A search is underway off Australia for a couple who fell overboard into shark-infested waters from a cruise ship returning to Sydney from a Pacific tour. The 30-year-old man and 27-year-old woman were reported missing from the Carnival Spirit liner after it docked at Circular Quay in Sydney on…
Australian Cardinal says church needs ‘better discipline’
Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell, picked by the pope to help advise him on governance and reforms, said Sunday “better discipline” was needed in the church. The Sydney Archbishop also suggested less Italian influence at the Vatican would be welcome….
Missouri man accused of using fake penis to pass drug test
A 34-year-old St. Louis man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly attempted to use a prosthetic penis to pass a drug test. According to FoxNews.com, Sydney Levin was arrested and charged with “possession of a forging instrument.” Levin, who was convicted in 2009 of theft and…
Millions begin switching off for ‘Earth Hour’ to protest climate change
Sydney’s skyline plunged into darkness on Saturday as the city cut its lights for the “Earth Hour” campaign against climate change, kicking off an event which will travel around the globe. Organisers expect hundreds of millions of people across some 150 countries to turn off their…
Ellen DeGeneres happy enough to ‘kiss the ground’ Down Under
U.S. talk show star Ellen DeGeneres arrived in Australia on Friday, declaring she was happy enough to “kiss the ground” as she began a six-day visit officials are hoping will help boost tourism. Hundreds of cheering fans greeted the American wit after she touched down in Sydney, a…
Actor Russell Crowe panned for ‘embarrassing’ UFO video claim
Hollywood star Russell Crowe was criticized for posting online a video shot from outside his Sydney office of lights over city parkland that he likened to a UFO. The Oscar-winning actor uploaded a link to a YouTube video on his Twitter feed with the comment: “UFO? Time lapse photos outside…
Thousands of Australians stranded by floodwaters
Thousands of people on Australia’s east coast were cut off by floodwaters on Sunday, with the heavy rain claiming two lives as extreme thunderstorms damaged homes and brought down trees in Sydney. State Emergency Services said the Macleay River peaked lower than had been forecast in the…
