The reforms proposed by the Abbott government are intended to make it easier for the peak spy agency, Asio, to monitor computers and computer networks. They also contain provisions which create a new offence punishable by five years in jail for “any person” who discloses information relating to “special intelligence operations”.

I am mightily disturbed by the mixing of notions. John Hughes, the Dean of Jesus College in Cambridge, was suddenly killed, in a car accident that deprived his followers from promises of more religious enlightenment... For all we know, Hughes may have become an atheist in his old age...

From the ABC religious and ethics department:

Global warming is basically a macro-mechanical science of flux with statistical, observational calculations and applied technology. It is a simple science. Compared to the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, global warming should be as easy to understand as buttering a toast on the right side.

The question remains whether, in the same way that sacred images can be consumed and dismissed by those whose fickle tastes have been formed by the visual orgy that is modern media, the disciplines formed through the patient contemplation of icons might in fact redeem the otherwise sterile inanibus phantasmibus of our media age. But that will have to wait for another time ...

Scott Stephens is the Religion & Ethics Editor for ABC Online.

In the Exodus account, Israel suffered without apparent sin. It prays (cries) for help, and God hears and sends a redeemer [Moses]. In prophetic accounts of the First Destruction, Israel suffers for its sins, but also suffers beyond measure. As very briefly sampled here, late rabbinic accounts of the Second Destruction both imitate features of the prophetic accounts of Israel's sins and also add a new voice: Israel seems fated to its suffering as if there were no apparent reason for it. The Second Destruction appears to challenge Israel's relation with God in unforeseen ways.

It is clear that neo-fascist capitalism does not like freedom... This could seem an idiotic statement, but it is true. When most neo-fascist capitalists talk about freedom, it is only on their own term, within the box that they create, including justifying the destruction or conquest of "others" for the box to exist.

Capitalism is only a tool of trade.

The boogeyman as promoted by the merdia press...

Have you ever been in a classroom where the same pupils seem to always get the blame for misdeeds?... Whether it's the class bully or the poor simpleton, it's rare the real culprit for a misdeed is punished. I've seen some angelic clever kids doing their worst to see how someone would react for being blamed for something they did not do...

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has apologised to the people of Queensland as he announced a reversal of several controversial policy positions.

From Chris Floyd

Nestlé’s chair has claimed that the issue of water scarcity is “much more urgent” than climate change.

It is likely that this summer (2014) is going to be a scorcher... And my advice to all the spruiking denialists who own a piece of land in the country  — like the Alan Jones — and the merchants of whatever  — like the Gerry Harveys — is to make sure you have plenty of water in reserve and an escape route... or a bunker.