Breaking Tweets » Oceania

Pro-rape Facebook group angers Twitter users

Lauren McTigue — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:07:50 +0000

Students at St. Paul College of the University of Sydney created a pro-rape Facebook group that was kept on the site from August until late last month.

WAToday.com reported that past and present students are responsible for the group’s creation and described themselves as “anti-consent” in the description.

The group, titled “Define Statutory,” is just part of what the Sydney Morning Herald reported as a much bigger problem on these elite college campuses where there is a lack of respect for women by some men.

Twitterers are disgusted that this group existed, though some are saying that it does not come as a surprise.

maxine (Sydney, Australia) Least surprising news story of the morning: “Elite college students proud of ‘pro-rape’ Facebook page” http://bit.ly/4AWKzA 08 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

nellieoconnor (Sydney, Australia) Am disgusted by the USyd College ‘pro-rape’ facebook site. I hope it was in jest, but some things just aren’t funny. http://bit.ly/B8bWb 08 Nov 2009 from web

Jen_Bennett (Sydney, Australia) Misogyny, rape at Sydney Uni colleges not super surprising, just depressing. What year is it again? http://bit.ly/1nSo1P (via @rachelhills) 08 Nov 2009 from web

auswonderwoman (Melbourne, Australia) Elite University of Sydney college students proud of ‘pro-rape’ Facebook page. Disgusting and disgraceful! 08 Nov 2009 from web

theastonshuffle (Canberra, Australia) horrible, but im not surprised RT @SBSNews: pro-rape Facebook site set up by students of elite colleges http://bit.ly/2BNgBY (via @radger) 09 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

JoinTheFarQ (Sydney, Australia) Please prosecute these ‘ Pro-Rape’ facebook group of weak, scum, idiots: http://bit.ly/4rZWm2 09 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

PeterBlackQUT (Brisbane, Australia) this sounds like an american frat house, not an australian uni: “elite college students proud of pro-rape facebook page” http://j.mp/27ybUu 09 Nov 2009 from BigTweet

School officials are “sickened” by the issue and believe that the binge drinking lifestyle that is common on college campuses is partly to blame for women feeling unsafe.

While the University is looking into the issue further, no action has been taken yet against the students responsible for the group, ABC News in Australia reported.

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New Zealand mayor: Pay underclass not to breed

Kari O'Rourke — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:04:17 +0000

A New Zealand mayor is under attack after proposing a solution to the country’s child abuse problem by paying the “appalling underclass” not to breed, according to new.com.au.

Michael Laws wrote on the Web site of a New Zealand radio station where he hosts a talk show, “That it would be far better for this appalling underclass to be offered financial inducements not to have children.”

Twitter users did not share the same sentiment:

mcquillanator (Wellington, New Zealand) “What’s every parent’s nightmare?” “Having a child that turns out like Michael Laws.” Win. 29 Oct 2009 from web

christina_evans (Christchurch, New Zealand) Michael Laws wants to sterilise the “underclass” to prevent future crime. Because that’s never gone wrong before, and isn’t highly unethical 30 Oct 2009 from web

sbuxryry (Auckland, New Zealand) Michael Laws should dig a hole in Thailand, get in it and wait for the next Monsoon. 30 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

DorothyDentata (Wellington, New Zealand) Jesus Christ, Michael Laws. What an idiot, let’s just suggest pushing people of low socio-economic backgrounds into being sterilised. *duh* 30 Oct 2009 from web

LianaKaiwai (Brisbane, Australia) Michael Laws – a NZ politician said that the appalling underclass should voluntarily sterilise themselves. Gee thanks Hitler! 30 Oct 2009 from web

gnat (Ti Point, New Zealand) the biggest problem in New Zealand politics is that it’s too late to sterilise Michael Laws’s father. 01 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

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New logo for ANZ bank criticized on Twitter

Lauren McTigue — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:46:49 +0000

ANZ, one of the leading banks serving Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, has released its new company logo, but early reviews from Twitter users are not so positive.

InsideRetailing.com reported on the company’s logo change as being part of its rebranding campaign to show unity across the 32 countries that the bank serves.

The logo has the old ANZ letters in place, but in more modern font. The bank added a petal shaped figure next to it which is meant to signify the people and countries where ANZ has a presence, making it look like a person as a whole.

But Twitterers have other thoughts on what the new logo looks like, and many are not impressed by the bank’s new branding identity:

osirisX (Craigie, Perth, Australia) I like the new type in the ANZ logo. It makes ANZ feel more human and less IBM. But that symbol is POINTLESS. Is it a flower or a person?! 25 Oct 2009 from Twitterrific

TheVintry (Pokolbin, Australia) #anz#logo. Is that Kenny from South Park in the ANZ logo? 25 Oct 2009 from web

icanseeit (Brisbane, Australia) Hmmm not sure what I think about the new ANZ logo yet. Old one was around for so long it will take some time… #newlogo #anz 25 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

web_goddess (Undisclosed) The new ANZ logo/glyph looks like it should be on the side of a feminine hygiene product box. 25 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

Harcourt666 (Undisclosed) The new ANZ logo looks absolutely ridiculous. Looks like somebody crying because the bank has charged them $5 for breathing at their branch 25 Oct 2009 from Twitterrific

BettyBrowne (Sydney, Australia) what’s that blue thing on the end of the new ANZ logo? A jelly baby? Alien? half a croissant and two biscuits? 26 Oct 2009 from web

rljm (Adelaide, Australia) My friends at #QBN just showed me the new #ANZ logo. It is absolutely appalling, I really hope they don’t change, it’s a backwards step imo. 26 Oct 2009 from Echofon

nick_wade (North Geelong, Australia) just putting it out there, the new anz app logo is hideous 26 Oct 2009 from Twitterrific

HarrisonARH (Brisbane, Australia) Wow. Twitter is alive with discussion on the ANZ logo. Looks to be designed for push into Asian market. Certainly getting exposure. 26 Oct 2009 from web

ohhitskat (Melbourne, Australia) So ANZ is happy to spend millions of $$ on a new crappy logo but not willing to put a little bit forward to look after their employees? heh 26 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

Below is a TwitPic posted by one Twitterer that shows the new logo:

posted by: waynecheng

Whether or not Twitterers like it, the bank plans to continue releasing the new logo over the next two years by adding it to online material, office supplies and ANZ buildings.

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Jessica Watson, 16, begins attempt to circumnavigate globe

Lauren McTigue — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:58:38 +0000

Sixteen-year-old Aussie Jessica Watson set sail from Sydney Harbour Sunday morning, hoping to become the youngest person to complete a solo round-world journey.

AFP reported that her 23,000-mile voyage was stalled a month ago after damage to her boat in a test run. This did not deter her from going through with her dream, though Queensland state officials did ask that she reconsider her plans to go through with the solo trip.

Twitter users are wishing her safe travels, though some believe it is a risky voyage for someone so young.

hackjack (Sydney, Australia) That Jessica Watson… I’m not sure what to think of that whole teenager sailing around the world thing. 17 Oct 2009 from web

Linda_Pilko (Sunshine Coast, Queensland) Hooray for Jessica Watson! What an inspirational girl. I wish her a safe and uneventful journey. 17 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

arcfactory (Undisclosed) Bon Voyage Jessica Watson – may your voyage around the world be speedy and keep you safe!! http://bit.ly/4rgFA 18 Oct 2009 from Facebook

kouky (Sydney, Australia) The zeal of Jessica Watson’s parents irks me. However I do wish her all the best of luck in her voyage. 18 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

monkeymoyle (Perth, Australia) good luck jessica watson come home safe 18 Oct 2009 from web

__PJ__ (Germany/Australia) Best wishes & many prayers for Jessica Watson on her 11 month sea voyage!! 18 Oct 2009 from web

ssrrhh (Undisclosed) Excited for Jessica Watson, totally will stalk her blog over the next 8 months! 18 Oct 2009 from web

Watson’s trip is to last 11 months on a bright pink yacht called Ella’s Pink Lady, as skincare company Ella Baché is sponsoring the trip.

She comes after a few teenagers who have completed the same journey in the past year. The most recent of these adventurers are 17-year-old Mike Perham of Britain, and American Zac Sunderland, also 17, who completed his voyage in July.

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Baby lives after getting hit by train in Australia

Lindsey Drakert — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:35:47 +0000

A video spread quickly today showing a 6-month-old baby in a stroller rolling off a platform onto train tracks seconds before getting hit by a train entering the station in Melbourne, Australia.

CNN reports how the baby miraculously survived being dragged 33 yards and escaping with only a cut on the forehead.

Twitterers were shocked at the news:

Episkey__ (Undisclosed) a woman mand her baby fall onto the train tracks as the train arrived. almost killed the kid. luckily, it survived. it was terrifying to see 16 Oct 2009 from web

sophiaw (Michigan, U.S.) My heart stopped when I saw the video of the baby in a carriage falling into a train in Melbourne, Australia. Truly a survival MIRACLE! 16 Oct 2009 from web

mIKEEDUTRA (Undisclosed) WTF ???? A baby gets ran over by a train and lives !!! cRAZY !! 16 Oct 2009 from Twittelator

Gingavado (London, England) did any 1 c on the news the baby’s pram that fell on the train track but was o.k O.M.F.G! 16 Oct 2009 from web

sarahstyle (Melbourne, Australia) The footage of that baby pram falling in front of the train is horrific. A miracle if ever I saw one, so very very lucky. 16 Oct 2009 from Echofon

Other Twitterers commented on how this event comes only a day after the world watched a Colorado family search for their 6-year-old son when they thought he accidentally flew off in a giant mylar balloon. Turns out he was safe at home hiding in the attic.

twharrell (New York, NY) Forget balloon boy. Check out train boy. Stroller with baby boy rolled into an oncoming train and survived. http://bit.ly/1PHHZA 16 Oct 2009 from web

edduzzell (Undisclosed) Wow – balloon boy yesterday, train baby today, what will tomorrow bring? 16 Oct 2009 from web

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Sydney men found guilty of plotting act of terrorism on Australian soil

Craig Kanalley — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:55:20 +0000

Five Sydney men have been charged with plotting to commit an act of terror on Australian soil on Friday, reports ABC News Australia. The intended target was never disclosed by the prosecution.

The 10-month trial which led to the guilty decision is the longest in the country’s history and it comes at a time the war on terror has been discussed increasingly in Australia.

Sydney Twitter users have been following the case and related developments in recent days. Many claim that the issue of terrorism has been greatly exaggerated by government officials.

l0tim0l (Sydney, Australia) The only ones that bring terror to the Australian people Are our leaders and the and the Bullsh*t they feed us. Look into the FACTS people 09 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

TheMac29 (Sydney, Australia) same here. agreed! RT @shiqies: I’m a Muslim nd i’m NOT violent.Get the thinking straight.I’m against terrorism.Thank you 4 understanding. 11 Oct 2009 from web

sdison (Sydney, Australia) Biopolitics of the war on terror, hey? I think I’d prefer a nap. 12 Oct 2009 from Echofon

Jen_Bennett (Sydney, Australia) @theburgerman I’m thinking terrorism, which is the 1st thing that comes to most minds. Aus govt has spent millions on counter terror support 12 Oct 2009 from TwitterBerry

l0tim0l (Sydney, Australia) We do not have terrorism in Australia, http://bit.ly/p1rAh ..Why do we let them take our freedom away in it’s name??? 14 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

JoinTheFarQ (Sydney, Australia) They were only re-enacting Red Faces skit! RT @abcnews: 5 Sydney men guilty of conspiring to commit terrorism act. #heyhey #plucka 16 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

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Another earthquake hits Samoa

Lindsey Drakert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:26:57 +0000

AP reports that another earthquake has shaken the Pacific Samoa Islands Wednesday, Oct. 14. With a magnitude of 6.0, this earthquake will not cause a tsunami like the 8.3 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 29. The tsunami caused more than 180 deaths.

Twitter helped spread the news:

inglesantonio (Philippines) Samoa earthquake is less than two weeks after the Pacific islands were hit by a series of tsunamis sparked by a powerful 8.0 earthquake. 15 Oct 2009 from web

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Many Twitterers were caught by surprised at this second natural disaster so close to the last:

callie57 (Plymouth, MA) Samoa hit by yet another earthquake this afternoon! My gosh those poor people. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers… 14 Oct 2009 from web

marfnz (Florida) magitude 6.0 earthquake hits off SAMOA again!!!! 14 Oct 2009 from web

uribez (Undisclosed) Earthquake in Samoa………..Again? Lord have mercy 14 Oct 2009 from Snaptu

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Other Twitterers talked about the situation:

A_hunkin89 (Undisclosed) At LAX gett’n ready 2k head out samoa, just heard a 6.9 earthquake hit samoa, lord guide us as we make out way out there! 14 Oct 2009 from Sidekick

Fanua (Undisclosed) Been watchful about today’s 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Samoa Islands region about 2hrs ago, 6.0+ quakes have been happening there for weeks 14 Oct 2009 from Power Twitter

myrugbystats (New Zealand) Another earthquake in Samoa! I think the world is very angry at the moment, so many natural disasters! http://bit.ly/2RdzwY 14 Oct 2009 from bit.ly

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

And others joked about the reoccuring natural disasters in the Pacific:

jeffmorg (Boerne, Texas) Another mag 6.0 earthquake near Samoa? Stay tuned for the volcano. 14 Oct 2009 from Seesmic

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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TwitPics: Earthquake hits American Samoa

Tony Valdivieso — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:33:29 +0000

According to CNN, 17 people have been killed and hundreds left injured in Samoa following a magnitude 8.0 earthquake. Reuters is reporting the earthquakes have may have killed as many as 100 people.

American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono told CNN international “two or three villages have been damaged badly.”

Vindell Hsu, a geophysicist with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, told CNN the earthquake generated three separate tsunami waves, the largest being 5.1 feet high

Twitterers in the effected Samoan villages (Pago Pago and Leone) have started to post pictures of the damage:

Pago Plaza with DDW on the first floor - Ardieroque

The old Soli and Mark's reduced to rubbles - Ardieroque

Devastation in Pago! - Ardieroque

Leone Village - American Samoa. From a relative. - Gpatnava

Development Bank of American Samoa - ardieroque

Mike from Hawthorne Machinery in PagoPago sent me this picture of #Samoa #tsunami carnage. - Tunasupport

GHC Reid Vaimalu Water Bottling Plant - ardieroque

Pago Plaza and Vaimalu Bottling Plant - ardieroque

A meeting house (fale) in Leone village - ardieroque

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Strong earthquake hits Samoan Islands, causes 10-foot tsunami

Fahad Zuberi — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:14:44 +0000

A preliminary-magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit the American Samoan Islands Tuesday afternoon. Later reports revised the number to an 8.3 quake.

According to BNO News, the massive earthquake hit the South Pacific and generated a 10-foot tsunami. Tsunami warnings have been in effect throughout the region, but there is no word on any damages or casualties.

Twitter users in American Samoa quickly reacted:

nazzy_wazzy (American Samoa) @nerelle there is a tsunami!!!! i cant still feel after shocks! 29 Sep 2009 from web

OhReezy (American Samoa) Samoa hit by an earthquake. Now there is a Tsunami warning. Everybody making there way to higher ground! 29 Sep 2009 from web

miss_alosina (South Pacific Islands) OMG just got woken up by a massive earthquake… 29 Sep 2009 from web

nazzy_wazzy (American Samoa) EARTHQUAKE!!!!!! that was the longest ever. i agree with @nerelle. i thought it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29 Sep 2009 from web

nerelle (American Samoa) Wow. That was like thee longest and strongest earthquake American Samoa has ever felt, praying hard… 29 Sep 2009 from web

Other Twitterers in the South Pacific region immediately offered up prayers and urged each other to be safe during this torrid time.

adamontherun (Hawaii) @SteveCase thanks for the heads up on the Tsunami… little spooky in Honolulu right now. 29 Sep 2009 from TweetDeck in reply to SteveCase

Mommy_Nikki (Hawaii) Me too Nans! RT @Nansayy This tsunami warning is freaking me out!!! Everyone please be safe out there! 29 Sep 2009 from twidroid

tooty_fruity88 (Auckland, New Zealand) Please don’t give us a TSUNAMI http://bit.ly/GLda 29 Sep 2009 from web

Im_Ara (Wellington, New Zealand) Formal tsunami warning declared in New Zealand. I’m sure we’ll be fine. 29 Sep 2009 from web

tvdisko (Wellington, New Zealand) Everyone in Wellington bracing for the tsunami? 29 Sep 2009 from Twidget

Some are gathering supplies to be prepared if the tsunami does reach where they live.

OnOahu (Hawaii) Regarding this Hawaii tsunami watch business.. is it time to go out and buy toilet paper and bottled water yet ??? 29 Sep 2009 from web

laurelrinkya (Hawaii) filling up my water bottles to be prepared, my fellow Hawaiians check news for tsunami updates http://tw0.us/28Y 29 Sep 2009 from web

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Bottled Water in Australia: Bundadoon bans it, Adelaide may depend on it

Elle Eichinger — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:18:54 +0000

Bundadoon, a small town in New South Wales, has placed a ban on bottled water, becoming the first town to do so in the world, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Ironically, Australian politician David Winderlich revealed last week that the town of Adelaide may be dependent on bottled water within a year due to the dangerous salinity levels of the towns water source. Winderlich has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency, according to news.au.com.

Twitter users in Australia and abroad showed their pride for Bundadoon’s effort, and shed more light on the situation in Adelaide:

caninoz (Sydney, Australia) First town in the world to ban bottled water. Three cheers for Bundanoon! http://bit.ly/4wxjg5 #water #environment 26 Sep 2009 from bit.ly

eidmaclackshaw (Sydney, Australia) Bundanoon….leading the way! NSW town dumps bottled water: http://bit.ly/iPq0o 26 Sep 2009 from Echofon

HarperBooksAus (Australia) RT @glendalarke Bundanoon in Oz bans all bottled water. About time! NSW study found industry contributed 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases 28 Sep 2009 from web

thomax (Oslo, Norway) Australian city Bundanoon bans the sale of bottled water as it requires 2000x more energy to produce than tap http://tr.im/zXJW. Impressive! 28 Sep 2009 from Nambu

sydneynewsnow (Sydney, Australia) Towns warned water unfit to drink: COUNCILS plan to ship bottled water to residents whose drinking water is so .. http://bit.ly/2a9Q59 28 Sep 2009 from twitterfeed

news_com_au (Australia) Adelaide water supply ‘not secure’: ADELAIDE is just one dry year away from becoming reliant on bottled water, .. http://bit.ly/14vSjB 28 Sep 2009 from twitterfeed

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