text:
Federal government is surplus to requirements
Piers Akerman
–, Saturday, December, 22, 2012, (8:49pm)
There is no need to buy Christmas crackers for their corny jokes this year - we have the Gillard minority government and its assorted clowns to provide all the laughs we can handle and then some.
To say that Prime Minister Julia Gillard presides over the worst government in Australian history is repeating the obvious.
The ailing Gough Whitlam may even take some heart this yuletide that he will not be remembered as the greatest-ever Labor failure.
Small joy, however, for the long-suffering public who have had to endure the antics of a series of talentless ministers and their abysmal policies since former prime minister Kevin Rudd conned the public with his promise to be John Howard "lite" five years ago.
Rudd was lightweight, he was never John Howard.
The highlight of his brutally curtailed prime ministership was his ludicrous 2020 rear-vision Summit at which assorted adoring luvvies, largely self-selected and many from such Left-wing front organisations as GetUp!, stood enthralled as
Rudd squatted on the floor of a parliamentary hearing room doodling away on butcher's paper, mapping his vision for the nation. After unloading their angst about fashionable causes, even the luvvies felt dudded - or Rudded - when they discovered that their ideas had largely been shelved to accommodate a range of predetermined positions.
This was second-rate leadership by any measure. Former Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating must have flinched, at the very least, as they viewed the farce.
So farcical did Rudd's leadership become that the so-called faceless men, the union bosses who control the numbers, instructed the parliamentary party to dump the elected leader and replace him with his deputy, Julia Gillard.
While Rudd's leadership was certainly a failed experiment the remedy has proven to be worse.
Gillard has shown herself to be no more than a second-rate student politician. She lacks gravitas, she lacks authority - particularly within her own party.
Anything more than a cursory examination of Gillard's career and personal history should have alerted Labor's powerbrokers to the risk they were running when they decided to give her the prime ministership but they were mesmerised, as she is, by gender issues.
Today, her remaining support base relies on the gender card.
She has failed the character test on every count and her words on almost every important policy issue are returning to haunt her.
We now have not only the infamous carbon tax promise but we have a plethora of Gillard's now-broken pledges about the surplus.
Take your pick: "The budget will be back in surplus in 2013 if I'm re-elected, if my government is re-elected on Saturday ... the budget is coming back to surplus, no ifs no buts, it will happen." August 17, 2010.
Or, the following day: "Failure is not an option here and we won't fail." Year in, year out, even when the dogs were barking and the cocks were crowing, when the likelihood of achieving a budget surplus was as likely as a unicorn winning the Melbourne Cup, both Gillard and her moronic Treasurer Wayne Swan continued to claim they were on track oblivious to the obvious.
On April 13, 2011, Gillard repeated: "My commitment to a surplus in 2012-13 was a promise made and it will be honoured."
By July 4, 2011, it was apparently a done deal, at least in Gillard's mind, as she said: "We saved jobs, stayed out of recession and got back to surplus."
It was all a result of her excellent administration, apparently, she had decided by July 24, 2011: "So, we've got a good track record of making the hard decisions to find savings to get the budget to add up, we'll do it again and the budget will come to surplus in 2012-13, exactly as promised."
She was still boasting of her record on April 29 this year: "Here we are in Australia due to the careful management of the government, we have a strong economy, strong fundamentals, low unemployment. What that means is it's unambiguously in our nation's interest to deliver a budget surplus, and we will."
That surplus was non-negotiable, she assured Sky News viewers as recently as August 19, 2012.
She must have been taking some advice from her Treasurer, who had been just as adamant in his protestations in discussion with his good friend Kochie on the Sunrise TV program the previous day: "Come hell or high water, but we've got the judgment to handle these situations. If we would have gone into recession we wouldn't be in this position and that's where we would have been if the Liberals had been in power."
All absolute nonsense, spoken by two individuals completely out of touch with reality.
The warning bells were ringing at the beginning of the year, before the May budget, klaxons were whooping and wailing before Swan's October MYEFO statement, a masterpiece in illusion and deception.
Yet, late Thursday, even after Swan had finally acknowledged what every thinking person had known there would be no surplus Treasury's website was still carrying his words: "The budget is returning to surplus as promised, with surpluses growing over the forward estimates. A surplus is appropriate given our strong economic fundamentals and an economy returning to trend growth.
"The return to surplus, ahead of any other major advanced economy, sends a strong message to international investors on the government's commitment to fiscal discipline and provides a buffer in uncertain economic times."
Well, some surplus, some message, as Churchill might have pronounced.
Here's wishing you all a very merry Christmas, keep smiling.
Have Your Say
Piers- thank you and the others for being here over the past 12 months, allowing us to comment on the continual F@#$ Ups of this corrupt government. I hope you enjoy a bit of respite over the Christmas break, as I think 2013 will be explosive on a numer of fronts.
I really believe that there will be a time in the future where one see an ex-Prime Minister and cohorts actually goaled for offences committed in the past. I dream o
f positive outcomes for both the Heiner Affair and the current AWU fiasco. I even dream of associates, such as Shorten, Ludwig,the GG and others following others into the dorm. Vaseline is free I'm told?
As for the litany of failed promises, perhaps one could say-
"HO HO" or was it "WHORE WHORE"?
As for a surplus budget-pigs do fly, dont they?
Merry Christmas to all- Bah Humbug
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:10pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:41am)
Yes Bad Avenger, they have to be gaoled for the damage they have done. Hardly anyone in the country will rest easy until those who have transgressed the laws themselves have been brought to justice before a fair and unbiased Judge and Jury.
As it is certain politicians believe that they are above the law and can destroy evidence with impunity. That has to be corrected otherwise we really will face being ruled by a gang of thugs as has happened in other countries in the past.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:50am)
The carbon tax fiasco can really sum up how this government really does show how they do not have any clue.
Gillard states increased price on electricity from a carbon tax is the most effective way in combating carbon emissions.
BUT then offers compensation for these price increases
AND then offers ways to reduce the price of electricity to help the average Aussie
So why increase something then offer compensation then offer other ways to reduce these costs?
And funny enough the MSM do not see the stupidly of all this. I also note how no one has really reported the first $690 million our government has paid to the UN as part of the carbon tax deal where 10% of revenue goes to the UN.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:57am)
They have the hide to call for an inquiry into Mal Brough's involvement in the Ashby/Slipper affair. I think an inquiry into the AWU slush fund scandal would be far more important.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:48am)
It looks like Woine will be walking the railway tracks once again.
This time Woine, get one of those IPods with ear plugs and play Bruce Springstein really really loud. You'll never hear the train as it hits the back of your head, sending that small brain out thru your nostrils..........you'll never have to ponder that diabolical, nearly unsolvable maths problem, 2+2 in your head again!
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:57am)
@ Susie Q Just what you would expect from a party that is morally bankrupt. The Slipper matter isn't over by a long shot and when Ashby gets his day in court they will know it. Blaming Mal Brough,Tony Abbott and anyone else for Ashby's case is as laughable as the fact that the government paid Ashby $50,000 compensation and lawyers about $ 750,000 to make it all go away. If the AFP take this seriously, then they are failing in their duty to the people.
Smearing seems to be the only weapon these people have in their arsenal. What a pity that truth and decent behaviour are not.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:12pm)
An inquiry into Mal Brough's involvement in the Ashby/Slipper is just a diversion from the AWU swindle. The amusing thing to me is that Gillard and Roxon knew about the Slipper texts and their content months before they were made public and continued to give him their full support.
Gillard then gave her misogyny speech defending Slipper and trying to smear Abbott. The most hypocritical part being "I will call misogyny when I see it" (except for when its Slipper...lol)
I am certain that the Sipper affair will bite them on the arse, he has not been cleared of the accusations and Ashby is appealing, an interesting 2013 ahead.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:56pm)
And now it seems Fauxfax are getting Gratis use of ABC Resources, so we the Australian Taxpayer seem to be funding Fauxfax
This week, a six-month Fairfax Media investigation - conducted in association with the ABC's 7.30 Report - has revealed the existence of dozens of suspected corrupt customs officers at Sydney Airport and on the waterfront.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/covert-watch-on-customs-20121221-2brov.html#ixzz2FpqcqhuS
Sun 23 Dec 12 (02:17pm)
S B A of Jerra. Flying pigs? There is a town on the Manning river named Wingham . The name congers up thoughts of smoked pig's wings. When I visited there a few years back there a few thousand foxes flying out of Jasper's Brush every evening. At least they were called flying foxes.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (04:37pm)
Why is the Gillard Labor Govt, through Labor's left faction atheist, Nicola Roxon, more concerned about protecting their man, Peter Slipper?
Why is the Federal Govt resources being used by Labor to use the AFP to investigate a member of the public & former Liberal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Mal Brough? Is this an abuse of power by Gillard-Roxon Labor?
Why was Nicola Roxon's former employer, Victorian law firm Maurice Blackburn part of Peter Slipper's defence team during the early part of the sexual harrassment case - Asby v. Slipper/Commonwealth of Australia?
Wasn't the same Maurice Blackburn and Nicola Roxon who took over the AWU files after Julia Gillard quit Slater & Gordon in Victoria? Conflict of interest?
Why did Maurice Blackburn bail out of the Ashby case, after Attorney General Nicola Roxon used taxpayer funds to pay compensation of $50,000 to Ashby to drop certain allegations?
Is Julia Gillard/Nicola Roxon using the power of the Federal Govt to stalk Mr Mal Brough of Queensland? Time for a royal commission about the Govt's role in this whole sordid affair of Peter Slipper.
How come, that the Queenslanders who voted for the Liberal candidate Peter Slipper to represent them in Federal Parliament, ended up with Peter Slipper the Independent Member? Did Slipper take an oath of office to serve his constituents as the Liberal Member and then dumps his electorate to keep Gillard and Rudd in Govt?
There is a stench surrounding-
Slipper the Liberal Member who turned Independent,
Craig Thomson the Labor Member who turned Independent
Bob Carr the unelected retired Labor Premier who gets to spend millions$ across the world as the unelected Foreign Minister for Julia Gillard.
Does Julia Gillard have any respect for Parliament or is it business as usual - as in trade union slush fund elections? Is Julia Gillard the PM accountable to higher authority. Surely, the public have had enough of this mob of left faction Labor parasites.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:44pm)
I can't believe it the AFP are investigating liberals over the Slipper affair. Is it just because he was a liberal??
Thu 27 Dec 12 (01:03pm)
Everytime I hear the Word Labor I cringe, How dare these sleazy masters of spin labor try and discredit Mal Brough for helping Ashby in his fight against sexual harrasment… These people should be ashamed, they sicken me…
The facts are Slipper sent texts of a sexual nature to Ashby… all the judge had to decide if they constituted harrasment… Simple as that and the judge turned it around making out conspiracy ... what a load of rubbish…
There should be a full investigate why thomson case has been dragged on for years when other cases would have been completed within a year, thomson then had the utter nerve to claim statute of limitations for the charges… this is a classic conspiracy to avert justice…
Gillard should also be investigated for AWU, Slipper for Ashby and alleged rorts, then also why gillard has been protecting slipper and thomson…
Gillard will do and say anything to cling to power… and she has…
Compliments of the season to you and yours Piers. Thankyou for the clear and precise way you detail the everyday failures of this minority government.
The left wing media remove any descriptions or comments ASAP when anyone in this despicable government is found to have lied on any issue. But here is advice for the left wing media, prepare your stories for the day after the next federal election. I will even kindly assist you by making some suggestions:
"Labor and greens annihilated"
"Äustralian voters can hold their heads high again"
"Swan dumbstruck he was not re-elected"
"Prime minister Abbott promises inquiry into unions and Labor"
"Political experts say new Labor party will need to be formed"
" Amazed former Labor ministers said they thought they would be safe with a 20% margin from 2010 election"
"New Federal Labor opposition turns up for press conference in kombi van"
God only knows whom will be leading the Labor Party after February next year!
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:11pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (06:45am)
I'm hoping it doesn't exist.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:43am)
The Left Wing Media are just as complicit in the wrongful election and continuation of the Gillard minority government, as the mendacious PM herself.
If they had done an even halfway job of investigative journalism into her past - and told Australia about it before the election, we would not have had to endure the past 3 years of hard Labor.
But then the Left Wing Media had their own agenda, which has nothing to do with Australia's best interests.
Poor dears! Just think of what they have sacrificed to see the re-election of Labor in both 2007 and 2010:
Mainstream journalists selflessly sacrifice every last ounce of their integrity, honesty and professional responsibility in order to help elect first Rudd and then Gillard Labor - only to have the Rudd and Gillard governments fail spectacularly!
They sheet this failure home to Tony Abbott! - who continues to "plot against the nation's interests" from the various volunteer organisations - the bushfire brigade, the lifesavers, the Pollie Pedal charity bike ride, and the Indigenous communities support groups where he chooses to spend his leisure time.
But the failure and frustration that leftist scribes feel so keenly is not a recent Media phenomenon.
The disastrous failure of every idea left wing journalists have promoted for the past 40 years gave rise to the nefarious shock jocks and to conservative commentators - a mob of despicably patriotic, constitutional-mongering, Australia-loving patriots dedicated to the wilful destruction of everything this nation's news media hold dear!
Is it any wonder that outfits like the ABC are literally wetting themselves to suppress truth and clear thinking in order to keep their preferred party in power?
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:54am)
Christopher Pearson, writing in today's Australian, sums up the dilemma of today's journalists who so uncritically embraced the great global warming hoax. He wrote:
G. K. CHESTERTON famously remarked: "Once people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing - they believe in anything." Marxism and Nazism, the two totalitarian systems that wrought so much devastation in the last century, are compelling evidence of the truth of Chesterton's observation and they also call to mind George Orwell's line about ideas so stupid that only an intellectual could subscribe to them.
These days it is the green movement and the apocalyptic anxiety about man-made global warming that have become the cults du jour, "the opiate of the masses".
However, Australians are generally rather pragmatic and, as the climate has failed to conform to most of the doomsayers' computer modelling, popular support for measures supposed to combat global warming has waned.
This presents problems for those journalists and public intellectuals who embraced the cause uncritically in the early days, and haven't seen the need to express any reservations.
The first problem is one of professional embarrassment, although there are so many in that category that there will be no shortage of colleagues to make excuses for one another.
The most useful historical parallel is with Marxists after the collapse of the Eastern bloc, a phenomenon that might almost not have happened, so little was it discussed in journals of the Left and most Australian universities until the mid-1990s.
The second problem is more complex. These are people who are true believers. They have surrendered themselves to a cult and, in the process of turning into its public defenders, come to see themselves as prophets. Sociologically speaking, it's a safe bet that most of the significant others in their lives and their workmates share their convictions.
Vain and ridiculous as it sounds, they really think that they're engaged in a battle to the death to save the planet and they tend to see sceptics of almost any hue as evil incarnate. Failing that, we are either dupes or paid stooges of Big Carbon.
So instead of reasoned, balanced debate we have personal vilification and a censoring of any views contrary to their own
Welcome to journalistic integrity 2007 to 2012.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:45pm)
"God only knows whom will be leading the Labor Party after February next year!"
Hopefully they will hold their party room meetings in a telephone box.
Tue 25 Dec 12 (07:25am)
I suspect the next leader of the disgraced, indeed defunct, labor party could be the last chimpanzee born at Taronga Park Zoo. Doubtless, it will do a better job than the past collection of utter neanderthal misfits have done.
Wed 26 Dec 12 (11:58am)
I hope your predictions come into place Rural Joseph. Sadly, it seems that the atheist Gillard and comrades will score the votes of the 30,000 illegal so called boat people they let into our beloved country - (every one of them unskilled and largely unemployable), will be welfare dependent on us rorted taxpayers for generations. What a disgraceful mess these labor party/slimegreens/turncoat minority socialist 'government' have made of our beloved country Australia. I thrust, hope and pray they will be booted with a vengeance - never ever again to hold public office anywhere, anyone of them, in the future.
Thu 27 Dec 12 (01:10pm)
Bob Carr will be Labor leader after the next election if he survives the massacre… After all he was the premier and leader of the now found out corrupt NSW Labor party and years later joined the dysfunctional Federal Labor party and we know what will happen to Federal Labor in 2014 after the Labor party and Unions enquiry…
Turn up in a kombi van and leaving in a police van…
As far as I can see Gillard has only ever achieved two things:-
1.) She made Rudd look good
2.) She made Whitlam look like an absolute genius
Meanwhile, Wayne Swan is living proof that you can be anything you want to be. However, he has also shown that just because you want to be something does'nt necessarily mean you will be any good at it.
My Christmas wish is that Gillard, Swan and the rest of the them will just go away. Please.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:11pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:24am)
and she has told us clearly that we are all irrelevant after each election regardless of our opinions.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (03:56pm)
Wayne Swan is more proof that you can't polish a turd
Sun 23 Dec 12 (06:59pm)
Well said crow....Agree with you entirely !!
Piers, even to the end this government played politicsa and denied the evident truth. At least they are consistent liars; they never tell a truth and it would be an unidentified error if they did. So far, the only two to tell a known truth are Garret and Ferguson.
More of the politics was leaving the confession until parliament had risen, no more question times, the polls had finished for the year and the government pollies had escaped on holiday. They are crafty beggars this lot; remind me of Dickensian characters.
Happy Christmas Piers. Stay well. doc
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:20pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (06:47am)
Doc, is that Garrett when he said when we get in we'll change it anyway? Yes, that was a truthful statement.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:44am)
Correct, Getout.. Remember also Ferguson when he said the mining boom was coming to an end and the leadership jumped all over him.
Swan and reality ..
Strangers ..
Reality was telling him he wasn't going to balance the books ..
Swan told reality he was ..
Classic Leftism .. the false idea reality will follow the Leftist's will .. the Leftist's dictates ..
Always, always, the Leftist finds reality to be independent to Leftist dreaming ..
Then the Leftist, too smug to face the lesson, turns to spin .. and concocts a fantasy to save face ..
Spin is the hiding place of the Leftist .. nowhere else can the Leftist turn .. reality has shunned him/her .. spin is where he/she will be found .. holding onto spin .. illusion .. to nothing else.
The trail left behind one of disaster .. only this can follow Leftist deeds .. deeds based on illusion .. deeds based on cult consciousness.
John Jay.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:25pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:06am)
"cult consciousness" ... well ypu'd know all about that
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:31am)
I love your sense of humour John Jay.
Thanks for the jokes and laughs all year.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:19am)
Merry Xmas to you John Jay. Don't pay attention to Harry. He's talking through his hat.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:26am)
Strangers..... isn't it what we are in our phony democracy?
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:15pm)
To Harry the Hat -
I do know about it .. and you do not.
To Barry -
A funny bone tied to ignorance.
To PaulC -
And very much to you Paul ..
May I say your blogging has really blossomed this year.
Harry again is demonstrating he puts little value on honest recognition of a very important line - the line between what he knows and what he does not know.
John Jay.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:42pm)
John, I agree but remember swan once said in a 2009 or 2010 interview that "My greatest achievement as Treasurer has been bringing the budget back into surplus in 2012/13."
So here we have a Treasurer speaking in the past tense about something in the future that he has not achieved (and never will). This, I hope, will be one of many clips for the next election campaign for the coalition, can't wait. I still can't believe that 35% of the electorate will still give these clowns their primary vote.
Swan's greatest achievement will actually be his defeat at the next election, therefore ridding us of his presence.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:44pm)
Talking about 'Spin' John Jay, I think McTernan might 'Spin' himself out of a job shortly!
I agree with Barry the Beard and PaulC, so keep up the fight John Jay, and have a very Merry Christmas.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:00pm)
To Mike -
Barry is being smart.
However, have a beautiful Christmas Mike ..
Merry Christmas to you Piers. Thanks for providing this forum...it's an oasis of sanity compared to the fawning compliance of the bulk of the MSM.
Keep up the good work and take it easy over the holiday period, we need you fresh and in form in the election year. Mandrake.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:28pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:57am)
I second that Mandrake. Thanks heaps Piers, and thanks to all those very concerned and intelligent fellow Australians commenting on, and reading this blog.
2013 is going to be a great year Mandrake, a year in which we get our opportunity to obliterate comprehensively a hopelessly failed government, and their a corrupt and complicant bed fellows, and the bulk of the mainstream media.
Happy Christmas to all.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:14am)
Merry Xmas to you Mandrake. We can always count on wise words from you. Good to see you taking the fight up to the mindless lefties. If only they realized the consequences but they're more interested in spite -nose face.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (02:29pm)
Thanks Paul, Merry Christmas to you too.
Don't know that I am wise but experience is a harsh teacher and, like a lot of people, experience has taught me that the Australian Labor Party simply cannot be trusted. They have absolutely betrayed Australia with their broken promises since 2007 and again in 2010. They do not deserve another term in government. Lying, spinning, running up huge debt and blaming Tony Abbott for everything is not indicative of anything but absolute rank incompetence.
Anyway, time to lighten up for Christmas! Have a good one.
All that Piers and the polls are 54/46, unbelievable.... should be 65/35 (the 35 are the union heirarchy and those getting a cheque from the treasury, who will vote to continue this largesse). It is uncomprehensible that anyone should even consider voting ALP after the current debacle delivered by this ineptocracy.
Your remarks re "student politics" are spot on and they are giving student politics a nasty aroma.
Like a lot of people I am looking forward to the next election to save what is left of this nation. I believe that Tony Abbott has the ability and nous to be a great PM. He is grounded in the community, a volunteer, and I believe will make the hard decisions, and those easy decisions to divert funds away from such things as Climate Change, NBN, renewable energy schemes, cabon tax etc. and the list goes on.
Have enjoyed your musings over the past year and look forward to the next.
Piers, you have a Happy Xmas and hopefully a prosperous and Conservative new Year.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:42pm)
Rudd and Gillard have cured many people of ever voting Labor again.
And as for the bastards who sit on the government benches supporting an incompetent leader who they know fully well is up to her arm pits in spinning slime ............... well they deserve everything that's coming to them at the next election. And that includes Martin Ferguson and Rob McClelland. There are no nice guys in Labor anymore!
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:45pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:00am)
Well said Laura and Piers thankyou for this latest article which highlights the ineptitude of this horrendous government. All most of them care about is their pensions at the end of it all and the Australian way of life is of no importance to them. Oakshott want more stimulus spending and educated men and women have done whatever was needed to stay in power.It is not only a joke but a disgrace.
Thankyou Piers and Merry Xmas to you and yours and best wishes for the big year ahead.Santa will be delivering baseball bats throughout the land.Hope we can uses them soon!
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:13am)
Laura I don't blame the members of the ALP as much as the so call "independents", the ALP members must vote as a block, it is in the rules of their party, but no such rules bind the independents, they deserve a much larger slice of the complacency pie
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:02am)
I would like to add Simon Crean and Harry Jenkins to your list Laura.
They are all tarred with the same corrupt alp brush.
They could have legitimately brought down this shabby government months ago if they had any honor.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:18am)
Margie, I agree with you! And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too and to Piers and all on this blog. May the year ahead be good to you and your families. Drive carefully over the holidays.
morph, I know Labor MP's must vote as a block but I'm talking about them having the guts to stand up to Gillard behind the scenes or having the guts to give interviews and spill the beans or having the guts to resign if all else fails. It might ultimately bring down the government if enough of them rebelled but in the short term it might bring about some change and give Labor a chance of some decent governing.
They're cowards, the lot of them. I know many of them don't like the McTernan style of politics but they don't have the cojones to do something about it.
If they really wanted to bring about change they could. Just look at what Bob Carr achieved on the Palestinian vote. Not that I'm saying that what he did was a good thing but it proved Gillard is no longer as powerful as she used to be. And the unions know it too.
The independents are beyond redemption. Oakeshott and Windsor are disgusting, vile and unprincipled men. Wilkie has shown himself to be silly, weak and pathetic. Once they backed Gillard in 2010, I knew it was all over until the next election.
Bad leaders are only in power because their own side wants the trappings too, no matter the cost. So my greatest anger is directed at Labor MP's like Crean and McClelland and Ferguson. They know how bad Gillard is. They know she is out of her depth but they'll support her til the end.
If one of them pulled out now, they would be considered a pariah by Labor but in time they would go down in history as a person of honour and a hero. As it is, when they are finally booted out at the next election they'll be considered, weak and pathetic and lacking in principles. They'll probably write books about how bad and dumb and devious Gillard was but it will be too little and too late for Australia.
Let's hope we don't have another Australia Day type riot next year but I'm sure McTernan has something evil up his sleeve for 2013. And the Labor cowards who sit on the government benches will be to blame.
Oh how brave Crean was to slam Rudd earlier this year. But Rudd is not the problem right now, Gillard is, and Crean knows it and he says nothing. Perhaps Crean is letting Australia go to hell in Gillard's handbasket because he's too busy planning his golfing life after politics. You're pathetic Simon!
Morph, I'm so over Labor that I don't have the patience for any of it anymore. I minimise what I read because I can't take the angst it generates in me. I still read Piers and when I can muster the emotional and intellectual strength I write a comment but much of the time, politically speaking, I just want to weep for Australia. Gillard has much to answer for.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:27am)
Merry Xmas Laura. No, I won't go so far and denigrate Frgsn, as disappointing as this govt is. Kelty has rubbished them. Keating used to. He was scathing of Rudd in 2007 calling him a poll junkie. But it appears that he has been convinced to support the greater party. I am sure it grinds on him especially Gillard's FWA. I suspect that Frgsn, Kelty and Keating are old school Irish suspicious of toffs. They're a far better Labor than this lot. They shared many of he same values. Industry was good. It was simply a squabble over who got the spoils. Current Labor wants to destroy industry.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:31am)
David, see my second comment above. I agree absolutely about Simon Crean. And Harry Jenkins too. Many people have been killed for standing up to dictators but Labor MP's have the principles of gutter rats. They won't stand up to Gillard or McTernan. They're pathetic. I know someone who works for a Labor PM and her boss considers Gillard a dunderhead! But he's happy to get his salary and march to the beat of a dunderhead's drum!
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:54am)
Well said Laura. Corruption lives in every nook and cranny within Labor and the MSM "chooses" to look the other way. I can only surmise from this, that they are in on it too. Government is this country is now so huge and no one is held accountable for their actions. Consider for a moment that someone actually voted for Emmerson… others voted for Swann, Gillard and Albernese. They say we get the politicians we deserve, well, a visit to your nearest "Ghetto" ( formerly known as Shopping Centres) will explain it all.
Margie of Brisbane, I heard that garbage from Oakshott and was appalled. He is another one with skeletons in his closet and should be brought to justice. Instead, he and his family will continue to live the high life for the rest of their days and we will be contributing.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:03am)
Laura, I am not defending the ALP, I have written the lot of them off a long time ago, it seems a prerequisite to being in the ALP is a willingness to be part of the conspiracy of the complicit. The ALP's vetting processes has been honed to exclude anyone with a sense of morality. So again my question is what is the Independents excuse in all of this?
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:13pm)
What an extraordinary article Laura. Your words would most likely express the thoughts and feelings of many fellow Australians, and most certainly represent my thoughts and the occasional periods of despair.
I only commented the other day at how priviledged I am to be afforded the opportunity to read such great comments, none of which would be here if not for the good work of Piers Akerman. And Laura your comments are more often than not, top of the pile.
One can understand why you 'don't have the patience for any of it anymore', however the majority of your comments, I find are somewhat uplifting, and they add significance in supporting the hard work done by Piers.
Our job is almost complete, and I know you will dig deep and play a part in burying this pathetic mob once and for all.
Happy Christmas Laura, and I truely look forward to to seeing your contributions in 2013.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (02:51pm)
Laura, agree totally that there are no nice guys within the Labor Party anymore. How could anyone sit quietly and allow what is happening continue? It is beyond any decency. Doesn't Australia deserve better? Isn't she worth fighting for, like those who went before us did ( including my own precious family)?
May you and yours, Laura, experience all the beauties of Christmas and the blessings that family and friends bring throughout the New Year.
It sure will be a great year if we have a change of Govt.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (05:04pm)
Frgsn did have a spat with Gillard this year. I think it was Oakeshott who made a threat to split if he didn't get his way over some issue that clashed with Frgsn's portfolio. Frgsn demanded an apology. This threatened Gillard's stability. Of course Gillard prevailed and capitulated to Oakeshott. Frgsn seethes with a anger towards Gillard. Frgsn would treasure the union movement. Gillard trashes what he holds dear. Sorry I'm a bit vague.
It will be interesting. When Gillard goes down, the dirty laundry will be most interesting.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:36pm)
PaulC, Merry Christmas to you too and a Happy New Year! I remember the spat Ferguson had with Oakeshott and how quickly it all settled down. What I'm talking about is a real spat ... a down and dirty spat. ....... a spat that's over principles and policies and a way forward for Labor. After a short time they all kind of melt back into their good boys' corner. McClelland put his toe in the water but that all came to naught too. Mind you if they did a Bob Carr on her they would win and she would lose. And they would get some votes for it. But what do I care anymore about votes for Labor. It's so close to the end for them and the damage has been done.
PaulC, I know Ferguson is a decent man but to support a low-life like Gillard is anything but decent!
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:54pm)
Mike, thank you for your very kind words! As I said in another comment on this blog ..................
I think many of us suffer from a Gillard-Induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder! Our recovery will start when we see Gillard being bundled out of the Lodge. Until then she remains like a squirt of refluxed stomach acid pooling in our mouth and burning our tongue. I look forward to Australia spitting her out at the next election.
Mon 24 Dec 12 (02:42pm)
Merry Christmas Laura and to your nom de plumes throughout the year. Have a great day with family and friends.
Wed 26 Dec 12 (09:18am)
Yes Laura, I prefer the "old Julia". McTernan has recast her as this angry, snarling Harridan, a person with absolutely no redeeming features remaining.
It is the indies that need to be exposed for their continuing support of this rabble, but obviously they feel the need to justify their incredible decision to support this woman despite the vast majority of their own electorates voting to the conservative side of the spectrum. Seems they have decided to go down with the ship, and the rest of us will just have to wait to swing the bat.
To this writer the longer this opprobrium continues, the greater will be the swing (of the bats), and when it comes to this matter I have the patience of a rabbit trap. My mother had a saying "the longer the wait the sweeter the........(add appropriate word, in this case)...swing.
The Gillard era is the worst Australia has seen. It is so bad it will help ensure there is never another like it. Gillard & Co and many in the media , including Kochie, have helped seriously mislead the public and damage our futures.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:54pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:59am)
Especially Kochie. This fool is suppose to be a economic guru or something and he persists in supporting and lying for a government that has bankrupted the country.
Karma will get all of these MSM traitors that want to destroy Australia.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:29am)
You've got to ask the obvious - what's in it for Kochie?
Something people should always remember is that the first answer that comes to mind (usually based on gut instinct) is often the right one.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:27am)
The Gillard era is the worst Australia has seen.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:46am)
'What's in it for Koch', you ask? A backbench seat in the Opposition for the next 15 years perhaps? A fitting reward.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (04:09pm)
PF, make a good bobbling head that one. Fit right in with the other skirts.
Great summary Piers. The Libs have so much ammunition for ads, it's hard to choose. It's amazing and worrying that anyone in Australia could vote for this mob given the lies and backflips. Such voters are condoning dishonesty on a grand scale. Is this the new Australia?
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:56pm)
Piers this is a McDonalds government.
Why do you ask?
Because both the Labor "government" and McDonalds are represented by a red-headed clown.
Keep up the good fight Piers. Merry Christmas to you all the bloggers who find solace on these boards. Your comments are well researched and always hit the mark.
It has helped me to stay focused and (almost) sane to be able to publish my thoughts on the worst "government" we have ever had to endure.
2013 is a year to look forward to. It is the year we will be rid of Gillard.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (09:56pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:56am)
Reply to BillK, Claytons? The government you have when you don't have a government?
Sun 23 Dec 12 (06:22pm)
BillK No, the restaurant is a Scottish name, the government is led by a welsher.
But the red headed clown bit suits.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:55pm)
the government is led by a welsher
DT, Gillard is a french name.
Because both the Labor "government" and McDonalds are represented by a red-headed clown.
Ok that was too funny. I am now in Xmas cheer.
The Bull
I believe the expression "Rat F*cked" comes to mind. That is what has happened to us under Labor.
Merry Christmas Piers and everyone, we shall overcome in 2013.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:00pm)
Merry Christmas back.
One thing I am looking for is the crack point. In fact most pundits should be doing the same. The crack point is where journalists at the SMH & ABC start to hedge.
Right now many of them think Labor still has a chance ....they are predicating this shoddy thinking on a Rudd switch. If this does not happen or he fails one will see SMH articles and ABC TV shows begin sucking up to Abbott. They won't be overt but they will have changed enough for anyone to recognise. The hardcore anti Liberals wont suck up of course but they will do stories on issues unrelated to politics ...or at least our politics.
One gets the impression that Abbot will not let a festering sore like the ABC continue in its present form. He learnt this lesson from Howard.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:02pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:04am)
Just like rats on a sinking ship hey ChrisX!
I think your comment is spot on the target. In actual fact the inclusion of Janet Albrechtsen (writer for the Australian) on the ABC program Q & A, may be the first tentative steps for a large group of rats finding their way off the stranded and sinking Labor vessel.
Once the Abbott boat arrives into port, it will be up to us, yes us, to determine the future of the surviving rats!!
Merry Christmas to you too ChrisX
Sun 23 Dec 12 (02:28pm)
Merry Xmas Mike. I enjoy your posts and respect your insights. You are a very clever cookie ..and I think both Labor and Liberal media operators watch your contributions for a 'heads up' on where the next hit will be coming from. Rest up ....next year will be brutal.
22nd of December. We had several political discussions at work again. It's a regular occurrence. And it is indeed very rare to find a Labor voter during these discussions, or at least someone who will admit to being such a creature. Labor voters seem to be extinct, much like the Tasmanian tiger.
If Gillard can be credited with a single achievement, it would be that she is so bad, that mainstream people not normally politically focused, are noticing their ineptitude. So full credit to Gillard for that fine effort.
In fact I have had several recent conversations with former Labor voters, who refuse to vote for them ever again.
The next election will wipe Labor off the face of our political landscape.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:13pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:34am)
Be aware that if you offend any- one that may overhear you talking about their beloved (sinister, bordering on traitors Labor) will be able to sue you soon.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:15pm)
Michael, well it will be jail for me as I couldn't pay the fine and I don't intend to shut my mouth for Gillard!
Wyatt Roy - 3
Gillard / Swan - 0
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:15pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (08:29am)
I hope that young Wyatt asks the first question of the Treasurer when Parliament resumes. He could remind him of his previous question and the moronic answer Swan gave. Who's the fool know Swannie ??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0UJGwj3c8E&feature=related
They bet it all on the surplus and now it will cost them.
I had a Labor voter tell me today that this was the last straw for her. She is finally joining the dots between her pension and the Labor deficit. If the government runs out of money they cannot pay her.....She has seen the stories from Greece, Italy, Spain & the U.S of A ...she knows instinctively that Western Governments are now doing the unthinkable to cover their debts. It's not such a stretch for her to now imagine her life may be effected by economic mismanagement.
The surplus was Labor's last hope and they squandered it. They can say or do anything they like now because it will not matter - They have guaranteed their dismissal......It may even be one for the record books ....A 27% primary number is now a possibility.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:19pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:36am)
Thanks Chris X, this woman's epihany has provided me with some sort of Christmas cheer.
Now, if only all public servants could join the dots about the Future Fund, if only all people on welfare could join the dots about the need for good economic management to bring on welfare dollars........
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:27am)
It cheered me up too. This particular one is a former smacky who takes methadone to relieve the symptoms of heroin addiction. So it's a 'BIG GET' for our side. If a drug addled moron such as this can work out that Swan's incompetence will cost her then Labor's days are truly numbered.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:53am)
I had an interesting interaction with Centrelink this week. (Enough to send me home to open a bottle of Port and consume a hell of a lot of it!)
Offspring number 3, turns 16 on the 9/1/13. I got the expected letter from Centrelink, to remind me of the obvious and that my Family Tax Benefit would be coming to an end and that he will now have to apply for Youth Allowance. So I toddled in to Centrelink, at 9am, hoping to only have to wait an hour, to sort it out, only to find myself sitting there for 5 hours, waiting for what amounted to a 10 minute interview!!!
Unlike my older two, (one of which did not claim Youth Allowance because he went straight to an apprenticeship at the age of 15 and the other one who was allowed to remain on my FTB because of her schooling and University studies), Offspring number 3 HAS TO claim Youth allowance, which amounts to $220 a fornight. anything that he earns, he has to now declare to Centrelink, every fortnight, either in person or over the phone and that amount will be deducted from his Allowance. So if he earns, say, $100 a week, he has to go through all this BS with Centrlink, just for the sake of say $10!
So I spoke to my step son, (whose mother claimed his Youth Allowance for him and did not give him a cent of it.....another story!) and asked him if he had to go through all this BS for his Youth Allowance. He said, "No", because he earned below the threshold, each fortnight, he didn't have to contct Centrelink at all. (And that was only 12 months ago!)
So the rules have changed and I do not remember hearing anything about it. So after talking to my son and explaining it all to him, as well as showing him the BOOK AND I MEAN "A BOOK", that he has to fill out to claim the Youth Allowance, he has decided not to bother with it. It is just too hard for a soon to be16 year old male, who is more interested in the cricket scores and trying to find a part time job, which is becoming harder to come by at the moment!
I'm happy about it, as I will no longer be beholden to Centrelink for anything and my son learns not to become relient on Government handouts, like my older two kids. To gain personal liberty, one must develop personal responsibility. He can earn as much as he wants, without having to worry about Centrelink and I've cancelled the FTB for my daughter who will be in her second year of Uni, next year. We are all free now and I never want to have to walk into a Centrelink office EVER AGAIN!!
I've also realised, that the change to the Youth Allowance rules, is just another cost cutting measure to stop kids claiming Youth Allowance,so that Swan can try and get his budget back into surplus.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (11:31am)
If the government runs out of money they cannot pay her.....
Tell me which countries has stopped paying their crooked leaders and theirs cronies????
Sun 23 Dec 12 (12:23pm)
Boggzy: I am thrilled for you mate! It's like the day you get out of debt or graduate......there is a feeling of freedom. I think this is the best present your family could get for Christmas.
Dependence takes away freedom and taints everything part of your existence. The human urge to be free is one of the most powerful instincts we have. I think this smacky is on the path to discovering that and I wish her well.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (02:22pm)
Maria: What the hell are you going on about??? For the record you meant 'have' not 'has.' All the governments I has mentioned has cut pensions ..in some cases by over 50%. Not sure why you brought up 'leaders.' Upping your meds should reduce your trolling impulse.
God bless you and the other occupants of the assisted living facility you reside in.
Has a nice day
No one in their right mind ever believed Rudd was a second John Howard. No one in their right mind would ever believe that a lightweight like Swan would ever know what he was doing or believe anything this moron said. If the situation in the country wasn't so serious it would be laughable. A circus full of clowns, no ringmaster, and a series of seriously unfunny acts. and never a lesson learned. That's the worst of it.
We can only look forward to the inevitable change coming our way and hope the Coalition get it right.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Piers.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:34pm)
Once again right on the money.
When will this nightmare end?
Never will we forgive (nor forget) what these people have done to our loved country.
Many thanks for your work and may God bless you and your family.
Have a lovely Christmas and a very rewarding New Year.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:38pm)
Piers I hope you and your family have a safe and blessed Christmas.
Thankyou for all your work during this troublesome year. Things are looking much brighter with the start of a New Year and an election.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:40pm)
Piers I am disgusted that financial page journalists have supported the Gillard-Swan-Wong lie that a Budget surplus was going to be achieved this financial year, 2012/13.
I have written so many times that a real budget surplus was impossible.
How could there have been a real surplus?
To start with by borrowing another $50 billion to add to $250 billion reached at 30/06/2012. To spend on current account expenses.
After prepaying current account liabilities last financial year and deferring current account liabilities until next financial year.
Yet financial writers backed the lie, how unprofessional they are, how untrustworthy, they should be sacked for writing partisan rubbish to support this deceitful federal government.
Finance reporting is ignored by the ignorant, so how could these journalists write garbage that the informed people know is garbage?
We all know that our circus alliance government are deceivers, not to be trusted, smear their political opponents, cover up corruption. So what is wrong with these journalist creeps?
We, most Australians, have had enough.
Sat 22 Dec 12 (10:42pm)
Sun 23 Dec 12 (07:20am)
DT this is why the likes of Fairfax are on a slide, their so call impartial writing does not reflect reality, and people eventually get tired of reading fiction dressed up as truth.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (09:10am)
Terry Mcrann is one exception. He has consistently written about the incompetency of Swann and this shabby government. He for one has not relied solely on ALP media releases.
I wonder if those jurnos guilty of failing their profession have each been personally assigned one or two of the 1600 staff in Gillards Mintruth department?
Merry Christmas to you.
Sun 23 Dec 12 (10:17am)
Merry Xmas DT and David.
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Piers has been one of The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph's best-read columnists since 1993. One of the nation's most respected journalists he has worked in New York, London, Washington and Los Angeles. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two daughters and enjoys a wide range of activities.
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text:
Florida Likely to Spark Primary-Calendar Shake-Up
Republican presidential candidates can expect to spend Christmas in Iowa and New Hampshire this year, now that Florida is expected to hold its primary on Jan. 31.
Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, a Republican, said he expects a commission that meets Friday to set the state's primary date for the last day in January. That would put Florida ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire, which by tradition vote first.
Since Iowa and New Hampshire now have contests set for February, they would likely move earlier in the calendar, into January, so as not to be upstaged by Florida.
"My goal all along is for Florida to preserve her place as the fifth spot on the nominating calendar and not to move ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire," Mr. Cannon said. "I believe Jan. 31 is the best date to accomplish both of those goals."
This shift is also likely to force two other early-nominating states, Nevada and South Carolina, to move their dates so that they fall before Florida's primary. The Florida decision could also prompt other states to schedule earlier primaries in the hopes of leapfrogging others and playing a bigger role in determining the nominee.
The Republican National Committee sought to avoid this kind of scramble by telling most states that they would lose half their convention delegates if they held primaries before March 1. That could prove difficult, now that Florida is the instigator of the reshuffling. Not only is the Sunshine State critical in a general election, it will play host to the Republican convention next summer, setting up the prospect that the host state wouldn't be allowed to seat all of its delegates.
The Republican National Committee has set Saturday as the deadline for states to decide the dates of their nominating contests, so there could be more movement in the days ahead.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Eighteen months ago, Aleut Kate Shugak quit her job investigating sex crimes for the Anchorage DA's office and retreated to her father's homestead in a national park in the interior of Alaska. But the world has a way of beating a path to her door, however remote. In the middle of one of the bitterest Decembers in recent memory ex-boss — and ex-lover — Jack Morgan shows up with an FBI agent in tow. A Park ranger with powerful relatives is missing, and now the investigator Jack sent in to look for him is missing, too.
Reluctantly, Kate, along with Mutt, her half-wolf, half-husky sidekick, leaves her wilderness refuge to follow a frozen trail through the Park, twenty thousand square miles of mountain and tundra sparsely populated with hunters, fishermen, trappers, mushers, pilots and homesteaders. Her formidable grandmother and Native chief, Ekaterina Shugak, is — for reasons of her own — against Kate's investigation; her cousin, Martin, may be Kate's prime suspect; and the local trooper, Jim Chopin, is more interested in Kate than in her investigation. In the end, the sanctuary she sought after five and a half years in the urban jungles may prove more lethal than anything she left behind in the city streets of Anchorage.
State of suspense: listen to more Alaskan mysteries in the Kate Shugak series.
©2011 Dana Stabenow (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
I am a voracious reader (average about 4-5 Audible books a week, in addition to those I "eyeball".) I have been hooked on recorded books since the time of cassettes/CDs and was thrilled when I became an Audible member in 2007. I find reader reviews good guides to spending my credits, so have finally decided to write a few (although, I would rather be reading!)
"You never go wrong with a Stabenow novel"
I have been waiting until all Stabenow's books are in audible format, so I have "read" some of the latter books before this one. This book was not as complex, but it is great to get to know the characters from the beginning. Gavin's performance is, as usual, top notch.
One inconsistency, though, is the variation in the story of the how Kate received her throat scar. In "Though Not Dead", the 4 year old was a random victim, whereas in this (first) of the series, the victim was the child of the perpetrator. This does not diminish from the impact of the book, however -- it must be difficult to keep facts consistent over the course of more than a dozen novels.
The best character in the story is Alaska itself. Stabenow takes you there and it is a fun trip. Also love the partnership between Kate and her dog, Mutt.
Please make ALL of Stabenow's books available!
I love mysteries, thrillers and horror - my escape! Since I spend roughly 4 hours a day commuting, Audible is my lifeline to sanity! I love it!
"Hooked by the Alaska connection"
A fan of mystery/detective stories all my life, I've been looking for a new (to me) author/series to listen to. The Alaska setting drew me to Dana Stabenow and Kate Shugak. While a little short of compelling, I found the story interesting and the characters well-defined. I found myself drawn into their lives and caring about what happens to them. I'm going to try another in the series.
"the 1st of the Kate Shugak series AAA+++"
Love this series! have been reading these for over a decade and I have yet to tire of them. I encourage you to look into Dana Stabenow 's other books!
"A Cold Day for Murder"
Marguerite Gavin does a great job bring Kate Shugak to like. Kate is a realistic and sympathetic character that I enjoyed reading about. The plot was strong and well developed as was the other characters. There was enough twist and turns to keep you guessing through out the book. I ususally read light and cozy mysteries and this was a bit darker. I spent an entire day listening to it. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries.
Long term book junkie only recently addicted to audio books. Now my iPod and I are inseparable.
"Good characters. Story showing its age"
I'm one of those folks who has to go back to the begining of a series. In this case the downside of that was that this story starts to feel a little slow and a little old fashioned, although I'm sure it was leading edge when it was published.
The book has a strong sense of place and some deeply (although not subtly) carved characters who make you care what happens to them,
The plot is complicated enough to be interesting with being annoyingly clever.
Perhaps I'm just not used to the accent but I was distracted by the fact that the reader placed stresses in unexpected places. She did dialogue well but the descriptive pieces lacked focus. It seemed her voice needed a little more range.
I will continue with this series on audible.
"Really enjoyed this one."
This is the first book I've read in this series or even by this author for that matter. It won't be the last. I really enjoyed it. I'm just sorry I won't be able to get them all on audible. I really like the narrator also. Very nice job all the way around.
I can find a book to love in any genre -- a beautifully written classic, an interesting mystery or sci-fi, a trashy romance. Bring it!
"Mystery in the Beautiful Alaskan Wilderness"
STORY (mystery) - A Cold Day for Murder introduces Kate Shugak, a native Alaskan and previous investigator for the Anchorage DA's Office who has retired to a quiet and peaceful life deep in the Alaskan wilderness. She is asked by Jack, her ex lover/boss, to conduct an investigation into the disappearance of two men who were last seen in her area. What follows is the typical murder investigation you've heard many times, but this one is set in Aleut territory with descriptive imagery of crisp winter mornings, snowmobile rides and encounters with wildlife. The investigation is interesting and the conclusion is somewhat unexpected. I enjoyed the author's treatment of the "past" between Jack and Kate.
PERFORMANCE - I have commented about this narrator before. She has a lovely voice, but she seems to lose her place while reading and then tack on the rest of a sentence as an afterthought. It doesn't happen enough to detract from the experience, but you will notice it when it happens.
OVERALL - This is the first book in the series, but it can stand alone. It is short (5 1/2 hours) and enjoyable, but there's nothing special about it except the Alaskan scenery. There is cursing and some violence, but not a lot. I don't plan to continue the series, except maybe an occasional book that may come on sale.
"Enjoyed this mystery!"
Kate - she's independent and loves the outdoors, yet has needs like everyone else
I liked this book because I really grew to like Kate and I loved hearing about Alaska and the people and the customs - hearing in entertaining ways that were woven into the story. I ended and bought the 2nd in the series so that says something!
"Dana Stabenow never fails with a good story"
It is a great book, any book with Kate in it is a good read
Maman Music
"Mystery and suspense in Alaskan wilderness"
Totally different setting and interesting characters.
Kate is sort of an Alaskan Kinsey Milhone, but even more independent, self-sufficient, and tough as nails.
Kate Shugak was performed the best - the narrator had to make her voice sound like it had been damaged.
In Alaska, that's going some.
This is a standard murder mystery lifted above the pack by excellent writing, unique environment and charismatic characters.
Kate is... irascible, bright, loyal, terse... All kinds of person and it shows in the personal conflict she manages to deal with with grace.
"Worse than waiting for paint to dry!"
Awful. I have given up on only two books in my life; and this is the 2nd. I really, really don't care about the method of heating for a shack in a native village in Alaska or how housing is transported, I certainly do not want a 5 minute description of each; just give me the story! Is there one? I'm in chapter 4 and NOTHING that is not on the front cover, has happened.
No redeeming qualities. Bin it.
"Don't waste your credit on this one."
boring, predictable, repetitive, shallow. I wouldn't waste my time. oh well. on to another book.
"Dull and boring"
Absolutely no depth to the story or any of the characters. There was no suspense, no build up, no tension, the story just trotted along aimlessly then ended. Had it been longer, I would never have finished it.
It was ok. I can't blame the narrator for the boring story.
All of it. The story was just too weak. Most of the story was filling, linking together a few uninteresting events.
The synopsis is the most interesting part of this book. For a book that was only 5.5 hours, I nearly gave up after 3 hours thinking that the story was going nowhere, but I thought as I was over half way, I would plough through. I had to force myself to listen to the last hour, including the big (or not so big) reveal, so I could write a fair review. Normally when I reach the last hour of a book, I am listening anywhere and everywhere. I listened to the last 10 minutes, purely to delete it and move on to the next book.
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text:
Hi all.
I need to write a Java package in order to manipulate Alfresco repository objects in custom ways. I am just creating a custom Java package and I want to have a reference to alfresco services (nodeService, ...) inside my Java classes, so I am going to direct inject Alfresco beans into my classes. Because I need to manage all the task in a transactional way, I need a reference to TransactionService into my classes. I was thinking about direct injecting a TransactionService bean into my classes, but it failed.
My questions are the following:
1) how to direct inject TransactionService into my classes (if possible)?
2) Instead of TransactionService is it possible to direct inject the ServiceRegistry bean?
I followed the FirstFoundationClient example, but it creates a new ApplicationContext, on the contrary I want to use the ApplicationContext already created during the Alfresco boot.
I tried the write a Java bean and direct inject the TransactionComponent and the AuthenticationComponentImpl beans. My bean has an init() method as the following:
public void init ()
try {
} catch (NotSupportedException e) {
// TODO Auto-generated catch block
} catch (SystemException e) {
// TODO Auto-generated catch block
this.authenticationService.authenticate("admin", "admin".toCharArray());
It works fine but I would like to know if this is the correct way to go on or not.
Many thanks to all.
Sergio D'Ascia
cell telephone number: +39 347 3186203
location: Bologna - Italy


text:
The Health
Professions Project
The Health Professions Project was initiated in 2001. Designed
in conjunction with the School of Allied Health Professions, this
program seeks to introduce sophomores and juniors to the fields
of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Care, Athletic
Training, and Physician Assistant through a fall seminar series.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an overall high school
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in group discussions.
Students then
sign up for group interviews held at the Brooklyn Campus. Applications
are available from College Advisors or teachers who act as liaisons
to the Bridge Programs or the director of Bridge Programs.


text:
The Kirksville High School Lady Tigers have home games both Friday and Saturday nights so this would an excellent opportunity to see this incredible team in action. Friday night's game is against Fulton and Saturday's game is against Macon.
The boys teams has games Friday and Saturday night as well with Friday night's game being in Fulton and Saturday night's game being a home game against Macon. Both KHS teams have busy weeks next week as well.
The Kirksville High School wrestling team is participating in the Harrisonville tournament this weekend. This will be another excellent opportunity for the KHS wrestlers to face some of the top competition in the state which gives them quite an advantage when it comes time for districts, secitonals, and the state tournament as they will be facing wrestlers they have already had matches against and in most cases beaten.
Things are very quiet on the college basketball front as neither Truman team is in action this weekend and the Missouri Tigers are off as well. The Truman women are headed to Riverside, CA for games next week while the men will head to Quincy, IL to participate in their tournament. Missouri doesn't play again until Monday night.
The Kansas City Chiefs head to Oakland on Sunday to play the Raiders. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs earlier in the year but that's not a major feat and I'm pretty sure the third grade flag football team would beat the Chiefs at this point.
The St. Louis Rams try to keep their winning streak alive when they play the Minnesota Vikings at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday. I am actually looking forward to this game as both teams have been playing pretty well as of late. The Vikings like the Rams got off to a slow start this year before seeming to turn things around halfway through the season. The Rams must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. A loss to the Vikings will eliminate any chance they have.
The college football bowl season kicks off on Saturday with two bowl games including the Idaho Potato Bowl. I understand the winning team gets a sack of Idaho potatoes. I wonder if Mr. Potato Head will be there.
We'll be back on Monday with a full report on the Idaho Potato Bowl along with a review of all the other weekend's sports action and a look ahead to a busy week in sports. Please condtinue supporting all the other blogs and thanks so much for taking the time to read this one.
Have a great weekend!


text:
I already registered for this race, but now cannot access it or its website. Has it been cancelled? I have not received a refund. Can you tell me what is going on with this race?
ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.


text:
If you have an interesting fish tale about Lake Alan Henry you can summit it to Captain Mike at 1-806-747-0534 or e-mail it to
Capt'n Mike
I read the fish tales of the dear on the lake and I myself
caught them swimming in 45 feet of water. All the was across the lake. I thought
it was someone's jugs scootin across the lake but it was still a sight to see.
Texas Veteran
> > This was a pretty interesting story from The Sunday Wichita Eagle
> > Newspaper a couple of weeks ago. Was in a housing development around
> > 119th st. South and Maple. Anyhow a resident in the area saw a ball
> > bouncing around kind of strange like in the developments pond and when
> > he went to investigate, it was a flathead catfish who had obviously
> > tried to swallow a child's basketball which became stuck in its mouth.
> > The fish was totally exhausted from trying to dive but unable to
> > because the ball would always bring him back up to the surface. The
> > resident tried numerous times to get the ball out but was
> > unsuccessful. He finally had his wife cut the ball in order to
> > deflate the ball and release the catfish.
At about 8:45 on Wed. May 28 I was coming out of Big Grape
headed for the
ramp. I saw what appeared to be a tree top sticking out of the water and thought
it might be the tree that used to stand alone in the main body. When I got
closer I thought it was a floating log and then possibly a small animal. After I
finally motored close enough, it turned out to be a deer! The closest bank was
at least 150 yards and depth was over 50ft. I scared it off the intended path
and it turned and headed for the other bank which was approx. 200 yards.
Concerned that the deer might not make it, I got the trolling motor out and
followed it to shore. With the trolling motor on high 24v, the deer was outrunning
me! Once to the bank, it hopped right out and disappeared. Not being a deer
expert I would guess it to be a young adult and to weigh over 150lbs. Looked like
a doe to me, but some friends informed me that the bucks are without a rack
at this time. This it not the first time I have seen deer in the water at AH,
but never out in the middle of the lake. I guess from now on other boaters
won't be the only thing I'm looking out for. I took some pictures but don't know
how they will turn out due to the poor lighting.
> Capt'n Mike,
> Tanks a lot for the tips you gave me on fishing this lake. I will agree
> you that it is definitley one of the best lakes i have been to in west
> and finishes a close second next to fork in texas. We caught six fish one
> them over four pounds. We enjoyed all the points and easy cover on the
> and i will definitely spend more time fishing this lake in the future. I
> appreciate your help and hope you have many days of successful fishing
> whichever lake you may be on.
> Thanks A Lot,
> Beaumont Boyce
on this past sunday my brother in law and i were
fishing at alan henry, we have just got an old ranger
bass boat that we had only had on the water a couple
of times. we had fished for several hours and were
getting ready to come in when the starter on the
outboard went to smoking and quit working. we tried
to wave down several boats, many bass boats and no one
even offered to stop and help. we were a long ways
away from the ramp. we started back that direction
with the trolling motor waving down every boat that
went by. this went on for about an hour before this
guy was slowly coming up from behind us on a 14ft jon
boat with a 6hp motor and he asked if he could help.
we told him sure if he saw a game warden just tell him
we are broke down and send him to come get us. this
guy said i can pull you back so we let him pull us
just barly faster than our trolling motor. when we
got back to the ramp we offered to pay him but he
refused and said just stop and help the next guy.
this was the first time i have ever been stranded on
the lake and you can bet i will be stopping to help
anyone broke on the water, even if i am in the middle
of a tournament. all i ask is for people to be more
considerate and help each other out becouse if you
have not had a day like mine you will eventually.
thank you,
good boating
Rob Nance
One time my dad my brother and I went fishing for crappie. We
were just
fishing off the
dock when all of a sudden it started raining. I thought we were going to
head back but my
dad just kept fishing so we were setting there fishing and all of a sudden
fish were biting
like crazy. We counted how many fish we were catching for almost and hour
and when we
got done fishing we had caught 102 CRAPPIE! not including the million of
perch we
caught and we were just using regular minnows. I thought that was
outstanding so keep
up the work guys.
3/29/02 -- My dad and I fished Alan Henry this
afternoon for about 3 hours before the rain hit, and I
landed this 23" 7.5lb bass on a lizard. This lake
just keeps getting better & better! Keep up the good
Richard Feagan
Lubbock, Texas
09/03/01 Well never take it for granted you will catch crappie with a crappie rig. Some friend of mine, caught a 40# yellow up by the dam, on a crappie rig. This is the 3rd big cat that I know of coming out of Henry, on a minnow. Capt'n mike
I was up at alan henry about 2 days ago and boy was it a sucess. we ran a
trot line and caught about 15 catfish in 2 days, and we caught 12 bass, 5
keeper bass, all over 19 inches in the mornin in about 15 ft of water on
plastic worms.
07/21/01water temp was 85
crappie were great on minnows about half that were caught
were limit or better. Has anyone ever mentioned going scuba diving at
this lake??? Thanks BK
Dear Capt'n Mike,
My first bass was caught at lake Alan Henry on July 3,
2001.My bass was a good sized bass.It was 14" caught with a DEAD minow.I
would also like to say I am 11 YRS. OLD.I am pretty young but, I am strong.My
name is PAUL.I would also like to say that DEAD MINOWS WORK AS WELL AS ALIVE
Mike Last Saturday May 25, 2001,I was with my wife and grand daughter at Lake Allan Henry in a cove on the west side of the lake. I think it was you that took a picture of my grand daughter catching a bass for the first time by herself. Grand daughter is 6 years old and had a blast catching those small bass. there was a bale of hay tied to a tree where we was at. About 3 pm my wife hooked a 15 1/2 inch crappie ,nice fish. It was the biggest Crappie I had seen in a long time. I just moved to the area and enjoy all of the time I spend at Lake Allan Henry. some of our other catches were Cat Fish that were 13 to 15 inches, and more Crappie.
Here's one of 12 bass that Tom Ward and I boated on Lake Alan Henry on
Monday, May 28, 2001.
Taken on a top water plug in brush along shoreline.
Had a very good time on the lake this particular day. Love the way this
lake sets up for fishing.
Windy days are no problem with so many coves to get into and avoid windy
Thanks for the opportunity to fish your fine lake.
Len Westra
LJ Ranch
Lohn, TX 76852
TomWard &Bass #2 052801 Lake Alan Henry TX
Thoroughly enjoyed our day out on Lake Alan Henry.
My son-in-law and I boated 12 bass in approximately 5 hours, three of
which were over 18".
Most were caught on top water plugs in open water and along shoreline.
Several were caught on
shad colored crank baits.
Thanks for the opportunity to fish this fine lake.
Len Westra
LJ Ranch
Lohn, TX 76852
Len & Largemouth Bass Lake Alan Henry TX
05/15/01 I took my Son out of school for the day to go fishing. Some things are more important than the 3 R's. We got to the lake on the evening of the 9th of May. We set up camp & put the boat in the water. The fishing that evening was good. We caught several bass, small, but fighters, & several nice croppies. The next morning we hit the shoreline with a orange & brown crank bait. We smoked 'em! This was the first time my 9 year old caught fish on artificial bait. He caught about 25 small bass that day & several croppie. He lost a bass that would have gone at least 8 pounds. The hog took his lure, slapped the water, & headed for the trees. He snapped the line on a tree. My Son was upset, but we talked about what fishing was all about. We would have let it go anyway & that's the sport. By the time we got home the fish weighed 12 pounds. I guess the talk we had worked. He is now a real fisherman!! We love the lake, the camping, & the people who work there!! P.S. Thanks to the one's who keep the lake clean!! Good job!! Donn & Ethan Hicks / Amarillo, Tx
My buddy and I were fishing from the shore of the cove just to
the left of the dock using top water lures when we spotted a big bass just
cruisin around. We put about six differant lures infront of her but she
only showed a little interest, no bites. Finally I pulled out this
terrible looking frog lure that Ive gotten tons of strikes on but never hooked
one with. Apparently bass like that lure becase she nearly swallowed it.
She was about 7 pounds and fat ( i dont think shed spawned yet ) We put her back
so we could catch again some day.
Blair and Christian
morning after easter
My boss and I fished Alan Henry for the first time Sunday 29, April.
We did real well. Got quite a few good ones. Most of them were
from 2-6 pounds. We both had a fish break off. These we got
a look at and were both easily 8+. My boss is from Alabama
and was really impressed with the lake. We are going back
this weekend. Good fishin'.
04/29/01 Just wanted to drop you a
line and thank you for your hospitality. My
Name is Beau Crum and I stayed with Nemo Britton in your rental house last
week for 5 days. The weather didn't cooperate for most of the week, however
the last day was very productive. I caught a nice 7.3 lb bass on a topwater
late in the evening on Monday. I caught 2 bass weighing 4.5 and several 2-3
pounders. I drove up from Memphis and was thoroughly impressed with the
fishing. I hope to be back real soon. I will send you a picture of my big
fish. It was the largest one thus far in my career and I will be getting a
fiberglass reproduction to match. I put her back in so she could produce
some more "hogs" just like herself. Take care and really enjoyed your
Beau Crum
Memphis, Tennessee
04/22/01 My name is Tyler. I live in Plainview Texas. I am 13 years
Anyway, your never going to believe this. My dad and I went to Lake Alan
Henry for 5hours. When we got there we unloaded are boat things like that.
After we got ready we went near the dam on the left side going to the dam
where my dad fished a point not to long ago. On my first cast just to the
left of the bank I caught a little 6 inch bass. Then my dad caught a three
pounder. We hardly caught anything after that. We went all over the lake
didn't catch a thing. We went back to the point and nothing. Then we went
further back being the point where i saw two BIG bass. One was about 4
pounds while the other was 5 pounds. My dad didn't believe me. Then we got
stuck on a big tree where the bass where. I thought they be gone but they
where still there. It was probably blowing 15-20 that day. We sat there for
a long time. I used a pumkinseed plastic worm 7" while my dad used a soft
plastic jerk bait. The bass didn't bite my worm, but they looked at it for a
while, so I put on a little chartues topwater buzzbait. While I was doing
that my dad had on that big bass for a second, he didn't even know it until
it went in the tree and broke off. My dad was mad. then he put a jig on,
they didn't bite that, then he went back to the jerk bait. I fished my
buzzbait underneath the water instead on top. Each time I through it they
look at it then go underneath the tree. After I reel my lure back up it pop
back out again. Finally on my 7th cast the big bass hit. When I set the hook
that fish went everywhere. Then it went into the tree, and I can't believe I
didn't lose him. Then my dad got him and acted like he was fixing to drop
the big 5pound bass into the water. Then we found out it hasn't spawned yet.
I felt real bad I didn't release him. But what got me that bass that haven't
spawned yet would bust anything. But not this one. It took me 35min to hook
that bass. My dad was real jealous. That was the biggest bass I have ever
caught in my life. A 5lb Bass
great fishing Friday and Sat. Landed some good bass (one 22 inches) and we
brought home 20 crappie, several of them really good ones. Parking lot was
full to the brim, but that is one thing I love about Alan Henry is that it
is not crowded on the lake. Do you think that will change when they build
all of those ramps and docks they are talking about, with the mineral
rights battle being over?
What a great day to fish! I had three bass total over 17lbs between them. Two 6's and a 5 1/2 all released. Maybe things are picking up. Mike Marshall
In June of last year, we were running a trotline up the Brazos from the boat ramp, we had a big one on the line. My friend grabbed the line to pull the fish in, in a split second the fish pulled him in head first off the front of the boat. It scared him as well as the rest of us. He was alright, but we lost the fish. I saw it's tale and to me it looked like it was between 30 and 40 lbs.. Lesson to be learned, be careful there are some real big fish in this lake. Captain Mike
In December of last year there was a 30 1/2 lb. yellow taken inside the well at the crappie house. Keith { of Nancy's Bait in Post} said it was caught with a crappie minnow while fishing for crappie. He said it took 3 people to land it. I guess you don't have to have a boat to land the big one in this lake. Captain Mike
Last Nov. 1st I went fishing at Alan Henry. I got up at 4:00 am and drove to the lake. It was raining and very foggy when I left Lubbock. When I got to Post the rain stopped. I hit my favorite spot at 5:15. By 9:00 am I had caught nine bass. Six of them were over 18 inches long. I have a digital scale and nearly all six of the keepers were over six pounds each. Just another great day of fishing at Alan Henry. They were really hitting Red Shad worms. Lubbock did a good thing in building this lake. Now we fisherman need to take care of the fishing. By the way I let all the fish go. Steve
i live in corpus christ , been in south tx 15yrs. ( BUT I'M FROM
TECH OK i have fished alan henery with a freind of mine from new home about
4 times, super lake lake!!!!!!!. when i lived in west tx. i lived on white
river lake. for about 10 yrs. your web site is great its good to keep in
touch with good fishing in tx. we fish lake c.c 4to 5 times aweek ,chock a
few times falcon when we un load. kepp up the good site for us west tx
exsssss. HAPPY FISHING FROM SOUTH TEXAS
My wife and I went to the lake on 5/26/00 to do some night catfishing. This was only are second time ever to the lake. We dropped anchor near the opening of little grape creek in a small cove in about 30 feet of water. We tried a variety of baits but did not get any catfish. However, about 11:00 PM the Crappie started biting on bass minnows. We fished until sunrise and caught around 30 Crappie. 15 of these were keepers. Of the 15 or so we threw back, most were around 9 inches. I wish the catfish would have been biting, but this turned out to be a fun trip. We will definitely be back. Brandon
07/20/00 Dad and i had set a rope, about 75 feet long, out with bait for
before we went and fished for bass, and at the end of the day we came back to
check the rope and all but one of the hooks we had put on there were snapped
in half. There was about 7 hooks and six of them had broken off! Brandon Clark
07/25/00 Mr. Cook of Tahoka, on Sunday, caught a 16 inch bass, then 2-17 inch bass, and then caught a 26 inch bass weighing 15 1/2 pounds. This would have been the lake record if it was registered but he said he ate it. He caught the fish on the walk way to the crappie house. I was told about it Sunday evening by other friends and saw Mr. Cook on Monday and he told me the details. He had witnesses and all. So be sure to register any potential records with Texas Parks and Wildlife. At this lake you can go up to Grubbs store and they will call the TPWD, to get it registered. capt'n mike
08/04/00 Hello, we had a good fishing trip, and thanks for the
advise! Gobbler creek
was excellent for bass but the catfish weren't biting well. We went and
moved our trotline down out of gobbler creek and towards the boat docks from
that direction. We found a spot in the opening of a big cove along the main
lake and had some good success! We caught two nice blue cats and a 16 lb
flathead in one night! I recommend gobbler creek for people who our trying to
bass fish! Thanks again for the advise and tips, I appreciate it.
This tale was told to me by a Mr. Walkup. That a friend of his by the name of Patty Cook, from Lubbock, had caught a 24 1/2 # yellow cat {flathead} on a fishing trip to Lake Alan Henry with him and his friends. It was Patty's 2nd fishing trip ever. She caught it on a minnow up Ince Cove, while fishing for crappie. It gave her one hell of fight and wrapped her around several trees before she got it in. Lucky she was fishing with wire line. What a story, Capt'n mike
A while back my dad and i were fishing at alan henry, and we had
set a
trought line back in gobbler creek, but had no luck, so we moved it to
another location down towards the docks in a big cove. we set it out for
that night and in the morning we had caught two nice blue cats, and a 20lb
yellow cat!!!! Great Lake! Texas Redneck
Hey Captain Mike got a story
for you. A week or so ago
I e-mailed you asking for advice on how to fish and
where to go to catch big bass at Alan Henry.My problem
was that when I fished there all I caught were a lot
of little bass, no big ones. You told me it was pretty
much unpredictable seeing that the lake record was
caught at the docks. To just keep trying. Well I am
proud to say I have broken my little bass streak at
Alan Henry. Last Saturday I fished the lake and of
course I caught several little bass, a # or less. But
at 9:45 or so I hooked into a BIG BOY! Finally a bass
worth mentioning. I was fishing up big grape, at the
bend with a crank bait(fat free suspending),shad
pattern. I was pretty much the only one catching fish
consistently when BOOM it hit. After 15 small bass I
caught a 6lbs plus bass that measured over 19in. It is
probably not a big deal to some but it is my biggest
bass at Allan Henry.
P.S. I did release it after a few pictures so it could
be caught later when its bigger.
Till next time, tight lines,
11/27/00 We caught some good bass on the 22nd and the 25th in gobbler and grape creeks using crankbaits and black/blue jigs. Four keepers, one just under 6# most of the fish came on a crankbait. Mike Marshall
11/30/00 Capt. Mike,
My brother, Boyd, and I caught 11 bass on Nov. 29, 2000. We had 5 over 3
pounds with the largest going 6 lbs. 6 ozs. We were slow rolling white
spinnerbaits in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Thanks for having a place to brag.
Norman Clayton
home page
Site design by Lubbock Cyber Sales 1-806-747-0534 or e-mail to Capt'n Mike
© Lubbock Cyber Sales 2001


text:
In the latest round of wet weather, Northern California saw a dose of low-falling snow. Click through this slideshow to see some photos provided by our u local members and KCRA 3 photographers.
Photos: Spring snow falls in SierraUPDATED 1:31 PM PDT Apr 01, 2014
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PwnageTool 4.1.3 Unlock Download Available
PwnageTool 4.1.3 has just been released and includes the ability to unlock iPhone 3G and 3GS with basebands later than 05.13.04 (iPhone 4 is apparently in the works). To do this, you will need to jailbreak using PwnageTool and then download Ultrasn0w for iOS 4.2.1 from Cydia. PwnageTool Unlock Edition works by using the iPad … Read More


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Definition of ecotage in English:
noun[mass noun]
Sabotage carried out for ecological reasons.
Example sentences
- The media coined the phrase 'eco-terrorism,' but some activists prefer 'ecotage' (a variation on sabotage) or 'direct action.'
- With dozens of cases of 'ecotage' amounting to tens of millions of dollars in damages, the FBI has publicly denounced the ELF as 'the nation's most dangerous domestic terror organisation.'
- When he hears about an act of ecotage - a firebombing or fur protest, for instance - he'll call up the victimized company or local police agency and let them know he has information that might prove useful.
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: eco|tage
Definition of ecotage in:
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EAST PRAIRIE - Barbara Lou Murray, 65, died at 9 a.m. Feb. 22, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.
Born Nov. 1, 1938, in Ohio, daughter of the late Earl and Dora Lowe, she was a retired nurse and of the Protestant belief.
Survivors include: four daughters, Vicki Slager of New Work, Ohio, Brandi Boyer of East Prairie and Suzi Wilson and Judi Moore of Plain City, Ohio; one brother, Eddie Lowe of New Vienna, Ohio; and 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Billi Moore; and one brother.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. Thursday until service time at 1 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home. Mike Johnson will officiate.
Burial will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.


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For Love, a Scholar of Work-Life Issues Gives Up Tenure
One of the most prominent scholars of policies promoting work-life balance in academe has just given up tenure for love. Robert W. Drago, who until this month was a full professor of labor studies and women's studies at Pennsylvania State...
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DEXTER -- Lyman Arthur Garner, 73, died Oct. 6, 2006, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.
Born Dec. 31, 1932, at Dexter, son of the late Bert and Goldie Dillingham Garner, he was a member of the Cane Creek Christian Church near Dexter. He had farmed, co-owned Garner Appliance in Dexter, and served in the U.S. Air Force.
Survivors include: one daughter, Tana Garner Christensen of Hot Springs, Ark.; one brother, Bill Garner of Dexter; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation is from 1 p.m. until time of services at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. The Rev. Vaughn Wright will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Armstead Dowdy Cemetery.


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