Aussie news : Qantas cancels flights for a third day

AAP From: AAP April 18, 2010 10:50AM

ALL Qantas flights bound for Europe have been cancelled for a third consecutive day, as volcanic ash from an eruption in Iceland continues to play havoc with air travel.

"Any passenger that is through booked to Europe on Sunday - their flights are cancelled," a Qantas spokeswoman told AAP.

 

"This is looking like it's going to go on for several days.

"We do not recommend that they go in to Asia and try to wait it out there as it's still uncertain as to when the European air space is going to open."

Qantas said passengers should prepare for significant disruption, with the vast cloud of volcanic ash grounding flights across Europe in the biggest air travel shutdown since World War II.

The airline has warned that flights from Australia to Europe could be delayed up to a week.

Qantas said it would make an announcement this afternoon regarding Monday's flights to Europe.

"At this stage we are at the mercy of the European authorities," the spokeswoman said.

"If you are flying to Europe please stay at home, please don't come to the airport."

For those who could delay their travel plans into the future, Qantas said it would rebook flights at no extra cost, or provide a full refund.

Qantas was developing a contingency plan, which could include putting on extra flights to get passengers into Europe once the travel ban is lifted.

"But that's all quite complicated as airlines only have a certain amount of slots going in to airports and it's whether the European authorities are going to open up extra slots to deal with the demand."

About 2000 Qantas customers in Asian ports were being given the option of onward flights to other destinations or flights back to Australia.

The airline estimates at least 9000 Qantas customers have been affected by the volcanic eruption, while about 100 international passengers stranded in Australia are being accommodated in Sydney hotels.

In Britain, flights have been cancelled at London's Heathrow Airport until at least 1pm on Sunday London time (10pm AEST) due to the risk volcanic ash poses to the operating of jet engines.

The Air Transport Association in Geneva estimates the current cost of the eruption to major airlines is around $A214 million a day.

Critique : I am feeling bad for so many travellers stranded due to the volcanic ash from an eruption in Iceland. Minute pieces of particles that had created in the air had caused the flights to be dangerous to operate. No choice, air travel shutdown is a must. In fact, volcanic eruption is the natural disasters that we can neither resist nor control. Hence, I just hope that the situation will get better soon so that air travel will be back on track as many inconveniences have been arisen due to this shutdown. Frankly, it is a real heartaches to see so many disasters happening all around the Earth from time to time, so people please do appreciate what you have now and try to help the needy when you are capable to do so!

Argumentative Essay : Junk Food Draft#1

Should the sale of junk food in school canteens be banned?

According to Family Journal (2005), junk food aptly meant any food that is presumably unhealthy and of low nutritional value. Owing to the simplicity, time and cost saving factors, junk foods have always been opted to be sold and consumed. However, the decline in the sale of junk foods in Cook High School after 2001 has shown that the society is getting more health-conscious nowadays (School News 2005). Thereby, I strongly agree that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it triggers behavioural problems, creates health problems, as well as contributes to litter problems.

Firstly, junk food will affect the behaviour of children. According to Family Journal (2005), chemical additives have been lavishly added to enhance flavor and colour of most junk food as well as to prolong its shelf life. Most of these additives are proven to cause behavioural problems in children, namely hyperactivity and poor concentration. By removing junk food and soft drinks from the canteen, Hillview primary school teacher observed a noticeable improvement in students’ behaviour in class as they had become calmer after lunch (The Food Show 2005). Hence, in order to make the students well-behaved, the sale of junk food in school should be banned in the first place.

Secondly, junk food deteriorates the health of schoolchildren. High calories level in junk food has led to childhood obesity which can further result in heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Professor Steven Reynolds puts the blame of obesity in youth on the school canteens that offering foods high in fat and sugar. Besides, Dental Association is also urging state governments to prohibit the sale of soft drinks as the dental health of Australia’s primary-school children is worsening (Weekend News 2005). In short, when junk foods are readily available at school, students’ learning ability is reduced as the nutrients required for healthy development and growth are insufficient (The Food Show 2005).

Thirdly, the packaging of fast food is the main contributor to litter problems. Regarding to Family Journal (2005), litter jeopardizes the safety and health as well as tarnishes the image of our communities. When junk food is sold at the school canteen, there will be cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic containers everywhere. As a result, there will be more time spending on cleaning the surroundings while less time can be allocated on maintenance projects that benefit the school (The Food Show 2005). Although the sale of low-cost production junk food generates bigger profits for school, the cleaning costs of litters on the other hand incur high cost as well.

In a nutshell, school which is responsible for the well-being of students should outlaw the sale of junk food as it contributes significantly to the behavioural, health and litter problems. Professor Reynolds postulates the prohibition of the sale of junk food as it will give young generation the perception that they can consume junk food whenever they like without any repercussions (Weekend News 2005). There is no better time than now to provide a supportive environment in school for nurturing good eating habits for students. Accordingly, junk food should be banned in school canteens.

p/s Welcome to give any comment on my essay . Thanks in advance ! ^.^

Final Version of Text Production Essay

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?

In this era of urbanisation, advocates attribute the climate change to global warming. Global warming refers to the rising in global temperature due to the increase in greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide. According to the film, An inconvenient Truth (2007), the concentration of carbon dioxide has increased over 300ppm regardless the record in the past 650,000 years that remained below 300ppm. The projected concentration of carbon dioxide after 50 more years of unrestricted fossil fuel burning is even higher. Therefore, the potential effects of global warming should be cautiously scrutinized so that the appropriate solutions can be implemented to deter the impacts from deteriorating.

Global warming has the potential effect on the average and extreme temperature as well as precipitation. The rising of temperature due to global warming warms up the ocean and Earth. Consequently, the heated water occupies larger volume, causing the sea level rises. According to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), roughly 8 percent of ice in the Arctic has been reduced over the past 30 years. Melting glaciers in Antarctica are also contributing to the substantial rises in sea-level. Prediction proclaimed that Bangladesh or low-lying areas, including Florida, California, and Maldives Island might disappear underwater in the future (Woodford 2006). Besides, the film, An inconvenient Truth (2007) unfolded that ten hottest years have been occurred in the last 14years. The warmer oceans will intensify the storms, hurricanes, tornados and typhoons. Owing to the facts that global warming is not only increasing the precipitation worldwide but also relocating the precipitation, global warming paradoxically causes flooding and drought. Darfur and Niger are the nations that suffering from severe drought due to the desiccation of Lake Chad. Significantly, the erratic weather happens as a consequence of global warming should take into consideration.

With the happening of global warming, the ecological balance of the nature has been affected. Warmer temperatures have altered the growing season in parts of the globe. Flora and fauna that cannot migrate or withstand the rising temperature will be eventually in the brink of extinction. Invariably, the poorest people as part of the complex ecosystem who are incapable in fencing off the climate change are expected to be hit hardest. As tropical temperature zones expand, there will be the outbreak of infectious diseases like malaria. Intense droughts could also give rise to malnutrition. Fresh water will become scarcer as mountain glaciers disappear, particularly in Asia and parts of North America (Riebeek 2007). Chris Woodford (2006) predicted that climate change flooding could cause approximately 100-200 million people permanently homeless by 2100 and more people are expected to suffer serious water shortages thereafter. Subsequently, the ecosystem imbalance due to global warming causes the lives of organisms in chaos.

In order to arrest the intractable problems of global warming, feasible strategies should be adopted. Bob Carter (Nzone Tonight 2008) likens the climate change to the natural hazards that we can neither predict nor control but to adapt. An inconvenient Truth (2007) on the other hand convinced individuals partake in cutting down the emissions of carbon dioxide. The use of high efficient electric appliances, end-use efficiency and passenger vehicle efficiency that adds up to the transport efficiency, renewable technology as well as Carbon Capture and Sequestration are suggested. Besides, he emphasised that political will as part of the renewable sources can solve the issue of global warming.

As a whole, the indiscriminate development on Earth has been worsening the issue of global warming. The potential effects including rising sea-levels, horrendous natural catastrophe and the imbalance of ecosystem had brought detrimental impacts on the population on Earth. Hence, prompt actions should be spearheaded by the authorities with the cooperation of nations to ensure that these potential effects will come to a halt in the foreseeable future.

Text Production Essay Draft #2

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?

In this era of urbanisation, advocates attribute the climate change to global warming. Global warming refers to the rising in global temperature due to the increase in greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide. According to the film, ‘An inconvenient Truth’ (2007), the concentration of carbon dioxide has increased over 300ppm regardless the record in the past 650,000 years that remained below 300ppm. The projected concentration of carbon dioxide after 50 more years of unrestricted fossil fuel burning is even higher. Therefore, the potential effects of global warming should be cautiously scrutinized so that the appropriate solutions can be implemented to deter the impacts from deteriorating.


Global warming has the potential effect on the average and extreme temperature as well as precipitation. The rising of temperature due to global warming warms up the ocean and Earth. Consequently, the heated water occupies larger volume, causing the sea level rises. According to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), roughly 8 percent of ice in the Arctic has been reduced over the past 30 years. Melting glaciers in Antarctica are also contributing to the substantial rises in sea-level. Prediction proclaimed that Bangladesh or some low-lying areas, including Florida, California, and Maldives island might most probably disappear underwater in the future (Woodford, 2006). Besides, Al Gore in the film, ‘An inconvenient Truth’ (2007) unfolded that the ten hottest years have been occurred in the last 14years. He revealed that the warmer oceans will intensify the storms, hurricanes, tornados and typhoons. Owing to the facts that global warming is not only increasing the precipitation worldwide but also relocating the precipitation, global warming paradoxically causes flooding and drought. Darfur and Niger are the nations that suffering from severe drought due to the desiccation of Lake Chad. Significantly, the erratic weather happens as a consequence of global warming should take into consideration.

With the happening of global warming, the ecological balance of the nature has been affected. Warmer temperatures have altered the growing season in parts of the globe. Flora and fauna that cannot migrate or withstand the rising temperature will be eventually in the brink of extinction. Invariably, the poorest people as part of the complex ecosystem who are incapable in fencing off the climate change are expected to be hit hardest. As tropical temperature zones expand, there will be the outbreak of infectious diseases like malaria. Intense droughts could also give rise to malnutrition. Fresh water will become scarcer as mountain glaciers disappear, particularly in Asia and parts of North America (Riebeek, 2007). Chris Woodford (2006) predicted that climate change flooding could cause approximately 100-200 million people permanently homeless by 2100 and more people are expected to suffer serious water shortages thereafter. Subsequently, the ecosystem imbalance due to global warming causes the lives of organisms in chaos.

In order to arrest the intractable problems of global warming, feasible strategies should be adopted. Bob Carter (2008) likens the climate change to the natural hazards that we can neither predict nor control but to adapt. Al Gore in the film, ‘An inconvenient Truth’ (2007) on the other hand convinced individuals partake in cutting down the emissions of carbon dioxide. He suggested the use of high efficient electric appliances, end-use efficiency and passenger vehicle efficiency that adds up to the transport efficiency, renewable technology as well as Carbon Capture and Sequestration. Besides, he emphasised that political will as part of the renewable sources can solve the issue of global warming.

As a whole, the indiscriminate development on Earth has been worsening the issue of global warming. The potential effects including rising sea-levels, horrendous natural catastrophe and the imbalance of ecosystem had brought detrimental impacts on the population on Earth. Hence, prompt actions should be spearheaded by the authorities with the cooperation of nations to ensure that these potential effects will come to a halt in the foreseeable future.

Text Production Essay Draft #1

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?

In this era of urbanisation, advocates attribute the climate change to global warming. Global warming refers to the rising in global temperature due to the increase in greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide.  According to Al Gore (2007), the concentration of carbon dioxide has increased over 300ppm regardless the record in the past 650,000 years that remained below 300ppm. The projected concentration of carbon dioxide after 50 more years of unrestricted fossil fuel burning is even higher. Thus, the potential effects of global warming should be cautiously scrutinized so that the appropriate solutions can be implemented promptly to deter the impacts from deteriorating.

Global warming has the potential effect on the average and extreme temperature as well as precipitation. The rising of temperature due to global warming warms up the ocean and Earth. Consequently, the heated water occupies larger volume, causing the sea level rises. According to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), roughly 8 percent of ice in the Arctic has been reduced over the past 30 years. Melting glaciers in Antarctica are also feeding more water into the oceans and contributing to the substantial rises in sea-level. Prediction proclaimed that Bangladesh or some low-lying areas, including Florida, California, and Maldives island might most probably disappear underwater in the future (Chris Woodford 2006). Besides, Al Gore (2007) unfolded that the ten hottest years have been occurred in the last 14years. He revealed that the warmer oceans will intensify the storms, hurricanes, tornados and typhoons. Owing to the facts that global warming is not only increasing the precipitation worldwide but also relocating the precipitation, global warming paradoxically causes flooding and drought. Darfur and Niger are the nations that suffering from severe drought due to the desiccation of Lake Chad. Significantly, the erratic weather happens as a consequence of global warming should take into consideration.

With the happening of global warming, the ecological balance of the nature has been affected. Warmer temperatures have altered the growing season in parts of the globe. Flora and fauna that cannot migrate or withstand the rising temperature will be eventually in the brink of extinction. Invariably, the poorest people who are incapable in fencing off the climate change are expected to be hit hardest. As tropical temperature zones expand, there will be the outbreak of infectious diseases like malaria. Intense droughts could also give rise to malnutrition. Fresh water will become scarcer as mountain glaciers disappear, particularly in Asia and parts of North America (Holli Riebeek 2007). Chris Woodford (2006) predicted that climate change flooding could cause approximately 100-200 million people permanently homeless by 2100 and more people are expected to suffer serious water shortages thereafter. Subsequently, the ecosystem imbalance due to global warming causes the lives of organisms in chaos.

In order to arrest the intractable problems of global warming, feasible strategies should be adopted. Bob Carter (2008) likens the climate change to the natural hazards that we can neither predict nor control but to adapt. Al Gore (2007) on the other hand convinced individuals partake in cutting down the emissions of carbon dioxide. He suggested the use of high efficient electric appliances, end-use efficiency and passenger vehicle efficiency that adds up to the transport efficiency, renewable technology as well as Carbon Capture and Sequestration. Besides, he emphasised that political will is playing a vital part in solving the issue of global warming.

As a whole, the indiscriminate development on Earth has been worsening the issue of global warming. The potential effects including rising sea-levels, horrendous natural catastrophe and the imbalance of ecosystem had brought detrimental impacts on the population on Earth. Hence, prompt actions should be spearheaded by the authorities with the cooperation of nations to ensure that these potential effects will come to a halt in the foreseeable future.

Aussie News: Victoria Police says uniform change could save money in long run, but Premier John Brumby says they are 'fine'

Anthony Dowsley, Matt Johnston From: Herald Sun March 23, 2010 12:00AM

UPDATE 10.43am: PREMIER John Brumby has said that designing a new uniform is a matter for Victoria Police, but he feels their existing outfits are "pretty good".


As exclusively revealed by the Herald Sun this morning, police are likely to get new, darker uniforms in a sweeping makeover to command more respect on the street.


What do you think of the proposed uniform change? Tell us below


Premier John Brumby said this morning he thought the uniforms were "fine the way they are".


Mr Brumby said any change was a matter for Victoria Police, but no budget bid had been made to the government.


"I actually think their uniforms are pretty good, so I wouldn't have thought there's a rush to change," he said.

 
"The first I was aware that police were looking at new uniforms was in the media.



"There's been no budget bid, I can assure you there's no budget bid this year so I don't know how seriously they are looking at this matter.



"I think they are just reviewing (the uniforms)."



This morning, the brother of slain hero Luke Mitchell slammed the proposed change, calling it a waste of funds that would be better spent fighting violence in the city.



Victoria Police spokesman Charles Morton said Mr Mitchell was incorrect, and the force believed the new uniforms would save money in the long run.



“We think in the long run it’s actually going to save us money because currently there is 83 different ways in which the Victoria police uniforms can be worn,” he said.


“We’re then going to streamline that, that’s far too many, so we’re going to streamline that something closer to half a dozen.”



Shane Mitchell, whose brother was attacked and killed after he tried to help a stranger in Brunswick last year, said more police were needed on the street rather than a “fashion parade” of new uniforms.



“It’s completely ridiculous, with so many other more productive ways those resources could be used, especially at a time where you’ve got a police force that is grossly underfunded and they’re more worried about what they look like than what they’re actually doing,” he said.


“I’d like to see a bit more money put towards getting more police on the street, I’m led to believe that Victoria has the lowest police ratio per capita than anywhere else in the country.


“I think it's absolute financial mismanagement.


“That light blue everybody associates it with police, it’s not like they’re not recognisable.


“It really comes down to putting more numbers on the street and really focusing on a ground level approach rather than a fashion parade.”


Herald Sun readers will have a say on whether they want to stay with the traditional sky blue uniforms or adopt a bold new look.


A dark blue uniform modelled on those worn by the New York Police Department is likely to be issued to the 8000 police patrolling our streets.


Younger police say the current uniform is perceived as "soft" and want a modern uniform with a harder edge.


A committee is reviewing the uniform, which has remained basically unchanged for 40 years.


Female officers have complained the standard issue trouser does not flatter their hips.


Chief Commissioner Simon Overland has written to police about the possibility of a new uniform and "the impact it has on community perception and behaviour".


Police want Victorians to provide feedback on the change. A committee led by Deputy Commissioner Ken Lay has been established to oversee the new uniform, with first designs just weeks away.


The blue and white chequered band, a world-wide police symbol, will remain.


Committee member Acting Supt Debra Abbott said officers wanted uniforms that met the demands of modern-day policing.


"This is not about fluffing around with the uniform when there are much more pressing issues we have to address," she said.


"We've got new equipment, such as our new vests and semi-automatic pistols, and they have to work with the uniform. We want to have more of an impact."


Police Association secretary Greg Davies said changes should be practical and police should be immediately identifiable.

But he said more police on the beat, rather than a change of colour, would earn respect on the streets.

 
 
Critique:
I do agree with the point that they should spend more money on hiring more capable or well-trained police rather than changing their uniforms. The obligation of police is to ensure a peaceful society. They are not hiring to make a fashion show or so. In response to the allegation, Victoria Police spokesman Charles Morton clarified the main purpose of changing the uniform is to cut down the cost on uniform by stating there are 83different styles of police uniforms in Victoria. The view might sound reasonable but I think they should just make a more affordable uniform in the future instead of changing all the existing uniforms which might on the other hand cost them more.

Aussie News : Kids could be charged over 'sexting' on mobiles

Kids could be charged over 'sexting' on mobiles
From: AAP March 18, 2010 7:32PM
 
 
CHILDREN engaged in "sexting" could be charged with child sex offences under laws set to pass federal parliament.
 
However, the attorney-general will have discretion as to whether people under 18 are charged with child sex offences for sending sexually explicit material via their mobile phone.


The Government has accepted the recommendation of a parliamentary committee into the proposed laws which means a young person cannot be prosecuted for sexting without the consent of the attorney-general.


"The committee is of the view that the extension of this safeguard may ensure that behaviour which is not exploitative of, or harmful to, children is not captured by the child sex offence regime, particularly where that behaviour involves children themselves,'' the committee said in a report tabled in the Senate today.


Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor on Thursday welcomed the passage of legislation in the Senate that reforms various child sex offences, including child sex tourism and online offences.



The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences Against Children) Bill 2010 strengthens child sex tourism laws and introduces new offences for dealing in child pornography or child abuse material overseas.


The legislation strengthens existing laws by increasing to 20 years imprisonment the penalties for Australians who travel overseas to sexually abuse children.


It also introduces new aggravated offences with penalties of 25 years imprisonment where the offender was in a position of trust, such as a teacher or aid worker, the child was mentally impaired or the offender engaged in a sexual relationship with a child over a period of time.


Penalties for online child pornography offences will be increased and a new high penalty offence for online child pornography networks will be introduced.


"The sexual abuse of children is abhorrent and the government is committed to doing all it can to prevent such abuse occurring,'' Mr O'Connor said.


"The internet offers unprecedented opportunities for child sex offending, and has created greater demands for new material of ever greater levels of depravity and corruption.''


The reforms would ensure law enforcement agencies had the tools they needed to fight child sex offending wherever and however it occurred, he said.


Critique:
Without denying the truth, development in technologies has expanded the access to pornography in the societies. Nowadays, even children who are below 18 years old are involving in 'sexting' (sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones). The approval of government into the proposed laws that a young person cannot be prosecuted for sexting without the consent of the attorney-general has no doubt protected them but it does not mean that the issue can be treated lightly. Instead, more efforts have to be done so that to avoid the children from misusing the technologies. For instances, parents should provide ethics education for children during their early age and impose stringent checks as often as possible. These actions not only can discipline their children but assuring a peaceful society in the future.