My journey of fluctuating awareness.

Social Media, Mobile phones and Ego

2010-07-27T13:32:00.001+10:00

Being a bit of a geek, I am always quick to investigate the latest technologies.

I love to be competent in any software that is around and so, I have taught myself web programming, as well as the various social media and other online trends.

Things like Foursquare excite me and make me want to get involved, but I wonder what it is about Foursquare, Twitter, Facebook, MSN and all the other recent tools that attracts so many of us?

I remember reading/hearing once that 75% of all human communication can be summarised as "I'm still here. Do you care?" When I think about it, I think that is probably fairly accurate. The thing that all of these things have in common is that they are all attempts for us to become more connected with others. But is that connection a genuine connection where we are attempting to build each other up and encourage the other to be their best self, or just an attempt to gain the reassurance that someone does care?.

For all the ways we now have to connect with each other, do we feel better for it, or just as inadequate as before, or worse, even more so. I need to remind myself to slow down, stop, reflect and consider what is it that I am looking for when I try to connect. Hopefully, when I do that I will remember that I already have what I think I am looking for.

in reference to: How I became a Foursquare cyberstalker (view on Google Sidewiki)

What a sad state of affairs

2010-07-18T13:31:00.001+10:00

Tony Abbott, who proclaims himself a christian, is boasting about how little compassion he has, in the hope that Australians will think that makes him worth electing.

What makes it even more sad is that Julia Gillard feels the need to sink to similar levels.

in reference to: We're tougher on asylum seekers, says Abbott (view on Google Sidewiki)

Challenging Stereotypes

2010-06-29T11:55:00.001+10:00

One good thing to come from the ascension of Julia Gillard is the way it has challenged so many stereotypes.

As this article says, Kevin Rudd, with his working wife started the process, but having an unmarried aetheist with a de facto partner is definitely a challenge to many people's thinking.

I have been pleased to see how little negative attention this has received in the media.

in reference to: Gillard defends partner's job (view on Google Sidewiki)

I'm amazed at the Google bashing!

2010-06-22T10:59:00.001+10:00

What amuses me is that Conroy and others who are bashing Google are not saying, "If you are concerned about your privacy, encrypt your wireless network."

It seems incredibly irresponsible that they are not using this as a lesson to people about their own responsibility to protect their privacy.

Google did not decrypt wireless communications, they did not linger to collect more data.

Anyone with a laptop and some free software downloaded from the net could have gotten far more data than this. Anyone who cares has already protected their network.

in reference to: Google Wi-Fi snooping not so bad: privacy commissioner (view on Google Sidewiki)

Interesting standards

2010-05-28T13:45:00.001+10:00

This whole female circumcision thing is a fascinating example of double standards.

I am not advocating female circumcision by any means, just observing the double standard.

Our society still engages in male genital mutilation with only a small amount of criticism.

We have no problem with abortion.

We actively encourage female mammary mutilation, face lifts and stomach tucking, in the interests of 'beauty' but we become moralistic and self righteous when it comes to female circumcision.

Am I the only one who thinks there is a degree of hypocrisy happening?

in reference to: Pru Goward blasts female circumcision by doctors (view on Google Sidewiki)

Scientists playing God?

2010-05-22T10:30:00.001+10:00

In many ways, this is no different from any other technological advance in the history of the world.

Germ warfare, dynamite, the atomic bomb, and so on. There is always the potential for technology to be used for good or bad.

Where the problem seems to be at the moment is that the potential size of the impact of a bad use of technology is enormous.

It may be difficult for society to come up with ethical principles for the use of these technologies until after they have been used for evil.

There will always be scientists and entrepreneurs looking to use new technologies for their own benefit.

Our strongest defence against this is for people to make the effort to understand the issues as best they can, and to develop a strong ethical framework. The more intelligent, rational discussion we have about these issues, rather than narrow and uninformed proclamations, the better.

in reference to: Making life is easy: now for debate on whether it is right (view on Google Sidewiki)

Homophobia alive and kicking.

2010-05-21T08:55:00.001+10:00

Would this really have played out this way, if the sex club was a heterosexual one? I doubt it.

Clearly, behind all the political correctness, there is still a veneer of homophobia that runs deep in the public consciousness.

When Kevin Rudd visited a Strip Club, he was given a pat on the back by the media and considered a good bloke.

I doubt if the scandal is just that he used his government car to do it. I would bet that every minister uses their government car for personal purposes at times (and that seems reasonable).

No, seems like homophobia to me.

in reference to: Sex scandal rocks Labor (view on Google Sidewiki)

When is it politically correct to use alcohol as an excuse?

2010-04-19T12:12:00.001+10:00

I agree with the gist of this article.

One thing that really concerns me though is that a woman is considered not to be able to give consent if she is drunk because she is not competent, wouldn't the same logic excuse the male who is also drunk because he too is not competent? I am not proposing this is the case, I am just noticing a double standard in how we apply the principles of personal responsibility!

Looking forward to some stimulating responses!

in reference to: Kiely Williams New Video Spectacular (view on Google Sidewiki)

What is this about?

2010-04-11T18:17:00.001+10:00

To me it just sounds like populist crap. I bet they will try harder to keep high profile cases in than others, regardless of what the evidence of non responsiveness to rehabilitation efforts.

Not sounding good for the next twelve months.

in reference to: Criminals who resist rehabilitation to be kept behind bars (view on Google Sidewiki)

The heartlessness appalls me

2010-03-30T08:51:00.001+11:00

While I don't have a solution to the refugee problem, I am constantly stunned at the self righteous anger of most people who oppose Australia's policy on refugees. People seem to act as if they were born in Australia through some act of personal good work.

If you are Australian it is purely a stroke of luck. You have done nothing that makes you more deserving of the safety and security of Australia than a refugee from Sri Lanka or Afghanistan.

I wish people would have the honesty to say, I don't care about your circumstances. If you come here you are reducing my personal wealth and so I don't want you here.

All these arguments about queue jumpers, people smugglers and economic migrants are just excuses to fool ourselves.

People are fleeing from genuine fear for their safety and security. They could sit in a refugee camp and wait, but in most cases, they would never get to the front of the queue. The number of people wealthy countries are willing to take is far less than the number of people 'in the queue'. It is not really a queue, unless it is moving.

Let's admit that it is only by 'the grace of God' that we are not refugees, and try to come up with a solution to the problem from that angle.

in reference to: Refugee boats intercepted in Indian Ocean (view on Google Sidewiki)

Interesting strategy

2010-03-29T11:55:00.001+11:00

I am a bit confused about what the point of the billboard might have been for the church, perhaps just to be noticed, but I am amazed by the people that would be offended. It as if God is not strong enough without their support?

I can't imagine what the God in their minds must be like who has no sense of humour, gets offended at the smallest of 'insults' and needs to be constantly protected. Certainly not the type of God that I imagine, and hardly the type to be worshipped.

in reference to: Church billboard not offensive, rules watchdog (view on Google Sidewiki)

How long will Christians continue to ignore the injustices that are life in Israel?

2010-03-24T14:03:00.001+11:00

Every day there seems to be a new example of systemic racism in Israel. With South Africa, there was a worldwide boycott. Israel, gets more and more funding from the US, no matter how often they infringe basic human rights.

in reference to: Arab family denied right to rent home - The National Newspaper (view on Google Sidewiki)

Has Julian Porteous been taken out of context?

2010-03-22T10:40:00.001+11:00

I hope so. Otherwise, I think his priorities are badly mistaken.

Of all the negative influences on young people in society, I think that yoga, tai chi and Harry Potter fall a long way down the list. I guess he has grabbed a headline, but has he done anything to bring anyone closer to the kingdom of God? I don't think so.

I would have thought that materialism, poor self-mage, greed and many other aspects of society have a far greater influence for "evil" amongst young people than yoga.

in reference to: Do Twilight, Harry Potter open door to the Devil? (view on Google Sidewiki)

Tired of living Euthenasia law

2010-03-12T09:35:00.001+11:00

This concept really bothers me. I would equate it to my opposition to the death penalty. The problem is that it is irreversible. There have been plenty of people, regardless of age, who have felt "tired of living" at one point in their lives but have later rediscovered their reason to live.

I would hope that any decision to do this would only be after significant psychological counselling, but my concern is that those who are doing the counselling may lessen the value of a life just because of the person's age.

I think this is a huge extension from "the right to die" when there is a medical condition and this really does bother me.

in reference to: Holland debates 'tired of living' euthanasia law (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sharia Law in Australia

2010-03-08T14:37:00.001+11:00

I think one obvious flaw in the argument that Sharia Law should be allowed in Australia, is that it would only be fair in Australia if both parties were willing to be judged under Sharia law. If they both agreed, then there would be nothing stopping it being used anyway. As soon as one of the parties disagreed with the judgement they would have to be entitled to reject sharia law and be bound by the law of Australia. There is no way the legal system would agree to enforce religious laws against someone who was unwilling to be bound by them.

in reference to: Muslim leader wants elements of sharia in Australia (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Economics of population

2010-01-24T14:13:00.001+11:00

I wonder why the media and other commentators don't bring up the big pluses for immigration. One, they are needed to create extra demand for the capitalist system. Two, the only way we will be able pay pensions for the baby boomers is through the increased tax base that comes with increased immigration.

Obviously, the impact on the environment needs to be considered, but for those who think this is important, a far more effective action would be to reduce the use of high energy appliances.

in reference to: Australia's population debate (view on Google Sidewiki)

Luxury at the gates of Hell

2010-01-20T11:24:00.001+11:00

Great article. Very thought provoking. My first reaction was one of disgust. But really, the fact that they are right there, indulging in luxury is no worse than us living our affluent lifestyles in Sydney, or wherever else. For that matter, it isn't just when an earthquake struck that Haitians suddenly started suffering. The majority were living in dire poverty already, yet how many of us cared less.

We need to do far more to change the world so that poverty and injustice do become history.

in reference to: Passengers in the lap of luxury at the gateway to hell (view on Google Sidewiki)

A bad experience with Asurion

2010-01-14T16:23:00.001+11:00

http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ap7wj/oh_hey_reddit_its_you_while_youre_here_whats_the/c0ipjyh

in reference to: Asurion – Your Technology Protection Company (view on Google Sidewiki)

Background story on Peter Spencer

2010-01-13T11:13:00.001+11:00

This is a great article giving the background to the Peter Spencer issue. It really annoys me how the redneck media (led by 2GB) jump on an issue without any detailed analysis and call for a simple solution that involves criticising the government. It seems like in reality, Peter Spencer is largely responsible for the position he is in. I wonder if all the lemmings who are supporting Peter Spencer would agree to a doubling of their taxes to fund this and every other populist cause that the media use to drum up emotion to feed their advertising revenues?

in reference to: Michael Duffy (view on Google Sidewiki)

This is the future of society

2009-12-08T12:34:00.001+11:00

I guess my title is a little dramatic, but questions surrounding this issue lie at the heart of whether society can move past a scarcity culture and start to truly reach for our potential, both as individuals and as a whole.

The team that won the challenge was able to come up with a way to create a non-zero sum result. A win-win. As long as we are scared that we will miss out if the other person wins, we are holding ourselves back. But once we let go of that fear, then the opportunities are boundless.

Great experiment.

in reference to: Red balloons and red herrings as scientific tracking turns to Twitter (view on Google Sidewiki)

Inter-country Adoption

2009-11-18T15:39:00.001+11:00

I agree with Dianne Dempsey that inter-country adoption is a commoditisation of children.

Those who disagree, should ask themselves why they are not willing to give the money they would spend on that child to the community the child comes from. The impact on that child and many others in their community would be far greater than removing them from their community and adopting the child.

There is no doubt that this is about the needs of the adopting parents, not the child, or the community they are coming from.

in reference to: Pity third world orphans, but they're not a commodity (view on Google Sidewiki)

My experience with the Virgin Blunder

2009-11-17T13:39:00.001+11:00

I saw the offer of the Gold membership and it was immediately obvious that it was an error. I was happy about the error and it didn't occur to me to contact them to let them know about it. When the reversal came through, I certainly wasn't surprised, but was a little disappointed. I am amazed at the indignation of some commenters. It is not as if they suffered a loss as a result of the error.

in reference to: Virgin Blue's Velocity Gold Status email mistake (view on Google Sidewiki)

Opposing Violence against women

2009-11-16T11:19:00.001+11:00

I agree with many of the sentiments in the article, but already you are seeing in the comments that it is not just moslem men who have a problem with violence against women.

We should reject violence against all people and should not be afraid to confront it whether it comes from moslems or any other part of society. It is certainly a lie to suggest that it is simply a clash of civilisations. Statistically, there would be many men who practice violence against women amongst the police and armed forces personnel wearing the white ribbon on Wednesday.

While it is a nice gesture, we need to consistently reject violence in all its forms.

in reference to: Paul Sheehan (view on Google Sidewiki)

More on Prostate Cancer

2009-09-24T13:31:00.001+10:00

This SMH article adds to the confusion about Prostate Cancer. It makes sense to me, but perhaps it is just my aversion to being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Certainly, having read this article, and also, when I heard Professor Coates statement years ago, I am not inclined to be screened for Prostate Cancer unless I have symptoms. But, I do wonder if I am making the right choice.

A confronting story!

2009-09-23T11:58:00.001+10:00

Husband sacrifices sex to stay alive prostate cancer

This really is a confronting thought. Thinking rationally, there should be no question of not making the choice this man has, but for me, it is hard to imagine it not being an agonisingly difficult decision to make. No matter how much I acknowledge that there is far more to life than sex, and that there would clearly be plenty of things in life to enjoy without sex, it still seems excrutiatingly difficult to even contemplate!

2009-09-22T13:21:00.003+10:00

I remember reading an article about this a few months ago. The article focussed on the injustice to the zabaleen, having their pigs slaughtered, and the belief of many that this was just an excuse to make life difficult for them. It seems they have reaped the consequences of their injustice.

Australia's xenophobia exposed

2009-04-18T08:18:00.001+10:00

Another boat on the way | smh.com.au How ironic that all this fuss is made about asylum seekers, when by far the biggest source of illegal immigrants comes from tourists (usually white) who overstay their visa.

How many Australians are now longing for the tough stance of the Howard government. It hasn't made the news, but despite the tens of millions spent on the Pacific solution and the enormous suffering of the asylum seekers, 87% of them were acknowledged as true refugees and settled in Australia. Maybe they really are refugees.

A cynical view of Earth Hour

2009-03-29T16:46:00.001+11:00

Earth Hour

I really hate to sound like a cynic, but I didn't participate in Earth Hour and I really get annoyed by things like this. How many people who participated and felt good about themselves drive large cars, have plasma tvs, use reverse cycle air conditioning, have computers running 24 hours a day (that is one of my weaker areas) and don't really even give it a lot of thought. As one person satirically noted, one candle burning for the hour would probably burn more greenhouse gases than one low powered fluorescent light globe. I suppose events like this have value if they get people thinking and then changing their behaviour, but I think that that is not really what happens for meany people.

Another example of incredible hypocrisy by the Vatican

2009-01-05T08:50:00.001+11:00

Vatican says contraceptive pill pollutes - World - smh.com.au

Without even considering the moral issue of contraception, one wonders when was the last time the Vatican challenged the environmental impact of commericial production. I wonder if the impact is higher or lower than that of illegal logging, or Macdonalds contribution to landfill.

This is really a pathetic argument!

When are we going to get serious about peace in Palestine?

2008-12-28T09:26:00.001+11:00

At least 225 dead as Israel hammers Hamas-run Gaza - World - smh.com.au

The problem with "An eye for an eye" is that it makes everyone blind. Clearly that is the case in Israel. The government and Hamas are both blind to other alternatives.

Let's make a difference.

2008-12-05T09:24:00.001+11:00

Op-Ed Columnist - Raising the World’s I.Q. - NYTimes.com

Read this article. It is frightening that we can make such a difference with such a small effort and we are not doing it yet. According to the article, the Canadian government is doing this, but it should be part of every aid programme. It is such an easy thing to do.

My main overseas aid effort is Oxfam. I am not sure yet if they have any programmes to provide iodised salt, but I will find out.

My concerns over Tasers

2008-11-19T11:48:00.001+11:00

Police slammed over Taser plan - National - smh.com.au While I can see some benefits in tasers in that they are less lethal than guns, I am concerned that police may be more willing to use them for situations when there are other alternatives. Personally, I believe that part of the training process should be to be shot with a taser so that the shooter knows exactly how painful it really is.

Homosexuality

2008-11-03T17:16:00.001+11:00

I was recently challenged by a Christian on my non-condemnation of homosexuality. I replied that I thought the Old Testament references were not really valid, because they were in the same context as the directives not to mix meat and milk, and not to wear fabrics of two different types at the same time, and other practices that are clearly no longer acceptable to mainstream Christianity. I indicated that I was fairly sure that the new testament references to Homosexuality were also ambiguous. After the conversation, I felt the need to check the new testamant to see what it said.

There appear to be three references to homosexuality in the new testament. Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10. There is clearly disagreement among Scriptural scholars about whether these passages actually refer to the practice of homosexuality, or not. However, even putting that aside, and assuming that God does not approve of homosexuality, it is variously equated in these scriptures with envy, gossip, adultery, drunkenness, theft, disobedience to parents and other sins. So, if that is what the scriptures say, why do the churches talk as if it is an unforgivable sin and one that necessarily excludes the sinner from the community? There is clearly something wrong here. Even if homosexuals should be excluded from the community because of this sinfulness (there wouldn't be many people on the inside, if the same treatment was given to the other classes of sinners), why does the church support the active discrimination against homosexuals in secular society, where the defacto relationships of homesexuals are not recognised by the law? I have no hesitation in saying that to the extent that the Church is opposed to changes in legislation to protect the rights of homosexual couples that the Church is wrong and is speaking against natural justice.

That is why I happily support changes to legislation to end discrimination against homosexual couples.

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2008-10-28T08:05:00.001+11:00

I always hesitate when someone, especially a 'Christian' asks me what I believe in.

If they were asking me to share the 'Song of Joy" that is my experience of God, so that they can benefit from it, or at least know God better, then I would happily share, but generally, people who ask this question seem to want to run what I say through their personal orthodoxy test to decide whether my experience of God is valid. This isn't really something that i am interested in doing. Mainly because what I know of God, (which is almost nothing), is only known to me through my experience. How do you share that with someone who has an orthodoxy test.

For anyone who is still reading, here is what comes to mind right now when I ask myself this question:

- I experience God as loving energy. Sometimes, I experience this through a heart to heart sharing with another person, at other times through the beauty or terror of nature, or through my sense of my own inner energy.

- Based on my experience of God as energy I feel comfortable in saying that I believe in God.

- Many of the things that I have learned in my journey, through the Catholic church, through other christian churches, through buddhist teachings, and through political and social activism ring true to me and seem worthy of encouragement, support, activism, belief, whatever.

- Because my life experience has mainly been through the Catholic church, I feel comfortable with lots of Catholic teaching, Catholic worship, but there are also many things about the Catholic church that I don't like. Enough that I don't really feel comfortable calling myself Catholic. For the same reason, I don't really feel comfortable with any other 'religious' label either.

- I believe in the holiness of human life. I do not agree with abortion and believe that in general abortion is wrong. I can see that the world is not perfect and there is often a need to choose the lesser evil. I don't have any magic solution to how to choose the lesser evil, and question the honesty of anyone who claims that they do know how to always choose the lesser evil. I believe that science is a gift from God, and that we should enjoy the benefits of science, but one of the things that science, (or rather mankind in general) tries to do, is to avoid necessary pain. By making the avoidance of pain a priority, as society does, we create technologies that dehumanise us. Examples of this include using stem cells inappropriately and research into cloning. Avoiding the pain of gluttony, or depression with medication are other examples.

This is a rambling more than anything, and is not really intended as a "Creed", rather as a 'consciousness stream' triggered by the question "what do I believe?"

WYD08 :: Home :: Media :: Latest News :: Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary

2008-07-08T09:52:00.000+10:00

WYD Plenary Indulgence

Here is a perfect example of how far the 'Institutional Church' has strayed from leading people to a meaningful relationship with the God of Love.

What a load of rubbish. This isn't too far from arguing about the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin.

New storm over nude child picture - Arts - Entertainment - smh.com.au

2008-07-07T16:46:00.000+10:00

New storm over nude child picture - Arts - Entertainment - smh.com.au

I can't help feeling the politicians and the media are exploiting this issue far more than any 'pornographer' might be. We are really becoming a wowserish society. I am happy to say that I think this photo is beautiful. I am quite comfortable that that does not make me a pedophile. If someone wants to label me as such, then that is their problem, not mine.

Coming soon: meet the wife, she's a robot - Technology - smh.com.au

2008-06-20T15:59:00.000+10:00

Coming soon: meet the wife, she's a robot - Technology - smh.com.au: "partner" It is interesting that this article totally ignores real relationships in it's description. The characteristics of 'love' that are being considered are basically about self gratification. There is nothing of real love referred to at all. Certainly it is clear from the article that the most desirable feature of an ideal lover is to be totally compliant to our own desires. I don't think there is any possibility of real personal growth through this type of relationship. If this is really what the future holds, then perhaps Aldous Huxley will have been far closer to the truth than he could possibly have dreamt.

2008-06-02T08:31:00.001+10:00

Prayer

These quotes that landed in my In box today really summarise my attitude to prayer.

He prays best who does not know that he is praying.

St. Anthony of Padua

Prayer at its best is an attitude, an awareness of God's presence. It's a feeling that we are not alone, no matter where we are or what we're doing. It is a thankfulness, a silent appreciation of and communion with our source.

Most of all, prayer is stepping back and letting go. It is a conscious awareness that we are the instruments of God's will, that your greatest fulfillment and satisfaction
come in letting that will - not ours - prevail. The best prayer is remembering that your self-will consistently gets us into trouble and that listening for God's will is
the way out.

Karen Casey

2008-05-30T11:56:00.002+10:00

I really think we are entering a new era of self righteous ignorance.

While this article is not the ideal article to highlight, because it is clearly generally accepted as bad taste, to wear a Klu Klux Klan outfit, it illustrates how ludicrous our society has become. The other example today was of the woman in bondi wearing a kefiyah style scarf. I would link to it but it seems to have disappeared.

The Henson nudes is another example of self righteous bandwaggoning.

The other thing that annoys me about these examples is how they are splashed all over the media for about two days as if they are the most important thing in the world, then they quietly move over for some other fascinating tidbit. It really points to an incredibly shallow society.

Lets ban these bombs

2008-05-23T20:42:00.001+10:00

Hi,

I've just reminded our Government that we're supposed to be one of the good guys - cluster bombs are weapons that break up in mid air to litter the ground with mini-bombs, some of which remain unexploded for years awaiting innocent civilians. But as the international community meets in Dublin to ban them, the Australian Government is going out of its way to frustrate the process.

Thousands of civilians have lost their lives and limbs, mainly children from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. But our Government is trying to water down the treaty that could ban them.

They're hoping this issue will slip under the radar without anyone noticing - but the stakes are simply too high to ignore. We need a strong international treaty to prevent horrors like those experienced as a result of land mines, and that decision is being made right now in Dublin. Join me in banning the bombs:

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/BanTheBombs

Thanks!

2007-11-25T08:54:00.000+11:00

Musings on the Feast of Christ the King

As I sat at Mass last night, I couldn't help but think how anachronistic and irrelevant the feast of Christ the King is. How can a republican get excited about the idea of Christ as a King. When I think of kings, I think of people who have done nothing to deserve their postions, with enormous amounts of money gained from the efforts of workers. I think of people who spend most of their lives indulging themselves and are totally out of touch with the day to day reality of most people. How far is this from my image of Jesus. For me, the image of Jesus that sits best is the man talking quietly in the countryside to people who are hurting and giving them real hope.

2007-11-01T17:58:00.001+11:00

I went to the dentist last week, and we decided to take this tooth out. I nearly fainted when I saw the size of it, but amazingly, it hardly hurt at all getting it taken out. The wierd thing is that since it was removed, I haven't been able to drink red wine. White is fine, but not red!!!

2007-10-15T17:16:00.000+10:00

SMH-Climate change threatens the fight to end poverty

Why have we been able to mobilise so much publicity and support for the Climate Change agenda, which will/might have an impact some time in the future, and very little for the Millenium Development Goals and the fight against poverty, which is killing 30,000 people every day?

Unfortunately, I think the reason is because climate change will affect US whereas poverty affects anonymous people over there. I hope that is not true, but I think it is.

2007-10-10T06:07:00.000+10:00

SMH - Death Penalty

It is interesting how people are starting to get indignant about the anti-death penalty movement because it is getting close to the time for the execution of Amrosi and the other Bali Bombers. I wonder if those same people will also be objecting to the imposition of the death penalty on the Bali Nine.

It is sad, how far back we have come from the seventies when advocating the death penalty was not even on anyone's agenda to now where any people are pushing for it (at least for non-whites).

I find it hard to even discuss the question with supporters of the death penalty because it is so obviously wrong to me. It is hard to even come close to getting inside the mind of someone who believes that the world would be a better place with the death penalty.

The book that has had the most impact on my life.

2007-08-17T22:02:00.000+10:00

Of all the books that I have ever read, the one that has had the greatest impact/influence on my life is "Awareness" by Anthony de Mello. It is a book that is very hard to describe. In many ways, it says nothing that I haven't heard before, but I think it came at the right time. I have been reading and rereading it now for about six years.

I wish I had an easy way to describe it. It is one of those books that for me was an epiphany. While reading it I came to the realisation, "Ah, so that is what it is all about." So do I now, know the meaning of life? Well, Yes and No. It is really frustrating because, 'knowing' does not make it any easier to put into words. The closest I can come is a quote from Paul's letter to the Phillipians (can't remember the chapter and verse, or the exact words, but it goes something like this). "May the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding blow your mind." When you find something like that, there is a temptation to tell everyone about it and give them a formula, but as Anthony de Mello says, I can't tell you what to do, just what to look for. If I told you what to do, I would be just giving you another formula, and that wouldn't work.

There are plenty of books, gurus, teachings that tell the same story, but this was the one that got through to me. If you are still with me, I really encourage you to have a look at it. You can generally get it at Dymocks or Borders book store. If you want to talk about it after you have read it, I would love to share with you.

2007-08-15T17:33:00.001+10:00

Donna and I saw Amazing Grace on Saturday night. It is a powerful movie about the campaign in the British parliament to abolish the slave trade.

It was made to comemorate the 200th anniversary of the passing of the legislation.

William Wilberforce and others fought a thirty year campaign to turn the tide of popular opinion on its head. It is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference. There are many similar things happening today that we should not ignore.

It is also interesting to note that most people who believed that slavery was okay were bolstered in their beliefs by the bible. I couldn't help compare this to the situation at the moment with the campaign to make homosexual couples equal before the law.

2007-07-02T11:15:00.000+10:00

How I stopped a rapist

What a beautiful story this is. I was moved to tears, but not of sorrow but of joy. The solution to problems of violence is not more violence, in the form of anger, hate, shame and fear, but one of strength. Only by confronting reality, and taking control of our lives can we really conquer evil such as the rape that this lady describes.

It is truly beautiful.

2007-06-07T15:36:00.000+10:00

George Pell and the Stem Cell Debate

The sad thing about this whole issue is that the debate has become one about the church telling politicians how to vote, rather than the church expressing its position on an important issue.

Almost no-one would have learned anything about why the church holds the position it does from the debate, as expressed in the mainstream media.

I hope it wasn't Pell's intention to create a power struggle. I really believe that he has though

2007-04-28T15:13:00.000+10:00

We have lived through a month of chaos during April as we put in a new kitchen. You can see some of the before, during and after shots here.

2007-03-26T11:59:00.000+10:00

I think the timing of my haircut is ideal for this experiment. I desperately need a haircut and I expect my hair is going to get uncomfortable, so the shorter the better. Off I go at lunchtime to get it cut.

2007-03-25T12:00:00.000+10:00

A friend was telling me the other day how he hadn't used shampoo or any hair care product for four years and that he had discovered that once your body gets over the initial shock (about six weeks) it goes really well. He just washes it with water and that is all. He is very image conscious and looks great. Anyway, I thought about trying it but chickened out. Then yesterday, I stumbled across this from Richard Glover. I have now decided that I am going to give this a go. Now that it is getting cooler, it might be bearable trying it out. I will update progress here.

2007-02-27T12:06:00.000+11:00

What is the value of a human life?

We never actually say it, but our actions make it clear that it depends on where they live, what colour they are, what their religion or sex are.

While I agree that we need to cut down on our energy use, I find it amusing and sad that there is a build up of concern in the world for climate change, when it refers to some possible (perhaps even probable) issues in the future, when we are ignoring the fact that every day, the equivalent of ten 911s are occurring in our world and we don't even think about it.

Actually, an Elephant in the Room for most environmentalists is that as the Third World becomes more affluent then the impact on Climate Change will be even greater. You don't hear many environmentalists suggest that we lower our living standards, only that we reduce our wastage.

Like it or not, for there to be real justice in the world, we will need to halve our living standards.

2007-02-13T21:23:00.000+11:00

I still believe that as parents, unless you have plenty of money and no job, it is just not possible to spread yourself around and have lots of kids. The kids just don't get all the attention they need.

I have felt it even with our four kids. This is one of the main reasons why I think the church is just plain wrong with their teachings on contraception.

When it comes to abortion and abortive agents, I am a lot closer to the church, but to ban condoms, vasectomies and other preventative means of avoiding conception is not (in my opinion) wrong. I can see some reasons why it might be. Especially if the reason is to sustain a materialistic lifestyle, but even in families that are non-materialistic, it is just not possible to spend the time needed to mould loving adults (without hangups) when there are so many
of them. That isn't to say that we can't work through our issues and live great lives, but for the church to put that added pressure on marriages of not being able to safely have sex without fear of conception is just totally wrong. I have no question whatsoever about the IMMORALITY of the teaching on contraception.

2007-01-25T12:59:00.000+11:00

I have very mixed feelings about this sort of weapon. In one context it seems like a good thing, because it should minimise permanent damage. However, I am concerned that with weapons like this, military or civil forces will be tempted to use them far more readily than previously. The potential for total domination by a totalitarian regime are enormous.

Active Denial Ray Gun

2007-01-06T07:10:00.000+11:00

Town troubles spelt in black and white - National - smh.com.au

Obviously, this whole incident is tragic. On top of that though is the hypocrisy of the reactions. The newspapers are being very careful not to explicitly mention that the attackers were aboriginal. I found the same thing when listening to talk back radio yesterday. People seem to be talking in a code that says, "nudge, nudge, wink wink." It does nothing to improve the issues of racism, because people are not talking openly, but it also shows how people continue to use labels like "aboriginal", "moslem", "do-gooder", "feminist" as an excuse to stop thinking of the person behind the label, to stereotype them and to assume that they will behave in a certain way. As the article indicates, most aboriginal people in Griffith are decent, law abiding, people who are just as concerned about the violence as everyone else in the community. That is what racism really is all about isn't it. Making assumptions about a group of people, just because other people who have one physical characteristic in common with them exhibit a particular behaviour.

2007-01-06T06:51:00.000+11:00

This article in the SMH on how easily the rich (that includes you and me) can end world poverty makes it clear that the Make Poverty History is not a fruitless goal. The hard part isn't ending poverty, it is making people care enough to even bother.

2006-10-08T17:57:00.000+10:00

TJ's First Birthday

Oct 7, 2006 - 50 Photos

We had a great day today with Craig and Jenny. Craig is Donna's nephew and it is their son TJ's first birthday today.

Reclaim control of blacks' destiny - National - smh.com.au

2006-06-21T10:32:00.000+10:00

A very difficult issue this! I can certainly see the point. Current policies have not worked. Clearly, something different is needed. However, if this is a good policy, shouldn't it also be applied to other welfare recipients. What about people who are a drain on our health system by smoking, overeating or taking drugs. The questions becomes where do you draw the line?

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

2006-06-09T12:10:00.000+10:00

I have just finished reading Jane Fonda’s autobiography My Life so far. I am finding it hard to remember what my impressions of her were before I read the book I have seen some of her movies, but I don’t think I ever really gave her much thought. I had heard her speaking on the radio (Life Matters) about her book and found what she had to say sufficiently intriguing to buy the book (not something I do very often).

Once I started reading it I could barely put it down. I finished it in just over a week. One of the reviewers had said that it is more a journey than a story, and I think that is a good summary of it.

Interestingly, I found that I was very able to relate to her and it seemed like many of her issues resonated with me. If you read it you would find that amusing, because one of her kids described her as a chameleon, changing her colours to suit the man she was with. I hadn’t thought much of this, but I certainly find that when I read a story, or an essay I get so involved with the author’s thinking that it is very difficult for me to separate their opinions from my own. I am really struggling as I read this to remember a single book where I felt it difficult to relate to the narrator. Possibly, this could be that I don’t choose or continue to read books that mismatch. I have read a couple of Hannibal Lecter books so surely I didn’t relate well to him, but still I must have been able to empathise at some level

One of the ways that I particularly felt an affinity with her was that I find it very difficult to assert myself and my own needs around Donna (and the kids). I find that I don’t even bother trying to set an agenda for our lives and just go along with the flow. This isn’t totally true, because I do sometimes choose something different, but it seems pretty rare to me. Donna tells me that I am too self absorbed. My own feeling is that even if I am, I tend to be self forgetting and don’t look after myself enough. I wouldn’t say that I am selfless, but rather that I have always seen my needs as less important than others. This is at one level. However, at another I think I recognise that I am entitled to look after myself, but rather than do something about it, I am just resentful of the people who seem to take first claim on my time. Unfortunately this can often mean that I shutdown. Effectively this means that while I am not making myself available to others, I am also not doing anything useful or comforting for myself. Seems very passive aggressive.

It feels as though this condition is effectively paralysing me. I am not sure how to break out of it. It seems that breaking out of this pattern requires a more radical change than I am willing to undertake. However, it is driving me crazy.

The other (and perhaps related) issue that the book brought out for me is the burning desire/feeling that I have been placed on earth for a very specific purpose and that I am doing almost nothing to bring it about. If I look back I can score myself well on my life so far, but it doesn't feel as though I created it. More than anything I think I have persisted and haven't walked away from my responsibilities. But, as I mentioned above, this hasn't always been active.

I will continue to think (about this and perhaps comment here).

2006-06-03T14:44:00.000+10:00

I went this morning with Lauren and Rochelle to the Blacktown City Festival. They were marching with their school in the parade. I really had a good time. The girls were supposed to arrive about an hour before the parade so I had the chance to look around for quite a while before the parade started. I really enhoyed looking around at all the various cultural groups mixing together and making Blacktown into a great community. I started the morning by eating a Thai sate stick with peanut sauce and moved on to having a chat with a kurdish woman from Turkey and buying a baclava from her.

During the parade there were cultural groups from Uruguay, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Holland and China as well as all the service clubs, some church groups and so many other groups. The actual parade lasted for just over an our and there were about 70 different groups in the parade.

After the parade, of course we had to go and get lunch. Rochelle and I split a Gozleme made with mince, fetta and spinach, and Lauren had an indian chicken curry.

I left with a really positive feeling about our community.

Rifle baffles terrorist - World - smh.com.au

2006-05-05T12:41:00.000+10:00

'The Americans hope to isolate religious extremists from insurgents they believe are more likely to cut a deal to end thewar.'

What a pity they didn't try this strategy three years ago. They might have saved a lot of deaths.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Softly, softly, jihadists are lured into peace - World - smh.com.au

2006-04-26T17:54:00.000+10:00

Now this sounds like a promising alternative. I hope we hear more about it in the future.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Navy may force Papuan boats back: ministers - National - smh.com.au

2006-04-06T09:33:00.000+10:00

If you believe, like me, that Australia taking this sort of action is unjust, let Alexander Downer know. Send him an email at A.Downer.MP@aph.gov.au indicating your position.

Iraqi opposition against Jaafari grows

2006-03-03T16:14:00.000+11:00

It seems that as far as the US is concerned, democracy should only go so far, and no further.

I can't believe the US people continue to finance this debacle that has achieved none of its original stated aims and is costing trillions of dollars a year.

Doubt at the Opera House

2006-02-25T07:08:00.000+11:00

Adam had to see a play for drama so Donna and I decided to make the most of it by seeing something significant. This sounded good and all we had read about it was good but it exceeded my expectations completely.

Only four actors, but very powerfully performed. The scenes were simple but effective. I won't spoil it by going into detail but it was tense, hilarious, and disturbing. All of the characterisations were really well done and it was easy to take on the conflicts going on in their minds.

Australia wins Winter gold - Sport - smh.com.au

2006-02-16T10:36:00.000+11:00

How wierd is this thing called Nationalism. Yesterday, noone in Australia had ever heard of Dale Begg-Smith. He wasn't born in Australia, and being an freestyle mogul champion, he probably spends most of his life outside Australia. Yet, we all well up with pride and congratulate ourselves on having our first winter gold medal. Does anyone else find this funny?

Not sold on the hard cell solution - Opinion - smh.com.au

2006-02-15T17:17:00.000+11:00

Another great article from Ross Gittins. You don't have to be a bleeding heart liberal to consider other options than the simple solutions of the redneck agenda.

Alleged syndicate organiser arrested - World - smh.com.au

2006-02-14T17:23:00.000+11:00

Lucky for him that the Federal Police afforded him the courtesy of arresting him in Australia. I wonder why they didn't do the same for the Bali Nine?

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Gay Rights

2006-02-06T14:20:00.000+11:00

I feel the need to state my view on Gay rights. This is prompted by this article on Webdiary

As a matter of social justice, Gay people are entitled to the same equality before the law that are available to all. It is without question, unjust that property rights, inheritance rights, and legal recognition of commited relationships are not available to them.

I really struggle to understand how any fair minded person, christian or not can be opposed to that.As far as custody rights, once again, I believe that a person's sexuality should not be relevant to their right to custody. Similarly, on the matter of adoption of a partner's children, I believe that homosexuals should have the same rights as all others.In the matter of government subsidy of fertility programs, I find it a little more difficult to support. Especially in the case where the only need for the fertility program is an unwillingness to try the natural method. Here, my objection is really just a matter of priorities. I don't think, when the health budget is so tight, that this is a justified expense. I have a similar view for hetrosexual couples.For couples wanting to adopt children, although I agree that the ideal situation is for parents to be a hetrosexual couple in a stable relationship with no mental or physical health problems, this is an ideal that is rarely possible. I have no doubt that children can bloom in a healthy homosexual family as well as in any other. However, I would hope that the child's best interest is always the prime motivation, rather than any political or social agenda.

Holy words come at a hefty price - World - smh.com.au

2006-01-24T09:02:00.000+11:00

Perhaps they have been misquoted, but it seems to me like another sign of how far Power has taken these men from the Love of God.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

The Bartlett Diaries » West Papua - asylum seekers and lessons from our history

2006-01-20T16:10:00.000+11:00

A good discussion by Andrew Bartlett of the issues around the Papuan refugees.

Asylum seekers boat found - National - smh.com.au

2006-01-18T16:59:00.000+11:00

How will the Talk Show Jocks and the other commentators react to this? Clearly we have a moral duty to grant these people asylum, assuming their story is true. I look forward to seeing how the DIMIA reacts.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Guard forces disabled duo to crawl - National - smh.com.au

2006-01-18T16:15:00.000+11:00

This story doesn't add up. Obviously, the security guard was an idiot, but if these guys needed wheelchairs to get around, why didn't they have their own? After all, when they got out of the car somewhere else, how were they going to move away from the car.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Ruddock canvasses ID card review - National - smh.com.au

2006-01-16T11:01:00.000+11:00

I have very mixed feelings about this. I can see the positives for this. If there is a reliable identifier that business can use to verify someone's identity, it will dramatically reduce fraud, however, recording that ID no against a record will make it infinitely easier to match data from a variety of sources. It scares me that this is happening under a government that has shown that it is not really interested in getting consensus.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Marriage: same sex, same difference - Opinion - smh.com.au

2006-01-14T14:56:00.000+11:00

This well thought out article makes you wonder why anyone who believes in liberal democracy would have the slightest hesitation to allow gay marriages. I definitely do not want to live in a theocracy, so why am I not more actively supporting the right of homosexuals to marriage (by whatever name).

Gay cowboy film blackout up north - Film - Entertainment - smh.com.au

2006-01-13T12:42:00.000+11:00

This is really going to confront a whole lot of people. I hope it is very successful so that people are forced to think through this issue.

Street Stories - 24/12/2005: Locked In With Friends

2006-01-05T15:08:00.000+11:00

I listened to this story on Podcast yesterday and it really hit home with what we could have been dealing with after Lauren's incident. This guy has been confined to a bed for eight years now without any ability to communicate or move. What is surprising is that his friends continue to keep up regular contact with him. Very moving story, especially after what we have been through.

For heaven's sake - Books - Entertainment - smh.com.au

2006-01-04T17:00:00.000+11:00

Great article. I agree with so much of what she has to say. I bet there are lots of conservatives squirming over this.

Just put it up: Iemma - National - smh.com.au

2006-01-03T16:37:00.000+11:00

This is starting to look like jingoistic McCarthyism. Do we all have to prove we are Australian by plastering every building with an Aussie flag? It is starting to be a bit llike those American movies where people randomly recite the Pledge Of Allegience and criticise others for not joining in.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

2006-01-03T12:06:00.000+11:00

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty (I
think that God as Father is limiting. For me, Lifeblood, or Life force rings
truer.),

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
(I don’t know if God created the earth or it has always been. It doesn’t matter
to me either way. What I do believe is that God is at the centre of all
creation.)

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, light from light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. (Is
Jesus God? I think that Jesus is God in the sense that we are all part of the
Unity of God. I think that Jesus’ self awareness or God-awareness is what makes
him God.)

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became truly
human. (Jesus has shown by his example a way to God)

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered, died and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end. (Now this one, I have no
clue about. I guess I will just have to wait and see.)

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who with the Father and the Son is
worshiped and glorified.

Who has spoken through the prophets. (For me, this part of
God is the part that I see most clearly. The Spirit of God as the Life
force/heartbeat is what I relate most to)

We believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic Church. (This
is one that I really can’t agree with. Even though Catholic means universal, I
can’t see any universality in the Catholic Church. The exclusion of homosexuals
and the judgemental attitude that seems prevalent in both the church hierarchy
and far too many Catholics makes me feel uncomfortable to claim it as mine.)

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (I
believe that there is nothing to forgive. Perhaps that is because of Jesus’
Death and resurrection, or perhaps not. I believe that our separation from God
is an illusion that we create for ourselves. There is nothing to forgive,
because there is no separation.)

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
(I believe that Eternal life is now. We do not have to
wait for death to join in the life of God, it is already available to us if we
only accept.)

Amen.

Gangsters' hold on Sydney is safe - Opinion - smh.com.au

2005-12-22T13:38:00.000+11:00

I seldom agree with Miranda Devine, and I don't agree with all of this, but I think we really need to bring issues like this out into the open. Government should be made to answer this and we need more honesty along with tolerance.