Aren't I Terrible?

South Australia just got weird on me again. First off, boingboing brings us news of... well, just read.

Sydney - An Australian rugby player Tuesday had his ring finger amputated in order to prolong his professional playing career.

Brett Blackwell, who plays for Glenelg in South Australia, had been in pain since breaking the finger three years ago. The 24-year-old was told that fusing the bones would ease the pain but end his playing days.

"It's not something that's been done lightly and to chop a finger off, it's a bit drastic," Blackwell conceded to national broadcaster ABC.

"But I love my footy and love playing sport and if that's going to help me to succeed at this level then it's something you've just got to do," he added.

Glenelg club manager Ken Applegarth said the decision was an emotional one that confirmed Blackwell's commitment to his sport.

"He just really wants to continue to play at the highest level," he said.

"He's been catching the ball on his wrist and bruising that all the time, so it's affected him, and he's made a pretty emotional decision."
Source

Cut off a finger? To play sport? Alright, I'd actually believe it. But the one I don't believe is
this rather dismaying story.

Bus driver dies after accident

September 15, 2005

A BUS driver has died after being run over by a bus in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

The SouthLink bus company, which operates 200 buses in the city's northern and southern suburbs, said the accident happened on Oxenham Drive alongside the Elizabeth Shopping Centre about 11.15am (EST).

SouthLink managing director Ashley Barnes said one of the company's own buses was involved but the circumstances were still under investigation.

He was also unsure if there were any passengers on board the bus at the time.

"We are all shocked by this tragedy," Mr Barnes said.



He said a police investigation was underway and the company was offering support and counselling to staff as well as any pedestrians or onlookers who might have witnessed the incident.

... but that's not how it was broken via the radio. The radio went a little something like this:

"Adelaide Bus Driver Run Over By Own Bus"

... to which I promptly burst out laughing and snorting.

Aren't I terrible?