Sweet Whirl: Love Songs & Poetry

- Bring yourself as close to your speakers as physically and comfortably possible, because otherwise you’ll be in danger of missing a sound or small nuance whispere out by Sweet Whirl. With the last release from this project being a no-fi project of scuzzy, late night ramblings, Love Songs & Poetry continues this trajectory but cuts through the haze without reducing the tension of these sorghum molasses ballads. They’re as sweet as they are languid.

Vote Compass shows large majority in favour of voluntary euthanasia

Looking across the nation, ABC’s online Vote Compass polling tool has found almost 90 per cent of participants are in favour of voluntary euthanasia.

The population in support of assisted dying for people with terminally ill conditions included voters of the Labour party, the Coalition, the Greens and One Nation.

The survey has received over 450,000 responses so far.

Man hospitalised after falling off e-scooter, suffering heart attack

In local news, a man is fighting for his life in the Princess Alexandra Hospital after he fell off an electric scooter and suffered a heart attack in South Bank Parklands overnight.

Multiple ambulance crews rushed to the scene after midnight where the man, who is in his 50s, was revived after falling and hitting his head before going into cardiac arrest.

Driverless cars a distant reality after dissatisfying Brisbane trials

It could be years before Brisbane sees driverless vehicles on its streets after current trials experienced malfunctions on motorways.

Over the two-month trial run by road operator Transurban, the automated vehicles exhibited difficulty following some temporary white lines, and also drove into emergency stopping bays and were confused by scuff marks on the roads.

Viability of proposed Gold Coast cruise terminal under scrutiny

The financial viability of Gold Coast’s proposed $450 million cruise ship terminal is being questioned by the city’s councillors and community groups after a confidential Queensland Government report reveals the size of the project would have to be bigger than planned.

The commissioned report was produced last December, but was only released on Tuesday, and outlines updated plans for the 900-metre terminal jetty to more than double its width over land which means more than 300 car parks would be lost for beachgoers and 25 hectares of open space would be lost.

Chinese authorities crack down on Muslims practicing Ramadan

In international news, Chinese authorities are cracking down again on Muslim citizens currently fasting for Ramadan, particularly minorities in the Xinjiang province.

Reports from Amnesty International say authorities view behaviours including fasting, regular prayer and avoiding alcohol as well as wearing headscarves as extremism.

A document published in 2016 by China’s State Council says citizens religious feelings and needs are fully respected.

Germany proposes fine for dodging measles vaccine

Germany has proposed a $2,800 AUD fine for parents who fail to vaccinate their children against measles as part of draft legislation from the country’s health minister.

The proposal comes as Germany reported one of the highest numbers of measles cases in Europe between March 2018 and February this year, at 651, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Review: Genesis at Metro Arts

Genesis is a theatre production written by William Hinz, directed by Michael Mandalios and presented by A Very Theatre Company and Greg Andreas that performed at Metro Arts from the 25th April to the 4th of May. This production examines the complexities of a relationship between an atheist and religious person and how close to understanding each other and yet how far away they are from truly recognising where the other is coming from.

Review: The Last Night of the Proms presented by the QSO

It could have been the “Last Night of the POMS,” as the Brits were out in force the the QPAC emblazoned with union jacks, or in black tie and eager to get into the flag waving. The Concert Hall was packed to capacity and buzzing with anticipation as the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra and ninety three choristers from the Brisbane Chorale “eased” into the dynamic concert with Borodin’s explosive second act of the Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor.