Latest news with #Bondi
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Fact or fad: Ice baths are on the rise, but do they really work?
Cold therapy was once reserved for elite athletes and biohacking enthusiasts. Inspired by the Finnish tradition of alternating between a sauna and a plunge into icy water, this invigorating ritual is now spreading far beyond Scandinavian borders and across the globe. In Australia, ice baths are appearing in gyms, wellness studios, and even suburban backyards, from Bondi to Byron Bay, as people embrace the trend. Neil O'Sullivan, the CEO and Co-Founder of NIMBUS CO, a network of infra-red sauna and cold plunge studios, says that this surge is no accident. 'We live in an age where stress, burnout and overstimulation are at an all time high,' Mr O'Sullivan tells 'People are looking for simple, natural tools to feel better and support their physical and mental health.' Cold therapy rituals offer a quick way to help us reset, he says, whether it's via a full-body plunge, a cold shower, or simply splashing icy water on your face in the morning. What does it involve, and what are the potential benefits? Cold therapy, or cold exposure, involves deliberately exposing your body, or parts of it, to cold temperatures. The benefits, according to O'Sullivan, are seriously impressive, and a growing body of research backs this up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold therapy may improve circulation and even assist with sleep. Multiple studies have shown that cold water immersion can also promote basic post-sport recovery, making it a popular choice for athletes and daily exercisers. Beyond physical benefits, cold therapy has also been linked to improved focus and a reduction in inflammation throughout the body. However, what often surprises ice bath regulars the most is the effect they can have on people's moods. 'It can build emotional resilience by activating the parasympathetic nervous system – essentially helping the body shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair mode,' Mr Mr O'Sullivan explains. Studies have also shown that cold water immersion can trigger the release of endorphins and noradrenaline, which are associated with improved mood, focus and reduced stress. Potential risks While the benefits of ice baths are compelling, experts caution that ice baths are not without their risks. Medical literature and leading health organisations warn of several potential dangers, especially for those with underlying health conditions. Sudden immersion in icy water can trigger what's known as a 'cold shock' response, causing rapid breathing, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and even dizziness or fainting. Prolonged exposure can also lead to hypothermia, which affects both physical and cognitive function and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. The cardiovascular system may also be impacted, as cold water can make the heart work harder, which can be an issue for anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. Experts suggest that anyone considering ice baths should consult a healthcare professional first. Ice baths for women As with many biohacking practices, there is a ' gender research gap ', and the same applies to cold exposure. Much of the scientific research regarding cold and heat exposure focuses on male biology, which means our understanding of its benefits and side effects for women remains somewhat limited. However, emerging research suggests that women may experience cold therapy differently from men due to hormonal fluctuations, thermoregulation, and body composition. In simple terms, our bodies regulate heat differently depending on gender. Shifts during the menstrual cycle or perimenopause can influence how the nervous and cardiovascular systems respond to stressors like cold immersion. Some studies have shown that the physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate variability or resting heart rate, may be less pronounced in women compared to men. It also takes longer for women to return heat to vital organs compared to men. However, that doesn't mean cold therapy isn't effective for women, and the effects have been observed across genders. 'There is no 'one size fits all' protocol, especially for women,' Mr O'Sullivan notes. 'Where you are in your life stage, or specific times in your cycle can largely impact how and when, or if, you should ice bath. It also means that temperature carries further importance. Women don't need their ice bath to be as cold as men do'. How to try cold therapy If you're keen to try cold therapy, you'll be pleased to know that you don't need an expensive set up or extreme temperatures to see results. 'Anything below 15°C can be effective. A cold shower, a dip in the ocean, or even standing outside in the cold with few layers on (depending on where you are in the world, of course) can unlock the same effects as a dedicated ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. If you are looking to ease into cold therapy, he recommends Wim Hof's 30-day cold shower challenge. The Wim Hof 30-day cold shower challenge Option 1: Cold shower progression Week 1: Finish your usual hot shower with 30 seconds of cold water Week 2: Extend the cold part to 45 seconds Week 3: Extend to 60 seconds Week 4: Try doing the entire shower cold If you're feeling brave, a DIY ice bath can be easy and effective, too. Option 2: DIY ice bath at home Prepare the set up: Fill a bath or large tub with cold water and ice – aim for 10–15°C. For beginners, three bags of ice from a service station should be plenty. Prepare yourself: Take three deep breaths to calm your nervous system before stepping in. On the third exhale, start entering the water. Get in: Ease into the bath. Stay for at least three minutes: That's the average time it takes for the nervous system to switch from a stress state (sympathetic) to a recovery state (parasympathetic). If you can't make three minutes on your first go, no stress – 30 seconds is still a win. Ice bath tips Breathe slowly throughout: The first 30 seconds are the hardest, Mr O'Sullivan says. That's when your system is panicking. Deep, steady breaths help regulate this response. Crossing your arms? That's normal: It's called the 'dive reflex' – your brain thinks you're underwater and your body enters survival mode. Want to make it harder? Stretch your arms out or move them – it breaks your body's thermal barrier and lets more cold in. Clothing makes a difference: Bulky boardshorts can dull the cold. Budgie smugglers or nude? Much more intense. Progress happens quickly: Most people who think they can't last three minutes usually end up surprising themselves. Shivering is normal (with limits): It's your body producing heat via brown fat activation – a positive metabolic response. But if the shivers linger, that's your cue to get out. Don't jump into a hot shower right after: Let your body reheat itself. That's part of the process. Hot showers right after can cause skin burning or rob your body of the chance to restore balance naturally. Want to warm up? Try light movements – air squats or arm swings. Feeling off afterwards? That happens too: If you feel light-headed or tired, rest. Get into a blanket, have a hot tea or snack, and let your body recalibrate. Contrast therapy Contrast therapy involves pairing an infra-red sauna with cold immersion, which has been shown to boost circulation, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and help recovery. This occurs through the processes of vasoconstriction (blood vessels narrowing) and vasodilation (blood vessels expanding) simultaneously. 'We usually recommend 20–30 minutes in the infra-red sauna followed by one to three minutes in the ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. What's the recommended weekly protocol? Longitudinal studies emerging from Finland and Scandinavia suggest various weekly protocols to maximise benefits of cold exposure. Dr Susanna Søberg, a scientist who specialises in metabolism, temperature exposure, and longevity, claims that seeing results doesn't require hours of extreme therapy. Based on her 2021 study, she suggests only 11 minutes of cold exposure weekly, divided into brief sessions, along with roughly 57 minutes of sauna use in 10 to 15 minute intervals. This simple routine has been associated with benefits such as reduced blood sugar levels and improved cardiovascular health. In other landmark studies conducted by Dr Jari Laukkanen, participants were followed for up to 20-30 years. The research found that frequent sauna use (four to seven times per week, 15–20 minutes per session at 80–100°C) is linked to a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. What's next for cold therapy? Looking ahead, Mr O'Sullivan predicts that cold therapy will become a staple for stress management, sleep hygiene, and even beauty routines. 'It's not new – many cultures around the world have used it for centuries. But what we will see is its ubiquity among the average person and also how dynamic it can be in terms of use cases,' he says. 'We're also seeing increased interest in pairing cold with breathwork and mindfulness, not just for performance but for emotional regulation and resilience. The perfect tool to fit stress management into personal or professional life.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pam Bondi Ends Bar Association Role in Trump Judicial Picks
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Pam Bondi, speaks before Bondi is sworn in as U.S. Attorney General in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Credit - Andrew Harnik—Getty Images The Department of Justice has announced that it will be curtailing the ability of the American Bar Association (ABA) to rate candidates for tenure in the federal judiciary. This will hinder the ABA's ability to vet nominations put forth by President Donald Trump. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a letter to the ABA president William Bay on Thursday, May 29, that she is cutting off the association's access to non-public information about Trump nominees. Bondi referred to the non-partisan membership organization as an 'activist' group. 'Unfortunately, the ABA no longer functions as a fair arbiter of nominees' qualifications, and its ratings invariably and demonstrably favor nominees put forth by Democratic Administrations,' said Bondi, accusing the ABA of having 'bias' in its ratings process. 'There is no justification for treating the ABA differently from such other activist organizations and the Department of Justice will not do so.' Bondi went on to say that judicial nominees will no longer need to provide waivers to allow the ABA access to non-public information, nor will they respond to questionnaires or sit for interviews with the association. In a subsequent social media post, Bondi doubled down, saying: 'The American Bar Association has lost its way, and we do not believe it serves as a fair arbiter of judicial nominees. The Justice Department will no longer give the ABA the access they've taken for granted.' The move against the ABA came a day after Trump announced six new judicial nominees, which included top Justice Department official Emil Bove being put forward to serve as a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Bove 'will end the weaponization of Justice, restore the rule of law, and do anything else that is necessary to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.' Bove defended Trump during his hush-money trial, during which the President was convicted on 34 counts. Trump also nominated Kyle Dudek, John Guard, Jordan E. Pratt, and Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve as Judges on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and Ed Artau to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The President has previously threatened to revoke the ABA's status as the federally-recognized accreditor of law schools in an Executive Order signed on April 24. As part of his wide-scale crackdown on DEI efforts, Trump said that the ABA has required law schools to demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion, something which he says is a "discriminatory requirement" and that "similar unlawful mandates must be permanently eradicated." Critics have recently raised concerns over current practices at the Department of Justice.'I think what's happening in the Department of Justice right now is that it's being transformed into Donald Trump's personal law firm," said Liz Oyer, the DOJ's former pardon attorney. "The Attorney General has made it clear that directions are coming from the very top, from the President, and she is there to do his bidding.' Read More: Democrats Grill AG Pick Pam Bondi Over Whether She Can Defy Trump Founded in 1878, the ABA works on the 'commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation,' according to the organization's website. Its main three areas of focus revolve around advocating for the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, as well as advancing the rule of law. It is the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary that typically oversees and conducts the judicial nominee vetting process, something it has done since 1953. According to the ABA, the committee 'makes a unique contribution to the vetting process by conducting a thorough peer assessment of each nominee's professional competence, integrity, and judicial temperament.' The organization asserts that these assessments are non-partisan, providing the Senate and sitting Administration with 'confidential assessments of the nominee's professional qualifications.' Contact us at letters@
Time Magazine
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
Pam Bondi Curtails American Bar Association's Role in Vetting Trump's Judicial Nominees
The Department of Justice has announced that it will be curtailing the ability of the American Bar Association (ABA) to rate candidates for tenure in the federal judiciary. This will hinder the ABA's ability to vet nominations put forth by President Donald Trump. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a letter to the ABA president William Bay on Thursday, May 29, that she is cutting off the association's access to non-public information about Trump nominees. Bondi referred to the non-partisan membership organization as an 'activist' group. 'Unfortunately, the ABA no longer functions as a fair arbiter of nominees' qualifications, and its ratings invariably and demonstrably favor nominees put forth by Democratic Administrations,' said Bondi, accusing the ABA of having 'bias' in its ratings process. 'There is no justification for treating the ABA differently from such other activist organizations and the Department of Justice will not do so.' Bondi went on to say that judicial nominees will no longer need to provide waivers to allow the ABA access to non-public information, nor will they respond to questionnaires or sit for interviews with the association. In a subsequent social media post, Bondi doubled down, saying: 'The American Bar Association has lost its way, and we do not believe it serves as a fair arbiter of judicial nominees. The Justice Department will no longer give the ABA the access they've taken for granted.' The move against the ABA came a day after Trump announced six new judicial nominees, which included top Justice Department official Emil Bove being put forward to serve as a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Bove 'will end the weaponization of Justice, restore the rule of law, and do anything else that is necessary to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.' Bove defended Trump during his hush-money trial, during which the President was convicted on 34 counts. Trump also nominated Kyle Dudek, John Guard, Jordan E. Pratt, and Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve as Judges on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and Ed Artau to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The President has previously threatened to revoke the ABA's status as the federally-recognized accreditor of law schools in an Executive Order signed on April 24. As part of his wide-scale crackdown on DEI efforts, Trump said that the ABA has required law schools to demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion, something which he says is a "discriminatory requirement" and that "similar unlawful mandates must be permanently eradicated." Critics have recently raised concerns over current practices at the Department of Justice. 'I think what's happening in the Department of Justice right now is that it's being transformed into Donald Trump's personal law firm," said Liz Oyer, the DOJ's former pardon attorney. "The Attorney General has made it clear that directions are coming from the very top, from the President, and she is there to do his bidding.' What is the American Bar Association and what does it do? Founded in 1878, the ABA works on the 'commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation,' according to the organization's website. Its main three areas of focus revolve around advocating for the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, as well as advancing the rule of law. It is the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary that typically oversees and conducts the judicial nominee vetting process, something it has done since 1953. According to the ABA, the committee 'makes a unique contribution to the vetting process by conducting a thorough peer assessment of each nominee's professional competence, integrity, and judicial temperament.' The organization asserts that these assessments are non-partisan, providing the Senate and sitting Administration with 'confidential assessments of the nominee's professional qualifications.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Dr Chris Brown warns dog owners to NEVER play fetch with tennis balls
Australian vet Dr Chris Brown has issued a grave warning to dog owners about playing fetch with tennis balls. The Bondi Vet revealed things he would never do as a pet owner - including a popular game thousands of Aussies play with their dogs. Appearing on Sunrise, hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington asked the animal expert why he's against letting dogs chase tennis balls, as this seemingly innocuous park activity can come with long-term health risks. 'This is a big one so a lot of dogs are absolutely ball obsessed, ball is life... they'd chase a ball but that puts a lot of stress on their joints,' Brown explained. 'You'll see border collies down in the park just chasing ball after ball. They generally get early onset arthritis in the hips and in their knees from the forces on their joints.' It wasn't the only concern the Channel Seven TV host had about dogs playing with tennis balls. Interestingly, the vet explained that the materials and construction of tennis balls are not designed with a dog's mouth in mind. 'The fur on a tennis ball is highly abrasive because it needs to withstand hard courts when you're playing tennis,' Brown said. As a result, the vet noted that dogs who constantly chew on tennis balls are prone to tooth erosion. 'Ball obsessed dogs often have worn down teeth,' he said, adding that this can become a problematic health issue for dogs as they get older. Elsewhere in the interview, Brown explained why pet owners should never feed their dogs more than once a day. 'This is an interesting one,' the vet said. 'Similar to human intermittent fasting, there's genuine research around the fact that if you feed your dog once a day, they will live longer and have a lower risk of cognitive decline-like doggy dementia - compared to feeding them two to three times a day. 'So (feeding once a day) helps to regulate their blood flow, sugar, insulin release and actually means their brain stays younger for longer.' Surprisingly, many pet owners agreed with the vet's advice to avoid using tennis balls when playing with dogs. 'Completely agree with the ball thing as someone who worked in the dog industry,' one said. 'My adult dogs are fed once a day in the afternoon. Always have. And agree with the tennis ball... been there, done that,' another shared. 'The ball theory is true' 'The ball theory is true - my dog just recovered from ball injury and now back to square one with new injury,' one revealed. While another was stunned be the advice, saying: 'Can't believe a border collie can't chase a ball as it effects its joints. These dogs run for miles zipping in and out of sheep - surely a thrown ball can't do more damage?' When one person questioned why ball chasing games would be an issue for herding dogs - which are built for long stretches of running - another person helpfully pointed out that the two activities are quite different. 'The sudden jolting stop to get the ball can tear their ligaments', they responded. '[When they are] herding sheep they are not doing sudden jolting stops close to the ground.' Brown's segment also called out cat owners for a common habit. The TV vet recommended that a cat should never be left alone for extended periods of time - and certainly no longer than 24 hours. 'All the research is now showing that cats actually experience a level of cortisol increase when we leave the house or leave them alone,' he explained, adding that this can result in them experiencing 'more separation anxiety than dogs do'. The revelation stunned Barr, who said she'd always had the impression that cats seemed unfussed about whether people were around or not. 'It's probably a surprise for a lot of people,' Brown agreed. 'A lot of people think that cats are very independent and sometimes a bit aloof. 'They like to give the impression that they don't need you.' The vet said the tell-tale signs of a cat experiencing stress or separation anxiety included a 'sneaky' vomit, weight loss, or 'licking themselves a lot'. Brown said that all these signs pointed towards a cat who is 'actually quite stressed and experiencing extreme separation anxiety'. The animal expert concluded that '24 hours alone is the absolute limit' for a cat to be left alone. 'Don't go away for the weekend and leave them without any sort of care or attention,' he added.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
'Trauma porn': media urged to reflect on role as victims' families speak at Bondi Junction stabbing inquest
Families of some of the victims of the Bondi Junction stabbings have told the inquest that intrusive media tactics compounded their grief and that inaccurate reporting was rife. The inquest was extended to examine media reporting in the immediate aftermath of the event and the impact on the families of the deceased, giving the public a rare insight into what it's like to be at the centre of the media spotlight. Ashley Wildey, whose partner, Dawn Singleton, was one of six victims of Joel Cauchi on Saturday 13 April 2024, said reporters gathered outside a family member's home the morning after the murders 'trying to get vision of me or my family there'. He said he was bombarded by 'highly inappropriate' messages from journalists 'lacking any genuine compassion' sent to his private social media accounts. He ignored them all. 'I feel that the media involvement to date has lacked empathy and truthfulness which has only served to exacerbate my pain and that of those who actually knew Dawn,' he told the New South Wales coroner's court. Wildey said reports that Singleton had been shopping for wedding makeup were not true. 'I am not aware of any basis for this claim,' he said. 'It is false. As far as I am aware, Dawn did not go into the Chanel store in Westfield Bondi Junction on the day.' Jade Young's mother, Elizabeth Young, said TV reporters appeared outside Jade's home the morning after the tragedy. Young, 74, said she was shocked by the graphic images of the aftermath broadcast on television. 'Images of Jade's lifeless body being worked on were cast throughout the world … including on a national channel's evening news,' she said. 'I learned a new phrase in the days after April 13: trauma porn.' Dawn's mother, Julie Singleton, said she received notes, emails, text messages and phone calls from reporters for months and she felt her privacy had been violated. And while she was forbidden by police from seeing her daughter's body inside Westfield, the media were permitted to film her daughter's body being taken out of the centre on a gurney. But Singletons's family reserved their strongest criticism for former 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley who said her name on air while speaking to 3AW presenters Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft on the Monday morning before they had formally identified her body. 'I find it highly offensive that [he] appears to have capitalised on the unfathomable murder of my fiancee by immediately publicly broadcasting it on radio without even consulting her immediate family or myself,' Wildey said. Singleton: 'I felt that we as a family had a right to privacy. All this coverage distressed me and my family greatly.' Counsel assisting the coroner, Peggy Dwyer SC, said at the start of the five-week inquest 'the media will have to reflect deeply' on graphic footage shown in reports. Families are hoping the coroner will make recommendations which may protect families in the future. Young's brother, Peter Young, told the court: 'I trust you will also consider these factors when making recommendations from this inquest: Media guidelines on reporting mass casualty events. The moral injury caused by the media's monetisation of tragic events.' Hadley has been approached for comment. The 40-year extension of the North West Shelf gas project granted by the federal environment minister, Murray Watt, this week was welcomed in some media quarters, namely those owned by Western Australian billionaire Kerry Stokes. 'COOKING WITH GAS North West Shelf a goer', declared a strap on the front page on The Nightly, the West Australian's digital newspaper. Below that it featured an arresting image of the Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, portrayed as a North Korean dictator with the headline ROGUE STATE. It was a reference to the Santos boss, Kevin Gallagher's comments comparing Victoria's investment climate to North Korea. Gallagher said Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia were 'very supportive jurisdictions' for onshore investment', while 'Victoria, North Korea, they're in a different category altogether'. The publication also published a banner ad from Woodside Energy along the bottom of the page: 'Produce reliable energy for today. Invest in new energy for tomorrow. Challenge accepted.' Meanwhile the West Australian's front page said 'Shelf Life', and a double page spread inside featured a large photo of a smiling Woodside chief executive, Meg O'Neill. According to the Herald Sun, Allan told a Victorian Chamber of Commerce of Industry event that Victoria had created more jobs than other states, which was 'not bad for a place apparently run like North Korea'. The premier told the Herald Sun [the comments from Santos] were driven by fear of competition. 'Victoria is growing, open for business, and investing in energy – including gas.' The Australian meanwhile chimed in with fart jokes. 'Is Victoria about to pass gas project despite discomfort with LNG?, the august organ asked on the eve of the decision. Sign up to Weekly Beast Amanda Meade's weekly diary on the latest in Australian media, free every Friday after newsletter promotion 'When it comes to gas Victoria is more likely to pass wind projects …' Comedian Kitty Flanagan told a Women in Media gala dinner on Wednesday night how delighted she was to be invited to give the second annual oration at the black tie event. The star of ABC TV hit Fisk said she thought the gig was a good fit given who had delivered the first oration in 2024. That was until she realised it was not fellow comic Kate McLennan of Katering Show fame but Kate McClymont, a 'serious investigative journalist' from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age. Flanagan brought the house down, and McClymont, who was a 'prize' in the silent auction, did not appear offended by the name mix-up. The comedian inspired the audience by tracing her career trajectory from a failing standup performer to a regular spot on Ten's The Project which raised her profile and allowed her to tour her act successfully. 'My advice to young women, stick around,' she said. 'Work harder than you think you have to, and try not to get angry or disappointed when things fall over. And things fall over in this industry a lot.' Two of Australia's most prominent newspapers came under fire during a single session at the Sydney Writers festival last week, when Michael Gawenda, former editor-in-chief of the Age, and Philippe Sands, a British barrister and author spoke on a panel about antisemitism and xenophobia. Gawenda took aim at his former paper, saying he had not been published in the Age, the paper he had worked at for four decades, since the 7 October attacks. The comments came as Gawenda was recounting stories of Jewish Australians working in the arts who had been refused gigs because of their political stance on Israel. 'In terms of not getting gigs, I worked for The Age for 40 years, I ended up editor-in-chief of The Age. Since October the seventh, I have not been published in the Age,' he said. 'I don't know why not, I can't tell you exactly why not. But it seems to me that it has something to do with whatever I wrote in my book about my position on Israel.' Gawenda later told Weekly Beast that while he had discussions with the paper's editor since 7 October about writing for the Age, these discussions were not followed up. He said that at this point in his career he doesn't pitch individual articles, but writes when approached by editors and 'The Age has never asked, despite our conversations about it, and they've made it clear they don't want me.' He said he has never been told specifically that his views on Israel were precluding him from writing for the paper, but said: 'What other reason could there be, my work isn't good enough? I can't think of another reason.' The Age declined to comment. It was Murdoch's The Australian newspaper which came under attack from Gawenda's fellow panellist, Sands, who said an article in the broadsheet in February was 'totally ridiculous'. Sands, who is Jewish, has written extensively about the origins of the legal definition of genocide and crimes against humanity, most famously in his family memoir East West Street. 'When an article appears in the Australian and some of you would have seen it, which is how outrageous it is that the Sydney writers' festival has invited Sands to speak because he acted for the Palestinian Authority … It was just totally ridiculous. It was offensive. It was stupid.' Headlined 'Sydney Writers festival invite for barrister Philippe Sands who took on Israel' the Australian framed Sands as 'a barrister who represented Palestine in a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and argued for the immediate withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories'. Many of the commenters expressed their fury about Sands' invitation underneath the story. He said he was part of a team that had been retained to argue for the right to self determination before the International Court of Justice and all of a sudden it was said 'he's anti-Israel, anti-Jewish, it's a nonsense'. A spokesperson for The Australian strongly rejected that the story was in any way an attempt to criticise Sands and pointed out that the author, Caroline Overington, wrote columns in which she encouraged readers to see him and said he is a brilliant mind. Additional reporting by Kate Lyons
