The resources boom has been the most spectacular of its kind in 150 years, surpassed only by the gold rush of the 1850s. It has created enormous fortunes in the hands of a few, impoverished some and left many isolated from its benefits. Now that we are coming out of the construction phase, the money piling up in the hands of the mining barons will continue to grow as production soars, but the jobs will be far fewer and the aftermath potentially quite painful to many.

Massacres of civilians are being exploited for narrow geopolitical competition to control Mideast oil, gas pipelines.

Dated June 2010, the "top secret" NSA document reveals that the intelligence agency was particularly interested in the diplomats' computer network. All of the country's embassies and consulates are connected with the Paris headquarters via a virtual private network (VPN), technology that is generally considered to be secure.

State politics lumbers along under the radar. But a few cracks are appearing in Barry O'Farrell's cabinet. This is not surprising almost three years into government, but worth noting.

from Mike Carlton ....

Sometimes the news rushes in so quickly from here, there and everywhere that I compact it all into one dense but manageable chunk. Everything you need to know in a single headline: MILEY CYRUS BANNED FROM ESSENDON, WEIGHS GAY OPTIONS FOR SYRIA AIR STRIKE.

The world admires Germany and would like to see more active engagement from the country. But Germans themselves are reluctant and Chancellor Merkel has steered clear of taking on more global responsibility. Berlin should rethink its role in the world.

from the shovel ….

Opposition Treasury Spokesman Joe Hockey will release the final details of the Coalition’s policy costings in a beautifully illustrated picture book, it has been revealed.

The 5 Foundational Pillars of the Christian Faith