user: Q: New survey finds too many think torture OK

A worrying number of Australians think it would be acceptable for Australian soldiers to be tortured for information.

A new study conducted by the Australian Red Cross found 57 per cent believed torturing an Australian soldier for information should not be allowed and 23 per cent were undecided.

But 21 per cent thought it was OK.

When it comes to Australians torturing enemy soldiers for information, 23 per cent though that acceptable - actually more than people from war-afflicted nations such as Syria (20 per cent) and South Sudan (18 per cent).

Australian Red Cross chief executive Judy Slatyer said most Australians care very much about their fellow humans but some need to better understand why humanitarian laws and values matter.

"Torture is illegal and unacceptable in any circumstances. It has a devastating impact on those tortured as well as our collective humanity," she said in a statement.

The Australian Red Cross survey coincides with release of a global report on attitudes to war conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

That survey, in which 17,000 people in 16 countries including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan were surveyed on their attitudes to laws of war and humanitarian protection.

Overwhelmingly they supported measures designed to protect civilians and health care. But the survey did throw up some concerning trends.

An increasing number are resigned to civilian deaths as an inevitable part of warfare, especially in nations not affected by conflict, such as the UK, France, Russia, China and US.

There was also growing indifference to the torture of enemy soldiers, despite its absolute prohibition.

"The global results seem to show that people who live in mainly peaceful countries need to be more compassionate and understanding. Here in Australia, I wonder if we risk becoming numb to the true extent of human suffering and the consequences of war and conflict for all of us," Ms Slatyer said.
What are the most important parts of this text?

A: An Australian Red Cross study has found 57 per cent believe torturing an Australian soldier for information shouldn't be allowed but 21 per cent think it's OK


This bike disguised as a car is a brilliant geek dream come true

Biking to work may be the choice mode of transportation for some, but if it's cold out, it's a lot less attractive. Here's a creative way to stay warm on a bike in colder climates: Turn your ride into a car!

Sweden-based entrepreneur Mikael Kjellman has designed a pretty rad four-wheel bike concept called PodRide that can handle the harsh weather of the region — something he uses to commute into work every day. Covered in full fabric and a waterproof body to keep dry, it looks more like a car than a bike.

Kjellman recently posted his creation to crowdfunding site Indiegogo for a kit that would allow people to build their own similar vehicle at home.

According to the Indiegogo page, the PodRide is powered by an electric bike, with 14-speed bicycle gears. The maximum speed is about 25 km/hour, and it can travel about 60 km on a charge — good for a commute but not necessarily a road trip. Steering occurs via two levels positioned on the sides of the seat. Brakes are built into the handles.

The PodRide has the same seating position and height as a small car, so drivers can be easily spotted in traffic. But it’s also narrow enough for bike paths.

While it’s certainly not as durable as a traditional car, it has bells and whistles that go beyond your traditional bike: It features a heated windshield, studded tires and a trunk to stash your stuff. And you don’t need a driver’s license to operate it.

Kjellman's creation isn't entirely new — he's been posting videos to YouTube for a few months now — but the new Indiegogo campaign is bringing more attention to the quirky yet practical concept: it's already received more than $20,000 in backing, about 70% of its overall funding goal.

However, supporting the campaign won't get you a PodRide of you're own, but it'll help you get a discount. The total cost for a final production model is expected to cost $2,800.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Summary: The PodRide turns your bike into a car... kind of.


Q: Louisiana Mom Used Hand Sanitizer to Fatally Poison Son with Down Syndrome : People.com

09/16/2015 AT 03:50 PM EDT

A Louisiana mother pleaded guilty to killing her 17-month-old son by injecting hand sanitizer into his feeding tube, the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney's Office tells PEOPLE.

Lucas Ruiz was born with Down syndrome and an atrioventricular canal defect. He had surgery to repair the defect at a young age, but it required him to be fed through a feeding tube. He died in January 2014 after being poisoned with a lethal dose of hand sanitizer.

His mother, Erika Wigstrom, was indicted on a first-degree murder charge just two months later, as well as an attempted murder charge for trying to kill Lucas in October 2012 by giving him an alcohol-based perfume.

On Tuesday, she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Wigstrom previously told detectives that she was only looking to put her son out of his misery, saying that she didn't want him to suffer anymore.

Lucas' father, Cesar Ruiz, was also arrested in connection with his son's death. While in police custody, he reportedly confessed to giving his son rum through his feeding tube in October 2012, according to

But prosecutors later said that he falsely admitted to the crime, and charged him with criminal mischief. He was convicted of that charge and spent a year in jail following his initial arrest.

A: Lucas Ruiz died in January 2014 after being poisoned with a lethal dose of hand sanitizer


IN: Gale-force winds expected in eastern NSW
Gale-force winds are expected across eastern NSW on Saturday and emergency crews remain on floodwatch in the state's west.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says most of the east part of the state - the Hunter, Illawarra, south coast, southern, northern and central tablelands, parts of the mid-north coast and Snowy Mountains - could experience winds up to 90km/h.

Senior forecaster Sarah Chadwick told AAP 102km/h winds were recorded at Mount Boyce in the upper Blue Mountains at about 8am Saturday.

Wind speeds were expected to calm down by Saturday afternoon, Ms Chadwick said.

The SES is urging residents across the state's east to pack away loose items outside their homes and move their cars away from trees.

In the state's west, the SES has made 10 flood rescues since Friday.

Rescues were mostly people trapped in cars in areas such as Borrowa, Cootamundra and Grenfell, SES spokeswoman Stephanie Sullivan said.

BOM says only light showers are expected on Saturday but flood warnings remain for many of the state's rivers.
What is a short summary of the above article?

OUT:

assistant: Strong winds are expected across NSW's east, prompting the SES to urge residents to secure loose items around their homes and move cars away from trees.