Twitterers or overpaid twits

Twitterers or overpaid twits

ONE hour? They couldn't last one hour? How can state politicians keep a straight face and complain about falling school standards when they can't sit through 60 minutes of question time in Parliament without reaching for their BlackBerrys and having a quick squeeze of the hand with all their Twitter buddies?
This week, the Herald Sun snapped ministers and backbenchers alike texting, Twittering - even Tetris-ing (mobile phone game), I'm sure - their way through the one compulsory hour that their $120,000 salary requires them to spend in the Legislative Assembly.

Water Minister Tim Holding sat, BlackBerry-agog, in the seat directly behind John Brumby. In this day and age, it's a mercy it wasn't the Premier himself pausing in the middle of an important speech to check his email.

It's an obvious testament to just how tedious most of Parliament actually is. That's why it's left to the grown-ups and not teenagers busy texting each other on trams.

This elite pack is paid to be bored, and attend to the state's concerns of which there are many. But no, while such issues as water emergencies, street bashings and transport are discussed, these classroom misfits are busy sending notes to each other and checking on presumably more important goings-on outside the hallowed chamber.

They're just like those teenagers on the tram but in more expensive suits. Opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien used all his experience, education and wisdom to Twitter about the Education Minister's "baby blue jacket", a comment he presumably wouldn't have wanted in Hansard's official daily dispatch.

Then he took to Twitter-bitching about the quality of Mr Brumby's responses at the dispatch box, a few metres in front of him. Couldn't they just have a conversation?!

It's become accepted practice in cinemas to tut disapprovingly when the dulcet tones of Nokia break into a tearful farewell scene on the screen. Is this really any more crucial than the one hour of Parliament when all corners of the state are represented?

Earlier this week, UK Opposition Leader David Cameron criticised the instant nature of Twitter and became, inevitably, one of its most highly discussed topics of the day, but we are seeing a demonstration of how Parliament has moved with the times.

All pollies have seen that, never mind the matter, mastering the message works. As a presidential candidate, Obama and his cronies effectively reached out across the ether to convey his plans to all Americans.

Kevin Rudd doesn't need to run his revolutionary ideas past policymakers, he can just try them out on his Twitter buddies. And he doesn't need to go to the polls to check that he is popular. He already knows because he's got more than a quarter of a million of them.

If this is what is required to measure good leadership, then uber-Twitterer Ashton Kutcher should be the US president with Demi Moore choosing wallpaper for the Rose Room - a state of affairs more worrying and comment-worthy than someone wearing the wrong baby blue.

Terrorism in Australia...Fatwa order from God

Somali extremists on a 'fatwa order' from God | The Australian

POLICE feared that a group of Melbourne Islamic extremists might have recently obtained a fatwa, or religious blessing, to carry out a terrorist attack in Australia, raising the possibility that it could be carried out within weeks.

The Australian understands police were concerned that a Somali Australian who returned from the war-torn country only three weeks ago might have secretly obtained a fatwa from a sheik in Somalia, although police were unable to confirm this through their surveillance.

Faced with the possibility that a suicide attack on an Australian Army base might be imminent, more than 400 federal and state police swooped on the terror suspects early yesterday, arresting four men and executing search warrants on 19 houses.

Nayef El Sayed, 24, was charged with conspiring with Saney Edow Aweys, Wissam Mahmoud Fattal, Yacqub Khayre and Abdirahman Ahmed to prepare for a terrorist attack on the Holsworthy army base in Sydney's southwest.

As of last night, the remaining four men had not been charged.

As revealed exclusively in The Australian yesterday, police believe the Melbourne group planned to launch a suicide assault on an Australian Army base using automatic weapons.

It is alleged they planned to kill as many people as possible before they were themselves killed in what would have been the worst act of terrorism in Australia.

Kevin Rudd said the arrests of the men were a grim reminder that terrorism remained a real threat to Australians.

"There is an enduring threat from terrorism at home here in Australia as well as overseas," the Prime Minister said. "I want to reassure all Australians that our law enforcement agencies and our intelligence agencies are working hard to combat terrorism."

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said news of the plot showed that the fight against terrorism was "far from won".

Commonwealth prosecutor Nick Robinson told Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday the accused were preparing a suicide attack on the Holsworthy army base.

"To become self-proclaimed martyrs?" magistrate Peter Reardon asked.

"Yes," Mr Robinson replied.

The prosecutor said they had a "voluminous" amount of evidence about the conspiracy, including telephone intercept records and surveillance footage.

The intercepts picked up conversations between some of the men about going to Somalia "to be engaged in the conflict" but they had problems getting into that country.

These discussions then turned to "violent action to take place in Australia".

Mr Sayed appeared only briefly in court for the filing hearing, handcuffed and flanked between two police officers. He refused to stand up for the judge, with his lawyer Anthony Brand saying, "He believes that he shouldn't stand for any man except God".

Mr Robinson said text messages uncovered by investigators included one sent from Mr Fattal on March 24 that read: "Can you give me the address of the Australian A and the name of the train station."

He told the court another text message was sent from a Preston pay phone on March 27 giving directions to the Holsworthy army base.

Mr Robinson said CCTV footage revealed Mr Fattal had "attended" the Holsworthy base on March 28, before he sent another message saying: "I strolled around ... it is easy to enter."

The court was told during the hearing for Mr Khayre that investigators believe he had travelled to Somalia to take part in a military training camp.

"He left Australia on the 13th of April and returned on the 14th of July," AFP officer Brendan Castles told the court.

Mr Ahmed was also involved in seeking religious authorisation for the terrorist attack on Australian soil, the court heard.

"We believe that Ahmed was seeking a fatwa and that fatwa would have assisted the group in committing the act," AFP officer Niranjan Jirasinha said.

Mr Robinson said there were several men seeking the fatwa from sheiks and clerics "out of the state and (in) countries overseas".

The Australian understands the suspects believed a fatwa would lend credibility to their cause and ensure they became martyrs.

Two members of the group are believed to have travelled to Somalia to train with the militant extremist group Al-Shabaab, which the US believes has links with al-Qa'ida. But when other members of the group could not travel to Somalia, they turned their attention to carrying out an act of terror in Australia.

terrorism, australia, islam, extrimist, melbourne

stopping begging mentality

Proposed begging fines in Australia

* Council proposes $130 fine for begging
* "Up to beggers to find the cash"
* Criticised as "wacky" and "a stunt"

PEOPLE begging for spare change in Alice Springs could be slapped with a $130 fine.

So strange is the controversial new by-law, proposed by the Alice Springs Town Council, it has been described by Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson as "wacky'' and "a stunt''.

Fining people for begging simply "beggars belief'', he said.

The council has voted to put 89 new by-laws on public display this week which, if passed, would give council rangers powers to fine people who are begging $130.

"That's up to them to figure out how to pay it,'' said the Director of Corporate and Community Services Craig Catchlove.

"We invoice people or give them the fine if they don't pay it within a certain amount of time...

"But the bottom line is we don't want people begging in this town and there needs to be some way of stopping the practice.''

Not all Territorians are as enamoured with the plan, which Jonathan Pilbrow, from the NT Council of Social Services, said created an "us and them mentality''.

welfare, australia, fine, wacky

twits

'Teenage Women In Their Thirties' the new social phenomenon

* Women putting relationships, babies on hold
* Continuing to party and enjoy their freedoms
* Nightclubs seeing more Gen X women

WE'VE had WAGS, yuppies and metrosexuals; now meet our newest social phenomenon, TWITs.

The TWITs are "Teenage Women In Their Thirties".

Just like men with Peter Pan-syndrome who are not ready to grow up, TWITs are putting serious relationships and parenthood on hold, instead choosing to continue partying and enjoying the freedoms they discovered in their teens, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.

Melbourne fashion model Kelly Johns is proud to be a TWIT.

Ms Johns keeps her age a secret but admits she is in her 30s.

"People have a perception of me as being young and fun and when I tell them my age it changes the way they see me," she said.

She doesn't have children, is single and said the freedom of youth shouldn't be a distant memory.

"I am here to have good clean fun, party it up and live my life." she said.
Related Coverage

* Reader's Comments: Meet the women happy to be called TWITsNEWS.com.au,
* Reader's Comments: Aussie larrikins or just plain louts?NEWS.com.au,
* Tourists 'cop this is my town bashing'NEWS.com.au, 3 Jul 2009
* Gossip blogger Perez Hilton bashedPerth Now, 23 Jun 2009
* Memo MPs: Call off the pollAdelaide Now, 21 Jun 2009

Your Say

Wow...look at all the knockers come out in force!! People, there is more to life than getting a mortgage and procreating you know. We've got plenty of time in our lives where ...

(Read More)
Miles of Adelaide

"If I found the right man I would settle down and have kids, but I am not going to sit around at home waiting."

Nightclub owners also say they have noticed a transformation on their dance floors, as Generation X women take a second bite of the apple of youth.

"We are getting a lot more women in their 30s coming in," said Bill Gianoulas from Chasers nightclub.

"They are hot women who more than likely are career oriented, going to the gym judging by their figures, immaculately dressed and are confident, intelligent and fun."

Social researcher Mark McCrindle said the TWIT phenomenon was here to stay.

"Society values youth. We don't look up to older people the way we did last century," he said.

woman, twits

yummy food

Western sandwich

Every guy loves a sandwich, but those greasy 14-inch submarines from the local Italian joint are not doing you any good. So, I've compiled a list of 10 sandwiches that are healthy, but taste amazing nonetheless. There are three for breakfast, four for lunch and three for dinner. The reason the three dinner options are at the top is because they require a little more time and preparation than the others, but since the recipes are for two, they are the perfect excuse to invite that special lady over and impress her with your culinary skills -- don't worry, they are relatively simple to prepare.
Number 10
Nut butter sandwich

What you need:
# 4 slices raisin bread
# 1 banana, sliced into rounds
# 2 tbsp. honey
# 2 tbsp. natural nut butter, such as almond or peanut


What to do:
Toast the bread, and spread two slices with honey and two slices with nut butter. Top the nut butter slices with the banana rounds, and cover with the two other slices. Cut in half and enjoy with a tall glass of milk.
Number 9
Western sandwich

What you need:
# 2 whole grain English muffins
# 4 egg whites, beaten, with a dash of milk, and salt and pepper to taste
# 2 slices low-fat cheese
# 2 slices tomato
# 6 slices low-fat ham


What to do:
In a non-stick frying pan, sprayed with fat-free cooking spray, cook the egg whites over medium-high heat until set (about 5 minutes). Meanwhile, slice the English muffins in half, and top one side with three slices of ham and one slice of cheese, and the other side with a slice of tomato, and toast until done. When ready, divide the egg whites into two equal parts, fold each part in half, place atop one side of the English muffin, and close the English muffin. Enjoy with a steaming cup o' joe.
Number 8
Bagel and smoked salmon

What you need:
# 2 pumpernickel or onion bagels
# 2 tbsp. cream cheese
# 8 thin slices of smoked salmon
# 4 thin slices red onion
# 4 slices tomato
# 2 tsp. capers


What to do:
Toast bagels, and spread cream cheese on one side of each. Top with salmon, onion, tomato, and capers. Close the sandwich with other half of bagel. Enjoy with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Number 7
Smoked turkey with low-fat cheese and sweet peppers

What you need:
# 4 slices dark rye or pumpernickel bread
# 8 medium-thick slices of low-fat, smoked turkey breast
# 2 slices low-fat swiss cheese
# 4 slices marinated sweet peppers, from a jar
# Grainy dijon mustard


What to do:
Spread two slices of bread with mustard, and top each with four turkey slices, one slice of cheese, and two peppers. Close sandwich and enjoy with a glass of unsweetened apple juice.

Number 6
Tuscan tuna sandwich

What you need:
# 2 whole grain rolls
# 1 tbsp. olive oil
# ½ tbsp. red wine vinegar
# ½ tsp. chili powder
# 2 cans water-packed tuna, drained, flaked
# 1 tomato, sliced
# 2 romaine lettuce leaves
# ½ red onion, thinly sliced
# 8 black olives, pitted, cut in half


What to do:
Cut rolls in half, and sprinkle one side of each with ½ tbsp. olive oil, ¼ tbsp. vinegar and ¼ tsp. chili powder. Divide tuna between rolls, and top with olives, onion, tomato, and lettuce. Enjoy with a glass of natural lemonade.

Number 5
Roasted veggie and goat cheese sandwich

What you need:
# 1 zucchini cut lengthwise into 4 strips
# 1 small red pepper cut into 8 strips
# 1 small eggplant cut into ½-inch thick slices
# 6 asparagus spears
# 1 tbsp. olive oil
# 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
# Salt and pepper to taste
# ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
# 2 whole grain rolls


What to do:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray, place veggies on sheet, and drizzle with 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast in oven for 10-15 minutes; turn, and roast 10-15 minutes more, until tender and brown in spots. Toast rolls, and divide vegetables among them. Sprinkle with goat cheese. Close sandwhich and enjoy with a glass of tomato juice.
Number 4
Lebanese wrap

What you need:
# Store-bought hummus (chickpea spread)
# Store-bought tabouleh (parsley, tomato and cracked wheat salad)
# 2 whole-wheat pitas


What to do:
Simply spread desired amount of hummus and tabouleh in the center of the pita, roll it up, and enjoy with a glass of mango nectar.
Number 3
Curried chicken on pita

What you need:
# ½ cup plain, low-fat yogurt
# 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
# 1 tsp. curry powder
# ½-pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
# 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
# ½ jalapeno pepper, diced
# ½ red onion, thinly sliced
# Salt and pepper to taste
# ¼ cup sultana raisins
# 4 slices tomato
# 2 romaine lettuce leaves
# 4 slices cucumber


What to do:
In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp. of yogurt with the garlic and curry powder. Add chicken strips, and stir to coat. Heat vegetable oil, and add jalapeno pepper, red onion, and chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked (about 6 minutes). Transfer mixture to a bowl, and let cool about 2 minutes.

Mix in the rest of the yogurt and raisins. Warm pitas in toaster oven, and stuff with chicken mixture, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Enjoy with a glass of white wine.
Number 2
Mediterranean chicken with pesto on olive bread

What you need:
# 4 slices olive bread
# 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
# 3 artichoke hearts cut in half, roasted in the oven for app. 8 minutes (4
# minutes on each side), or until slightly brown in spots. 4 sundried tomatoes
# 2 tbsp. store-bought pesto
# 2 romaine lettuce leaves


What to do:
Toast olive bread. Spread two slices with pesto, top with chicken, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and lettuce. Close sandwich, and enjoy with a glass of red wine.
Number 1
Steak fajitas with cilantro, avocado and salsa

What you need:
# ¼ cup vegetable oil
# ½ yellow onion
# 1 garlic clove, minced
# ½ jalapeno pepper minced
# ½ tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
# ½ tsp. ground cumin
# ½ tbsp. pure chili powder
# 1 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
# ½ tbsp. tequila
# ½ tsp. salt
# 4 soft corn or flour tortillas
# 1 skirt or flank steak, trimmed of fat
# ½ avocado, thinly sliced
# Store-bought salsa
# 4 tsbp. low-fat sour cream


What to do:
Mix together all ingredients, except the last four, in a bowl. Score steak a few times across the grain, and place in a shallow baking dish or bowl; pour marinade over. Cover and let marinate for about an hour at room temperature.

Remove steak from marinade, and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side; do not overcook. Cut steak into thin slices. Warm tortillas in oven, top with steak, salsa, avocado slices, and sour cream. Roll up, and enjoy with a cerveza (but just one...)
that's a wrap
And there you have it, 10 healthy sandwiches that you can not only eat with your hands, but that you can also use to impress that special lady with. Now that's what I call efficiency. Well, what are you waiting for? Head to the grocery store...

food, sandwich, man