Westboro hates …. everyone!

January 25, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
5 Comments

On Wednesday morning we woke to the tragic news that Perth born actor Heath Ledger had passed away in New York.

Since then we’ve heard that the members of Westboro Baptist Church intend picketing any memorial services held for Heath. They’re planning to shove their hate filled slogans in the faces of those who are grieving the loss of the talented Western Australian.

Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is a controversial organization headed by Fred Phelps and based in Topeka, Kansas, U.S..

The small church runs numerous websites such as GodHatesFags.com, GodHatesAmerica.com and others expressing condemnation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (LGBT), Roman Catholics, Muslims and Jews, as well as populations it believes are supporting the forementioned groups, including Swedes, Canadians, Irish, British, and Americans. – Wikipedia

Rev. Dr Ross Clifford, President of the Baptist Union of Australia, has issued a media statement saying that the intention of the members of Westboro Baptist Church in the US to picket memorial services for Heath Ledger is completely inappropriate. He has moved quickly to distance Baptist churches in Australia from the Kansas group which has gained attention over the past few years as little more than a hate group.

One person who has had first hand experience with Westboro Baptist is broadcaster and musician Mike Rayson. Mike hasbeen picketed by the group and he joined me on the line from the US this morning during my programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM.

I asked Mike about his experience with Westboro and what he believes our response should be to such groups. You can hear our conversation by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post.



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Positive peer pressure

January 25, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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cyclists.jpgWhenever we hear the term ‘peer pressure’ we tend to think of it in a negative sense but peer pressure can be just as much a force for good. I experienced some positive peer pressure a couple of mornings ago.

I really didn’t feel like getting up early but I knew that a friend of mine was waiting around the corner ready to go for a ride. I dragged myself out of bed and got organised before grabbing my bike and cycling off into the sunrise. We managed to fit in around 37 kilometres before work as opposed to my normal 6 kilometers. Amazing how much more energized I felt starting the day.

What is it about having someone else involved that helps us to take the steps we know we need to take?

I love riding and the extra kilometres before work always help me feel better about the day but getting out of bed early enough can be a struggle. I wonder what other areas of my life would benefit from having someone keeping me accountable to my goals.

Have you seen the benefits of positive peer pressure? Do you have people who help keep you on target in different areas of life? How has it helped you?



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Perth Criteriums

January 24, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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I mentioned the Perth Criterium Series 2008 a few days back.

The Perth Criteriums is a four-event cycling series being held across Perth over four days.

The first event of the series gets underway at 5:55 p.m. in Joondalup tomorrow. Race two action begins at 12:30 p.m. on Riverside Drive in the city with the spectacular Swan River as its backdrop. On Sunday afternoon the action will be in Victoria Park from 2:40 with riders taking on the challenging but popular Albany Highway circuit. The final race will be help on the public holiday Monday afternoon on Oxford Street, Leederville starting at 2:55.

Perth is home to some of Australia’s most talented bike racers, many of whom will be lining up for the Perth Criteriums so I’m looking forward to seeing the racing and being part of the commentary team.

This morning on 98.5 Sonshine FM I spoke to local rider Ryan Suckling about the series. You can click on the audio player at the bottom of this post if you’d like to listen to our conversation.



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Australia Day 2008

January 23, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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Are you ready for Australia Day this Saturday?

We celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January each year because it was that day in 1788 that Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor. The first official celebrations were held in 1818 to mark the 30th anniversary of white settlement.

If you want to find out more about Australia Day you can go to the official website here.

Watching fireworks on Australia Day has become a solid tradition in Perth but over the past few years many people have started looking for ways to avoid the parking hassles and find a family friendly event. Answering the call is the 98.5 Sonshine FM Town of Bassendean Australia Day Celebrations and Fireworks event which has built a reputation as a safe place to spend Australia Day with friends and family as well as providing a spectacular show.

If you’re in the Perth area it’d be great to catch up with you at Ashfield Reserve, Guldford Road, Ashfield, for the evening. It’s a great event that culminates in a massive fireworks display away from the big and sometimes rowdy crowds of the city fireworks. 98.5 Sonshine FM is proud to be providing the soundtrack and we’ll be broadcasting live from the venue from two o’clock on Saturday afternoon.

I’ll be joined on stage by my friend and colleague, Arthur Muhl, to MC the live entertainment which starts from 6:00 p.m. There’ll also be a citizenship ceremony. The fireworks will begin lighting up the skies at 9:00 p.m.

If you want to enjoy some great entertainment in a more relaxed family atmosphere, without having to wait hours in traffic on the way home, come on down.

Either way, make sure that you’ve got some plans in place to celebrate.



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Heath Ledger dead at 28

January 23, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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Western Australian actor and Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has been found dead of a suspected overdose in a New York apartment.

This report from the New York Times has further details.

The actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in an apartment in Manhattan inhabited by the actress Mary-Kate Olsen, according to the New York City police. Signs pointed to a suicide or an accidental overdose, police sources said. Mr. Ledger was 28.

Ledger was born in my home city, Perth, Western Australia. I was out cycling this morning and went past Guildford Grammar School where Heath was educated. At the time I had no idea of the tragedy that had happened just a short time earlier.

It’s so sad to lose someone so talented so young. It’s yet another reminder that life is fragile.



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