eugenetrips blog

Christina Aguilera wants a daughter

2009-08-07T10:56:00.000-04:00

Christina Aguilera wants a daughter. The 'Beautiful' singer, who has a 17-month-old son Max Liron with husband Jordan Bratman, is keen to expand her family but doesn't want to sacrifice her career. Christina recently set up her own radio station , recorded a new album and has landed a role in new musical movie 'Burlesque', but is confident she can juggle work and motherhood. A source said: "Christina loves her family time with Jordan and Max and now she has a studio at home, being a mother and working at the same time is a real possibility - but she doesn't know if she wants to give up her other pursuits just yet. "She has just signed for a new movie and has her radio venture too, so she feels now's not a good time to have another baby - although she would adore another one. Especially a little girl." Christina recently revealed she loves being a mother and has embraced the changes in her body since giving birth. The 28-year-old blond beauty said: "Since becoming a mom, I feel I have more knowledge and that makes me feel beautiful. I feel more centered, which makes me feel confident and sexy. "The other night, my husband and I were in the bathroom getting ready for bed. I mentioned something on my body that was different before I had the baby. I said, 'That was never like that before!' And he said, 'Are you kidding me? That's what makes you even sexier. The fact that you're a mom and that your body has gone through all those changes, that makes you even sexier.' "

second lunar eclipse of the summer

2009-08-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

MYFOX NATIONAL) - The second lunar eclipse of the summer will be partially visible in most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains Wednesday night ( see the path of the eclipse ).

A lunar eclipse is an eclipse which occurs whenever the moon passes behind the Earth with the Earth blocking the sun's rays from striking the moon. This can occur only when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned exactly, or very closely, with the Earth in the middle. Therefore there is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse.

It is common for eclipses to come in pairs -- solar and lunar -- but this one is unique as it is the third in this series and the fifth this year.

Astrologers have traditionally viewed the eclipse of the moon as a bad omen, believing it can awaken irrational responses.

Last month a total solar eclipse occurred in India and parts of the Far East, causing millions to shutter themselves indoors, fearing it was a bad omen.

"G.I. Joe" is AWOL for critics

2009-08-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

"G.I. Joe" is AWOL for critics

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – In a highly unusual move, Paramount will open its big summer movie "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" on Friday without screening it beforehand for critics or other media.

Studio executives say they are trying to protect "Joe" from the kind of critical savaging unleashed on its recent "Transformers" sequel.

Not that the toxic reviews have affected its box office: "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is the biggest movie of the year so far, with worldwide sales of $810 million.

Further, must-see interest for the first pure action movie in weeks is so high that many industryites foresee a $50 million opening weekend for "Joe." Generally, pictures are kept from critics when it's feared that poor reviews additionally will hamper an opening that's already challenged by underwhelming public interest.

"Joe" totes a reported negative cost of $175 million after a production arduous enough to spur ultimately erroneous reports of director Stephen Sommers being booted from the project. Its cast includes Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Sommers has said "Joe" isn't a "Bush movie" but one more attuned to the current administration. But Paramount is giving the film a decidedly Red State marketing campaign, and the picture's premiere was held Friday at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

Other than military personnel and focus groups, only bloggers including Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News have been shown the film, an effects-laden tale of high-tech military special ops inspired by co-producer Hasbro's G.I. Joe action figure.

(Editing by dean.goodman at Reuters)

Ellen DeGeneres Portia De Rossi 'Happily Married Without Children'

2009-07-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

Ellen DeGeneres & Portia De Rossi 'Happily Married Without Children'

Don't expect Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi to become moms anytime soon.

Although the couple told PEOPLE last August that they talk about having kids, they have decided that they are happier being cool aunts.

"I don't think we're going to have kids," DeGeneres tells AOL Television. "We have animals, and we love them. And, you know, we are brand new aunts. Her brother and his wife just had a baby girl who's a month old now, and it's fun to be a part of that."

After tying the knot last summer, DeGeneres told PEOPLE, "It's something we would never take lightly and just say, 'That would be fun.' It's a lot of work and we recognize that. In a way, we want to be selfish because we love our life, but we know how much that adds to it."

DeGeneres, 51, and de Rossi, 36, who have crusaded for gay marriage, have since decided to focus on their relationship rather than have children. "It's just a huge responsibility, and I don't know that that's something we want to take on," DeGeneres says. "We're very happily married without children."

Leelee Sobieski (Not Helen Hunt) Engaged

2009-07-21T12:24:00.002-04:00

Leelee Sobieski (Not Helen Hunt) Engaged

Leelee Sobieski has finally landed her first mister.

The 27-year-old actress who played memorable teen roles in such films as Deep Impact, Never Been Kissed and Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut but who is just as famous for being mistaken for a younger Helen Hunt, is engaged to her menswear designer beau, Adam Kimmel.

A friend of the twosome told Us Weekly the good news, which Sobieski confirmed when she showed off a sparkling diamond on her ring finger at the June 23 premiere of her latest movie, the Johnny Depp gangster flick Public Enemies, in Los Angeles.

No word when or how Kimmel popped the question, but the thespian reportedly met her fiancé in Paris the next day.

Sobieski, who appeared as a model in Kimmel's 2009 fall/winter Look Book collection, next stars in the indie drama Mad Cow opposite Arrested Development's Jeffrey Tambor.

A rep for Sobieski was unavailable for comment. The couple have not set a wedding date.

TV star Colicchio to welcome baby boy

2009-07-21T12:05:00.001-04:00

TV star Colicchio to welcome baby boy

The Top Chef judge earned two Emmy nominations for the hit US show on Thursday, but insists he's more excited about the August birth.

The couple know the tot is a boy and have already picked out a name, which they are keeping a secret for now.

He tells People.com, "It feels great! We're having a boy. That's (my) real news! We're keeping it (the name) under wraps. Our parents don't know the name yet."

Colicchio has a 16-year-old son from a previous relationship.

Flintoff loosens Australia grip on Ashes

2009-07-20T12:50:00.000-04:00

Flintoff loosens Australia grip on Ashes

Australia's 75-year unbeaten Test run at Lord's is over.

The inspirational Andrew Flintoff delivered a stirring spell of fast bowling to lead England to a thumping 115-run victory on the final day of the second Ashes Test.

Needing to chase down a world record target of 522, Australia were all out for 406 giving the home side a 1-0 lead with three games to play.

Flintoff, who is retiring at the end of the series and is carrying a bung knee, was immense in capturing his best figures at the home of cricket of 5-92.

After Michael Clarke (136) and Brad Haddin (80) had revived Australia's hopes of pulling off an incredible victory, Flintoff quickly slapped them down by taking 3-43 in an unforgettable ten-over spell from the Pavilion End on Monday.

Mitchell Johnson (63) played an aggressive hand but didn't have the necessary support and was the last man to go, bowled by spinner Graeme Swann (4-87).

Flintoff earlier dismissed Haddin on the tenth ball of the day and Australia were always up against it from that point.

If Flintoff had opened Australia up, Swann effectively thrust the dagger in by deceiving Clarke with a well-flighted ball.

It was the moment that England collectively breathed a sigh of relief and Australians could turn their televisions off.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting said his men were hurting.

"We have had a very proud record here for over a number of years now and it is obviously disappointing to lose any Test match," he said.

"But to lose a Test match in this kind of venue is extra disappointing."

Flintoff was named man of the match, having told his captain Andrew Strauss he wasn't going to rest until the last Australian wicket was captured on Monday.

"After he took the first wicket he (Flintoff) said 'By the way just to let you know, I am going to keep bowling until all these wickets are gone'," said Strauss.

"I said that sounds like a good plan to me."

English bookmakers had earlier expressed the fearful mood of the nation by dragging Australia in from 74/1 on Sunday to 2/1 to win before the start of play despite the weight of history being in the home side's favour.

Rejuvenated following a night's rest, Anderson's first ball banged into Clarke's right hip but the pain for Australia was to come in the next over.

Haddin didn't have a chance to settle against Flintoff and the fourth ball of the over he edged to Paul Collingwood at second slip.

Swann was introduced on the hour mark and Clarke instantly walked down the pitch to him after enjoying such success against him on day four.

But the tweaker was to have his number this time around with his second delivery.

Clarke came down the pitch again but was beaten with a well-flighted ball that spun back and it hit his off stump.

With 166 runs still needed to win, the game was as good as over.

Nathan Hauritz (1) didn't last long before losing his off stump, leaving a ball that cut back in down the slope from Flintoff.

By that stage Flintoff was unstoppable, the big man skittling Peter Siddle (7) with the final ball of his ninth over of the day.

Flintoff got down on one knee in the middle of the pitch with his arms outstretched in celebration.

On this form, he may just be kneeling in front of the Queen for a knighthood one day.

The third Test in Birmingham starts on Thursday week with Australia having the chance to regroup in their three-day tour match at Northampton starting Friday.

Man gored to death in Pamplona bull run

2009-07-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

Man gored to death in Pamplona bull run

A man was gored to death on Friday at Pamplona's running of the bulls - the first such fatality in nearly 15 years. Nine others were injured in a particularly messy and dangerous chapter of the tradition.

The San Fermin festival website said the unidentified man was gored in the neck and lung during a run in which a bull separated from the pack, one of the worst things that can happen at San Fermin.

Three other people were also gored, and six suffered bumps, bruises and other lesser injuries, said Fernando Boneta, director of Virgen del Camino Hospital.

The last fatal goring at the running of the bulls claimed the life of 22-year-old American Matthew Tassio in 1995.

Friday's death raises to 15 the toll since record-keeping began in 1924.

This run, the fourth of eight held at San Fermin, was by far the most perilous of this year's festival.

The bulls covering the 850-metre course with six accompanying steers tend to mind their own business and keep running so long as they stay in a pack. A bull that gets separated is more likely to get spooked and aggressive and that is exactly what happened on Friday.

A brown, 515kg bull named Cappuccino fell early in the run and ended up on its own.

When it reached a stretch right outside the bullring that marks the end of the course, it started charging right and left, and even ran back the wrong way several times. Runners scurried for safety to wooden barriers along the route as the bull attacked.

This went on for a minute and a half, which is a long time at San Fermin.

At one point the bull picked one man up with its horns and flipped him into the air as if he were a toy, then kept going after him as he lay curled up on the ground, covering his face. But this man got up and ran away, and was apparently not seriously hurt.

Father joins search for UK backpacker

2009-07-10T15:26:00.001-04:00

Father joins search for UK backpacker

The father of an English tourist believes his son could still be alive despite being missing for a week in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Jamie Neale has been missing in the mountains since last Friday and police have stepped up their appeal for public information as a search continues.

Detectives on Friday afternoon released a CCTV image of Mr Neale, 19, who was last seen leaving a youth hostel at Katoomba on the morning of July 3.

Search and rescue authorities are scouring bushland in the area where Mr Neale is believed to have gone bushwalking last Friday morning.

Worried members of Mr Neale's family from England, including his father Richard Cass and uncle, have joined the search effort.

"He's very tolerant of cold and if anybody can survive this, he will," Mr Cass told reporters at the scene of the search.

Mr Neale is believed to be an experienced hiker.

"Jamie was carrying a distinctive burgundy day-pack when he was last seen. This bag can be clearly seen in the image we have released this afternoon," Acting Superintendent Mick Bostock said in a statement on Friday.

"We are hoping that the image may just jog someone's memory and provide us with additional information."

Mr Neale left many of his personal belongings, including a mobile phone, at the hostel and checks have revealed he has not accessed his bank or email accounts.

"Police have interviewed a number of people and have established Jamie went for a bushwalk that morning and saw the sunrise and planned to go for another bushwalk later that day in the ruined castle area," police said.

"Detectives have been told Jamie booked and paid for a tour of Jenolan Caves for Saturday, July 4, but never turned up."

Mr Neale is described as having a pale complexion, short dark hair and beard, and brown eyes.

When last seen he was wearing a black jersey with white sleeves, white t-shirt, blue jeans and black joggers and carried a backpack.

Anyone with information about Mr Neale's whereabouts is asked to contact police.

All Saints pronounced dead

2009-07-09T13:10:00.000-04:00

All Saints pronounced dead

After 12 seasons, Channel Seven hospital drama All Saints will film its final scenes at the end of August this year.

All Saints has given viewers outstanding Australian stories, matched by sensational performances, across what will wrap at 493 episodes.

Seven Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner said:

"All Saints is a show which viewers and Seven have loved. However, an audience shift and increased production costs are behind this decision.

"The cast and crew deserve the highest admiration and respect for what they have achieved. All Saints has made a significant contribution to the rich history of Australian drama."

All Saints will continue to be screened until the end of the year.

China claims proof Rio execs spied

2009-07-09T13:07:00.001-04:00

China claims proof Rio execs spied

The Chinese government says it has proof that four senior Rio Tinto executives detained in Shanghai stole state secrets.

Australian man Stern Hu, the head of Rio Tinto's China operations, has been detained in Shanghai along with three other Rio Tinto staff.

The Federal Government spoke to the Chinese Ambassador today and Chinese authorities have agreed to allow Australian officials to visit Mr Hu tomorrow.

China's Ministry of State Security says Mr Hu has been involved in espionage and stealing state secrets, but he has not been charged.

The arrest of Mr Hu has been the result of an independent judicial process, according to official Chinese government spokesman Qin Gang.

But his comments seem to suggest it will be hard for the chief of Rio Tinto's Shanghai operations to beat the allegations in a Chinese court.

"The relevant Chinese authorities have sufficient evidence to prove that they have stolen state secrets which has greatly damaged China's economic security," said Qin Gang.

Mr Qin went on to say that the question of when Stern Hu would be allowed to speak to a lawyer was a matter for other Chinese government departments.

He also warned against the politicisation of this issue, saying it would only hurt Australia.

But Australian politicians have weighed in on the matter since the news broke yesterday.

Calls for Rudd to intervene

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd should personally intervene to secure Mr Hu's release.

"The Prime Minister must act immediately to ensure that our fellow Australian is treated fairly," Mr Turnbull said.

But Mr Rudd says the Government is doing all it can to secure Mr Hu's release, and he has accused Mr Turnbull of grandstanding.

"Let's not get engaged in this business of political grandstanding on the home front, let's get on with the practical business of supporting Australia in difficult circumstances and that is what the Foreign Minister and Australian officials are doing," Mr Rudd said.

"It's the right course of action."

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett says while he does not know the details of the arrest, he has contacted the Chinese consul general in Perth to express his concern.

Mr Barnett says the arrest of Mr Hu will add tension to the relationship between Australia and China which has already been strained by a number of business decisions in WA.

"Chinalco's seeming rejection by Rio Tinto - there is concern about BHP and Rio merging, there are issues relating to the Oakajee port and mid-west development," he said.

"I will be going to China at the end of next week and I'll be addressing each of those issues with Chinese business and Chinese government officials and hopefully can play a role in smoothing the waters."

The Government says it is staying in close contact with Mr Hu's wife and Rio Tinto.

Nine dead in collisions in Tasmania

2009-07-09T13:04:00.001-04:00

Nine dead in collisions in Tasmania(aap):

Nine bodies, including that of a baby, lie in Tasmanian morgues after the state's worst single day of road fatalities in more than 20 years.

Six people had died in two separate head-on crashes on Thursday morning before three people, including a baby, were killed in a third accident as motorists headed home from work about 5.30pm (AEST).

Police say a woman driving a car that collided head-on with a truck on the Midland Highway at Mangalore, near Hobart, was killed before the B-double jackknifed, losing a shipping container that crushed a second car carrying a man and a baby.

Earlier, on Thursday morning, a mother and her son, a husband and his wife and their relative, and a man whose driving prompted calls to police all died in two separate head-on crashes within three hours of each other.

Police said they took two calls from motorists warning them about the dangerous speeding and overtaking of a 75-year-old Hobart man heading north on the Midland Highway.

Assistant Commissioner Phil Wilkinson said police were talking to the second caller as the man's sedan pulled out from behind a truck and ploughed into an oncoming car near Conara in the state's north.

A man and his wife, aged 48 and 41, and their 52-year-old male relative inside the oncoming car did not have time to brake, Mr Wilkinson said.

Both cars were travelling at top speeds on a straight stretch of highway at about 10.30am (AEST), he said.

Less than three hours earlier, on an icy road near Hobart, a 48-year-old mother and her 20-year-old son died when their sedan collided with a utility, police say.

The ute driver is being treated for non-life threatening injuries in the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Mr Wilkinson said icy road conditions were a factor in the double fatality.

The deaths bring the state's road toll to 48 this year.

At the same time last year it was 28, and 40 for the whole year.

Six people died in a single day on Tasmanian roads was in January 1989 when six youths were killed in a car that collided with a log truck at Swansea.

Qantas hints at cuts to flight capacity

2009-07-08T13:10:00.002-04:00

This article is from AAP:

Qantas hints at cuts to flight capacity

Wednesday July 8, 2009,

Qantas Airways Ltd says the industry's cut price airfares are not sustainable as airlines are increasingly being troubled by tough economic times.

Chairman Leigh Clifford indicated that the carrier did not rule out a further cut to its international capacity and noted a drop in premium and overseas travellers.

Mr Clifford said cut price airfares could not continue in the long term.

"Grab them while they last", he said.

Mr Clifford said Qantas had reacted quickly to the aviation sector downturn, reducing some domestic and also international capacity.

He said the latter had "been particularly hard hit".

Qantas in April slashed its annual pre-tax profit forecast by more than half, flagged it would cut up to 1,750 jobs.

It has also cancelled and deferred orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Mr Clifford said the airline was "working hard to match costs to lower revenues".

"There is capacity growing in a number of key international routes which we fly and you have to say `is there a growth in demand?'," Mr Clifford told a Committee for Economic Development of Australia function in Perth on Wednesday.

"And I'm saying the growth in demand doesn't reflect the increase in capacity."

Reflecting on Qantas' aborted proposed tie-up with British Airways, Mr Clifford said industry consolidation was "challenging to say the least".

"Any industry can see some benefits of reducing overheads and better utilisation of capital, and we look at what's possible (but) it is not a straightforward exercise.

"It's much more difficult than other industries because of the bilateral agreements, etcetera."

Mr Clifford defended Qantas' decision to conduct some aircraft maintenance offshore, saying about 80 per cent was undertaken in Australia.

He said high corporate tax rates had hampered the aviation sector's competitiveness, backing the Business Council of Australia's "big call" for the rate to be halved to 15 per cent.

"Singapore Airlines pays 18 per cent corporate tax, Cathay (pays) 17.5 per cent, and Emirates and Etihad pay none at all.

"We are at a considerable disadvantage.

"We are no longer competitive and I think its got to be looked at seriously."

Qantas made international headlines on Wednesday after pleading guilty to price-fixing charges on air cargo shipped from Canada, according to that nation's Competition Bureau.

Mr Clifford was not asked about the price fixing charges during a limited question time.

Shares in Qantas closed down 4.5 cents, or 2.37 per cent, at $1.85

NSW police to stop issuing fines

2009-07-08T13:07:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP:

NSW police to stop issuing fines

NSW police have begun a week of refusing to issue on-the-spot fines for traffic infringements and other offences after wage negotiations with the state government broke down.

The NSW Police Association said the industrial action came into effect at 6pm (AEDT) on Wednesday and will continue until 6pm on Tuesday, July 15.

Association president Bob Pritchard said officers were left with no alternative after the government failed to act on an Industrial Relations Commission recommendation to resume negotiations by 4pm (AEST) on Wednesday.

Mr Pritchard said police would now "exercise their discretion" and not issue on-the-spot fines for traffic, parking, rail and boating infringements.

He also indicated fines may not be issued for minor drug offences.

"At no time will the community be at risk," Mr Pritchard told reporters.

"We are there to protect the community.

"We expect the government to deal with us in good faith as police have looked after them and committed themselves to the community."

The association, which represents about 15,000 officers, wants double the 2.5 per cent wage rise offered by the NSW government.

It also has rejected the government's proposal for officers to sacrifice entitlements, including sick leave and death and disability allowances, to fund a pay rise.

Mr Pritchard said the association had provided the government with a detailed plan on how it could save almost $200 million a year while improving policing.

He said he had no idea why the pay negotiations had broken down.

"We will not put up with faceless bureaucrats making decisions for police out there on the streets, risking their lives," Mr Pritchard said.

"I'm not having people behind closed doors making decisions where their only chance of injury is a paper cut."

Deputy commissioner Dave Owens denied talks had broken down but said they were not moving fast enough for the association.

"We've never walked away from the negotiating table," Mr Owens said.

He said the offered 2.5 per cent pay increase remained.

Anything above that would have to come from savings and although the association had put forward proposals, the savings would have to come from employee-related spending, Mr Owens said.

Despite the industrial action, Mr Owens described the association's actions as "fair and reasonable", saying officers would still be policing the streets and able to use their discretion in what actions they took towards offenders.

But he said the NSW Police Force would take the matter back to the Industrial Relations Commission first thing on Thursday to try to reach a resolution.

Speaking before the police association announced its action, Premier Nathan Rees said he was confident the stand-off could be resolved in the commission.

"If it can't be resolved at senior levels between the union and the police force then it will go to the independent umpire," Mr Rees told reporters.

"And that's the best place for it."

Mr Rees had been involved in 11th-hour discussions with the police association in the hope of resolving the stalemate.

Four Victorians with H1N1 symptoms die

2009-07-08T13:03:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP:

Four Victorians with H1N1 symptoms die

Four more Victorians with swine flu have died, Victoria's health department says.

The state's deputy chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, said the Department of Human Services had been told of the deaths over the past few days.

Three died after being admitted to hospital with flu-like symptoms, a statement from Dr Lester said.

The most recent death was a 68-year-old man who died in a Melbourne hospital.

Dr Lester said the department did not have permission from families to release details on the three earlier deaths.

"All four had underlying health conditions which made them more susceptible to illness, Dr Lester said.

The state has had 11 deaths associated with human swine flu, the statement said.

At least 18 people with swine flu have now died throughout Australia.

"It is important to remember that in the vast majority of cases, human swine flu is a mild illness which many people recover from without any medical treatment," Dr Lester said.

"However, as we have consistently stated, influenza can be severe for people with chronic medical conditions."

Dr Lester said 1,876 cases of human swine flu had been diagnosed as a result of laboratory testing in Victoria.

But milder cases in the community had not been tested and many of those people affected took normal advice for the mild winter flu and recovered at home, she said.

Adults and children with health conditions such as respiratory disease, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, obesity and immunosuppression should see their doctor if they develop respiratory symptoms, Dr Lester said.

Policemen in Greece arrested for sex trafficking ring

2009-07-08T12:58:00.003-04:00

This article is from Reuters:

Policemen in Greece arrested for sex trafficking ring

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek authorities have arrested four policemen for trafficking hundreds of Eastern European women for prostitution, police said Wednesday.

"It is Greece's biggest trafficking case in the last 15 years," a police official said, adding that a retired police officer, who recruited the women, was also arrested.

"All five were the masterminds of the ring," said the official, who requested anonymity.

The ring was responsible for bringing about 300 women to several night clubs in Athens over the past few months, he said.

In a separate case, Greece arrested another policeman for human trafficking and drug dealing Wednesday, the official said.

International pressure is rising on Greece to fight trafficking. A U.S. government report released last month said Greece needs to do more to punish offenders, whom it said often include government officials and policemen.

Despite 21 convictions last year, many offenders are released pending lengthy appeals and courts often give them suspended sentences, the report said.

Greece is a destination and transit country for trafficking of women and children from countries including Eastern Europe and Nigeria.

(Reporting by Harry Papachristou; Editing by Ingrid Melander and Myra MacDonald)

Brits offered 10 pound trip to Australia

2009-07-07T12:19:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP ( Tuesday July 7, 2009):

Brits offered 10 pound trip to Australia

In an offer almost too good to be true, British travellers will soon be able to fly to Australia for less than the price of a guidebook.

In a take on the term "10 pound Pom" - originally coined to describe British citizens who migrated to Australia after World War II - the scheme will allow Brits to travel Down Under for just STG10 ($A20.42).

The move to boost the tourism industry will see 150 Qantas tickets to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide available for anyone with a valid Working Holiday Visa.

Travellers will be able to return home whenever they wish.

The limited tickets will be available from STA Travel outlets across the UK on August 5 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The fare is available for departures between August 15 and September 30 and November 1 to 30.

Would-be travellers are being encouraged to camp out for the tax-inclusive tickets, which are expected to be snapped up within hours.

Those who miss out will be offered special Qantas return airfares at STG679 ($A1,386.56).

STA Travel group managing director John Constable said people were looking for good value holidays in the current climate.

"And it doesn't come much better than Oz for just a tenner," he said in a statement.

"The 10-pound Pom is an opportunity for Brits to experience all that Australia has to offer, from working a vineyard in Margaret River to learning to surf on Bondi Beach."

More than 35,000 young Brits travel on the working holiday program each year, Tourism Australia's UK/Europe general manager Rodney Harrex said.

"The original 10-pound Pom assisted passage scheme resulted in a British fascination with the faraway land of Oz that has endured every since," he said in a statement.

Mr Harrex said it was hoped the offer would boost awareness of Australia's working holiday program, encouraging more 18 to 30-year-olds to come in the future.

Workers feel 'ripped off' by pay freeze

2009-07-07T12:15:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP ( TuesdayJuly 7, 2009):

Workers feel 'ripped off' by pay freeze

Loy Kong is a typical low-income earner.

She works full time at a Melbourne blinds factory for $14.31 an hour.

By the time she pays the mortgage, bills and costs associated with raising two teenagers there is not much left.

"Because we work hard, we should get more money, good money ... because it's getting very hard."

Ms Kong is one of 1.3 million Australians who learned on Tuesday their pay packets will not be any thicker this year.

She will be remain on a weekly income of $543.78 until at least January, when Fair Work Australia reviews the minimum wage.

"It's very bad news for us and our life's going to be very hard because we have a mortgage to pay and children to send to school," she said.

Ms Kong has worked for the factory at Bayswater, in Melbourne's southeast, for seven years.

She has had no luck finding a higher paid job and cannot quit because the mortgage has to be paid.

In the meantime, Ms Kong spends $60 a week in petrol commuting from her home 40 minutes away in Springvale.

Her husband is also a low-income earner.

Together they spend about $100 a week in petrol alone. On top of mortgage repayments, food, bills and education expenses for their children, aged 13 and 16, there is no room for extras.

Factory worker Beverly Fenton is also feeling the pinch.

She says she works a 39 1/2-hour week but is only paid for a standard 38 hours. While she feels dudded on overtime allowances, she says some people at her workplace are even worse off.

"This will make it very difficult for people in my situation and other people that I work with who are on a very, very low wage," Ms Fenton said.

Thrillseekers hurt as bulls run in Spain

2009-07-07T12:11:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP( Tuesday July 7, 2009):

Thrillseekers hurt as bulls run in Spain

Two Spanish nationals, a Scot and an American have been injured during the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona in northern Spain, organisers say.

None of the injured were gored by a bull but fell while running through the narrow, twisting cobbled streets of the old town of the city pursued by the bulls, a spokeswoman for the festival said on Tuesday.

The two Spanish nationals were aged 21 and 31, she added. The ages of the Scot and the American were not given.

About 2,000 people took part in the bull run, which lasted two and a half minutes and was described by organisers as "fast and clean".

San Fermin, Spain's most famous festival, attracts tourists from all over the world. It began on Monday and ends on July 14.

Six bulls are released each morning of the festival to run from their corral over an 825-metre course to a bullring where they face matadors in the afternoon.

Fourteen people have been killed since 1911 in the bull run, which is broadcast live on Spanish television.

The festival also features a range of concerts, street parties, dances and - in some cases - excessive drinking.

Guard wrestles bandit in Sydney bank

2009-07-07T12:07:00.001-04:00

This article is from AAP( Tuesday July 7, 2009):

Guard wrestles bandit in Sydney bank

A plain-clothed security officer wrestled a shortened rifle off a masked bandit after being robbed at a suburban Sydney bank, police say.

About 35 staff and customers were inside the Westpac branch at Auburn about 10am (AEST) on Tuesday when a single shot was fired into the floor during the robbery.

The guard, who was at the bank waiting to deposit cash on behalf of a business, was not injured in the shooting after being approached by the balaclava-clad man.

"A small struggle occurred between the offender and the security guard," Detective Acting Inspector Darren Cloake told reporters near the bank on Tuesday.

"In that struggle a single shot was fired from the firearm which hit the floor ... the offender managed to grab the takings from the security guard and run from the bank."

It is unknown how much cash was stolen but the security guard did not give up, chasing the robber into the street.

Insp Cloake praised the guard's actions.

"He had to struggle inside the bank and then chase the offender outside the bank, where he's managed to wrestle the firearm and retrieve the firearm, bringing it back inside the bank. Excellent, an excellent job," he said.

The robber fled in a small blue sedan, last seen heading south on Auburn Road.

"The car is the key. We're obviously looking for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle or the offender," Insp Cloake said.

"We believe there may have been a second offender who may have been driving the car."

The robber is described as about 190cm tall, and wore dark clothing and a balaclava at the time.

The weapon used is believed to be a modified or shortened bolt-action rifle, which is being forensically examined.

The incident is believed to have been captured on closed-circuit TV cameras. Police say initial inquiries suggest the takings carried by the security guard were the robber's target.

"(This is a) pretty brazen act, but we'll make all efforts to capture these people and put them before the courts," Insp Cloake said.

He described the security guard's actions as heroic, coming a day after an Earlwood baker was shot in the upper thigh when he went to the aid of a nearby newsagency that was being robbed.

Homeowners grant push up prices: survey

2009-07-06T13:51:00.002-04:00

This article is from the AAP(Monday July 6, 2009):

Homeowners grant push up prices: survey

Two-thirds of Australians believe the federal government's more generous first homeowners grant is pushing up house prices, a new survey shows.

An online poll conducted by mortgage broker Loan Market Group found 35 per cent of those who said the grant had inflated prices believed it had only impacted on the lower end of the property market, while 31 per cent said it had not stopped them from buying real estate.

One in five of the 633 respondents in the poll, released on Monday, said the boosted grant had no effect on prices and 13 per cent thought property values had actually fallen.

The government doubled the first homeowners grant to $14,000 for established homes and trebled it to $21,000 for new properties last October as part of its first stimulus package.

In the May budget the grant was extended until the end of the year from an original June 30 deadline, but it will be pared back to $10,500 and $14,000 respectively from October 1 before returning to $7,000 for both categories on January 1 next year.

Loan Market executive director John Kolenda said the grant has underpinned the market and even given it some buoyancy, especially at the lower level, during theglobal financial crisis.

"The residential real estate sector in Australia has so far weathered the worst of the downturn and the grant has played a major part in shoring up the market," he said.

The combined effects of softer property prices, low interest rates and the boosted grant had created an environment in which many more Australians had been able to afford a home.

The government has said more than 97,000 people have taken up the boosted grant so far.

Official housing finance data for May are released on Wednesday.

In April, the data showed a record 28 per cent of home loans granted in the month were taken out by first-time buyers.

Source:By Colin Brinsden, AAP

Low inflation unlikely to mean rate cut

2009-07-06T13:45:00.003-04:00

This article is from the AAP(Monday July 6, 2009):

Low inflation unlikely to mean rate cut

Home owners shouldn't hold their breath hoping for another cut in the official interest rate when the Reserve Bank Australia (RBA) board meets on Tuesday.

Economists are generally confident that the central bank's monthly meeting will leave the cash rate unchanged at a 49-year low of 3.0 per cent for a third straight month.

But they say two pieces of economic data released on Monday will keep the door ajar for another rate reduction in coming months, but are unlikely to be a shock to RBA governor Glenn Stevens or his team.

Money markets are pricing in little chance of a rate cut over the next couple of months, but see around a 70 per cent chance of a 25 basis point reduction before the end of the year.

"A re-read of the RBA's June statement suggests the only change may be the date," NAB Capital chief economist Rob Henderson said.

"The last statement said that scope remains for further easing down the track `if needed', but there is no urgency to cut."

The central bank cut the rate by a hefty 425 basis points between September last year and April in a pre-emptive strike to cushion the economy from the global reccession.

Data over the past month suggests consumers are more confident about spending, aided by cash handout from the federal government and low interest rate.

Essential Research's weekly online survey released on Monday showed that half of the 1,038 respondents polled believe economic conditions will be better over the next 12 months.

This is up from 43 per cent in June and well above the 19 per cent recorded in February.

Still, 56 per cent are concerned about losing their job, up from 52 per cent in June, although below the 67 per cent level seen in April.

A key indicator for future employment - the ANZ job advertisement series - suggests business confidence remains extremely weak and a "hiring freeze" remains in place.

The ANZ survey found the total number of jobs advertised in newspapers and on the internet fell for a 14th straight month in June, declining 6.7 per cent.

Total job ads have now declined by a staggering 51.4 per cent over the past year, with internet jobs ads at their weakest in at least 10 years.

"The weak global economic environment and uncertainty on how long the recovery process could take has seen employers attempt to keep costs under control," Commonwealth Securities economist Savanth Sebastian said.

"While employment has remained relatively strong over the last year, the risks are certainly to the downside over the next 12 months."

Official labour force data for June are due for release on Thursday.

Economists' forecasts centre on a rise in the jobless rate to 5.9 per cent from 5.7 per cent in May, which would be the highest level in six years.

The government is predicting an unemployment rate of 8.25 per cent by mid-2010.

The once ogre of inflation also appears to be firmly in decline, suggesting there is scope to ease monetary policy again down the track.

The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge showed annual inflation at just 1.4 per cent in the 12 months to June, well below the RBA's two to three per cent target range.

TD Securities senior strategist Annette Beacher expects inflation to continue undershooting the target until mid-2010, perhaps even longer.

She said the case for an imminent rate cut on inflation grounds "is compelling".

Dramatic flu surge at NSW hospitals

2009-07-06T13:42:00.001-04:00

This article is from ABC(Monday July 6th, 2009):

Dramatic flu surge at NSW hospitals

Concern over swine flu is putting increased pressure on New South Wales emergency departments, with western Sydney the state's hardest hit region.

NSW has experienced a 17-fold increase in the number of people presenting at hospitals with symptoms of the flu compared to the same period last year.

Most of the spikes in hospital attendances have correlated with publicity around swine flu cases and deaths.

NSW Health Minister John Della Bosca says an extra 550 hospital beds are being made available to cope with demand, which has surged in the past few weeks.

"Also, we've put in a place nearly 8,000 extra hospital-in-the-home places for people suffering flu-like symptoms," he said.

Children aged between five to 16 are the largest group presenting at emergency departments.

The state's Chief Medical Oficer, Dr Kerry Chant, says Sydney's west has been the hardest hit.

"It got introduced into that group of the population and so it has spread there like any infectious disease," she said.

"It's started to spread in that community. It will then progressively spread to other communities and it will spread progressively across the state."

Two people with swine flu have died in NSW and nine people suffering from the virus are in intensive care in the state.

Seven people with swine flu have died in Victoria, including a three-year-old boy, as well as two people in Western Australia.

There are more than 1,400 confirmed cases of swine flu in New South Wales.

Bogus charities 'aiding terror groups'

2009-07-06T13:31:00.001-04:00

This article is from the AAP(Monday July 6th, 2009):

Bogus charities 'aiding terror groups'

Australia's top cop will lead a global conference to combat the funding of terrorism through money laundering in Brisbane this week.

The meeting of more than 300 delegates from the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) comes as the federal opposition calls for a greater focus on bogus charities pumping money into terrorist bodies.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty will co-chair the meeting with the director of Commercial Affairs Department, Singapore, Mr Ong Hian Sun.

While no one representing the delegation would publicly comment, opposition home affairs spokesman Jason Wood said it was important the delegates work on eliminating bogus charities and businesses.

Fake charities profiteer from donations by unsuspecting people, and the funds are then used to finance terrorist activities, he said.

"We need to make sure the mechanisms are in place to prevent Australia allowing terrorist groups to launder money through Australia," Mr Wood said.

"They (terrorist groups) set up charities, so you have the people with the best intentions donating money to a terrorist organisation and the money is laundered."

The government should also crack down on the bogus businesses that are set up to launder money offshore to fund terrorist groups such as Jemaah Islamiah, the group behind the Bali bombings, which Mr Wood says raised more than $10 million in Australia.

"It looks like a company in Australia transferring money overseas ... but in fact it's just a means of laundering money," he said.

About 40 countries, as well as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, will be represented at the forum, which starts on Tuesday at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Baby elephant makes his public debut

2009-07-06T13:24:00.000-04:00

This article is from AAP(Monday July 6th,2009):

Baby elephant makes his public debut

Taronga Zoo's newest pampered star has finally made his public debut in front of adoring fans.

The yet-to-be named baby elephant, weighing in at 96kg, was born at the Sydney zoo on Saturday at 3.08am (AEST).

At lunchtime on Monday, escorted by his mum Thong Dee and adopted aunt Tang Mo, the youngster plodded a little unsteadily around a pond and waterfall near the lower viewing deck of the zoo's elephant enclosure, much to the delight of excited onlookers.

It had been a different story on Sunday, when he remained tucked away inside his enclosure.

But after his first shower and bath on Monday morning, overseen by zoo keepers inside a heated barn, the first baby jumbo born in Australia was happy to venture into the open.

"There was a lot of oohing and aahing," Taronga Zoo's director Guy Cooper told AAP.

Mr Cooper said Tang Mo watched as Thong Dee delivered the baby calf in the early hours of Saturday morning, and has since taken on the role of doting aunt.

"We suspect Tang Mo has witnessed the birth of calves before," Mr Cooper said.

"On the night (the calf was born) she was making noises.

"Her actions were like 'let me in there, I've seen this before, I can lend a hand'."

Thong Dee and Tang Mo are two of five elephants brought to Taronga Zoo from Thailand in 2006 as part of an elephant breeding program.

Thong Dee is the first elephant to give birth in Australia, while two others, Porntip and Pak Boon, are due to give birth in early 2010 and 2011.

Pak Boon and Porntip were allowed into the same enclosure as the baby elephant on Monday morning.

"That went very well," Mr Cooper said.

"We are very comfortable that we now have one happy and steady family."

However, the baby elephant's father, Gung, is unlikely to play any role in his upbringing.

"He had a lot of fun when he was younger, particularly with Thong Dee," Mr Cooper explained.

"They were buddies.

"But after a while his attentiveness became a little more conniving.

"He had other things on his mind other than games.

"He was really starting to annoy (the female elephants).

"We said right, time for you to do the right bull elephant thing and go off and do your own thing."

The male elephant now lives in an enclosure some 150 metres from the females.

Taronga Zoo is inviting members of the public to name the baby elephant via its website.

So far about 2,300 suggestions have been received.

"What we've been asking is that names that are submitted are Thai, to reflect the cultural heritage of the animal," the zoo's spokesman Mark Williams said.

"We will be disregarding names that don't fit that category."

It will be up to the zoo's elephant keepers to select a name from the long list, under guidance from the Thai Consulate General's office.

"We want to make sure any name we select is proper from a Thai aspect," Mr Cooper said.