfully, Dirk was found, unharmed (no thanks to these idiots) and returned to the zoo.
Jones and Mules well "They were fined AU$1000, no conviction was recorded and they were allowed to stay in Australia."
Gee great thanks. Now all the Welsh miscreants back home will be planning on how they can beat this one!
Oh and they're crying into their beer that their holiday was disrupted. Poor boys.
[Update]Now I was wondering how these poor unfortunates came to be charged, seeing as the "problem of the penguin in the wardrobe" was apparently solved. So I went googling. And, yep you guessed it. They posted it on Facebook! Article is here.[/UPDATE]
Friday, May 4, 2012
Mindset ....
What can we learn from this news article? ...
In the first incident March 30, a woman was sexually assaulted by a man carrying what was believed to be a handgun.
The 19-year-old was walking along Ord Street at about 8.30pm when the man approached her and lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a handgun tucked into the waistband of his trousers.
He then sexually assaulted her in a nearby alley.
On Sunday April 29, a 26-year-old woman walking along Colin Street about 4.15pm and confronted in similar circumstances.
The man also lifted his jumper to reveal what looked like a handgun.
The woman threw her handbag at him and ran away.
Police say the man was seen riding off on a motorcycle which had been parked on Emerald Terrace.
The woman's Gucci handbag has not been found.
Police believe the offences were committed by the same man, who is described as being aged between 35 to 45 years, with fair skin, about 175cm to 185cm tall, and a medium build.
He was wearing a pair of grey knee-length shorts, a dark hooded jumper and a baseball cap during the first attack.
During the second incident, he was wearing a pair of grey knee-length shorts, a grey hooded jumper, baseball cap, and sunglasses.
On both occasions he was carrying a black backpack.
Anyone who saw the man in the area or has any information is asked to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
(BTW this is right near where I work - when I go into work!)
Women targeted by armed sex attacker in West Perth
POLICE believe the same man is responsible for separate attacks on two women in West Perth.In the first incident March 30, a woman was sexually assaulted by a man carrying what was believed to be a handgun.
The 19-year-old was walking along Ord Street at about 8.30pm when the man approached her and lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a handgun tucked into the waistband of his trousers.
He then sexually assaulted her in a nearby alley.
On Sunday April 29, a 26-year-old woman walking along Colin Street about 4.15pm and confronted in similar circumstances.
The man also lifted his jumper to reveal what looked like a handgun.
The woman threw her handbag at him and ran away.
Police say the man was seen riding off on a motorcycle which had been parked on Emerald Terrace.
The woman's Gucci handbag has not been found.
Police believe the offences were committed by the same man, who is described as being aged between 35 to 45 years, with fair skin, about 175cm to 185cm tall, and a medium build.
He was wearing a pair of grey knee-length shorts, a dark hooded jumper and a baseball cap during the first attack.
During the second incident, he was wearing a pair of grey knee-length shorts, a grey hooded jumper, baseball cap, and sunglasses.
On both occasions he was carrying a black backpack.
Anyone who saw the man in the area or has any information is asked to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
(BTW this is right near where I work - when I go into work!)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Poll on SMH
The Sydney Morning Herald is running a poll asking "Do our gun control laws go far enough?".
Under the poll they have four opinions, one from a hunter, a gun control advocate, a policemen and the mayor of Moree Plains Shire.
Robert Borsak ('the hunter') makes this point "THE spate of drive-by shootings in Sydney is not the result of insufficient gun control laws, or even criminal law, in this state. It is already illegal to shoot an unregistered firearm in a built-up area without regard to human life. There are three or more charges that could arise from this act alone. The problem is that there is a minority of people who do not care what the law says."
Michelle Fernando ('the advocate') seems to want gun laws tightened up so that unlicensed people can not shoot guns. WHICH IS A VERY SCARY THOUGHT and I hope the NSW gun owners fight this tooth and nail.
(Just as an aside, I had a look at a news report on the shooting of her father. The article I found was here and does raise some interesting questions).
Scott Weber ('the policeman') says "We need a war on guns, with greater focus on stopping guns entering the country in the first place, and schemes in place to get the guns in circulation off the streets."
The one that I found most interesting was Katrina Humphries ('the mayor'), this is her comment:
LOCKS keep honest people out. Signs are for honest people to obey. Rules are for honest people to follow. Gun laws are for honest people and when guns were outlawed the outlaws kept their guns.
Zero tolerance for illegal gun dealers and users is possibly the only way to clean up this mess, along with sizeable cash rewards for information leading to arrests of persons involved in gun crimes. Perhaps strong mandatory jail terms for the perpetrators would also be a deterrent.
Some say our jails are overcrowded now; too bad – build more, of lesser quality, so the jail experience is a punishment not a reward. Customs also needs to be tighter.
All these solutions will take a lot of money to fund, but if governments are serious then the proceeds of crime need to be quarantined to help fund these extra measures.
We also need to start properly supporting our police. Eyewatch is a new type of community watch network that could really take off. Imagine the benefit to a community if there were six or eight extra sets of eyes and ears in every street. It is a real option and residents can take part without being found out by their neighbours.
It is my belief that the politically correct and the do-gooders of this country are bringing our fantastic lifestyle and happy-go-lucky nature to their knees.
Time is of the essence and it is only a matter of time until some poor innocent bystander, even a child, is killed in this gangland-style raiding that is happening night after night.
NSW needs to be the leader in criminal reform in Australia. If there was ever a time for some gutsy leadership, a strong judicial system and big monetary rewards, it is now. Lock them up and throw away the keys – there is no room in our precious world for suburban warlords and lawless communities.
Our brave police should be honoured and supported and while ever there is no respect for the law there will be no peace for law-abiding citizens. Fear should not be the burden of the honest and decent majority in our communities; it should be used as a weapon against those who wish to break the law.
If you're in Australia, particularly in NSW please go and vote in the poll and if you want to see the continuation of gun ownership fight against the petitions, like those presented by Michelle Fernando, by supporting people like Robert Borsak and Mayor Humphries.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Shooters and Fishers Party to take on WA
Received this in my email yesterday:
This is a very positive situation in my opinion.
This is a very positive situation in my opinion.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Spiders anyone?
Interesting isn't it how the internet makes the world smaller? I was blogsurfing tonight and ended up at Greg's place. He had a post on misplaced spiders in Australia which I've not seen reported here.
Apparently the floods over east have unsettled a number of wolf spiders and they've taken up residence above ground in such numbers that their webs look like snow -
Yes folks, that's spider webs that you can see there. Anyone want to go for a walk?
Full story and more amazing pictures can be found here.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Groan ...
Just heard on the news headlines tonight "Following a haul of firearms in Perth's south, police have called for a review of firearms licensing legislation."
So I went looking for the story. From today's news:
THIRTEEN firearms, including pump action shotguns and assault rifles, several thousands of rounds of ammunition, cash and drugs were found at a home in Perth's southern suburbs yesterday.
A search of the Port Kennedy home yesterday allegedly uncovered the cache of firearms, methylamphetamine, knives, ninja stars, batons, machetes, laser pointers and just under $18,000 in cash.
Some of the ammunition allegedly found in the home was scattered all over the house police say, some of it in children's bedrooms.
A replica AK-47 assault trifle and four different kinds of pistol ammunition were also allegedly found inside the home.
A 36-year-old man, a former security guard, has been charged over the haul and will face court later this month.
This morning, police laid bare the massive haul of weapons, cash and drugs allegedly seized from the home.
Detective Sergeant Chris Turner from the Peel District Crime Team said although the firearms were licensed and locked away when police found them yesterday, they were seized because of the large amount of unlicensed ammunition allegedly found at the home.
Det. Sgt. Turner said two young children were home at the time police searched the house.
“None of the ammunition, all bar a few boxes were secured, it was all just lying in various areas around the house,” Det. Sgt. Turner said.
“It is frightening that someone who lives in a residential area should have that many firearms.
“All the other weapons were all located in his bedroom. The machete and the baton were all just sitting next to his bed.”
Det. Sgt. Turner said inquiries were still ongoing as to how the man had allegedly obtained the weapons.
The 36-year-old man faces 23 charges, including possessing a controlled weapon, possessing a prohibited weapon, drug possession with intent to sell or supply and unlicensed ammunition possession.
He will appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on March 30.
Emphasis mine.
I have bolded the sections of this which are of the most interest to me. Firstly, the firearms were all licensed and stored in accordance with the legislation (well I'm assuming that what is meant by "locked away"). However they were sieved because of the unlicensed ammunition.
Here you can not possess ammunition (or components of ammunition) unless you have a caliber of that firearm on your licence.
Secondly, and this is the bit that concerns me most is the "it is frightening that someone who lives in a residential area should have that many firearms"!!!!
Why? What difference does it make if someone has two or two hundred firearms?
I'm certainly hoping that this doesn't prompt a review of firearms legislation as I'ld like to get a new one in the very near future.
So I went looking for the story. From today's news:
THIRTEEN firearms, including pump action shotguns and assault rifles, several thousands of rounds of ammunition, cash and drugs were found at a home in Perth's southern suburbs yesterday.
A search of the Port Kennedy home yesterday allegedly uncovered the cache of firearms, methylamphetamine, knives, ninja stars, batons, machetes, laser pointers and just under $18,000 in cash.
Some of the ammunition allegedly found in the home was scattered all over the house police say, some of it in children's bedrooms.
A replica AK-47 assault trifle and four different kinds of pistol ammunition were also allegedly found inside the home.
A 36-year-old man, a former security guard, has been charged over the haul and will face court later this month.
This morning, police laid bare the massive haul of weapons, cash and drugs allegedly seized from the home.
Detective Sergeant Chris Turner from the Peel District Crime Team said although the firearms were licensed and locked away when police found them yesterday, they were seized because of the large amount of unlicensed ammunition allegedly found at the home.
Det. Sgt. Turner said two young children were home at the time police searched the house.
“None of the ammunition, all bar a few boxes were secured, it was all just lying in various areas around the house,” Det. Sgt. Turner said.
“It is frightening that someone who lives in a residential area should have that many firearms.
“All the other weapons were all located in his bedroom. The machete and the baton were all just sitting next to his bed.”
Det. Sgt. Turner said inquiries were still ongoing as to how the man had allegedly obtained the weapons.
The 36-year-old man faces 23 charges, including possessing a controlled weapon, possessing a prohibited weapon, drug possession with intent to sell or supply and unlicensed ammunition possession.
He will appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on March 30.
Emphasis mine.
I have bolded the sections of this which are of the most interest to me. Firstly, the firearms were all licensed and stored in accordance with the legislation (well I'm assuming that what is meant by "locked away"). However they were sieved because of the unlicensed ammunition.
Here you can not possess ammunition (or components of ammunition) unless you have a caliber of that firearm on your licence.
Secondly, and this is the bit that concerns me most is the "it is frightening that someone who lives in a residential area should have that many firearms"!!!!
Why? What difference does it make if someone has two or two hundred firearms?
I'm certainly hoping that this doesn't prompt a review of firearms legislation as I'ld like to get a new one in the very near future.
Friday, March 2, 2012
I certainly hope there's more to this story ....
From today's news:
A 27-YEAR-OLD woman was stabbed with a screwdriver and bitten during an attack in Cooloongup overnight.
A 27-YEAR-OLD woman was stabbed with a screwdriver and bitten during an attack in Cooloongup overnight.
A police spokeswoman said the woman was sitting in her car in a friend's driveway in Park Drive chatting at about 12.30am when a group of juveniles approached her and asked for money.
When the woman said she did not have any money, her friend went inside the house to get some and, upon returning, discovered the 27-year-old had been stabbed in the face, arms, chest and leg, and had been bitten several times.
The police spokeswoman said the woman managed to escape from the car and run inside the house to call the police.
When police arrived at the home, they saw the car being stolen and after a short chase the car was stopped in Calista Road, Wellard.
The police spokeswoman said four juveniles, three females and one male, were taken into custody and are assisting police with inquiries but that no charges have yet been laid.
*Emphasis mine
I sure hope there's more to the story as this absolutely amazes me - "her friend went inside the house to get some [money]" - they were in a CAR, why didn't they just start the engine and drive away? or lock the car when they saw the bunch of kids approaching (I mean it was 12.30am) ... must be more to this than is reported ...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Who would you want to have dinner with?
This question is often tossed around and I've never really had a good answer. I mean if we're talking about dead people then there are quite a few who interest me (maybe a topic for another post), but when considering only the living (and eliminating all my 'on-line' friends as that's cheating) I struggle.
But not any more. Sunday night I watched '60 Minutes' - something I don't normally watch - they had an interview with the latest Victoria Cross recipient - Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith.
What a NICE GUY! He was seriously impressive in the interview - he came across as a real genuine Aussie who believes in what he is doing and doesn't shirk from what he considers to be his duty.
Sir, you are welcome at my dinner table any time you like and bring your gorgeous family too!
What about you, who would you like to invite to dinner? (Let's limit it to currently living people).
But not any more. Sunday night I watched '60 Minutes' - something I don't normally watch - they had an interview with the latest Victoria Cross recipient - Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith.
What a NICE GUY! He was seriously impressive in the interview - he came across as a real genuine Aussie who believes in what he is doing and doesn't shirk from what he considers to be his duty.
Sir, you are welcome at my dinner table any time you like and bring your gorgeous family too!
What about you, who would you like to invite to dinner? (Let's limit it to currently living people).
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Signs our economy isn't that healthy
This is a snapshot of the business section of www.perthnow.com.au earlier today.
Doesn't paint a pretty picture does it?
Doesn't paint a pretty picture does it?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Forget the guns, tell me about the horse
From today's news:
Boy, 13, with arsenal of weapons found in clapped out ute towing dead donkey, say police
AN armed 13-year-old boy has been caught driving with high-powered weapons in his clapped-out ute while towing a dead donkey.
NT Police may have not immediately noticed the loaded firearm allegedly sitting beside the boy when they pulled him over for a breath test, nor the shotgun, high-powered rifle or 100 rounds of ammo allegedly lying on the back seat.
The ute was towing behind it in the dust a noticeably deceased donkey.
The boy's 52-year-old father is now facing a slew of charges for allegedly allowing his son to drive unlicensed and possess firearms, reports Northern Territory News.
Sergeant Conan Robertson, of the Southern Traffic Operations Unit, said they were doing a rural patrol on Thursday.
He said they pulled over a Toyota Hilux Dualcab for a roadside breath test on Coniston Rd, about 160km northwest of Alice Springs.
"Police found a 13-year-old boy driving the unroadworthy vehicle with a loaded .22 bolt action rifle in the front seat,'' Sgt Robertson said.
"The rifle had nine rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.''
"There was also a 20 gauge shotgun and a high powered .243 rifle laying across the back seat with more than 100 rounds of ammunition.''
Sgt Robertson said the ute was unroadworthy and had ``severe damage'' to the front end and the bonnet was held down with a tie-down strap.
It also had a damaged windscreen.
Sgt Robertson said the boy was the only person in the car when they pulled it over.
He was allegedly driving from a nearby station towards the Stuart Highway at the time.
The police took the boy back to the station and spoke to his dad. They say he knew his son was driving the car with the firearms.
Sgt Robertson said the man would be summonsed for offences including delivering a firearm to an unlicensed person, failing to secure a firearm and permitting an unlicensed shooter to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the firearms have been seized and the boy will be considered for youth diversion for traffic and firearms offences.
Sgt Robertson expressed concern.
"It is very disappointing to find the child was out there armed with firearms and driving an unsafe vehicle with the full knowledge of his father," he said.
"We certainly hope that the fact the father will now face court will make others consider their actions before engaging in such reckless behaviour."
Boy, 13, with arsenal of weapons found in clapped out ute towing dead donkey, say police
AN armed 13-year-old boy has been caught driving with high-powered weapons in his clapped-out ute while towing a dead donkey.
NT Police may have not immediately noticed the loaded firearm allegedly sitting beside the boy when they pulled him over for a breath test, nor the shotgun, high-powered rifle or 100 rounds of ammo allegedly lying on the back seat.
The ute was towing behind it in the dust a noticeably deceased donkey.
The boy's 52-year-old father is now facing a slew of charges for allegedly allowing his son to drive unlicensed and possess firearms, reports Northern Territory News.
Sergeant Conan Robertson, of the Southern Traffic Operations Unit, said they were doing a rural patrol on Thursday.
He said they pulled over a Toyota Hilux Dualcab for a roadside breath test on Coniston Rd, about 160km northwest of Alice Springs.
"Police found a 13-year-old boy driving the unroadworthy vehicle with a loaded .22 bolt action rifle in the front seat,'' Sgt Robertson said.
"The rifle had nine rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.''
"There was also a 20 gauge shotgun and a high powered .243 rifle laying across the back seat with more than 100 rounds of ammunition.''
Sgt Robertson said the ute was unroadworthy and had ``severe damage'' to the front end and the bonnet was held down with a tie-down strap.
It also had a damaged windscreen.
Sgt Robertson said the boy was the only person in the car when they pulled it over.
He was allegedly driving from a nearby station towards the Stuart Highway at the time.
The police took the boy back to the station and spoke to his dad. They say he knew his son was driving the car with the firearms.
Sgt Robertson said the man would be summonsed for offences including delivering a firearm to an unlicensed person, failing to secure a firearm and permitting an unlicensed shooter to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the firearms have been seized and the boy will be considered for youth diversion for traffic and firearms offences.
Sgt Robertson expressed concern.
"It is very disappointing to find the child was out there armed with firearms and driving an unsafe vehicle with the full knowledge of his father," he said.
"We certainly hope that the fact the father will now face court will make others consider their actions before engaging in such reckless behaviour."
Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/boy-13-with-arsenal-of-weapons-found-in-clapped-out-ute-towing-dead-donkey-say-police/story-e6frfkvr-1226167435077
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Well done!
From today's news:
Riverton robbers chased away by shopkeeper
TWO men got more than they bargained for last night when they tried to rob a grocery store in Riverton only to be chased out of the store by the shopkeeper.
The two men wearing balaclavas - one armed with a pistol - walked into the Go Nuts shop on Riverton Drive just before 9pm.
The pair threatened the shopkeeper, who responded by chasing them from the store.
Its understood the shop owner threw a bin at the robbers, who fled empty handed.
The balaclava clad men are described as fair skinned, one is 170cm tall and the other is 180cm tall.
------------------------------
I'm impressed with the shopkeeper standing up against the would-be robbers and I'm also glad it turned out so well for him! Taking on guys with a gun when your only weapon is a rubbish bin is a big ask!
I'm also surprised and pleased that there is no "We would like to remind people that while this situation worked out with no one injured it is not worth risking your life ... etc" type statements in the article.
Riverton robbers chased away by shopkeeper
TWO men got more than they bargained for last night when they tried to rob a grocery store in Riverton only to be chased out of the store by the shopkeeper.
The two men wearing balaclavas - one armed with a pistol - walked into the Go Nuts shop on Riverton Drive just before 9pm.
The pair threatened the shopkeeper, who responded by chasing them from the store.
Its understood the shop owner threw a bin at the robbers, who fled empty handed.
The balaclava clad men are described as fair skinned, one is 170cm tall and the other is 180cm tall.
Full story here:http://www.perthnow.com.au/riverton-robbers-chased-away-by-shopkeeper/story-fn8ou527-1226115675965
------------------------------
I'm impressed with the shopkeeper standing up against the would-be robbers and I'm also glad it turned out so well for him! Taking on guys with a gun when your only weapon is a rubbish bin is a big ask!
I'm also surprised and pleased that there is no "We would like to remind people that while this situation worked out with no one injured it is not worth risking your life ... etc" type statements in the article.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Can anyone identify this for me?
Apparently it's "a replica gun which had been modified to fire ammunition" found when police raided a number of homes in the northern suburbs.
Full story can be found at here
Friday, July 15, 2011
Now that's an arsenal
Too many times you see headlines talking about an "arsenal" of firearms being found only to read that this consisted of 3 beat-up old rifles. Here however we have a story where the term "arsenal" may actually fit ...
Rocket man Robert Wakim throws up his arms over gun charges
MILITARY weapons enthusiast or illegal arms dealer?
Robert Wakim has been a licensed firearms dealer for 15 years but, after a bazooka and other illegal weapons were allegedly found in his shed, he now faces 23 firearms charges.
Downing Centre Local Court heard police raided his southwest Sydney storage property late last year and allegedly found a host of prohibited items, including a bazooka, a grenade, military-style weapons, an assault rifle, crossbow and ammunition.
Mr Wakim, a family man with a history of compliance with firearms rules, believed he might have been "set up".
His solicitor Brett Galloway said outside court: "As far as Mr Wakim was aware, he had every possible licence available. He has been in the business for many years and never had a problem."
Police claimed Mr Wakim did not hold a prohibited weapons permit but alleged he was in possession of a number of items in that category.
Documents tendered to the court alleged he was in possession of two 10-round detachable 12-gauge shotgun magazines, extendable baton, two slingshots and unauthorised firearms including a Daewoo USAS-12 self-loading shotgun, and an SKS self-loading rifle.
Wakim also faces two counts of possessing shortened or modified firearms (not pistols), two of not complying with appropriate storage regulations and attempting to deceive authorities. He faces a total 23 charges including four counts of possessing/using military-style weapons without a permit and six counts of possessing prohibited weapons.
Mr Galloway said that there had been too many changes to rules governing the possession of firearms.
The case was adjourned until next month.
Rocket man Robert Wakim throws up his arms over gun charges
MILITARY weapons enthusiast or illegal arms dealer?
Robert Wakim has been a licensed firearms dealer for 15 years but, after a bazooka and other illegal weapons were allegedly found in his shed, he now faces 23 firearms charges.
Downing Centre Local Court heard police raided his southwest Sydney storage property late last year and allegedly found a host of prohibited items, including a bazooka, a grenade, military-style weapons, an assault rifle, crossbow and ammunition.
Mr Wakim, a family man with a history of compliance with firearms rules, believed he might have been "set up".
His solicitor Brett Galloway said outside court: "As far as Mr Wakim was aware, he had every possible licence available. He has been in the business for many years and never had a problem."
Police claimed Mr Wakim did not hold a prohibited weapons permit but alleged he was in possession of a number of items in that category.
Documents tendered to the court alleged he was in possession of two 10-round detachable 12-gauge shotgun magazines, extendable baton, two slingshots and unauthorised firearms including a Daewoo USAS-12 self-loading shotgun, and an SKS self-loading rifle.
Wakim also faces two counts of possessing shortened or modified firearms (not pistols), two of not complying with appropriate storage regulations and attempting to deceive authorities. He faces a total 23 charges including four counts of possessing/using military-style weapons without a permit and six counts of possessing prohibited weapons.
Mr Galloway said that there had been too many changes to rules governing the possession of firearms.
The case was adjourned until next month.
(Nice pic can be seen at the source http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/rocket-man-robert-wakim-throws-up-his-arms-over-gun-charges/story-e6freuzi-1226094960608)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Homeowner charged with manslaughter ...
It will be interesting to see how this one goes:-
Intruder shot, leaves 50m blood trail on street before dying in gutter
A SYDNEY gangster armed with a World War II pistol has been shot dead in a botched Gold Coast home invasion believed to be linked to drugs.
The man, 34, was shot in the leg with a vintage Luger pistol after a struggle with the homeowner at Silvereye Circuit in Gilston in the Gold Coast Hinterland in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Sources say the 29-year-old homeowner told police he arrived home about 1.40am to be confronted by four masked men inside the house.
He told police he wrestled with one of the intruders and the gun discharged, the bullet hitting the man's femoral artery.
Bleeding profusely, he staggered outside and into the street where he dropped dead, leaving a 50m blood trail in his wake.
This afternoon, police charged the homeowner with manslaughter. He is expected to face Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.
Sources said drugs were believed to be at the centre of the shooting and the four men who took part in the home invasion had travelled up from Sydney.
Earlier, Gold Coast police regional crime co-ordinator Tim Trezise said said the spate of gun crimes on the Gold Coast, including the fatal shooting in May of police officer Damian Leeding, was upsetting the community and putting pressure on police.
"It continues to be a concern to police and the whole community in relation to firearm offences and offences of this ilk," he said.
--------------------------------------------------
There are two things in this article that I am not comfortable with:
1. The homeowner being charged with manslaughter when it appears that he was confronted with armed home invaders and it was one of the home invaders' guns.
2. The reference to the "spate of gun crimes". I fear that this event and others of a similar nature this year will lead to more calls for increased regulation and legislation.
[UPDATE]Well he has been granted bail (against the wishes of the police). He'll be back in court on October 4th. Latest update here: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/man-who-shot-intruder-is-real-victim/story-e6frfku0-1226093741352[/UPDATE]
Intruder shot, leaves 50m blood trail on street before dying in gutter
A SYDNEY gangster armed with a World War II pistol has been shot dead in a botched Gold Coast home invasion believed to be linked to drugs.
The man, 34, was shot in the leg with a vintage Luger pistol after a struggle with the homeowner at Silvereye Circuit in Gilston in the Gold Coast Hinterland in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Sources say the 29-year-old homeowner told police he arrived home about 1.40am to be confronted by four masked men inside the house.
He told police he wrestled with one of the intruders and the gun discharged, the bullet hitting the man's femoral artery.
Bleeding profusely, he staggered outside and into the street where he dropped dead, leaving a 50m blood trail in his wake.
This afternoon, police charged the homeowner with manslaughter. He is expected to face Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.
Sources said drugs were believed to be at the centre of the shooting and the four men who took part in the home invasion had travelled up from Sydney.
Earlier, Gold Coast police regional crime co-ordinator Tim Trezise said said the spate of gun crimes on the Gold Coast, including the fatal shooting in May of police officer Damian Leeding, was upsetting the community and putting pressure on police.
"It continues to be a concern to police and the whole community in relation to firearm offences and offences of this ilk," he said.
--------------------------------------------------
There are two things in this article that I am not comfortable with:
1. The homeowner being charged with manslaughter when it appears that he was confronted with armed home invaders and it was one of the home invaders' guns.
2. The reference to the "spate of gun crimes". I fear that this event and others of a similar nature this year will lead to more calls for increased regulation and legislation.
Source: Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/man-shot-dead-in-house-in-gold-coast-hinterland-house/story-e6frfkvr-1226092957377#ixzz1RtqkBS00
[UPDATE]Well he has been granted bail (against the wishes of the police). He'll be back in court on October 4th. Latest update here: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/man-who-shot-intruder-is-real-victim/story-e6frfku0-1226093741352[/UPDATE]
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Oooh, now that's an odd thing for a cop to say ....
From today's news:
Woman kicks cowardly armed robber in the groin
A FORRESTFIELD woman retaliated while being robbed yesterday by kicking her attacker in the groin.
Sergeant Gerry Cassidy said the 33-year-old woman, who works as a carer for the disabled, was with a wheelchair-bound client in the carpark of a Salvation Army store in Gosnells at 2.15pm when she was approached by a man.
“He demanded her wallet, and when she’s refused he’s punched her in the mouth, causing bleeding, and he snatched the wallet,” Sgt Cassidy said.
“The only bright note is she retaliated by kicking him in the groin and he hobbled away towards the TAB and the Coles store down the road.”
The attacker is described as dark-skinned and in his 30s, 175cm tall, with a medium build, dark wavy hair, and wearing a grey hooded jumper and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
------
I've bolded the bit I found interesting. Here there is a real emphasis of not resisting or retaliating so it is interesting that the cop has put her actions in such a positive light.
I'm also not sure where the "armed" bit in the heading is from (and while we're at it, where they get the "cowardly" bit either) - probably journalistic licence!
Woman kicks cowardly armed robber in the groin
A FORRESTFIELD woman retaliated while being robbed yesterday by kicking her attacker in the groin.
Sergeant Gerry Cassidy said the 33-year-old woman, who works as a carer for the disabled, was with a wheelchair-bound client in the carpark of a Salvation Army store in Gosnells at 2.15pm when she was approached by a man.
“He demanded her wallet, and when she’s refused he’s punched her in the mouth, causing bleeding, and he snatched the wallet,” Sgt Cassidy said.
“The only bright note is she retaliated by kicking him in the groin and he hobbled away towards the TAB and the Coles store down the road.”
The attacker is described as dark-skinned and in his 30s, 175cm tall, with a medium build, dark wavy hair, and wearing a grey hooded jumper and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
------
I've bolded the bit I found interesting. Here there is a real emphasis of not resisting or retaliating so it is interesting that the cop has put her actions in such a positive light.
I'm also not sure where the "armed" bit in the heading is from (and while we're at it, where they get the "cowardly" bit either) - probably journalistic licence!
Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/woman-kicks-cowardly-armed-robber-in-the-groin/story-e6frg13u-1226074748952
Friday, May 20, 2011
Illegal hunters?!?
From today's news:
Horse shot and skinned in paddock near Esk
FOREST HILL police in Queensland are searching for a person who shot a horse and skinned its head near Esk.
Detective Senior Constable Scott Petrie, of the Forest Hill Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad, said the horse was in its own paddock off Esk-Crows Nest Road in Biarra when someone shot it in the heart sometime between May 8 and May 12.
He said whoever shot the four-year-old thoroughbred also skinned its head.
Det Senior Constable Petrie said the skin was not left at the scene with the body.
"It's a bizarre occurrence," he said.
"People need to be aware of illegal hunters in this area and if anyone sees anything to call us or Crime Stoppers."
The horse was bay with a white star on its forehead.
-------------
Awful, terrible and I hope they catch the person that did it and prosecute to the full extent of the law but where the heck did the comment on "illegal hunters" come from?!?
I'm only assuming that the Det Senior Constable used full sentences and maybe a paragraph or two that the journalist didn't manage to write down?
Horse shot and skinned in paddock near Esk
FOREST HILL police in Queensland are searching for a person who shot a horse and skinned its head near Esk.
Detective Senior Constable Scott Petrie, of the Forest Hill Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad, said the horse was in its own paddock off Esk-Crows Nest Road in Biarra when someone shot it in the heart sometime between May 8 and May 12.
He said whoever shot the four-year-old thoroughbred also skinned its head.
Det Senior Constable Petrie said the skin was not left at the scene with the body.
"It's a bizarre occurrence," he said.
"People need to be aware of illegal hunters in this area and if anyone sees anything to call us or Crime Stoppers."
The horse was bay with a white star on its forehead.
-------------
Awful, terrible and I hope they catch the person that did it and prosecute to the full extent of the law but where the heck did the comment on "illegal hunters" come from?!?
I'm only assuming that the Det Senior Constable used full sentences and maybe a paragraph or two that the journalist didn't manage to write down?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday - Showers
So they say. Maybe I'm tempting fate by blogging this but they're forecasting RAIN for THURSDAY - that's like the day after tomorrow.
The better news (sort of)# is that they're forecasting this weather for the next couple of days:
Friday......Early morning shower possible.......Min 9.....Max 22
Saturday....Chance of an evening shower.........Min 7.....Max 25
Sunday......A few showers.........................Min 15....Max 24
Monday......Morning shower........................Min 13....Max 23
Temps in Celsius of course
#The "sort of" is because we're going camping this weekend - with the girls' cub troop.
Now why is this worth blogging, you ask?
Let me point you to an article from today's news:
PERTH'S equal-biggest dam is just 9 per cent full - its lowest level ever - sparking fears of a water shortage after months of record-breaking heat and drought.
After Perth's hottest March in a century, longest period without rain and lowest inflow to dams on record, the Water Corporation said the situation was "dire".
"It's almost getting to the point where we can't rely on our dams for any water," spokesman Ben Jarvis told The Australian.
He said the 138-gigalitre South Dandalup Dam had only 12GL stored, and the similar-sized Serpentine Dam was only 22 per cent full with 31GL - and a lot was unusable "mud and muck" on the bottom. One of the smaller dams, Samson, was completely dry.
"It is dire. There's only so long you can go with almost no rainfall without having to have some cutbacks," Mr Jarvis said.
"We've identified a shortfall of 76 billion litres that needs to met by either inflow into our dams or reductions in consumption, and unfortunately we only had about 13 billion litres in total for the entirety of last winter spread across our 13 dams."
In a normal year, the inflow was about 100GL.
Mr Jarvis said Perth used about 1GL of water a day but the last drop of rain was 62 days ago, when 0.4mm fell.
Bureau of Meteorology statistician John Relf said many records had been smashed.
"The previous driest two-month period for February-March in Perth was 0.8mm back in 1877 and in 1973. Both those years had 0.8mm - so this is the driest in over 130 years," he said.
"It was also the sunniest March in more than 110 years, with 11 hours of sunshine a day compared to the average 9.5 hours, and in the last three months Perth also had its hottest nights on record."
We NEED rain, desperately. So let's all hope that the weather bureau has got it right and that it does rain on Thursday.
[Update]Just heard on the news that there are now 5 southwest towns which are totally reliant on water being trucked in. I've never heard of this happening before.[/Update]
The better news (sort of)# is that they're forecasting this weather for the next couple of days:
Friday......Early morning shower possible.......Min 9.....Max 22
Saturday....Chance of an evening shower.........Min 7.....Max 25
Sunday......A few showers.........................Min 15....Max 24
Monday......Morning shower........................Min 13....Max 23
Temps in Celsius of course
#The "sort of" is because we're going camping this weekend - with the girls' cub troop.
Now why is this worth blogging, you ask?
Let me point you to an article from today's news:
PERTH'S equal-biggest dam is just 9 per cent full - its lowest level ever - sparking fears of a water shortage after months of record-breaking heat and drought.
After Perth's hottest March in a century, longest period without rain and lowest inflow to dams on record, the Water Corporation said the situation was "dire".
"It's almost getting to the point where we can't rely on our dams for any water," spokesman Ben Jarvis told The Australian.
He said the 138-gigalitre South Dandalup Dam had only 12GL stored, and the similar-sized Serpentine Dam was only 22 per cent full with 31GL - and a lot was unusable "mud and muck" on the bottom. One of the smaller dams, Samson, was completely dry.
"It is dire. There's only so long you can go with almost no rainfall without having to have some cutbacks," Mr Jarvis said.
"We've identified a shortfall of 76 billion litres that needs to met by either inflow into our dams or reductions in consumption, and unfortunately we only had about 13 billion litres in total for the entirety of last winter spread across our 13 dams."
In a normal year, the inflow was about 100GL.
Mr Jarvis said Perth used about 1GL of water a day but the last drop of rain was 62 days ago, when 0.4mm fell.
Bureau of Meteorology statistician John Relf said many records had been smashed.
"The previous driest two-month period for February-March in Perth was 0.8mm back in 1877 and in 1973. Both those years had 0.8mm - so this is the driest in over 130 years," he said.
"It was also the sunniest March in more than 110 years, with 11 hours of sunshine a day compared to the average 9.5 hours, and in the last three months Perth also had its hottest nights on record."
We NEED rain, desperately. So let's all hope that the weather bureau has got it right and that it does rain on Thursday.
[Update]Just heard on the news that there are now 5 southwest towns which are totally reliant on water being trucked in. I've never heard of this happening before.[/Update]
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
This is still a democracy, we'll just tell you how to parent ...
From today's news:
NSW Greens out to ban junk food in schools
THE NSW Greens will introduce legislation to ban the sale and advertising of "junk" foods in schools when a new parliament is formed after Saturday's state election.
The party is expected to win at least one lower house seat and could hold the balance of power in the Upper House.
It wants a "traffic-light" labelling system on all packaged foods and in fast-food outlets.
Greens MP David Shoebridge says the system already exists in the UK.
"We know that red, amber and green signals on salt, fat and sugar are the very kind of signals that allow consumers to make the right decisions as they're making those quick decisions heading down the grocery aisles," Mr Shoebridge said in Sydney today.
Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said NSW school canteens already used the traffic-light labelling system and red-light foods could only be sold twice a term.
"The fast-food companies and some of the manufacturers of various junk foods sneak into the schools by sponsoring various programs," Dr Stanton said at the same press conference.
Mr Shoebridge said the NSW Greens would take action once parliament was formed after the election.
"We will be putting legislation before the state government to ban the promotion and the sale of junk foods in any schools here in New South Wales," he said.
Other Greens proposals include banning the advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt during prime television hours for children.
In addition to the proposed traffic-light system, The Greens want warnings on products containing artificial trans fats, artificial food dyes associated with hyperactivity disorders in children, and foods derived from genetically modified organisms.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, who joined Mr Shoebridge and Dr Stanton for the announcement, said his party was out to curb obesity.
"The Greens are the people who will take legislative action at both state and federal levels on doing something about the obesity problem which is growing in Australia," Senator Brown said.
But fast-food restaurants and fish-and-chip shops were not in danger of being shut down, he said.
"The Greens aren't there," Senator Brown said.
"Some other (political) party might be but this is a democracy."
Grrrrr ... seriously, in my opinion it is up to the PARENTS to determine what their children eat.
I hate the "legislate because people can't parent" attitude that seems to be permeating our society.
(I know I'm not in NSW but as you can see they are aiming to broaden this to a federal level too).
NSW Greens out to ban junk food in schools
THE NSW Greens will introduce legislation to ban the sale and advertising of "junk" foods in schools when a new parliament is formed after Saturday's state election.
The party is expected to win at least one lower house seat and could hold the balance of power in the Upper House.
It wants a "traffic-light" labelling system on all packaged foods and in fast-food outlets.
Greens MP David Shoebridge says the system already exists in the UK.
"We know that red, amber and green signals on salt, fat and sugar are the very kind of signals that allow consumers to make the right decisions as they're making those quick decisions heading down the grocery aisles," Mr Shoebridge said in Sydney today.
Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said NSW school canteens already used the traffic-light labelling system and red-light foods could only be sold twice a term.
"The fast-food companies and some of the manufacturers of various junk foods sneak into the schools by sponsoring various programs," Dr Stanton said at the same press conference.
Mr Shoebridge said the NSW Greens would take action once parliament was formed after the election.
"We will be putting legislation before the state government to ban the promotion and the sale of junk foods in any schools here in New South Wales," he said.
Other Greens proposals include banning the advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt during prime television hours for children.
In addition to the proposed traffic-light system, The Greens want warnings on products containing artificial trans fats, artificial food dyes associated with hyperactivity disorders in children, and foods derived from genetically modified organisms.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, who joined Mr Shoebridge and Dr Stanton for the announcement, said his party was out to curb obesity.
"The Greens are the people who will take legislative action at both state and federal levels on doing something about the obesity problem which is growing in Australia," Senator Brown said.
But fast-food restaurants and fish-and-chip shops were not in danger of being shut down, he said.
"The Greens aren't there," Senator Brown said.
"Some other (political) party might be but this is a democracy."
Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/nsw-greens-out-to-ban-junk-food-in-schools/story-e6frfku0-1226026005102#ixzz1HHtkuspw
Grrrrr ... seriously, in my opinion it is up to the PARENTS to determine what their children eat.
I hate the "legislate because people can't parent" attitude that seems to be permeating our society.
(I know I'm not in NSW but as you can see they are aiming to broaden this to a federal level too).
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