Tomorrow is the Melbourne Cup and the whole nation is winding up for it. A day full of hats, good wine, top cuisine and the biggest horse race. My hat is all ready for the special lunch at work. It's a great day for our chefs to show case their talent and for 3 minutes the whole nation will stand still. Even those who don't want to participate will know the Cup is on. May the best horse win!!
I got the picture of the little boy I am now sponsoring through World Vision. Now I can see him and have some idea of his family, I am so glad I made the decision. He is 7 and lives in Tanzania where the life expectancy is 44. Very sobering thought. I hope he will be able to go to school now.
The sun is out, it looks and feels like spring! Not bad considering it's November 1st tomorrow! It makes such a difference to have warm weather.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Anyone for a blackout?
The Advertiser: Anyone for a blackout? :
"His comments come after the national electricity market manager NEMMCO warned of possible power blackouts this summer because of a 500 MW shortfall in supplies."
Black outs? Brown outs? Who is kidding whom. We pay enough. We want electricity which is supplied on a regular basis. Full stop end of story. Funny, when our electricity was being privatised people were saying not to do it because when electricity companies overseas were privatised then black outs increased and became a regular occurrance. Drop the price if the goods and services are fifth rate and shoddy.
"His comments come after the national electricity market manager NEMMCO warned of possible power blackouts this summer because of a 500 MW shortfall in supplies."
Black outs? Brown outs? Who is kidding whom. We pay enough. We want electricity which is supplied on a regular basis. Full stop end of story. Funny, when our electricity was being privatised people were saying not to do it because when electricity companies overseas were privatised then black outs increased and became a regular occurrance. Drop the price if the goods and services are fifth rate and shoddy.
Warning on bush hikes
Australian IT - Warning on bush hikes :
"TELSTRA chairman Donald McGauchie has warned that people in rural areas could end up paying 10 times more for their telephone lines if the competition regulator forces Telstra to cut the amount it charges competing telcos for network access in the city."
Oh yes? You don't say.
"TELSTRA chairman Donald McGauchie has warned that people in rural areas could end up paying 10 times more for their telephone lines if the competition regulator forces Telstra to cut the amount it charges competing telcos for network access in the city."
Oh yes? You don't say.
Ocean no hiding place in police chase
Ocean no hiding place in police chase :
"TWO men who led police on an 80km road pursuit in South Australia then spent two hours in the ocean trying to escape arrest.
Not only did their escape plan fail – police finally entered the surf to arrest them – but they also needed hospital treatment for hypothermia."
We have more good eggs in the police than bad eggs. Most of them are really nice people, with a good manner and approach. I can only think of two who had bad reputations and that's years ago. They have such a lot of patience with kids, too ,I have found out since cars have been smashing into my garden! They have this very South Austrlian approach of giving people enough rope...to catch hypothermia! The two men they were chasing were armed robbers . It doesn't say what they were robbing, had robbed or were going to rob, but they had been chased from way down here up through the Expressway or Freeway (could even have been the good old South Road), probably to Glenelg North which is one of our plusher suburbs. The robbers then went into the ocean...not a good idea. You can't actually easily get away in Glenelg and the capacity to be caught is quite high. It was not warm last night so the guys would have been freezing. They probably also forgot our police are very fit, for the most part and one thing people can do here is swim really well. I wish they had it on video camera. It would make a great wee story!! I am glad it has been this funny because with the kids of weapons they had...and the chase, it could have had a bad ending.
"TWO men who led police on an 80km road pursuit in South Australia then spent two hours in the ocean trying to escape arrest.
Not only did their escape plan fail – police finally entered the surf to arrest them – but they also needed hospital treatment for hypothermia."
We have more good eggs in the police than bad eggs. Most of them are really nice people, with a good manner and approach. I can only think of two who had bad reputations and that's years ago. They have such a lot of patience with kids, too ,I have found out since cars have been smashing into my garden! They have this very South Austrlian approach of giving people enough rope...to catch hypothermia! The two men they were chasing were armed robbers . It doesn't say what they were robbing, had robbed or were going to rob, but they had been chased from way down here up through the Expressway or Freeway (could even have been the good old South Road), probably to Glenelg North which is one of our plusher suburbs. The robbers then went into the ocean...not a good idea. You can't actually easily get away in Glenelg and the capacity to be caught is quite high. It was not warm last night so the guys would have been freezing. They probably also forgot our police are very fit, for the most part and one thing people can do here is swim really well. I wish they had it on video camera. It would make a great wee story!! I am glad it has been this funny because with the kids of weapons they had...and the chase, it could have had a bad ending.
AFP 'needs staffing boost' to enforce anti-terror laws.
AFP 'needs staffing boost' to enforce anti-terror laws.:
"The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has cast doubt on the capability of the AFP to carry out the proposed counter-terrorism laws."
New days call call new measures. We don't live in an easily identifiable world some days , so our management strategies are challenged. Crisis management techniques and responses will have to be reviewed. There is normal daily living, disaster response and then response to those who would explode and destroy us. I do not think the police should have to handle it all. Up to a point the British police were doing a fantastic job then it all became too big and complicated as far as I could tell and then the forces were stretched trying to manage the special event and normal police tasks. It's almost as if you need groups who are trained for specific purposes who would be doing other jobs but who could be accessed during times of crisis.
I watched video footage of the riots in Paris at Clichy-sous-Bois and the thing which impressed me was how co ordinated the police were, how controlled and how they were having to manage very dangerous, insane behaviour but they had a very strong, disciplined approach. I had to admire them, but I was also thinking those conditions were not at all what police should be expected to manage. That they were was praiseworthy. It was more like an insurgency attack by the youths, more like a terrorist attack because the weapons and approach were really violent and they were using some very interesting weapons. It wasn't really kids running amok . It was pretty heavy duty. So , as far as I could see, you needed military intervention to shut it down and then you would be in trouble for over doing it... Those kids meant business. The Paris police, like the London police, were very well trained, calm and in control. I think we need to look at teams which can support police when it's "above and beyond."
"The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has cast doubt on the capability of the AFP to carry out the proposed counter-terrorism laws."
New days call call new measures. We don't live in an easily identifiable world some days , so our management strategies are challenged. Crisis management techniques and responses will have to be reviewed. There is normal daily living, disaster response and then response to those who would explode and destroy us. I do not think the police should have to handle it all. Up to a point the British police were doing a fantastic job then it all became too big and complicated as far as I could tell and then the forces were stretched trying to manage the special event and normal police tasks. It's almost as if you need groups who are trained for specific purposes who would be doing other jobs but who could be accessed during times of crisis.
I watched video footage of the riots in Paris at Clichy-sous-Bois and the thing which impressed me was how co ordinated the police were, how controlled and how they were having to manage very dangerous, insane behaviour but they had a very strong, disciplined approach. I had to admire them, but I was also thinking those conditions were not at all what police should be expected to manage. That they were was praiseworthy. It was more like an insurgency attack by the youths, more like a terrorist attack because the weapons and approach were really violent and they were using some very interesting weapons. It wasn't really kids running amok . It was pretty heavy duty. So , as far as I could see, you needed military intervention to shut it down and then you would be in trouble for over doing it... Those kids meant business. The Paris police, like the London police, were very well trained, calm and in control. I think we need to look at teams which can support police when it's "above and beyond."
Parties unite to save Van Nguyen.
Parties unite in bid to save death row Aussie. :
"'The evil traffickers who profit from the misery of others and with the death of this young Australian - there is every likelihood should that occur - their criminal activities will go unpunished.'"
I am very proud to be an Australian today. There is a story behind this case and the young man has been very stupid to carry drugs in a country which everyone knows has tough penalties. But people around the age of 16-25 are not noted for their sensible decision making these days(my blog is testament to it!) and every nation has plenty of examples of this. They have been brought up in a very commercial world whose traditions and rules have been challenged and deconstructed. Singapore has its laws and we know that. What makes me proud is so many people have tried to plea for clemency in order to give a 25 year old a chance to change and learn from the big mistake he made. He is not a hardened criminal and he is part of the massive network which ensnares our young for great financial gain at the top. I am also proud because our parliament has unfailingly worked together on this and realised the whole issue is our problem as well as a world problem. The lawyer , Lex Lazry was given a proper hearing by the Singporean High Commissioner, Joseph Koh, which demonstrates Mr. Koh has taken his job and position very seriously and shown us all considerable respect. I hope this will give the poor mother a little bit of comfort to know that she is not standing alone, because she, more than anyone, is being punished dreadfully for being a mother. She must know now we are all thinking about her , that we care , and like her, we can only wait for the story to unfold.
"'The evil traffickers who profit from the misery of others and with the death of this young Australian - there is every likelihood should that occur - their criminal activities will go unpunished.'"
I am very proud to be an Australian today. There is a story behind this case and the young man has been very stupid to carry drugs in a country which everyone knows has tough penalties. But people around the age of 16-25 are not noted for their sensible decision making these days(my blog is testament to it!) and every nation has plenty of examples of this. They have been brought up in a very commercial world whose traditions and rules have been challenged and deconstructed. Singapore has its laws and we know that. What makes me proud is so many people have tried to plea for clemency in order to give a 25 year old a chance to change and learn from the big mistake he made. He is not a hardened criminal and he is part of the massive network which ensnares our young for great financial gain at the top. I am also proud because our parliament has unfailingly worked together on this and realised the whole issue is our problem as well as a world problem. The lawyer , Lex Lazry was given a proper hearing by the Singporean High Commissioner, Joseph Koh, which demonstrates Mr. Koh has taken his job and position very seriously and shown us all considerable respect. I hope this will give the poor mother a little bit of comfort to know that she is not standing alone, because she, more than anyone, is being punished dreadfully for being a mother. She must know now we are all thinking about her , that we care , and like her, we can only wait for the story to unfold.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
'Energy' coaching the new work fad
The Australian: 'Energy' coaching the new work fad :
"'The trick is not just telling people what to eat ... what I do well is inspire and motivate people to think differently so that they make those choices much more easily and much more naturally.'"
It's true - an enthusiastic , knowledgeable person who knows about energy and lifestyle will influence others. People like to feel well and too many people at work are feeling drained, stressed, dull. You walk in the door and all your creativity is sapped. At work we've had some good food things this year and it comes from the top. We also have created our own network for good food , good meals and good recipes. We have made a bigger effort to give each other information about what works and what doesn't and we have stopped being frightened of telling peole to go and rest and come back when they have. It has made such a difference and we are all more buoyant even in the tough times. A food /nutrition/healthy lifestyle approach is very easily integrated because it is the stuff of life and we are , above all, social beings. A society. That is what motivates us.
"'The trick is not just telling people what to eat ... what I do well is inspire and motivate people to think differently so that they make those choices much more easily and much more naturally.'"
It's true - an enthusiastic , knowledgeable person who knows about energy and lifestyle will influence others. People like to feel well and too many people at work are feeling drained, stressed, dull. You walk in the door and all your creativity is sapped. At work we've had some good food things this year and it comes from the top. We also have created our own network for good food , good meals and good recipes. We have made a bigger effort to give each other information about what works and what doesn't and we have stopped being frightened of telling peole to go and rest and come back when they have. It has made such a difference and we are all more buoyant even in the tough times. A food /nutrition/healthy lifestyle approach is very easily integrated because it is the stuff of life and we are , above all, social beings. A society. That is what motivates us.
Counter Terrorism Laws
Howard open to suggestion on terrorism laws. :
"Prime Minister John Howard says he is prepared to keep talking with the states and territories about the final form of his anti-terrorism legislation, but he will not alter the substance of what has already been agreed to."
I am so glad John Howard is going to keep negotiating the final draft of these laws because that is what it is about. The State leaders and he met a few weeks ago and then the draft was produced which caused some debate. That is only right and proper in a democracy that new laws should be open for discussion and debate so that the final version is as close to workable as possible. It is understood that the Commonwealth Games is a good event to have them ready by. Past a certain point discussion achieves nothing. In the meantime the real issues have been aired and people have made some good points. The trouble with being a colonial country is we still think we have to look to someone for approval and that we cannot just discuss and debate things for ourselves. There is a fear that if it is out there in the open it will somehow fall apart or be lost in the wash. We have no faith in ourselves to make sensible, lasting policies and yet, as a nation, we have had a number of policy debates and our resultant policies have worked and made this a better country. As leader, John Howard needs to make sure we don't go off on a tangent, but any serious issues raised about how the counter terrorism laws are phrased or what the implications might be need to be considered. By the time we've made the adjustments, they will probably be useful additions to what we have to meet the needs of these ridiculous times. The real fear is that once arrested anyone could become a persona non grata. That is not what we want at all and it would serve no useful purpose in a country that has been good at allowing people to get on with their lives.
"Prime Minister John Howard says he is prepared to keep talking with the states and territories about the final form of his anti-terrorism legislation, but he will not alter the substance of what has already been agreed to."
I am so glad John Howard is going to keep negotiating the final draft of these laws because that is what it is about. The State leaders and he met a few weeks ago and then the draft was produced which caused some debate. That is only right and proper in a democracy that new laws should be open for discussion and debate so that the final version is as close to workable as possible. It is understood that the Commonwealth Games is a good event to have them ready by. Past a certain point discussion achieves nothing. In the meantime the real issues have been aired and people have made some good points. The trouble with being a colonial country is we still think we have to look to someone for approval and that we cannot just discuss and debate things for ourselves. There is a fear that if it is out there in the open it will somehow fall apart or be lost in the wash. We have no faith in ourselves to make sensible, lasting policies and yet, as a nation, we have had a number of policy debates and our resultant policies have worked and made this a better country. As leader, John Howard needs to make sure we don't go off on a tangent, but any serious issues raised about how the counter terrorism laws are phrased or what the implications might be need to be considered. By the time we've made the adjustments, they will probably be useful additions to what we have to meet the needs of these ridiculous times. The real fear is that once arrested anyone could become a persona non grata. That is not what we want at all and it would serve no useful purpose in a country that has been good at allowing people to get on with their lives.
Makeovers to get sick Scots back to work
Scotsman.com News - Health - Makeovers to get sick Scots back to work:
"THE extent of Scotland's dependency culture has been revealed with research shothan 70% of working-age people in one of the country's most deprived areas are receiving state benefits for ill health."
This is a great idea and this article was still available to me today! Some areas do create a culture where people become dependent for all sorts of reasons. Lack of money and hope often lead to people giving up. If it takes a hold of a community it becomes a way of life. Communities can create an atmosphere whether it be a good one or a bad one. It makes sense to go in a restructure the community and individuals to try and turn some of the thinking and approach around. When people give up on themselves and life they do need a motivator and a set of reasons to grab hold of life again. Most people like to work. It gives them friends and something to moan about! It gives them money to pay for basics and the special things they want. It can give them a better sense of self. You can't do a blanket approach. You do have to adopt this Scottish approach and target individuals because then you create the momentum within the community through a snowballing effect. We do need to go back to communtiy approaches to problems because a lot of individuals are just swamped by an "economy" and can't see where they fit or even why they should. So the cognitive restructuring and the therapeutic intervention will enable people to realign themselves and their crooked , self defeating thinking.
"THE extent of Scotland's dependency culture has been revealed with research shothan 70% of working-age people in one of the country's most deprived areas are receiving state benefits for ill health."
This is a great idea and this article was still available to me today! Some areas do create a culture where people become dependent for all sorts of reasons. Lack of money and hope often lead to people giving up. If it takes a hold of a community it becomes a way of life. Communities can create an atmosphere whether it be a good one or a bad one. It makes sense to go in a restructure the community and individuals to try and turn some of the thinking and approach around. When people give up on themselves and life they do need a motivator and a set of reasons to grab hold of life again. Most people like to work. It gives them friends and something to moan about! It gives them money to pay for basics and the special things they want. It can give them a better sense of self. You can't do a blanket approach. You do have to adopt this Scottish approach and target individuals because then you create the momentum within the community through a snowballing effect. We do need to go back to communtiy approaches to problems because a lot of individuals are just swamped by an "economy" and can't see where they fit or even why they should. So the cognitive restructuring and the therapeutic intervention will enable people to realign themselves and their crooked , self defeating thinking.
Kids again
As I wrote yesterday, untamed youth is not the exclusive domain of any nation at the moment. It just seems to be the young ones have lost their boundaries again and find it difficult to make judgements about how much is too much. At worst they destroy themselves and others, at best they offend and are confused. This article about a Dallas High School is a case in point. As I have said before, judging things from a distance is always difficult, but given the teachers appear to be offended and the paper has chosen to make Thug Day news, is probably an indication that the community in general is not happy with how things are. Time to realign the picture. Lessons to be learnt. You get what you are prepared to accept. When I first read it I thought it must be some kind of a send up. No, the school really does call this day Thug Day. Perhaps they use the word differently in Dallas because a thug here is a very heavy duty, brutal kind of person who hurts others gratuitously. We’ve had Gangsters and Gals parties and Heroes and Villains parties but we wouldn’t use the word thug to create a theme event. The kids probably didn’t have any intention of offending and they probably had no idea it would offend. They applied themselves to the costumes and outfits and not the cultural/political statements they might be making. This is where we really need to leave the airheads behind and get back to thinking again. I’ve said that too before. The airhead approach really has to go. These kids have also probably missed out on all the mainstream education and raising of awareness to do with sexism and racism which society would have got about 10 years ago, so in all fairness, it’s probably not something they gave a great deal of thought to and their comments reflect that. They were thinking about celebrating and having fun. The one that got me was the girl dressed as a wife beater.
“Lauren said she wore a "wife-beater" tank top and tennis shoes with only one sock. "We're just having fun," she said.
Katie said the theme days had been a subject of conversation among students recently, and that she'd heard that some teachers were offended. She said the student who showed up with a leaf blower crossed a line.
"I thought it was funny, but that's probably offensive," she said. “
Dallas News
It’s just not something you make fun of. But every country is having this kind of problem. Over here we had to go through a realignment process because year 12 students celebrating at the end of the year were doing far too much damage to property and then couldn’t understand why people were getting angry with them. I think they thought the fairy godmothers would be out cleaning up the trashed areas. Worse than that, they were getting too drunk and driving. So we had to go through a process as a community to straighten these young ones out. They were calling it Muck Up Day. A day to run amok. The damages were irrelevant to them until they had to start footing the bills and clean up the mess themselves.
The Dallas kids aren’t as destructive as that but they are doing nothing for racial stereotyping and it would appear the community needs to work on better integrating the different ethnic backgrounds they have. It’s horrible when you see the clock go
back. Today we put our clocks forward…we need to put our multicultural clocks forward too.
I easily found the article last night but it’s archived now and you have to register for the Dallas News. The community seems to be discussing it and dealing with it in much the same way as we dealt with Muck Up Day.
Q and O
“Lauren said she wore a "wife-beater" tank top and tennis shoes with only one sock. "We're just having fun," she said.
Katie said the theme days had been a subject of conversation among students recently, and that she'd heard that some teachers were offended. She said the student who showed up with a leaf blower crossed a line.
"I thought it was funny, but that's probably offensive," she said. “
Dallas News
It’s just not something you make fun of. But every country is having this kind of problem. Over here we had to go through a realignment process because year 12 students celebrating at the end of the year were doing far too much damage to property and then couldn’t understand why people were getting angry with them. I think they thought the fairy godmothers would be out cleaning up the trashed areas. Worse than that, they were getting too drunk and driving. So we had to go through a process as a community to straighten these young ones out. They were calling it Muck Up Day. A day to run amok. The damages were irrelevant to them until they had to start footing the bills and clean up the mess themselves.
The Dallas kids aren’t as destructive as that but they are doing nothing for racial stereotyping and it would appear the community needs to work on better integrating the different ethnic backgrounds they have. It’s horrible when you see the clock go
back. Today we put our clocks forward…we need to put our multicultural clocks forward too.
I easily found the article last night but it’s archived now and you have to register for the Dallas News. The community seems to be discussing it and dealing with it in much the same way as we dealt with Muck Up Day.
Q and O
Saturday, October 29, 2005
New debate on daylight saving start dates
The Advertiser: New debate on daylight saving start dates :
"SA Tourism Commission chairman Phil Hoffmann, who also heads leading travel agency Phil Hoffmann Travel, said daylight saving made economic, environmental and lifestyle sense.
But he said with the states' different start times, with some not changing clocks at all, it was 'messy' for travellers. He called for the eastern states to come in-line with each other."
Yes, it is darn annoying having different parts of Australia and NZ on different times. It is stupid when you are travelling or trying to make interstate or NZ calls. You always forget if it's an hour or two hours and then when you get it right it all changes again. The states in Australia can't seem to agree about this at all. I wish they would stop shifting around the weekend it happens. Now I never know when it's going to start or stop. That is another part of the craziness and tomorrow I'll have no idea who is on what time where. Keeps us flexible, I guess. Daylight saving is a great idea and I like it. Can't believe the clever country can't sort it out.
"SA Tourism Commission chairman Phil Hoffmann, who also heads leading travel agency Phil Hoffmann Travel, said daylight saving made economic, environmental and lifestyle sense.
But he said with the states' different start times, with some not changing clocks at all, it was 'messy' for travellers. He called for the eastern states to come in-line with each other."
Yes, it is darn annoying having different parts of Australia and NZ on different times. It is stupid when you are travelling or trying to make interstate or NZ calls. You always forget if it's an hour or two hours and then when you get it right it all changes again. The states in Australia can't seem to agree about this at all. I wish they would stop shifting around the weekend it happens. Now I never know when it's going to start or stop. That is another part of the craziness and tomorrow I'll have no idea who is on what time where. Keeps us flexible, I guess. Daylight saving is a great idea and I like it. Can't believe the clever country can't sort it out.
Youth riots
The Advertiser: Youths riot after police chase :
"The protesters also hurled Molotov cocktails and other missiles at police.
Twenty-nine vehicles were torched along with rubbish bins after the trouble broke out at around 9:15 pm, local time."
There seem to have been a number of riots around the world which were protests and then they go out of control. Like the G8 ones in Scotland. Masked men trun up with nails in baseball bats and it all went troppo. This one. 400 young people. When did it go off? Did they have masked men as well? Is this the trend? The ones in Birmingham? Then the Moltov cocktails. One kid over here nealy killed himself trying to make one of those. It's tragic. Is this what the kids are doing now? What's the source, the feed for these behaviours? Where have Molotov cocktails come from again? And the car torching...who gave them that idea? 29 cars is an awful lot for one suburb in a capital city. Setting fire to cars seems to be a bit trendy too. So what is the source of that? Kids who are rioting like that are so out of hand and dangerous. It has to be stopped immediately and it has to come within the laws we have. That kind of behaviour would be terrifying the other people living in those areas and it is downright dangerous. Bugga those kids. Yes, they can be angry about their friends, but... It's not just France. This seems to be a new trend which we need to stamp out effectively . Why are kids so agressive and do they perhaps need something better to do with their time? If they have the time and energy to make Molotov cocktails, stampede in the streets for hours, then they need to be co opted to do some very demanding physical tasks. They obviously have no fear and have a need for lots of physical activity..now, let me think...where could we all use high energy, fearless, young people??
"The protesters also hurled Molotov cocktails and other missiles at police.
Twenty-nine vehicles were torched along with rubbish bins after the trouble broke out at around 9:15 pm, local time."
There seem to have been a number of riots around the world which were protests and then they go out of control. Like the G8 ones in Scotland. Masked men trun up with nails in baseball bats and it all went troppo. This one. 400 young people. When did it go off? Did they have masked men as well? Is this the trend? The ones in Birmingham? Then the Moltov cocktails. One kid over here nealy killed himself trying to make one of those. It's tragic. Is this what the kids are doing now? What's the source, the feed for these behaviours? Where have Molotov cocktails come from again? And the car torching...who gave them that idea? 29 cars is an awful lot for one suburb in a capital city. Setting fire to cars seems to be a bit trendy too. So what is the source of that? Kids who are rioting like that are so out of hand and dangerous. It has to be stopped immediately and it has to come within the laws we have. That kind of behaviour would be terrifying the other people living in those areas and it is downright dangerous. Bugga those kids. Yes, they can be angry about their friends, but... It's not just France. This seems to be a new trend which we need to stamp out effectively . Why are kids so agressive and do they perhaps need something better to do with their time? If they have the time and energy to make Molotov cocktails, stampede in the streets for hours, then they need to be co opted to do some very demanding physical tasks. They obviously have no fear and have a need for lots of physical activity..now, let me think...where could we all use high energy, fearless, young people??
French Polynesia alleges contamination cover-up.
French Polynesia alleges contamination cover-up. :
"Unexpectedly high levels of radiation contamination are being found in French Polynesia nearly a decade after France ended nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll, the territory's President Oscar Temaru says."
In 1995 and 1996 we were looking at the consequences of the French nuclear testing. We were seeing some of the results in terms of the effects on the Tahitians and their lives. Radiation sickness does not go away. We were asking for the tests not to be conducted but we had sold France the uranium so we looked pretty stupid at the time. Now we could probably come up with other arguments AND in French. Scientists had predicted it would increase cancer rates in the South Pacific and it certainly appears to have done that. But it's true, we need to get it all out of the cupboard and have a look and then make some sensible decisions as to how to manage and repair this. Glowing in the dark is not really an option. Truth is, if countries wouldn't use uranium for nuclear weapons it probably would be the most efficient way of energising our world and creating less pollution and running desalination plants if we wanted. Nuclear reactors would probably be safer than nuclear weapons. I think the world's mad for having nuclear bombs, but then again, I don't understand why you want to carpet children's heads with bombs. I just don't get that.
"Unexpectedly high levels of radiation contamination are being found in French Polynesia nearly a decade after France ended nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll, the territory's President Oscar Temaru says."
In 1995 and 1996 we were looking at the consequences of the French nuclear testing. We were seeing some of the results in terms of the effects on the Tahitians and their lives. Radiation sickness does not go away. We were asking for the tests not to be conducted but we had sold France the uranium so we looked pretty stupid at the time. Now we could probably come up with other arguments AND in French. Scientists had predicted it would increase cancer rates in the South Pacific and it certainly appears to have done that. But it's true, we need to get it all out of the cupboard and have a look and then make some sensible decisions as to how to manage and repair this. Glowing in the dark is not really an option. Truth is, if countries wouldn't use uranium for nuclear weapons it probably would be the most efficient way of energising our world and creating less pollution and running desalination plants if we wanted. Nuclear reactors would probably be safer than nuclear weapons. I think the world's mad for having nuclear bombs, but then again, I don't understand why you want to carpet children's heads with bombs. I just don't get that.
CSIRO plans to slash jobs.
CSIRO plans to slash jobs. :
"'We'll be talking to the organisation about that over the next month, seeing whether that's possible, seeing what the challenges are if we have to move in that direction and we won't be taking a final position on this until the end of November,' he said."
Yes, talking is the thing because in certain respects we have increased the number of executive positions as the expense of "workers" and thereby not only increased salaries and paperwork. This is not just a CSIRO problem. Some executives are being paid high wages but are actually doing clerical and clerical assistant work. This is not good financial management. We do need to sit and look at how companies and organisations are structured because we have been through many changes and executive and administrative positions were created specifically to manage these changes and then the actual working positions were cut back. So at the bottom end most people are working too hard and in the middle most people are working with inappropriate tasks but a lot of money and the top end again are usually over worked. We seem to have lost those small jobs and easy tasks which used to be the jobs of young ones coming in or someone who just wanted something straight forward to make ends meet or for a specific project at home. By dispensing with those clerical assistant type positions we have been paying others too much and then messing up their job by putting in too much paper work . So yes, let's sit down and get some sense into this and some real work back into jobs instead of paper shuffling. In that way the jobs may not be sacrificed but we shall go back to tiered jobs which seem to be missing.
"'We'll be talking to the organisation about that over the next month, seeing whether that's possible, seeing what the challenges are if we have to move in that direction and we won't be taking a final position on this until the end of November,' he said."
Yes, talking is the thing because in certain respects we have increased the number of executive positions as the expense of "workers" and thereby not only increased salaries and paperwork. This is not just a CSIRO problem. Some executives are being paid high wages but are actually doing clerical and clerical assistant work. This is not good financial management. We do need to sit and look at how companies and organisations are structured because we have been through many changes and executive and administrative positions were created specifically to manage these changes and then the actual working positions were cut back. So at the bottom end most people are working too hard and in the middle most people are working with inappropriate tasks but a lot of money and the top end again are usually over worked. We seem to have lost those small jobs and easy tasks which used to be the jobs of young ones coming in or someone who just wanted something straight forward to make ends meet or for a specific project at home. By dispensing with those clerical assistant type positions we have been paying others too much and then messing up their job by putting in too much paper work . So yes, let's sit down and get some sense into this and some real work back into jobs instead of paper shuffling. In that way the jobs may not be sacrificed but we shall go back to tiered jobs which seem to be missing.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Wheat industry outraged over Iraq kickbacks.
Wheat industry outraged over Iraq kickbacks.:
"'If any politician in Australia can stand up and justify to the Australian wheat growers that they should leave the single desk export marketing rights to the publicly listed company of AWB after this announcement then they probably should be dragged out and flogged with a log.'"
Good point...not the flogging...the ending of monopoly. Microsoft got pushed until it had to give up some of its monopolies and not only did Microsoft become more flexible and get out of a rut, the other companies got to bring us some great stuff, so we are now in a dynamic phase again. Monopolies can create corrupt environments because they are stagnant. Stagnation rots things. BTW this article says this was a United Nations investigation. Why would the UN investigate itself?! I do wish the media would sort their act out.
"'If any politician in Australia can stand up and justify to the Australian wheat growers that they should leave the single desk export marketing rights to the publicly listed company of AWB after this announcement then they probably should be dragged out and flogged with a log.'"
Good point...not the flogging...the ending of monopoly. Microsoft got pushed until it had to give up some of its monopolies and not only did Microsoft become more flexible and get out of a rut, the other companies got to bring us some great stuff, so we are now in a dynamic phase again. Monopolies can create corrupt environments because they are stagnant. Stagnation rots things. BTW this article says this was a United Nations investigation. Why would the UN investigate itself?! I do wish the media would sort their act out.
Nguyen Tuong Van
Time to resist the hangman :
"Unlike Schapelle Corby or even the Bali nine, Nguyen's case has not rallied the support of the Australian public. That may be because Nguyen is of Vietnamese background, or it may be that his own defence team has deliberately kept a low profile."
I think whoever wrote this is wrong. I think the support is there. I don't think people want to see him die when he is not a criminal as such but the government of another country has its own laws. I think his being Vietnamese is not relevant to us. The other cases are quite, quite different. We care, but we know that other countries follow their laws.Saying he was a fool for having drugs in a country known for the death penalty means nothing. He is 25. He has no record, but he is in that country and the die is cast. So, we care..but like him, we are not histrionic. You can kill as many ants as you like. If you are serious about getting rid of them , you have to find the nest and kill the queens.
"Unlike Schapelle Corby or even the Bali nine, Nguyen's case has not rallied the support of the Australian public. That may be because Nguyen is of Vietnamese background, or it may be that his own defence team has deliberately kept a low profile."
I think whoever wrote this is wrong. I think the support is there. I don't think people want to see him die when he is not a criminal as such but the government of another country has its own laws. I think his being Vietnamese is not relevant to us. The other cases are quite, quite different. We care, but we know that other countries follow their laws.Saying he was a fool for having drugs in a country known for the death penalty means nothing. He is 25. He has no record, but he is in that country and the die is cast. So, we care..but like him, we are not histrionic. You can kill as many ants as you like. If you are serious about getting rid of them , you have to find the nest and kill the queens.
Report names top firms that bribed Saddam
Report names top firms that bribed Saddam :
"More than 4,500 companies took part in the U.N. oil-for-food program and more than half of them paid illegal surcharges and kickbacks to Saddam Hussein, the committee investigating the program is to report."
Is this about discrediting the UN? America ignored and by passed the UN and invaded Iraq anyway and made us know at the time there was no sense in us being a planet of united nations because the US was going to do what it was going to do. The headline says the firms bribed Saddam Hussein. The article doesn't mention why. Why would you bribe someone you were supposed to be getting? Why would you bribe someone whose country you were going to invade? And why would the UN bribe him? And the UN is the only planet earth voice we have.Ah, but we have the mention of Russia and France. Must be them . Couldn't possibly be us. I get it now. I am not listening any more because the plot is, as usual, too convoluted. The truth is there and won't change. Did you notice the number of companies has increased by about 2000 over the last article. While you are busy confsuing everyone, people are dying. Get your facts straight and then tell us in a way that makes sense. Children are dying. Their parents are dead. Yes, it is all a tangled web. As long as you know what you are talking about.
"More than 4,500 companies took part in the U.N. oil-for-food program and more than half of them paid illegal surcharges and kickbacks to Saddam Hussein, the committee investigating the program is to report."
Is this about discrediting the UN? America ignored and by passed the UN and invaded Iraq anyway and made us know at the time there was no sense in us being a planet of united nations because the US was going to do what it was going to do. The headline says the firms bribed Saddam Hussein. The article doesn't mention why. Why would you bribe someone you were supposed to be getting? Why would you bribe someone whose country you were going to invade? And why would the UN bribe him? And the UN is the only planet earth voice we have.Ah, but we have the mention of Russia and France. Must be them . Couldn't possibly be us. I get it now. I am not listening any more because the plot is, as usual, too convoluted. The truth is there and won't change. Did you notice the number of companies has increased by about 2000 over the last article. While you are busy confsuing everyone, people are dying. Get your facts straight and then tell us in a way that makes sense. Children are dying. Their parents are dead. Yes, it is all a tangled web. As long as you know what you are talking about.
Katrina Aid
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!:
"** Over 500 tons of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, baby products, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, power tools, and a boat and trailer for reaching those still flooded by water have been distributed directly to those in need
** Over 10,000 aid packages have been sent by you via UPS and FedEx to our camp and distributed"
This is something Michael Moore and other American stars like John Travolta, Oprah and Michael Jordan understand. Firstly, we have been disastered outthis year so we have to see the help going in to save those poor people suffering. Secondly, when we get our backsides into gear and get our help and support going, we want to know how it is helping and that it is getting through. Sorry , but we don't want to know the helicopters crashed and the people were left stranded or the aid couldn't get through because they couldn't decide what was to go where. Michael Moore understands we need to hear the particular cases and the things we have supplied with our fund raising. Maybe it's unrealistic of us, given the scale of some of these human tragedies, but the truth is, we get lost in the frustration and depression of it all unless we can see clearly what is happening. Pouring millions into a fundraising black hole isn't going to work. We are people. We respond as people to these things. We are not giving machines, we are people who demonstrably respond to others when we are allowed to. Forget the crap, get the help in, tell us what it is and tell us what else you need. Put us in the middle of the aid not as a distant donor...and the wheat board stories are only going to make us more suspicious now.
"** Over 500 tons of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, baby products, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, power tools, and a boat and trailer for reaching those still flooded by water have been distributed directly to those in need
** Over 10,000 aid packages have been sent by you via UPS and FedEx to our camp and distributed"
This is something Michael Moore and other American stars like John Travolta, Oprah and Michael Jordan understand. Firstly, we have been disastered outthis year so we have to see the help going in to save those poor people suffering. Secondly, when we get our backsides into gear and get our help and support going, we want to know how it is helping and that it is getting through. Sorry , but we don't want to know the helicopters crashed and the people were left stranded or the aid couldn't get through because they couldn't decide what was to go where. Michael Moore understands we need to hear the particular cases and the things we have supplied with our fund raising. Maybe it's unrealistic of us, given the scale of some of these human tragedies, but the truth is, we get lost in the frustration and depression of it all unless we can see clearly what is happening. Pouring millions into a fundraising black hole isn't going to work. We are people. We respond as people to these things. We are not giving machines, we are people who demonstrably respond to others when we are allowed to. Forget the crap, get the help in, tell us what it is and tell us what else you need. Put us in the middle of the aid not as a distant donor...and the wheat board stories are only going to make us more suspicious now.
Blair courts France with closer European ties
The Australian: Blair courts France with closer European ties :
"In a notable U-turn, Mr Blair also urged EU leaders to agree to a paper at the summit, which calls for more co-ordination of tax policies. The paper, produced by the European Commission, said EU countries should align their tax policies, calling for a 'more co-ordinated approach at the EU level'."
Tony Blair used to be great mates with Jospin and the two had organised some great initiatives between France and Great Britain, who should work together because Great Britain and France have centuries of ties and hard won alliances. Their histories criss cross in a rich tapestry and they should sit down at some stage and realise this. But Blair suddenly dropped Jospin, went off with Bush and invaded Iraq and it's never been the same since. So Blair might be seen as a fair weather friend. In my opinion, he is really going to have to prove his worth and his interest in the common good rather than himself... and this is a man who was going to be such a great politician. He had so much going for him.
"In a notable U-turn, Mr Blair also urged EU leaders to agree to a paper at the summit, which calls for more co-ordination of tax policies. The paper, produced by the European Commission, said EU countries should align their tax policies, calling for a 'more co-ordinated approach at the EU level'."
Tony Blair used to be great mates with Jospin and the two had organised some great initiatives between France and Great Britain, who should work together because Great Britain and France have centuries of ties and hard won alliances. Their histories criss cross in a rich tapestry and they should sit down at some stage and realise this. But Blair suddenly dropped Jospin, went off with Bush and invaded Iraq and it's never been the same since. So Blair might be seen as a fair weather friend. In my opinion, he is really going to have to prove his worth and his interest in the common good rather than himself... and this is a man who was going to be such a great politician. He had so much going for him.
AWB 'unwitting player' in oil-for-food
The Australian: AWB 'unwitting player' in oil-for-food:
"The biggest warning came in 2003 with a sudden 400 per cent increase in the trucking costs charged by Alia – a company which actually provided no transport services and funnelled the money to the Iraqi government."
This inquiry, led by former US Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, is astounding, particularly since the money was paid in 2003. But 2200 companies paid 2.4 billion to Saddam Hussein's government in 2003. So we didn't question those increases? Was the UN involved? Can people really pretend to be ignorant of this? We participated in the US led invasion of Iraq on March 20th 2003. The ships had been in the gulf for a month, at least. So when were these payments made and why to a government we were claiming to have WMD and a recalcitrant leader? Why were we supplying that much wheat to a country we were going to deprive of its population? Any business questions the price of things. Look how we squawked over the price of petrol. A 400% increase is pretty hefty and we didn't complain, ask , investigate, especially since we were so disguted, supposedly with the country?? If we were so suspicious about this government , it ought to have been second nature to question irregularities.So where's the money now? Why pay Saddam Hussein when you are supposed to be "hunting him down"? The truth, whatever it is, will not change. What is it? I congratulate Paul Volcker on such assiduous research.
"It's very unfortunate that with hindsight people are examining what happened and finding that there are problems that may well have been able to be alleviated," GCA chief operating officer David Ginns said.
It's not unfortunate at all. It's fantastic. We should be looking for the truth because we were never happy with the things we were being told and so many lives have been cruelly wasted because of lies. Lies, lies and more lies and 2.4 billion dollars to the regime we were supposed to be taking down because it was good for us and good for Iraq. As usual, money is the root of all evil. We should be getting to the bottom of this. The truth didn't ever hurt anyone...but some people can't handle the truth!
"The biggest warning came in 2003 with a sudden 400 per cent increase in the trucking costs charged by Alia – a company which actually provided no transport services and funnelled the money to the Iraqi government."
This inquiry, led by former US Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, is astounding, particularly since the money was paid in 2003. But 2200 companies paid 2.4 billion to Saddam Hussein's government in 2003. So we didn't question those increases? Was the UN involved? Can people really pretend to be ignorant of this? We participated in the US led invasion of Iraq on March 20th 2003. The ships had been in the gulf for a month, at least. So when were these payments made and why to a government we were claiming to have WMD and a recalcitrant leader? Why were we supplying that much wheat to a country we were going to deprive of its population? Any business questions the price of things. Look how we squawked over the price of petrol. A 400% increase is pretty hefty and we didn't complain, ask , investigate, especially since we were so disguted, supposedly with the country?? If we were so suspicious about this government , it ought to have been second nature to question irregularities.So where's the money now? Why pay Saddam Hussein when you are supposed to be "hunting him down"? The truth, whatever it is, will not change. What is it? I congratulate Paul Volcker on such assiduous research.
"It's very unfortunate that with hindsight people are examining what happened and finding that there are problems that may well have been able to be alleviated," GCA chief operating officer David Ginns said.
It's not unfortunate at all. It's fantastic. We should be looking for the truth because we were never happy with the things we were being told and so many lives have been cruelly wasted because of lies. Lies, lies and more lies and 2.4 billion dollars to the regime we were supposed to be taking down because it was good for us and good for Iraq. As usual, money is the root of all evil. We should be getting to the bottom of this. The truth didn't ever hurt anyone...but some people can't handle the truth!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Five pies salute as state's best bakery
The Advertiser: Five pies salute as state's best bakery :
"Fresh Aromas Bakehouse at McLaren Vale won awards during the National Pie Competition in Sydney."
I am not surprised The Bakehouse won more prozes than any other bakery int he state, not that the five pies entered won awards. They smell delicious and taste even better. The chicken and chardonnay one is delicious. Mind you, there is another bakery down south which is starting to produce great things. Pays to keep people on their toes. Yep, we are truly blessed with nice food...great food!! No wonder we are all out walking!!
"Fresh Aromas Bakehouse at McLaren Vale won awards during the National Pie Competition in Sydney."
I am not surprised The Bakehouse won more prozes than any other bakery int he state, not that the five pies entered won awards. They smell delicious and taste even better. The chicken and chardonnay one is delicious. Mind you, there is another bakery down south which is starting to produce great things. Pays to keep people on their toes. Yep, we are truly blessed with nice food...great food!! No wonder we are all out walking!!
Australia places third in international university table.
Australia places third in international university table.:
"The only Australian university to rank in the top 20 world universities for 2005 is Melbourne University at number 19, moving up from its 2004 ranking at number 22."
At last, we are starting to use our brains. may we continue to value them!
"The only Australian university to rank in the top 20 world universities for 2005 is Melbourne University at number 19, moving up from its 2004 ranking at number 22."
At last, we are starting to use our brains. may we continue to value them!
Catholic agency urges Govt to save Nguyen.
Catholic agency urges Govt to save Nguyen. :
"'He has the rights of all of us as human beings, he still has the dignity of a human being and he can play his part now, as he has been since the arrest, in building a better world. There would be no point in hanging him,' he said."
I fully support anyone trying to rid the world of drugs. I fully support strategies to stop trafficking. I support proven techniques for breaking down the network. Drugs are a commodity which bring in grand amounts of money for those running the organisation. The drug business relies on cheap labour, pyramid sellling and preying on human weakness. Addiction makes people behave in an insane way and it totally disrupts society. In the mean time, the people running the business make a lot of money. Killing the carriers will not destroy the empire and if you are serious about ridding your nation , your people and your world of drugs, you have to seek out the ones at the top who organise this. The ones at the bottom are easily replaced. Killing one of those will only encourage more compliance from those who are not at the top of the business and this is the bit I do not understand. Getting tough on drugs has to be a courageous act of fronting the top people, not sacrificing the ones at the bottom so that you continue to feed the fear which the drug business already runs on. We have to drug proof our children so they do not so easily succumb because no one forces anyone to take drugs, but it's like any successful business, it has the power of persuasive advertising. Take a young life and the old hands still exist. Take a young life and it has no chance to make good and recover.Sometimes the best speakers for the cause are those who have fallen from grace. If you insist upon a death penalty , hand it out to those who have demonstrated a wilful and long term commitment to the drug trade.
"'He has the rights of all of us as human beings, he still has the dignity of a human being and he can play his part now, as he has been since the arrest, in building a better world. There would be no point in hanging him,' he said."
I fully support anyone trying to rid the world of drugs. I fully support strategies to stop trafficking. I support proven techniques for breaking down the network. Drugs are a commodity which bring in grand amounts of money for those running the organisation. The drug business relies on cheap labour, pyramid sellling and preying on human weakness. Addiction makes people behave in an insane way and it totally disrupts society. In the mean time, the people running the business make a lot of money. Killing the carriers will not destroy the empire and if you are serious about ridding your nation , your people and your world of drugs, you have to seek out the ones at the top who organise this. The ones at the bottom are easily replaced. Killing one of those will only encourage more compliance from those who are not at the top of the business and this is the bit I do not understand. Getting tough on drugs has to be a courageous act of fronting the top people, not sacrificing the ones at the bottom so that you continue to feed the fear which the drug business already runs on. We have to drug proof our children so they do not so easily succumb because no one forces anyone to take drugs, but it's like any successful business, it has the power of persuasive advertising. Take a young life and the old hands still exist. Take a young life and it has no chance to make good and recover.Sometimes the best speakers for the cause are those who have fallen from grace. If you insist upon a death penalty , hand it out to those who have demonstrated a wilful and long term commitment to the drug trade.
Varicocele
Varicocele:
"A varicocele happens just to guys, and you probably wouldn't want to sit around and talk about it with your pals. That's because it occurs not in the legs but in a place a bit more private and a lot more tender - the scrotum. It's generally harmless and basically the same kind of thing as varicose veins in the legs."
Sounds more like a pasta dish than granny legs in your testicles. I am blogging about this because guys need to talk about it and guys need to know about it. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I know a guy who got lumpy bits where he didn't want them and immediately went on the Net and searched for testicular cancer and scared the life out of himself. To give him his due, he listened and went to see a doctor and then a specialist for the ultra sound as it mentions in this article and yes, he has varicose veins in his testicle. So now he's embarrassed but relieved he's not going to die from testicular cancer. Guys just know about prostate cancer and testicular cancer , so when it comes to aberrations, they have a limited way of responding. Thank heavens this one confided and asked advice and I recommend this approach to everyone. Not only is a problem shared , a problem halved, you get to find out about things like granny legs in testicles! Talk, people. Get informed!!
"A varicocele happens just to guys, and you probably wouldn't want to sit around and talk about it with your pals. That's because it occurs not in the legs but in a place a bit more private and a lot more tender - the scrotum. It's generally harmless and basically the same kind of thing as varicose veins in the legs."
Sounds more like a pasta dish than granny legs in your testicles. I am blogging about this because guys need to talk about it and guys need to know about it. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I know a guy who got lumpy bits where he didn't want them and immediately went on the Net and searched for testicular cancer and scared the life out of himself. To give him his due, he listened and went to see a doctor and then a specialist for the ultra sound as it mentions in this article and yes, he has varicose veins in his testicle. So now he's embarrassed but relieved he's not going to die from testicular cancer. Guys just know about prostate cancer and testicular cancer , so when it comes to aberrations, they have a limited way of responding. Thank heavens this one confided and asked advice and I recommend this approach to everyone. Not only is a problem shared , a problem halved, you get to find out about things like granny legs in testicles! Talk, people. Get informed!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Another plane emergency
Authorities meet Thai airline officials over plane emergency. :
"Thai Airways flight 981 from Bangkok burst a tyre and swerved down the runway.
There was also a small fire in its undercarriage."
How many more planes ? How many more emergencies? How many more airports and howmany more times are we going to put up with it? For years we have flown with few problems, yet this year it's been one plane after another . If it's not planes, it's trains. If it's not trains, it's the weather. If it's not the weather it's a disease. If it's not that it's cars. If it's not that it's explosions. If it not that...it's twisted behaviour. If it's not that it's another company collapse. If it's not that it's famine. If it's not that it's food not getting through. If it's not that it's a helicopter. How long are we going to put up with this? How long are we going to accept it? How long are we going to sit here and accept the world is suddenly much worse than it ever was and when we ask we get different and disparate answers. Do we sit here and let the chaos reign around us or do we set the picture straight? We have to have eyes in the back of our heads looking for the trickery and smuggling, then the courage to take on yet another disaster. So, where is it all getting us? Do we ignore it and hope it will go away or do we realign it? Has to be something we are doing because we are unbelievable skew whiff this year and only we have been here. I look around me and the bulk of the people I am associating with, who surround me, whom I meet are decent, lovely people. So why is the world so bonkers and why are we getting more and more and more dysfunction. Because it's reported more? We've had reporting for years. Because we notice more? I doubt it. Because we focus on disaster? Well, we keep having the biggest and the best. Why is that? Have we had enough yet? Have enough people died yet? Have enough people had the wits scared out of them? Shall we just keep going and wait for it to change? Shall we just focus on the good? That hasn't changed anything. Go with the bad? No way, we're not like that. So what then?
"Thai Airways flight 981 from Bangkok burst a tyre and swerved down the runway.
There was also a small fire in its undercarriage."
How many more planes ? How many more emergencies? How many more airports and howmany more times are we going to put up with it? For years we have flown with few problems, yet this year it's been one plane after another . If it's not planes, it's trains. If it's not trains, it's the weather. If it's not the weather it's a disease. If it's not that it's cars. If it's not that it's explosions. If it not that...it's twisted behaviour. If it's not that it's another company collapse. If it's not that it's famine. If it's not that it's food not getting through. If it's not that it's a helicopter. How long are we going to put up with this? How long are we going to accept it? How long are we going to sit here and accept the world is suddenly much worse than it ever was and when we ask we get different and disparate answers. Do we sit here and let the chaos reign around us or do we set the picture straight? We have to have eyes in the back of our heads looking for the trickery and smuggling, then the courage to take on yet another disaster. So, where is it all getting us? Do we ignore it and hope it will go away or do we realign it? Has to be something we are doing because we are unbelievable skew whiff this year and only we have been here. I look around me and the bulk of the people I am associating with, who surround me, whom I meet are decent, lovely people. So why is the world so bonkers and why are we getting more and more and more dysfunction. Because it's reported more? We've had reporting for years. Because we notice more? I doubt it. Because we focus on disaster? Well, we keep having the biggest and the best. Why is that? Have we had enough yet? Have enough people died yet? Have enough people had the wits scared out of them? Shall we just keep going and wait for it to change? Shall we just focus on the good? That hasn't changed anything. Go with the bad? No way, we're not like that. So what then?
Massive bombs rock Iraqi capital
Lateline : Massive bombs rock Iraqi capital:
"TONY JONES: In Iraq, its been a violent and hectic 24 hours. As Baghdad was cleaning up after bombers targeted the hotel that's home to much of the foreign press in the city, there were more attacks. And with the latest casualties announced by the US military, it's now reported the American death toll has surpassed 2,000. All of these developments come as election officials announced the final result from the referendum on Iraq's draft constitution. It has passed, despite overwhelming Sunni opposition. Norman Hermant reports."
Iraq. We used to have a satirical programme called Australia , you are standing in it and I feel like saying "Iraq, you are standing it in" because they are right up to their necks in mess. 78% in favour of the constitution and 21 % and two Sunni states solidly against it. On the day this is all announced over 2000 American soldiers are now counted as dead and another lot of explosions kills others. So when something appears to move the country forward, there is all this negative, destructive killing which just does not stop. You wonder if anyone there actually wants this to stop and then I think about the Iraqis who are living this as their life. Why the explosions on a day when thre is a step forward and why a hotel with journalists who would bring us news? Then the UN telling us the voting was rock solid and all the right protocols were followed. Didn't actually occur to me they wouldn't be followed in Iraq.
"TONY JONES: In Iraq, its been a violent and hectic 24 hours. As Baghdad was cleaning up after bombers targeted the hotel that's home to much of the foreign press in the city, there were more attacks. And with the latest casualties announced by the US military, it's now reported the American death toll has surpassed 2,000. All of these developments come as election officials announced the final result from the referendum on Iraq's draft constitution. It has passed, despite overwhelming Sunni opposition. Norman Hermant reports."
Iraq. We used to have a satirical programme called Australia , you are standing in it and I feel like saying "Iraq, you are standing it in" because they are right up to their necks in mess. 78% in favour of the constitution and 21 % and two Sunni states solidly against it. On the day this is all announced over 2000 American soldiers are now counted as dead and another lot of explosions kills others. So when something appears to move the country forward, there is all this negative, destructive killing which just does not stop. You wonder if anyone there actually wants this to stop and then I think about the Iraqis who are living this as their life. Why the explosions on a day when thre is a step forward and why a hotel with journalists who would bring us news? Then the UN telling us the voting was rock solid and all the right protocols were followed. Didn't actually occur to me they wouldn't be followed in Iraq.
Navy ships 'seen near' stranded pod
The Advertiser: Navy ships 'seen near' stranded pod :
"Up to 130 long-finned pilot whales died after beaching themselves in the area in the past two days, Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service said today.
The first stranding was discovered early yesterday and last night, more whales, believed to be from the same pod, also beached themselves."
This is awful 130 whales which we can't get back. I hope it wasn't the Navy ships. That is just so awful to kill that many whales and make the people trying to rescue them so heartbroken and exhausted. believe it or not, we do care about our wild life. You wouldn't believe it from this. They said on the news the geography of the area can lend itself to strandings...Whatever has happened, whales have lived in the water and know their water. We have had strandings and they seem to be rather large. I daresay whales can get stranded by accident, but two lots and this many? If we have done this, it's a horrible way to treat another species on the planet.
"Up to 130 long-finned pilot whales died after beaching themselves in the area in the past two days, Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service said today.
The first stranding was discovered early yesterday and last night, more whales, believed to be from the same pod, also beached themselves."
This is awful 130 whales which we can't get back. I hope it wasn't the Navy ships. That is just so awful to kill that many whales and make the people trying to rescue them so heartbroken and exhausted. believe it or not, we do care about our wild life. You wouldn't believe it from this. They said on the news the geography of the area can lend itself to strandings...Whatever has happened, whales have lived in the water and know their water. We have had strandings and they seem to be rather large. I daresay whales can get stranded by accident, but two lots and this many? If we have done this, it's a horrible way to treat another species on the planet.
Court will rule on counter-terrorism laws
Court will rule on counter-terrorism laws: Costello. 26/10/2005. ABC News Online:
"Mr Costello says the state and Commonwealth lawyers should come to a consensus of opinion, but he believes the final decision will be made by judges."
I should think so. Changes to laws ought to be debated and discussed by our legal eagles as a matter of course. Then, yes, there is a reason why we have courts and a reason why we have a constitution and any chages to our laws should be "judged" by the High Court. I don't think it's okay for Governments just to make laws and changes. We have a structure which we developed and we have various experts who are experts for a reason. The Hogh Court should be looking at the laws, their implications, how they might look in practice and whether they gel with our constitution. I thought that's why we had a separation of state, church and judiciary, so that we could maximise the benefits of changes to our country and have solid arenas where they could be debated. A matter of law needs to be ratified by the lawyers, judges and courts of this country.
"Mr Costello says the state and Commonwealth lawyers should come to a consensus of opinion, but he believes the final decision will be made by judges."
I should think so. Changes to laws ought to be debated and discussed by our legal eagles as a matter of course. Then, yes, there is a reason why we have courts and a reason why we have a constitution and any chages to our laws should be "judged" by the High Court. I don't think it's okay for Governments just to make laws and changes. We have a structure which we developed and we have various experts who are experts for a reason. The Hogh Court should be looking at the laws, their implications, how they might look in practice and whether they gel with our constitution. I thought that's why we had a separation of state, church and judiciary, so that we could maximise the benefits of changes to our country and have solid arenas where they could be debated. A matter of law needs to be ratified by the lawyers, judges and courts of this country.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Melbourne Cup debut for counter-terrorism bill.
Melbourne Cup debut for counter-terrorism bill. :
"The Federal Government will introduce its proposed counter-terrorism legislation to Parliament on Melbourne Cup Day, the Opposition says."
If they are going to introduce and try and debate the bill on Melbourne Cup Day, I think they may well find they are being totally unconstitutional. It's Melbourne Cup Day. It's taken me years to accept the nation stops for a horse race, but it does. This is Australia and we are proud of it. So...try and undermine us why don't you? Honestly, where are your priorities, not to mention your humanity. The bill can be introduced and debated on another day. You know that. You neither take us, your nation nor your bills seriously. Says a lot actually, the timing, doesn't it? A real people party.
"The Federal Government will introduce its proposed counter-terrorism legislation to Parliament on Melbourne Cup Day, the Opposition says."
If they are going to introduce and try and debate the bill on Melbourne Cup Day, I think they may well find they are being totally unconstitutional. It's Melbourne Cup Day. It's taken me years to accept the nation stops for a horse race, but it does. This is Australia and we are proud of it. So...try and undermine us why don't you? Honestly, where are your priorities, not to mention your humanity. The bill can be introduced and debated on another day. You know that. You neither take us, your nation nor your bills seriously. Says a lot actually, the timing, doesn't it? A real people party.
Snail experiment may aid Alzheimer's research.
Snail experiment may aid Alzheimer's research. :
"When the snails were trained days later, instead of remembering something for a minute or two, they would remember it for weeks.
Last year, experiments in mice suggested bryostatin also helps prevent the protein build-up seen in the brains of Alzheimer's victims."
Okay, I accept this research with the bryostatin is the beginning of research into helping brains suffering from Altzheimer's. It has helped snails and helped mice. Byostatin comes from the bacteria which acts as a defence mechanism for the marine invertebrate Bugula neritana. The scientists are certainly thinking outside the square. It has apparently been used as an anti cancer drug. I am astounded by how far reaching our scientific researchers have been. I have to ask though, the article says the snails are given byostatin before they are trained. Trained? Who trains snails?? What are they being trained in? Can they roll over? Are they practising for the Olympics? Are they going to play soccer?? What do you train snails in? Racing up the plant?? Eating more than the next snail? Don't tell me, just let me die of curiosity.
"When the snails were trained days later, instead of remembering something for a minute or two, they would remember it for weeks.
Last year, experiments in mice suggested bryostatin also helps prevent the protein build-up seen in the brains of Alzheimer's victims."
Okay, I accept this research with the bryostatin is the beginning of research into helping brains suffering from Altzheimer's. It has helped snails and helped mice. Byostatin comes from the bacteria which acts as a defence mechanism for the marine invertebrate Bugula neritana. The scientists are certainly thinking outside the square. It has apparently been used as an anti cancer drug. I am astounded by how far reaching our scientific researchers have been. I have to ask though, the article says the snails are given byostatin before they are trained. Trained? Who trains snails?? What are they being trained in? Can they roll over? Are they practising for the Olympics? Are they going to play soccer?? What do you train snails in? Racing up the plant?? Eating more than the next snail? Don't tell me, just let me die of curiosity.
Banana Paper
Welcome to Papyrus Australia:
"Banana trees only live for about a year, and after the bunch is harvested, the tree is allowed to rot down. In Banana trees, the fibres run the full length of the tree, compared to around 1mm in wood-chip. Our process takes advantage of the properties of this waste material, in a process that has more similarities to the production of plywood than to paper. No toxic chemicals or water is needed, and the process uses a fraction of the energy of a typical wood-chip paper plant"
I blogged a while ago about the research into growing plastic in banana leaves which could then be harvested and used. Well, the good old banana leaves are now providing us with waterproof paper! It is totally environmentally friendly and such a fantastic idea. Now we just need zucchini pens, cucumber pencils, squash erasers...Actually, it would solve the problem of pen chewers if we had edible pens! And you wouldn't have to die of hunger before morning tea..you could rip into your stationery. Love it even more now I've thought about it!
"Banana trees only live for about a year, and after the bunch is harvested, the tree is allowed to rot down. In Banana trees, the fibres run the full length of the tree, compared to around 1mm in wood-chip. Our process takes advantage of the properties of this waste material, in a process that has more similarities to the production of plywood than to paper. No toxic chemicals or water is needed, and the process uses a fraction of the energy of a typical wood-chip paper plant"
I blogged a while ago about the research into growing plastic in banana leaves which could then be harvested and used. Well, the good old banana leaves are now providing us with waterproof paper! It is totally environmentally friendly and such a fantastic idea. Now we just need zucchini pens, cucumber pencils, squash erasers...Actually, it would solve the problem of pen chewers if we had edible pens! And you wouldn't have to die of hunger before morning tea..you could rip into your stationery. Love it even more now I've thought about it!
Food, glorious food
Well, more overseas visitors telling me today Adelaide had the biggest choice of places to eat and the best quality of food. They just raved about it and said our coffee was fantastic - which is great news because we've made a real effort to improve our barista skills! It is really heartening, I realise , to hear people from another country telling you how great your eating places are, especially when they are French and have eaten in some great places!!I was also pleased to see on the news we are making a fantastic public effort to get people into healthier fast food options. The food summit in Adelaide is coming up with some healthy and wholesome approaches to the topic. Best thing is they are offering people a chance to see and taste food options! That is so fundamental because food is totally a sociable thing and we can forget that sometimes as we hurry and rush around. Food is fun!
Blame the boss
The Advertiser: Unhappy workers blame the boss :
"Bosses were not listening to workers, said 48 per cent, while 45 per cent think their management is not inspiring trust.
Sixty-nine per cent said management failed to provide regular feedback, while 71 per cent do not believe their employers respond to suggestions and criticism."
You have to have a reason to keep getting up in the morning and putting yourself on the treadmill with little or no appreciation. Often you are told you are inadequate. I blogged about this a couple of days ago. Bosses are in a crucial position when it comes to workplace health and satisfaction. A people person will always get a good response from those employed. Too often we have an administrative model which may or may not be efficient but it focuses on systems and not people. The companies and business make profits for the shareholders and the focus is always on cost cutting and making money for others at the expense of those who actually are the life blood of any organisation. The results of this survey are interesting. At one stage it used to be important to have worker satisfaction - then it changed and it was all about profit. You can only take productivity so far. Past that point you need to nurture the life blood of the organisation. Breaking it and starting an new version of same is simply running away and incompetent management techniques. How many airlines have we broken in Australia? How many phone carriers? How many food companies? It's silly.
"Bosses were not listening to workers, said 48 per cent, while 45 per cent think their management is not inspiring trust.
Sixty-nine per cent said management failed to provide regular feedback, while 71 per cent do not believe their employers respond to suggestions and criticism."
You have to have a reason to keep getting up in the morning and putting yourself on the treadmill with little or no appreciation. Often you are told you are inadequate. I blogged about this a couple of days ago. Bosses are in a crucial position when it comes to workplace health and satisfaction. A people person will always get a good response from those employed. Too often we have an administrative model which may or may not be efficient but it focuses on systems and not people. The companies and business make profits for the shareholders and the focus is always on cost cutting and making money for others at the expense of those who actually are the life blood of any organisation. The results of this survey are interesting. At one stage it used to be important to have worker satisfaction - then it changed and it was all about profit. You can only take productivity so far. Past that point you need to nurture the life blood of the organisation. Breaking it and starting an new version of same is simply running away and incompetent management techniques. How many airlines have we broken in Australia? How many phone carriers? How many food companies? It's silly.
Few whales saved after mass stranding.
Few whales saved after mass stranding. : "About 60 pilot whales died after beaching on two sites at Marion Bay in the state's south-east."
This is so sad. Horrible news. Another article I read said they had no idea why the whales had beached themselves, but as ususal some great Australians have been out there trying to save any whales they can. There has been talk on the Net of sonar disturbing whales. We need to get to the bottom of it because if we are in any way responsible we need to change our behaviour. I won't say we are a destructive species until I hear what caused this. It's horrible.
This is so sad. Horrible news. Another article I read said they had no idea why the whales had beached themselves, but as ususal some great Australians have been out there trying to save any whales they can. There has been talk on the Net of sonar disturbing whales. We need to get to the bottom of it because if we are in any way responsible we need to change our behaviour. I won't say we are a destructive species until I hear what caused this. It's horrible.
Monday, October 24, 2005
The Gimp
My latest toy is The Gimp. I have had it on my computer for a while and haven't had a chance to use it. It is quite easy to use and comes up with some interesting effects. I am no graphics expert. I just like to learn as I go and find things to produce images which may or may not be a bit more interesting to look at!! I try!
Urban sprawl
The Advertiser: Adelaide risks urban dead zone:Warning on the high cost of city sprawl :
"'If we lose contact with the environment, our children could grow up thinking concrete and bricks is all there is. I don't think life would be worth anything, the quality of life would be appalling.'"
The developers don't care. Poeple who get the houses don't care, so I guess we have to look at what guidelines we provide at a state level. I have seen so much of my drive turn into housing. I have seen all the housing sprawl up the Main North Road. I have watched Hallet Cove become over built and the other side spread all over the hills. It just goes on and on and we have even threatened the unique areas down at Aldinga Scrub. Not everyone can live "there". Pt. Willunga and Clarendon are turing into suburbs. Okay, it's how the rest of the world is and you see how the rest of the world becomes the bright lights , the big city and the urban jungle. Build, build, build. This is the biggest biodiversity study done in Adelaide. It will be well worth the read....and well worth the heed. Adelaide usually listens. We cannot keep building. We have to build away from areas prone to bush fires and flooding and we need to leave some soil and natural areas for our natives...and water! The thing which irritates me the most is when we have natural wetlands and we just change them and build on them. Instead of encouraging them, we dry them up and build more boxes with no gardens. The kids will lose out.
"'If we lose contact with the environment, our children could grow up thinking concrete and bricks is all there is. I don't think life would be worth anything, the quality of life would be appalling.'"
The developers don't care. Poeple who get the houses don't care, so I guess we have to look at what guidelines we provide at a state level. I have seen so much of my drive turn into housing. I have seen all the housing sprawl up the Main North Road. I have watched Hallet Cove become over built and the other side spread all over the hills. It just goes on and on and we have even threatened the unique areas down at Aldinga Scrub. Not everyone can live "there". Pt. Willunga and Clarendon are turing into suburbs. Okay, it's how the rest of the world is and you see how the rest of the world becomes the bright lights , the big city and the urban jungle. Build, build, build. This is the biggest biodiversity study done in Adelaide. It will be well worth the read....and well worth the heed. Adelaide usually listens. We cannot keep building. We have to build away from areas prone to bush fires and flooding and we need to leave some soil and natural areas for our natives...and water! The thing which irritates me the most is when we have natural wetlands and we just change them and build on them. Instead of encouraging them, we dry them up and build more boxes with no gardens. The kids will lose out.
Great Barrier Reef
Reef management wins praise and warning for Govt.:
"The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) this morning presented the Gift of the Earth award to Environment Minister, Senator Ian Campbell, in recognition of the Federal Government's decision to list a section of the Great Barrier Reef as a protected marine park."
It's nice to see someone give credit where credit is due because the Government can't be wrong all the time! It's good the WWF has recognised the efforts the federal government has made to improve the condition of the Great Barrier Reef. It is brilliant and a great diving spot, I am told. Right up there. But it is something worth looking after. That the Government has organised a zoning plan and has looked at how we manage the reef is great. It's true, you can't just stop there. It's like any housework...you have to keep it up! Can't just vacuum once. (I wish!)
"The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) this morning presented the Gift of the Earth award to Environment Minister, Senator Ian Campbell, in recognition of the Federal Government's decision to list a section of the Great Barrier Reef as a protected marine park."
It's nice to see someone give credit where credit is due because the Government can't be wrong all the time! It's good the WWF has recognised the efforts the federal government has made to improve the condition of the Great Barrier Reef. It is brilliant and a great diving spot, I am told. Right up there. But it is something worth looking after. That the Government has organised a zoning plan and has looked at how we manage the reef is great. It's true, you can't just stop there. It's like any housework...you have to keep it up! Can't just vacuum once. (I wish!)
Maria Korp
Korp family abandons posthumous conviction bid. :
"'It is felt that with everything else that has happened to the Korp family this year, a formal court order granting a deemed conviction would not assist the members of the family getting over the experience they've been through.'"
True. I don't think I have heard of anyone being posthumously convicted of a crime. He was charged with attempting to murder his wife and his mistress is in jail after she was convicted. This whole sad and sorry case of Maria Korp being left in the car boot to die and then never coming out of the coma she was found in never stops twisting and turning. Her estranged husband was found hanged. This was after they had removed the feeding tube and allowed Maria to die. She had been kept alive for a while. If nothing else it gave her family a chance to come to terms with all that had happened and in the end the son lost two parents and the daughter lost her mother. He didn't get to trial. Have they had the trial since? I still feel very sad she was found alive after the strangling and being locked int he boot, but never regained consciousness and the children, the boy especially have such a burden to carry at this point in their lives. From where I sit the official people involved have shown a considerable amount of common sense and compassion. I suppose the legal twists and turns have been about trying to help the family who were caught up in the madness of it all and left in tragic tatters.
"'It is felt that with everything else that has happened to the Korp family this year, a formal court order granting a deemed conviction would not assist the members of the family getting over the experience they've been through.'"
True. I don't think I have heard of anyone being posthumously convicted of a crime. He was charged with attempting to murder his wife and his mistress is in jail after she was convicted. This whole sad and sorry case of Maria Korp being left in the car boot to die and then never coming out of the coma she was found in never stops twisting and turning. Her estranged husband was found hanged. This was after they had removed the feeding tube and allowed Maria to die. She had been kept alive for a while. If nothing else it gave her family a chance to come to terms with all that had happened and in the end the son lost two parents and the daughter lost her mother. He didn't get to trial. Have they had the trial since? I still feel very sad she was found alive after the strangling and being locked int he boot, but never regained consciousness and the children, the boy especially have such a burden to carry at this point in their lives. From where I sit the official people involved have shown a considerable amount of common sense and compassion. I suppose the legal twists and turns have been about trying to help the family who were caught up in the madness of it all and left in tragic tatters.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Smiley Central
I have just been to Smiley Central and downloaded the exe file for the smiley emoticons. You get a tool bar with search, smileys,customisable screensavers, cursors and E cards. Once you click on the exe file it takes a little while for your computer to organise itself with the links to the server. It says there is no spyware or adware and there doesn't appear to be.
Sometimes you just have to lighten up and play!!
Smiley Central
Dizzy, Gilly turning out in one-dayers.
Dizzy, Gilly turning out in one-dayers. :
"Fast bowler Jason Gillespie will today play his first match for South Australia since being dropped from the Australian team during the Ashes tour."
I actually missed Jason Gillespie's huge frame and massive arm circle in the recent matches. I know they had to let him off the teams. He's a great cricketer, mullet or no mullet, and he is certainly himself. It's nice to see he is back. His body and put up with a lot of pain and he's worked hard for Australia. He probably does need to slow down, refresh, relax and heal himself. I really do hope he enjoys his match with the Warriors because I think that aspect of enjoyment was the bit missing for him.
"Fast bowler Jason Gillespie will today play his first match for South Australia since being dropped from the Australian team during the Ashes tour."
I actually missed Jason Gillespie's huge frame and massive arm circle in the recent matches. I know they had to let him off the teams. He's a great cricketer, mullet or no mullet, and he is certainly himself. It's nice to see he is back. His body and put up with a lot of pain and he's worked hard for Australia. He probably does need to slow down, refresh, relax and heal himself. I really do hope he enjoys his match with the Warriors because I think that aspect of enjoyment was the bit missing for him.
Radio station devastated by fire bombing.
Radio station devastated by fire bombing. :
"The studios of Wow FM at Semaphore were badly damaged when a molotov cocktail was thrown through the station's window.
Station manager David Thalbourne says in the past month, announcers' car tyres have been slashed and numerous threats made."
I don't know Wow FM so I don't know what sort of radio station it is. Obviously in its early days and they are short of cash. Are you sure this is in Adelaide? Even if we don't like the music or commentaries, we don't firebomb stuff and slash their tyres...we give 'em heaps! This is sick behaviour and it's not our state. I hope they catch those who would explode others.
"The studios of Wow FM at Semaphore were badly damaged when a molotov cocktail was thrown through the station's window.
Station manager David Thalbourne says in the past month, announcers' car tyres have been slashed and numerous threats made."
I don't know Wow FM so I don't know what sort of radio station it is. Obviously in its early days and they are short of cash. Are you sure this is in Adelaide? Even if we don't like the music or commentaries, we don't firebomb stuff and slash their tyres...we give 'em heaps! This is sick behaviour and it's not our state. I hope they catch those who would explode others.
Bottle Brush
The most spectacular thing in the garden at the moment is the bottlebrush. It actually appreciates a good water but is a good surviver in the heat. Right now it's beautiful. A lot of people are allergic to bottlebrush.
Native Irises
The native iris bushes are seen everywhere and are used to landscape shopping centres and railway stations. I love them and have planted some in my garden. You get flowers and plenty of them for most of the year. I love my other white bulbs too!
Fairy Fishing Rods
I like fairy fishing rods. I have really had to nurture this one and I am pleased to say, and show you, that it is a strong happy plant now. It has been struggling the last couple of years and I lost the three others I had planted.
Blackbirds
The blackbirds have been very busy and happy especially this morning...and here is the nest ,complete with plastic bottom, they have been building in my big fuchsia bush !! I couldn't believe the cheeky things were stealing the bits of nest the pigeons had started building. The pigeons were a bit non plussed when they arrived to find nothing there. They haven't been seen since!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Make Poverty History
Last night I came on line, went to World Vision and have sent away for my package to sponsor a child. I have been thinking of it for a while but yesterday I realised that thinking doesn't change anything. Change is action. This is all part of my belief we really so need to get our backsides into gear and change the world. It is driving me to distraction how much misery there is. We have a world which can change that. So, I am now eagerly awaiting the face of the child I shall be able to help.
World Vision Australia
"Tity Senessie (7) has known hunger, but now, thanks to one of World Vision's Agricultural Recovery Programs, she enjoys health and happiness. It is hard for us to imagine what a difference a secure supply of decent food means. But Tity knows. Thanks to sponsors like your friend, Tity can dream of a future as bright as her smile."
Sol employs fifth colleague
Australian IT - Sol employs fifth amigo:
"For the second time this week, Mr Trujillo has created a new position for an offshore executive he has previously employed, with Tarek Robbiati yesterday being appointed as Telstra's first-ever deputy chief financial officer."
In my experience this is what happens when a new boss takes over. You get all the wholesale change for the sake of change which they tell you is "improving the situation." You get a whole list of complaints about how hopeless and useless you are and then, key positions are filled by people you find out the boss knows. They have to surround themselves with familiars in order to be "effective". It increases your feelings of isolation and you no longer are the familiars. If anything should be changed in the work place, it should be that key positions are held and people should not be magically incompetent or redundant when,until the new boss, it was all fine. I am also concerned that a boss is unable to be a leader without people they are familar with. As workers we have to be flexible and manage relations with what is now a constantly changing workforce. We are always in a state of flux. So, if Sol Trujillo has hired his former colleagues, just look into any boss who takes over and tell me this is not a common pattern. They only think they are the top person. They can't do it on their own in a leadership position and they ask of us what they cannot do themselves.
"For the second time this week, Mr Trujillo has created a new position for an offshore executive he has previously employed, with Tarek Robbiati yesterday being appointed as Telstra's first-ever deputy chief financial officer."
In my experience this is what happens when a new boss takes over. You get all the wholesale change for the sake of change which they tell you is "improving the situation." You get a whole list of complaints about how hopeless and useless you are and then, key positions are filled by people you find out the boss knows. They have to surround themselves with familiars in order to be "effective". It increases your feelings of isolation and you no longer are the familiars. If anything should be changed in the work place, it should be that key positions are held and people should not be magically incompetent or redundant when,until the new boss, it was all fine. I am also concerned that a boss is unable to be a leader without people they are familar with. As workers we have to be flexible and manage relations with what is now a constantly changing workforce. We are always in a state of flux. So, if Sol Trujillo has hired his former colleagues, just look into any boss who takes over and tell me this is not a common pattern. They only think they are the top person. They can't do it on their own in a leadership position and they ask of us what they cannot do themselves.
Kelly Nestor
Kelly Nestor is the newsreader on Channel 10 with George Donikian. They both present very efficient, professional and friendly services. They are a great pair and the loss of Kelly will be quite a blow.
Kelly's last stand is a TV shock
She has such a lovely face and she is someone, like George, who takes an animated interest in the news. She is reports competently and her humanity is evident. There is never an inappropriate facial expression, she has an excellent manner and her linguistic competence is obvious. I am not surprised she wants to move on and give herself some challenges, but I fully understand Channel 10 feeling saddened by this. If she doesn't try new things , she will never know how far she can go.
Egyptian mummy arrives for SA exhibition.
Egyptian mummy arrives for SA exhibition. :
"Australian Museum conservator Heather Bleechmore says the touring exhibition looks at ancient Egyptian rituals like the embalming of dead bodies."
Well, we have a 2,700 year old mummy called Keku as part of the new Egyptian exhibition. I can't see it failing! The Egyptian room at the museum has been a long time favourite and a while ago there was an astounding Egyptian exhibition at the art gallery which was absolutely packed on the day I went. We have a real fondness for things Egyptian and our children always go through a passionate phase about Egypt. This new exhibititon is opening in November and will be on until February. Must get myself along to see it. You'll be the first to know!!
"Australian Museum conservator Heather Bleechmore says the touring exhibition looks at ancient Egyptian rituals like the embalming of dead bodies."
Well, we have a 2,700 year old mummy called Keku as part of the new Egyptian exhibition. I can't see it failing! The Egyptian room at the museum has been a long time favourite and a while ago there was an astounding Egyptian exhibition at the art gallery which was absolutely packed on the day I went. We have a real fondness for things Egyptian and our children always go through a passionate phase about Egypt. This new exhibititon is opening in November and will be on until February. Must get myself along to see it. You'll be the first to know!!
Botox's benefits
Botox's benefits under scrutiny in cerebal palsy research. :
"The Government already funds injections of the muscle relaxant botox for the lower limbs of children suffering from cerebral palsy but not their upper limbs."
I blogged before about this because there was a news item about it on televsion and the difference to the children was astounding. At the moment the injections are for the lower limbs.Dr Ray Russo is trying to get enough case evidence together on the treatment to the upper limbs so that there can be government funding of the project and medicines. It makes such a difference to these children who are born with cerebral palsey. I have known children with this disease and the parents put in a lot of time and energy so that the childrens' limbs can be strengthened. Some of them can afford the scooters so that the children are independently mobile. It makes so much difference when the children can participate independently in activities with their friends and families. I hope the studies go well and the breathroughs continue to be made because this is another illness where the research has been crucial. It has transformed the lives of these children.
"The Government already funds injections of the muscle relaxant botox for the lower limbs of children suffering from cerebral palsy but not their upper limbs."
I blogged before about this because there was a news item about it on televsion and the difference to the children was astounding. At the moment the injections are for the lower limbs.Dr Ray Russo is trying to get enough case evidence together on the treatment to the upper limbs so that there can be government funding of the project and medicines. It makes such a difference to these children who are born with cerebral palsey. I have known children with this disease and the parents put in a lot of time and energy so that the childrens' limbs can be strengthened. Some of them can afford the scooters so that the children are independently mobile. It makes so much difference when the children can participate independently in activities with their friends and families. I hope the studies go well and the breathroughs continue to be made because this is another illness where the research has been crucial. It has transformed the lives of these children.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Au pairs may ease childcare dilemma
The Australian: Au pairs may ease childcare dilemma :
"Au pairs - normally young women from Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany, who agree to help an Australian family with their children in exchange for room, board and about $150 a week - currently enter the country on working visas, which prevent them from working for one family for more than three months."
We do have to look at how we are structuring our society because life has changed. Children do need care. Creating longer au pair positions makes sense in terms of continuity. It could maybe be organised as a reciprocal arrangement with the countries which usually supply us with au pairs. Australians would just as much like to benefit from living and working with a family and learning another country and culture as other nations like to learn ours. The young ones are keen on travel and they do seem to have a nice way and patience with young children. For all that can be said of young ones, they are very sociable and like to be busy. Maybe we need to organise an international certificate and put some checks and balances in so that each country is contributing to levels of assessment with these au pairs. That way the length of stay could be perhaps balanced against the level of experience and by that I mean au pairs should rack up nanny points, first aid etc in their own or neighbouring countries first. I certainly think 3 months is too short a time in that particular position so certification is probably the way to go.
"Au pairs - normally young women from Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany, who agree to help an Australian family with their children in exchange for room, board and about $150 a week - currently enter the country on working visas, which prevent them from working for one family for more than three months."
We do have to look at how we are structuring our society because life has changed. Children do need care. Creating longer au pair positions makes sense in terms of continuity. It could maybe be organised as a reciprocal arrangement with the countries which usually supply us with au pairs. Australians would just as much like to benefit from living and working with a family and learning another country and culture as other nations like to learn ours. The young ones are keen on travel and they do seem to have a nice way and patience with young children. For all that can be said of young ones, they are very sociable and like to be busy. Maybe we need to organise an international certificate and put some checks and balances in so that each country is contributing to levels of assessment with these au pairs. That way the length of stay could be perhaps balanced against the level of experience and by that I mean au pairs should rack up nanny points, first aid etc in their own or neighbouring countries first. I certainly think 3 months is too short a time in that particular position so certification is probably the way to go.
President of Australia?
The Australian: Let voters choose president: Beazley:
"Community concern over this model, which was supported by Labor, sank the republic at the time of the 1999 referendum because the pro-republican movement was split between the two models, and voters ultimately backed Prime Minister John Howard's view that constitutional change was unnecessary."
This begs the question how long after a referendum (and how much did that cost and who funded it??) is long enough before you reinvent the question and promote political interest again? Mr. Beasley seems to think we are ready for a president and a republic. The real problem needs to be resolved first. Like many countries the parties are a blur and we seem to have no real choice. Leaders don't seem to be able to last and then there are a handful which go on and on. So the way we look at it is we have no parties to choose from and no one who seems to be able to stay as a leader, either because they have a terrible past or they can beaten into a pulp by the media or they somehow manage to fall off their perch or they just stay there and stay there and stay there and they are not leading...they are being a self appointed head of state. So how is having a president going to help? And we need to wind back a bit here and ask the question...do we want a president? And then if we do want a president is it going to be one who has pots of money and can win the campaign with all that cash? We need to resolve a few other minor details first. I actually like what the Tories are doing in England at the moment where the candidates have to speak and talk and discuss and then they are voted out...like an eviction process. Seriously, we need to get some candidates and we need to have people who can speak well and at length and we need them to be rhinocerous hides and capable of surviving the media beat up. And we want them to last longer than five minutes but have a term which is reasonable...otherwise I'd rather just have a royal family and know that's what you have and be done with it. The world has all noticed that democracy is right up the spout at the moment. Let's sort that out first...and maybe choosing from a range of people rather than a range of parties might be preferable...I can just feel a Presidential Idol coming on.
"Community concern over this model, which was supported by Labor, sank the republic at the time of the 1999 referendum because the pro-republican movement was split between the two models, and voters ultimately backed Prime Minister John Howard's view that constitutional change was unnecessary."
This begs the question how long after a referendum (and how much did that cost and who funded it??) is long enough before you reinvent the question and promote political interest again? Mr. Beasley seems to think we are ready for a president and a republic. The real problem needs to be resolved first. Like many countries the parties are a blur and we seem to have no real choice. Leaders don't seem to be able to last and then there are a handful which go on and on. So the way we look at it is we have no parties to choose from and no one who seems to be able to stay as a leader, either because they have a terrible past or they can beaten into a pulp by the media or they somehow manage to fall off their perch or they just stay there and stay there and stay there and they are not leading...they are being a self appointed head of state. So how is having a president going to help? And we need to wind back a bit here and ask the question...do we want a president? And then if we do want a president is it going to be one who has pots of money and can win the campaign with all that cash? We need to resolve a few other minor details first. I actually like what the Tories are doing in England at the moment where the candidates have to speak and talk and discuss and then they are voted out...like an eviction process. Seriously, we need to get some candidates and we need to have people who can speak well and at length and we need them to be rhinocerous hides and capable of surviving the media beat up. And we want them to last longer than five minutes but have a term which is reasonable...otherwise I'd rather just have a royal family and know that's what you have and be done with it. The world has all noticed that democracy is right up the spout at the moment. Let's sort that out first...and maybe choosing from a range of people rather than a range of parties might be preferable...I can just feel a Presidential Idol coming on.
Blood test could detect rare cancer.
Blood test could detect rare cancer. :
"'Because these T-cell lymphomas are so hard to treat and so hard to diagnose, our discovery impacts on both of those,' he said."
Tell me about it. This is why my mother died so quickly and so horribly. She had a form of lymphoma which they couldn't really recognise and they treated it as non Hodgkins lymphoma. It was all downhill in the most out of control, horrific fashion. The medical staff were limited by their knowledge and were trying what they could . In retrospect she might have done better just to have the tumours removed and then have no treatment. Lymphoma is very dicey. If these blood tests can be developed from identifying the gene usually found in the skin, then it will help better diagnosis and that will create a far better chance of being treated properly and surviving longer. It makes sense to me because my mother had very odd things happening with her skin over a year before she was diagnosed with cancer and had been having treatment from a skin specialist. He was also having trouble and he was a well respected, exceptionally competent specialist. My mother's friend also had lymphoma and her treatment worked and she is still alive. My neighbour also had lymphoma and she was treated and she is still alive. T Cell lymphomas are very tricky stuff and I feel sorry for those who have it and for the specialists who are trying to keep people alive. It's hard on them. The more we research and the more we understand, the better it is for everyone. We have been making some really significant break throughs and cancer is a scourge we need to decide we want to do without. That way we'll all make a concerted effort!
"'Because these T-cell lymphomas are so hard to treat and so hard to diagnose, our discovery impacts on both of those,' he said."
Tell me about it. This is why my mother died so quickly and so horribly. She had a form of lymphoma which they couldn't really recognise and they treated it as non Hodgkins lymphoma. It was all downhill in the most out of control, horrific fashion. The medical staff were limited by their knowledge and were trying what they could . In retrospect she might have done better just to have the tumours removed and then have no treatment. Lymphoma is very dicey. If these blood tests can be developed from identifying the gene usually found in the skin, then it will help better diagnosis and that will create a far better chance of being treated properly and surviving longer. It makes sense to me because my mother had very odd things happening with her skin over a year before she was diagnosed with cancer and had been having treatment from a skin specialist. He was also having trouble and he was a well respected, exceptionally competent specialist. My mother's friend also had lymphoma and her treatment worked and she is still alive. My neighbour also had lymphoma and she was treated and she is still alive. T Cell lymphomas are very tricky stuff and I feel sorry for those who have it and for the specialists who are trying to keep people alive. It's hard on them. The more we research and the more we understand, the better it is for everyone. We have been making some really significant break throughs and cancer is a scourge we need to decide we want to do without. That way we'll all make a concerted effort!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
100 Million celebration page
Take your photo with 100 Million celebration page and upload to gallery! | Spread Firefox:
"Get out your camera and take a picture of your yourself, family, friends, cat, dog or anyone that’s passing, say cheese and smile as you take your photo with your monitor displaying our celebration page."
No, not me, Firefox!! I wish!! 100,000,000 million visitors...can you imagine that??? No Firefox is having a bit 100 000 000 download clebration. Take your photos and go for it!! I still use Firefox and my newest extension is the Reminder. Love it!!
"Get out your camera and take a picture of your yourself, family, friends, cat, dog or anyone that’s passing, say cheese and smile as you take your photo with your monitor displaying our celebration page."
No, not me, Firefox!! I wish!! 100,000,000 million visitors...can you imagine that??? No Firefox is having a bit 100 000 000 download clebration. Take your photos and go for it!! I still use Firefox and my newest extension is the Reminder. Love it!!
Plane 'almost' lands on highway
The Advertiser: Plane 'almost' lands on highway :
"A PASSENGER plane almost landed on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, which the pilot mistook for the runway of Israel's nearby Ben Gurion airport, the Israeli Yediot Ahronot daily reported today."
I am sure the people in Jerusalem would have enjoyed a jet liner on the freeway in peak hour traffic. Can't pilots see the road? Don't pilots know where their airports are? Can't pilots see the difference between a highway during rush hour and a runway at an airport? This is all highly irregular. We've been flying planes for years. No one lands them on freeways.
"A PASSENGER plane almost landed on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, which the pilot mistook for the runway of Israel's nearby Ben Gurion airport, the Israeli Yediot Ahronot daily reported today."
I am sure the people in Jerusalem would have enjoyed a jet liner on the freeway in peak hour traffic. Can't pilots see the road? Don't pilots know where their airports are? Can't pilots see the difference between a highway during rush hour and a runway at an airport? This is all highly irregular. We've been flying planes for years. No one lands them on freeways.
Breast cancer drug halves relapse rate.
Breast cancer drug halves relapse rate.:
"International clinical trials of 5,000 women found that Herceptin cut the chances of relapse in women suffering from the aggressive form of breast cancer known as HER2-positive."
The American studies of the drug Herceptin, which were reported in the New England Journal of Medicineare more good news because this particular drug can extend the life of women suffering from
the aggressive form of HER2-positive. The drug can affect the heart but if you read the article, it's a risk run by some women who have chemo therapy and they are able to reverse the problems for some of the women. In any case, more women will stay alive because of this. The chief executive of the Australian Cancer Council, Professor Alan Coates, wants this drug made available on the pharmaceutical benefits lists so women can access it. As I said, we need to keep the break throughs coming one at a time.
"International clinical trials of 5,000 women found that Herceptin cut the chances of relapse in women suffering from the aggressive form of breast cancer known as HER2-positive."
The American studies of the drug Herceptin, which were reported in the New England Journal of Medicineare more good news because this particular drug can extend the life of women suffering from
the aggressive form of HER2-positive. The drug can affect the heart but if you read the article, it's a risk run by some women who have chemo therapy and they are able to reverse the problems for some of the women. In any case, more women will stay alive because of this. The chief executive of the Australian Cancer Council, Professor Alan Coates, wants this drug made available on the pharmaceutical benefits lists so women can access it. As I said, we need to keep the break throughs coming one at a time.
Fraser's anti-terrorism law concerns.
Howard rejects Fraser's anti-terrorism law concerns.:
"Prime Minister John Howard has refused to be drawn on comments by his former leader, Malcolm Fraser, criticising the Government's proposed anti-terrorism laws."
The difficulty with not discussing anything is you end up making unilateral decisions and when you are the head honcho it means you are then a tyrant at worst and a dictator at best. John Howard is no tyrant but he tends to stand alone on a number of issues. His strength is he will not be drawn, but it is also his weakness, for it means he no longer has a democracy here in this country. That may suit him, but it means we are no longer governed by consultation and expert opinion. It worries me greatly that a number of people of import, including Mr. Fraser, have raised points about the new anti terror laws. In a democracy I should expect these people to be heard and their points discussed. It is a really healthy sign when a nation can raise issues and debate them at length and at breadth. One of the things I like about NZ is when you go over there everyone is talking about everything. The whole nation is in debate about current issues. In delis, in cafes, at the bus stop. The television and radio include tyou in debate. You really feel like you belong and that decisions are then well founded and solid. Same in France, big issues are widely discussed and sometimes debated with great gusto. Everyone has a point of view. It feels so good. The heads of state have also raised issues about the "shoot to kill" policies which have slid in. Mr. Beattie says there is no point in making a political issue of it. It is a political issue, because the heads of state discussed our anti terror porcedures with Mr. Howard. then they were all happy. Suddenly there is a new twist and Mr. Howard is saying, well, sorry, I am not discussing this. No-one is really against changes to manage situations where we are exploded, maimed and abused because we were there. That is occurring, it is a blatant use of the ordinary citizen and it creates a lot of pain, destruction...and media hype. Those who would explode us get a lot of media mileage from their mayhem. Our laws already cover the right of police to kill anyone who is going to harm the general public with a grenade, gun, blah...The anti terror laws have increased the amount of time someone can be held on suspicion without any real case. There's a good side to that and a bad one. These are the things we ought to be discussing so we fully understand the changes and we stop ourselves from tying ourselves in knots or replicating procedures we already have. I agree with Mr. Fraser, we need wide ranging discussion. Animated debate is great.
"Prime Minister John Howard has refused to be drawn on comments by his former leader, Malcolm Fraser, criticising the Government's proposed anti-terrorism laws."
The difficulty with not discussing anything is you end up making unilateral decisions and when you are the head honcho it means you are then a tyrant at worst and a dictator at best. John Howard is no tyrant but he tends to stand alone on a number of issues. His strength is he will not be drawn, but it is also his weakness, for it means he no longer has a democracy here in this country. That may suit him, but it means we are no longer governed by consultation and expert opinion. It worries me greatly that a number of people of import, including Mr. Fraser, have raised points about the new anti terror laws. In a democracy I should expect these people to be heard and their points discussed. It is a really healthy sign when a nation can raise issues and debate them at length and at breadth. One of the things I like about NZ is when you go over there everyone is talking about everything. The whole nation is in debate about current issues. In delis, in cafes, at the bus stop. The television and radio include tyou in debate. You really feel like you belong and that decisions are then well founded and solid. Same in France, big issues are widely discussed and sometimes debated with great gusto. Everyone has a point of view. It feels so good. The heads of state have also raised issues about the "shoot to kill" policies which have slid in. Mr. Beattie says there is no point in making a political issue of it. It is a political issue, because the heads of state discussed our anti terror porcedures with Mr. Howard. then they were all happy. Suddenly there is a new twist and Mr. Howard is saying, well, sorry, I am not discussing this. No-one is really against changes to manage situations where we are exploded, maimed and abused because we were there. That is occurring, it is a blatant use of the ordinary citizen and it creates a lot of pain, destruction...and media hype. Those who would explode us get a lot of media mileage from their mayhem. Our laws already cover the right of police to kill anyone who is going to harm the general public with a grenade, gun, blah...The anti terror laws have increased the amount of time someone can be held on suspicion without any real case. There's a good side to that and a bad one. These are the things we ought to be discussing so we fully understand the changes and we stop ourselves from tying ourselves in knots or replicating procedures we already have. I agree with Mr. Fraser, we need wide ranging discussion. Animated debate is great.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Cloning
We amused ourselves no end talking about cloning today. We were in no mood to be serious and I have no idea why. All started by someone sliding along and nearly doing herself a dreadful injury because of the huge downpour and it just went on from there.To cut a lot of hilarity short, we came up with some dedicated, positive uses of cloning:
1. Cloning chicken legs, steak, chops etc so the animals don't have to be killed. Can you imagine rows and rows of steaks pegged on the line ready to go to the supermarket?
2. Growing toes, fingers, hands , arms etc for people who accidentally lose bits of themselves in work place and sporting accidents. Again...rows and rows of fingers pegged up to dry and be ready for the microsurgery. You see, we decided we are pretty awesome because we have the amazing capacity to sew fingers and hands back on...so the cloning needs to support these talented and gifted micro surgeons.
3. My favourite was cloning skins cells to pack into the grooves of wrinkles. Like cloned face putty!
1. Cloning chicken legs, steak, chops etc so the animals don't have to be killed. Can you imagine rows and rows of steaks pegged on the line ready to go to the supermarket?
2. Growing toes, fingers, hands , arms etc for people who accidentally lose bits of themselves in work place and sporting accidents. Again...rows and rows of fingers pegged up to dry and be ready for the microsurgery. You see, we decided we are pretty awesome because we have the amazing capacity to sew fingers and hands back on...so the cloning needs to support these talented and gifted micro surgeons.
3. My favourite was cloning skins cells to pack into the grooves of wrinkles. Like cloned face putty!
Adelaide stay top
Adelaide stay top after crushing Kiwis:
"The 36ers' Willie Farley top scored with 26 points while David Cooper had 23, including three out of three shots outside the zone in a superb display of shooting."
Yes!! The Adelaide 36-ers have a long history of being a very strong NBL team. They have a big following. Well done!!
"The 36ers' Willie Farley top scored with 26 points while David Cooper had 23, including three out of three shots outside the zone in a superb display of shooting."
Yes!! The Adelaide 36-ers have a long history of being a very strong NBL team. They have a big following. Well done!!
Huntington's Disease
Fresh hope on brain disease :
"Neuroscientists have shown that the anti-depressant drug Prozac protects laboratory mice against the devastating hereditary brain disorder Huntington's disease."
The research findings of these Austrlian scientists seem to be heartening and considering it is with the much maligned Prozac...well, maybe Porzac has a good use! It it helps the brain degeneration in sufferers of Huntington's disease , that's a good thing. I like idea, too, that our scientists are look at what works rather than running along in a groove. Australians often make breakthroughs because they are innovative and unhampered in their thinking. It really is about what works and not about what ought to work.
We have to make breakthroughs with these sorts of illnesses because I am listening to friends and colleagues who are trying to work, bring up their families and then care for parents with dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. It is very hard on them. They are watching their parents fall apart but are being very positive in their caring and managing of this stage of their life. You can see the strain it puts on. I sit there some days and have the oddest thought. My father died when I was young of a heart attack and my mother died of cancer. Both of these things were awful events in my life and huge losses, but I listen to people talk of their parents with Alzheimer's or whatever and I am always glad my parents didn't get those diseases. Cancer was hideous, but the time frame was 6 months. These other people have parents with degenerative dieases and it goes on and on and their parents become shells and they become so sad and frustrated.I shouldn't have to think my parents were better off having a heart attack or dying in 6 months of cancer, but it all becomes relative. We need more ways of preventing and treating these diseases. This Prozac breakthough might give us some clues.
"Neuroscientists have shown that the anti-depressant drug Prozac protects laboratory mice against the devastating hereditary brain disorder Huntington's disease."
The research findings of these Austrlian scientists seem to be heartening and considering it is with the much maligned Prozac...well, maybe Porzac has a good use! It it helps the brain degeneration in sufferers of Huntington's disease , that's a good thing. I like idea, too, that our scientists are look at what works rather than running along in a groove. Australians often make breakthroughs because they are innovative and unhampered in their thinking. It really is about what works and not about what ought to work.
We have to make breakthroughs with these sorts of illnesses because I am listening to friends and colleagues who are trying to work, bring up their families and then care for parents with dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. It is very hard on them. They are watching their parents fall apart but are being very positive in their caring and managing of this stage of their life. You can see the strain it puts on. I sit there some days and have the oddest thought. My father died when I was young of a heart attack and my mother died of cancer. Both of these things were awful events in my life and huge losses, but I listen to people talk of their parents with Alzheimer's or whatever and I am always glad my parents didn't get those diseases. Cancer was hideous, but the time frame was 6 months. These other people have parents with degenerative dieases and it goes on and on and their parents become shells and they become so sad and frustrated.I shouldn't have to think my parents were better off having a heart attack or dying in 6 months of cancer, but it all becomes relative. We need more ways of preventing and treating these diseases. This Prozac breakthough might give us some clues.
Teacher training urged on the job
The Advertiser: Teacher training urged on the job :
"QUALIFIED people should be allowed to bypass university and become high school teachers through on-the-job training, a public policy think-tank report says."
When I went to high school here I had teachers who had been brought in from the street because there was a shortage. I had previously gone to a school where the teachers were scholars, well educated and well trained. There was a serious difference between the off the street teachers and the qualified ones. The qualified ones went on to be the shaping forces in various areas in education and their areas of expertise and they were so knowledgeable and so good at getting us to learn and know. The ones off the street were boring, lost control, lost their tempers and I always came out of maths with a headache because the off the street maths teacher shrieked at us all lesson and was so crabby because we were "so stupid". When we got a proper maths teacher next year it was such a difference. Academic knowledge, scholarship and training and experience make a good teacher in my book.
"QUALIFIED people should be allowed to bypass university and become high school teachers through on-the-job training, a public policy think-tank report says."
When I went to high school here I had teachers who had been brought in from the street because there was a shortage. I had previously gone to a school where the teachers were scholars, well educated and well trained. There was a serious difference between the off the street teachers and the qualified ones. The qualified ones went on to be the shaping forces in various areas in education and their areas of expertise and they were so knowledgeable and so good at getting us to learn and know. The ones off the street were boring, lost control, lost their tempers and I always came out of maths with a headache because the off the street maths teacher shrieked at us all lesson and was so crabby because we were "so stupid". When we got a proper maths teacher next year it was such a difference. Academic knowledge, scholarship and training and experience make a good teacher in my book.
Adelaide Water
The Advertiser: Act now or face a real crisis:
"SOUTH Australians will have to get used to poor quality drinking water, higher prices and tougher restrictions if government water strategy projects are not urgently stepped up, a new report states."
What do you mean get used to??? I have blogged about Adeliade water before. No bottled water company, no water filtration company has any difficulty whatsoever selling their products in Adelaide. Most of us carry bottled water and we drink fruit juice. Our tap water is a disgrace. Before it was a disaster. The first time I drank Adelaide water I sat it out and I was totally embarrassed. I have never spat anything out. I have also run a bath only to find brown stuff in my tub. I know we are in the driest state on the driest continent. There is no excuse for running water which is not properly treated and filtered. About 3 years ago some of us were losing our fish in tanks. The water board denied any problems...but the fish died all the same. We were all wondering. The tap water stinks of chlorine. Since we installed the filtration plant the water stays clear. It used to be a meal in a glass. Ships were not allowed to put Adelaide water on board. Saving water, being careful with water is something we all do and we are really quite good at this, except one or two who decide to run their sprinklers all day. That is rare, but I saw it on my walk recently and I was thinking how much we had changed because I actually noticed. So we are learning our water saving lessons and we are learning, as a state to be less wasteful...but it rained today and losts of places were flooded and that water has gone where?? Rainwater tanks are an essential home item...but they should be on all buildings where rainwater can be put to good use. I love it when I go away and my clothes wash well and my hair is all soft and shiny. I hate coming back to Adelaide and its water. So we are perfectly used to hard , horrible water that cakes up taps and kettles. Perfectly used to it.
"SOUTH Australians will have to get used to poor quality drinking water, higher prices and tougher restrictions if government water strategy projects are not urgently stepped up, a new report states."
What do you mean get used to??? I have blogged about Adeliade water before. No bottled water company, no water filtration company has any difficulty whatsoever selling their products in Adelaide. Most of us carry bottled water and we drink fruit juice. Our tap water is a disgrace. Before it was a disaster. The first time I drank Adelaide water I sat it out and I was totally embarrassed. I have never spat anything out. I have also run a bath only to find brown stuff in my tub. I know we are in the driest state on the driest continent. There is no excuse for running water which is not properly treated and filtered. About 3 years ago some of us were losing our fish in tanks. The water board denied any problems...but the fish died all the same. We were all wondering. The tap water stinks of chlorine. Since we installed the filtration plant the water stays clear. It used to be a meal in a glass. Ships were not allowed to put Adelaide water on board. Saving water, being careful with water is something we all do and we are really quite good at this, except one or two who decide to run their sprinklers all day. That is rare, but I saw it on my walk recently and I was thinking how much we had changed because I actually noticed. So we are learning our water saving lessons and we are learning, as a state to be less wasteful...but it rained today and losts of places were flooded and that water has gone where?? Rainwater tanks are an essential home item...but they should be on all buildings where rainwater can be put to good use. I love it when I go away and my clothes wash well and my hair is all soft and shiny. I hate coming back to Adelaide and its water. So we are perfectly used to hard , horrible water that cakes up taps and kettles. Perfectly used to it.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Australia 'must rethink Kyoto'
The Australian: Australia 'must rethink Kyoto' :
"BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent his chief scientific adviser to Australia to convince the Federal Government to sign up to the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions."
Australia and the USA are the only developed nations who have not signed the Kyoto Protocol. I wish Mr. Blair's emissary well. We've tried. Then we tried again. I think then we tried again, but then we got distracted...we have tried. Mr. Howard doesn't listen to us.
"BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent his chief scientific adviser to Australia to convince the Federal Government to sign up to the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions."
Australia and the USA are the only developed nations who have not signed the Kyoto Protocol. I wish Mr. Blair's emissary well. We've tried. Then we tried again. I think then we tried again, but then we got distracted...we have tried. Mr. Howard doesn't listen to us.
Ghan maintains double services
The Advertiser: Ghan maintains double services:
"Adelaide-based operator Great Southern Railway has had strong demand for the Ghan's 2979km cross-continent journey since the Darwin line opened in February last year. It has been running one train a week to and from Darwin but doubled that to two a week each way in the peak demand months of May, June and July this year."
I have just had overseas friends make the trip on the Ghan and one day I shall. I have dreamt about it and was so excited when they opened up the line again. Two trains a week would be great. People from overseas come back raving about the Top End and love Kakadu and the Catherine Gorge. One day...I shall be on the Ghan. We need to develop more train lines and train trips. These visitors couldn't believe how cheap it was, but they couldn't believe how slow it was either! I tried to explain the Ghan is about taking in the country and the wide open spaces...I wasted my breath. They wanted to be there. Different headset. When I said...but Australia is about slowing down and taking it all in...appreciating the land and the colours...they sort of got it! I tried.
"Adelaide-based operator Great Southern Railway has had strong demand for the Ghan's 2979km cross-continent journey since the Darwin line opened in February last year. It has been running one train a week to and from Darwin but doubled that to two a week each way in the peak demand months of May, June and July this year."
I have just had overseas friends make the trip on the Ghan and one day I shall. I have dreamt about it and was so excited when they opened up the line again. Two trains a week would be great. People from overseas come back raving about the Top End and love Kakadu and the Catherine Gorge. One day...I shall be on the Ghan. We need to develop more train lines and train trips. These visitors couldn't believe how cheap it was, but they couldn't believe how slow it was either! I tried to explain the Ghan is about taking in the country and the wide open spaces...I wasted my breath. They wanted to be there. Different headset. When I said...but Australia is about slowing down and taking it all in...appreciating the land and the colours...they sort of got it! I tried.
Cornelia Rau's sister tells of hate mail
The Advertiser: Rau sister tells of hate mail :
"She said this was felt 'very personally' when a letter meticulously smeared with faeces on one side' was sent to them on the eve of the Palmer report's release."
Cornelia Rau was the mentally ill person who was wrongfully detained in Baxter. Everyone except Immigration had realised she was very ill. She had even been put in prison. The detainees kept up the concern on her behalf and public pressure and some active key people got Cornelia Rau free. On that score I think, however concerned and upset, frustrated and perturbed, Christine Rau feels, she will evetually realise that most people in Australia were horrified with what had occurred to her sister and public pressure and cohesion helped to free her . As for that feces smeared letter...It was sent on the eve of the Palmer report. Most people would not have known when that was. So it had to be someone who could know that. Your average citizen would have no idea when that report was going to be published. It was "meticulously" smeared. So which person does careful artwork like that other than a well known New Zealand artist whose paintings sell for a fortune? She would not have sent it. She'd be resting or painting. Think about it. Who in their right mind sends carefully smeared letters to Christine Rau on the eve of the Palmer report? Not me, not you and not the normal Australian. We were outraged by what happened to Cornelia Rau. We wanted the detention centre shut and we wouldn't even think of sending poo covered letters to people. We email!!
"She said this was felt 'very personally' when a letter meticulously smeared with faeces on one side' was sent to them on the eve of the Palmer report's release."
Cornelia Rau was the mentally ill person who was wrongfully detained in Baxter. Everyone except Immigration had realised she was very ill. She had even been put in prison. The detainees kept up the concern on her behalf and public pressure and some active key people got Cornelia Rau free. On that score I think, however concerned and upset, frustrated and perturbed, Christine Rau feels, she will evetually realise that most people in Australia were horrified with what had occurred to her sister and public pressure and cohesion helped to free her . As for that feces smeared letter...It was sent on the eve of the Palmer report. Most people would not have known when that was. So it had to be someone who could know that. Your average citizen would have no idea when that report was going to be published. It was "meticulously" smeared. So which person does careful artwork like that other than a well known New Zealand artist whose paintings sell for a fortune? She would not have sent it. She'd be resting or painting. Think about it. Who in their right mind sends carefully smeared letters to Christine Rau on the eve of the Palmer report? Not me, not you and not the normal Australian. We were outraged by what happened to Cornelia Rau. We wanted the detention centre shut and we wouldn't even think of sending poo covered letters to people. We email!!
Pace for Peace
20,000 Km for world peace and co operation. That's Carl Hebel's, marathon runner's, plan. He leaves Healesville in Victoria on 23rd October and it will be the start of a massive trek for world peace and he would welcome others along the way. His
Chain of Co operation site gives you some information and an opportunity to contact him. You, too, can be a Pacer for Peace when he gets to a place near you!!
In a similar way Canadian
Jean Beliveau left home,Quebec, in 2000 and 4 years later was in Kenya. At the time he thought he had 8 more years on the road, but I have heard nothing of him. His mission?The United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's 2000-2010 International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World Whatever happened to that idea? Whatever happened to Jean Beliveau?
I wish Carl Hebel and all his pacers well. At least the Ministry of Peace is alive and well.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Speed kills
The Advertiser: 41,000 drivers ignore speed danger :
"Almost 41,000 people were fined for speeding through the 10 intersections - the junction of Marion and Sturt roads at Mitchell Park at the top of the list with 7715 fines issued. There were 43 reported crashes at this intersection last year, resulting in one death, seven injuries and 35 cases of serious vehicle damage."
Speed kills. Speed kills. Speed kills. Are they deaf, dumb or what??? The only confusing crossing is the one on the Main North Road and Grand Junction Road. That has been a hasard for years and I will give drivers the benefit of the doubtat that crazy Gepps Cross mess. It really needs redesigning because the lights are very misleading when you are not familar with them .Easy to make a mistake. The first thing I did when I got my licence was find my car in the middle of that busy intersection because I thought I could go across. I thank my lucky stars I was surrounded by very considerate and defensive drivers. I was terrified and humiliated! I learnt fast to move south!!
"Almost 41,000 people were fined for speeding through the 10 intersections - the junction of Marion and Sturt roads at Mitchell Park at the top of the list with 7715 fines issued. There were 43 reported crashes at this intersection last year, resulting in one death, seven injuries and 35 cases of serious vehicle damage."
Speed kills. Speed kills. Speed kills. Are they deaf, dumb or what??? The only confusing crossing is the one on the Main North Road and Grand Junction Road. That has been a hasard for years and I will give drivers the benefit of the doubtat that crazy Gepps Cross mess. It really needs redesigning because the lights are very misleading when you are not familar with them .Easy to make a mistake. The first thing I did when I got my licence was find my car in the middle of that busy intersection because I thought I could go across. I thank my lucky stars I was surrounded by very considerate and defensive drivers. I was terrified and humiliated! I learnt fast to move south!!
IPods and MP3 players threaten network security
IPods and MP3 players threaten network security:
"Gartner advised companies to forbid the use of uncontrolled, privately owned devices with corporate PCs. The prohibition should also extend to external contractors with direct access to corporate networks."
Well, as fast as we invent something good...out comes the bad side and we are surrounded by all fo this technology which can be used for ill. How will emplyers monitor Ipods, MP3 players, digital cameras with smart media cards, USB ports? Now that's a challenge? Our world is operating more and more on trust but the doors are wide open for abuse of that trust. So , how shall we perform?
"Gartner advised companies to forbid the use of uncontrolled, privately owned devices with corporate PCs. The prohibition should also extend to external contractors with direct access to corporate networks."
Well, as fast as we invent something good...out comes the bad side and we are surrounded by all fo this technology which can be used for ill. How will emplyers monitor Ipods, MP3 players, digital cameras with smart media cards, USB ports? Now that's a challenge? Our world is operating more and more on trust but the doors are wide open for abuse of that trust. So , how shall we perform?
China's space mission
Channelnewsasia.com: "Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng were given a clean bill of health after the re-entry capsule of their Shenzhou VI spacecraft glided to Earth on a parachute, ending up in Inner Mongolia, Xinhua news agency said."
The safe return of the astronauts was all over our news today and we were pretty happy in Adelaide to know they were safe and well and that China thought the 115 hour mission had been a success. I suppose it's because we have a significant population of Chinese people who contribute positively to our state that we found out we actually were delighted all had gone well. Whatever else, the exploration of space is exciting.
The safe return of the astronauts was all over our news today and we were pretty happy in Adelaide to know they were safe and well and that China thought the 115 hour mission had been a success. I suppose it's because we have a significant population of Chinese people who contribute positively to our state that we found out we actually were delighted all had gone well. Whatever else, the exploration of space is exciting.
World XI Super Test
Our team just needed to be home, for whatever reason. Ricky Ponting is a different man and just looks so relaxed and the guys needed their team mates out there in the sunshine. Australia has worked long and hard at being a team and it's the team spirit which won this test. The World Eleven looked awesome on paper but it's another classic example, like the Blind Faith derivative band after the legendary Cream, that the whole is not the sum of the parts. Each one of those World Eleven players is outstanding in his own right, but they function in relationship to their own team. The World Eleven, certainly gave us some mighty moments, but in the end, it's a team which wins a test series. Winning by 210 was fantastic and as I said before, we didn't lose the Ashes because we have never had them. The guys did a great job and the test was well worth the watch. I also appreciated the commentaries, and discussions of the various new technical aids and sticky cricket decisions.The spinners have come into their own this time.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Alternative parliamentary site
Country estate that turned into parliament :
"For that was their task. Having signed confidentiality agreements, the 100 officials were quietly taken to view the chosen site for a temporary parliament should London suffer a devastating terrorist attack."
Is it me , or is it them? Why do I get the feeling I am going nuts when I read the news. The British Parliament has practised being a parliament in a stately home, Bramshill House. They have all signed confidentiality papers, but we all know about it, we know where it is, we know they have set it all up and what it's all about. Pardon me for being rude, but wouldn't anyone who wanted to harm the British Parlaiment now be able to damage that house as well as London? The British Parliament has only moved out of London once in 1681 when Charles II moved paliament to Oxford. It sounds very unsafe now we all know about it...but the best bit is the plumbing is not up to standard and may well be a source of legionella and if they've already been there, are they not at risk? Sounds like a bit of a playground though, with all the tennis courts, football pitches, snooker room , sports hall...they are obviously going to get very fit as they hide from those who would explode them. Sorry, but I must be feeling thick today. I do not get it and it actually sounds like our newly refurbished Baxter detention centre, which cannot compete architectually, but certainly can boast some fine sports facilities and cuisine now.
"For that was their task. Having signed confidentiality agreements, the 100 officials were quietly taken to view the chosen site for a temporary parliament should London suffer a devastating terrorist attack."
Is it me , or is it them? Why do I get the feeling I am going nuts when I read the news. The British Parliament has practised being a parliament in a stately home, Bramshill House. They have all signed confidentiality papers, but we all know about it, we know where it is, we know they have set it all up and what it's all about. Pardon me for being rude, but wouldn't anyone who wanted to harm the British Parlaiment now be able to damage that house as well as London? The British Parliament has only moved out of London once in 1681 when Charles II moved paliament to Oxford. It sounds very unsafe now we all know about it...but the best bit is the plumbing is not up to standard and may well be a source of legionella and if they've already been there, are they not at risk? Sounds like a bit of a playground though, with all the tennis courts, football pitches, snooker room , sports hall...they are obviously going to get very fit as they hide from those who would explode them. Sorry, but I must be feeling thick today. I do not get it and it actually sounds like our newly refurbished Baxter detention centre, which cannot compete architectually, but certainly can boast some fine sports facilities and cuisine now.
Haigh's Chocolates
The renowned meeting point in
Adelaideis Beehive Corner, on the corner of Rundle Mall and King William Street. You cannot miss people if you arrange to meet them there. Besides, it just happens to be the home of
Haigh's Chocolates which are the most brilliant chocolates. Alfred E. Haigh was born in Adelaide and in 1905 introduced icecream and silent films to Mount Gambier. He then moved back to Adelaide and started Haigh's Chocolates. This family takes its chocolate making seriously and they have studied chocolate making in Switzerland. The chocolates are beautifully packaged and are scrumptious. They have 6 shops in Adelaide now, 5 in Melbourne and 1 in Sydney. You are so unlucky if you don't have a shop near you!!
Quake survivors fend for themselves
The Advertiser: Quake survivors fend for themselves :
"And sometimes, they are willing to go without to ensure the most vulnerable are taken care of.
Dozens of trucks, decorated in gaudy colors in typical South Asian fashion, race in each day to Muzaffarabad, handing out to anyone, anywhere the food, tents and bedding so needed in a region that has 3.3 million homeless after the massive October 8 earthquake."
What has come through on our news, and just from the pictures, not the commentary, is that the Pakistani people genuinely care about each individual and that the cameraderie and respect for one another is strong. Wha they lack in money ,they compensate for in decent human values. They were so genuinely happy to find survivors and had already set about looking for friends and relatives without the heavy equipment. They are another lot of people who have gone thorugh hell on earth, but their capacity to care and organise themselves is something we could all learn from. They seem to be very practical and unselfish. I cannot imagine how 2 million people without homes are going to live and the aid is being hampered by the weather and choppers dropping out of the air. This year people have suffered so much and all you can do is help where you can then watch these tales of human inspiration from lands unseen. At the moment , the cricketers are keeping us focussed on the situation in Pakistan. I hope the world leaders will get together at some stage and work out a way of alleviating these crisis situations. There must be something we can do as a planet, but we need world and climate people to get together and map out a strategy for the planet. The research is coming in but who is doing anything about it??
"And sometimes, they are willing to go without to ensure the most vulnerable are taken care of.
Dozens of trucks, decorated in gaudy colors in typical South Asian fashion, race in each day to Muzaffarabad, handing out to anyone, anywhere the food, tents and bedding so needed in a region that has 3.3 million homeless after the massive October 8 earthquake."
What has come through on our news, and just from the pictures, not the commentary, is that the Pakistani people genuinely care about each individual and that the cameraderie and respect for one another is strong. Wha they lack in money ,they compensate for in decent human values. They were so genuinely happy to find survivors and had already set about looking for friends and relatives without the heavy equipment. They are another lot of people who have gone thorugh hell on earth, but their capacity to care and organise themselves is something we could all learn from. They seem to be very practical and unselfish. I cannot imagine how 2 million people without homes are going to live and the aid is being hampered by the weather and choppers dropping out of the air. This year people have suffered so much and all you can do is help where you can then watch these tales of human inspiration from lands unseen. At the moment , the cricketers are keeping us focussed on the situation in Pakistan. I hope the world leaders will get together at some stage and work out a way of alleviating these crisis situations. There must be something we can do as a planet, but we need world and climate people to get together and map out a strategy for the planet. The research is coming in but who is doing anything about it??
Downer praises high voter turnout in Iraq.
Downer praises high voter turnout in Iraq.:
"Mr Downer says the Iraqi Electoral Commission has estimated around 10 million people cast a vote, which is substantially more than the number who voted in the legislative elections to form a parliament.
He says it is also encouraging to hear that the Sunni community has also returned to participating in the political process."
I saw this reported on the French news and it looked like the Iraqis were genuinely keen to have a referendum which meant something. I accept some didn't and don't want an American supported government, but some here don't want an English supported government and the Americans didn't want an English supported government. The Boston Tea Party is not only a great story in the telling, but it's a reminder we have all been down that road. The trouble with Iraq is that it is far too vicious, violent and devastating for this day and age. The fact that most of us cannot tolerate it any longer is probably a sign that we have had a gut full of violence and we want to find other ways of resolving issues. But with 10 million Iraqis coming out to genuinely vote and the Sunnis trying to set their differences aside to be a part of this initial process, is good. It needs to go forward and stop being bogged in violence and bloodshed. I just want to hear Iraq has a government and that it can be rebuilt and that the people can eat, live and sleep in peace.
"Mr Downer says the Iraqi Electoral Commission has estimated around 10 million people cast a vote, which is substantially more than the number who voted in the legislative elections to form a parliament.
He says it is also encouraging to hear that the Sunni community has also returned to participating in the political process."
I saw this reported on the French news and it looked like the Iraqis were genuinely keen to have a referendum which meant something. I accept some didn't and don't want an American supported government, but some here don't want an English supported government and the Americans didn't want an English supported government. The Boston Tea Party is not only a great story in the telling, but it's a reminder we have all been down that road. The trouble with Iraq is that it is far too vicious, violent and devastating for this day and age. The fact that most of us cannot tolerate it any longer is probably a sign that we have had a gut full of violence and we want to find other ways of resolving issues. But with 10 million Iraqis coming out to genuinely vote and the Sunnis trying to set their differences aside to be a part of this initial process, is good. It needs to go forward and stop being bogged in violence and bloodshed. I just want to hear Iraq has a government and that it can be rebuilt and that the people can eat, live and sleep in peace.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This week's film was
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and what an unexpected ,delectable delight it turned out to be. You do not have to count the calories and be on your guard. It is pure and sheer indulgence and a perfect marriage of the inspirational talents of Roald Dahl, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. Each of them has a stroke of genius and each of them can tread that fine path of otherworldliness and fantasy that makes you believe. I ended up studying each shot of the film because like, House fo the Flying Daggers it was a beautifully composed film. Each shot was perfection. It has an artistic excellence which one rarely sees in films. It was worthy of any chocolatier and had that same air of a tale well told as Chocolat. Each actor was perfectly chosen and the array of characters are gems to be savoured for a long time. It was so satisfying to see all those recognisably annoying children get their come uppance in such fitting ways. I had gone along thinking, oh yes, Willy Wonka,kids' film, Johnny Depp will make it all right...and came away as transported and enraptured by the beauty of it as by Zhang Yimou's House of the Flying Daggers (my current bench mark for cinematographic excellence). Johnny Depp was brilliant, all the kids were fantastic and all the supporting actors were perfect for their parts. The Oompa Loompas were a real hoot.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-Resources
Charlie et la Chocolaterie
Now I have to wait for the DVD and I hope they publish the story with shots from the film.
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