news bits

• NEWS.com.au | School bribes students to turn up (November 17, 2003). Dances about trying to not to call it a racial issue; but doesn't say it's not, either. Doesn't discuss what the parents have done to get the children to attend; doesn't say what the school can do about it. Too much blame-placing and buck-passing, no real activity. At least according to this article.
• NEWS.com.au | Music industry backs copyright change (November 17, 2003). A big point here is the fact that Australia has no "fair use" provisions for consumers to make copies of music they've purchased. This, despite various products like the iPod being marketing specifically so you can do so. Yes, that's right; every single iPod owner in Australia is breaking the law (unless they only use free mp3s; and I rather doubt there are many people who restrict themselves like that).
• Gen X losing first home battle. 17/11/2003. ABC News Online. Looks like we'll be renting homes off Baby Boomers for years to come.
• MP demands ban on video hoons - www.smh.com.au. The less hysterical approach would be to ask for a higher rating than G. This is probably the most telling quote: There is no research into how racing games affect the attitudes of young drivers. But, Mr Gibson said, there is enough research into risk-taking behaviour for there to be a concern. 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' ....now read that back. "There's no research, no proof, but I reckon we should ban it anyway". Well, that's told me. I'll have to stop confusing my Holden Astra for a Ferrari Enzo and mistaking clogged city streets for a high-speed racetrack; fuck I make that mistake all the time. I have such trouble telling the difference between games and reality.
• US troops launch offensive in Tikrit. 17/11/2003. ABC News Online. I'm wondering when the situation will be formally considered open warfare again.
• Naked Boks ordered to train at gunpoint: report. 17/11/2003. ABC News Online. Perhaps someone needs to drop by and explain that's it's just a game.
• NEWS.com.au | Cheaper calls on the way (November 15, 2003): Telstra chairman Bob Mansfield supported Dr Switkowksi's view that Telstra remained a growth company, not a utility. ....gah.... Telstra maintains the country's telecomms backbone (at least theoretically). How is that not a utility? A little less focus on shareholder profit and a little more attention on quality of service wouldn't go astray.

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