What's in the News

Important breakthrough in Sino-Australian relations.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/20/2749238.htm

As usual, the AFL sends a couple of mediocre teams to do the International thing. Still, it might give Melbourne a chance to see what a large number of people together might look like. Must be disheartening for them to play in front of two men and a dog, each week. I might suggest they send Geelong and West Coast to Jinan to play an exhibition.

My comment on that lady teacher was rather glib. Further
reading of this story reveals that she originally
had some personal issues, which then led to alcohol abuse, and after that,
these offences. I think she carries a great deal of sadness, and her behaviours
have been those of a person who lost their way. But, none of that, as you ask,
answers that fundamental question of "why?". The sentence of 4 years + is quite a severe term, and maybe the courts want to send some type of message out.
The whole thing is puzzling to me.

The answer to 'why' for any form of abuse (sex/domestic/workplace/sewing circle etc) is power and control.  If you feel internally powerless then you use your position/strength/gender/money/etc to make yourself feel powerful.  And with sex abuse you get the added bonus of that magic reinforcement - orgasm.

She's a 33 year old hottie.

What she did was obviously wrong, but that is an attractive woman

Begs the question - why? Kind of like why men rape or molest kids; WHY?

Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you are a paedophile, but you just haven't met the right child yet?

Kitano. Sometimes it's a good idea to re-read a post before you hit the "post" button.

title pretty much says it all

http://russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-20/Transformers_fan_drank_gasoline_to_gain_energy_.html

     The kid is lucky to be alive.

Good job he didn't decide to start smoking too 

On a lighter-note, actress Demi Moore "furious" over
Photoshop claims:-
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/demi-moores-hip-photoshop_n_364469.html

Some of the statements and comments (in this earth-shattering story) have had me
laughing, viz,
Demi:-   "I am on the skinny side lately. I have no hips." ;(anatomical/medical history re-written!)
(journalist):- "The photo in W magazine showed what appeared to be part of Moore's thigh sliced off"
Sounds gruesome!  LOL

The answer to 'why' for any form of abuse (sex/domestic/workplace/sewing circle etc) is power and control.  If you feel internally powerless then you use your position/strength/gender/money/etc to make yourself feel powerful.  And with sex abuse you get the added bonus of that magic reinforcement - orgasm.

I agree with all of this, but it begs the question, "why do some people get to the point of feeling this powerless?".  So often a sexual offender was abused him or herself.  I'm sure that's a good portion of the reason.  And I wonder what the cure rate is even with intensive therapy.  Probably not high.

http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/obama-asia-part-iii

An analysis of Obama's visit.

"In one month’s time, China will likely emerge as the second biggest economy in the world. A realistic American president has to partner with this rising power with more equality and mutual respect. ...  his visit helped enthrone China as a more equal power."

An interesting article, thanks.
But what does this mean about "in one month's time, China will..etc"?
What is happening, or is expected to happen, in a month's time?

End of quarter economic figures will be out.

It's from a few months back, but this article made me laugh....it's so true in Dalian, too.

Beijing loves IKEA -- but not for shopping

Customers hop into display beds and nap, pose for snapshots with the decor and enjoy the air conditioning and free soda refills. They just don't buy much....read more http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-china-ikea25-2009aug25,0,7736661.story