Govt exploiting terrorism fears, Fraser says.

Govt exploiting terrorism fears, Fraser says. :

"Mr Fraser says free society is best defended by adherence to its own principles, not by blindly trusting governments."

Malcolm Fraser is living proof that as you get older , you get wiser. He was often cut and dried as our Prime Minister, but since he has left that position and gone onto other things he is remarkably incisive in his thinking and constantly supporting the belief that thinking is what we ought to be doing as a nation. What he lacked as a Prime Minister, he has more than made up for as an elder statesman.

Corporate crime costs dearly

Corporate crime costs dearly :

"In Australia, 63 per cent of businesses reported they had detected fraud, up 16 percentage points from 2003, while globally the reporting of such crime increased from 37 to 45 per cent of all businesses surveyed."

South Africa has an 83% detection rate. Our offenders seem to be males in their 40s with a high school education as opposed to the world wide trend of the younger ,better educated offenders. Tends to be misappropriation of funds or equipment and false pretences. So...is this normal? Have we always been like this is businesses and what happened to honesty being the best policy? Where's the role modelling coming from?

Wet winter, spring end 'dust age'

The Australian: Wet winter, spring end 'dust age' :

"Environmental scientist Grant McTainsh, from Queensland's Griffith University, said the widespread rain had ended a damaging three years for the landscape."

Well, yes, we have had a lot of dust and when it has rained my car has been all sorts of wonderful muddy splotuchy colours...mainly cream at teh moement, so we are back to that. When we were having good rains, it was amazing...my car was washed so clean one day it was gleaming. I haven't seen that ever in Australia...clean rain!! It would be nice to have a break form the sut because it is getting into everywhere including us. Trouble is, when it dries, it dries quickly here...but it's good to see the scientists tracking the patterns.

Drugs

Let's have a look at the facts in Australia:

A total of 357 people died as a result of an accidental overdose, down from more than 1,100 deaths in 1999.

Heroin deaths


• Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released in 2003 show 1038 people died of drug overdoses in 2001, the most recent year for which figures are available. That was a drop of more than one-third from 1999, when drug-induced deaths peaked at 1739, or 1.4 per cent of all deaths in Australia. The report said the dramatic drop seemed to have been due to a shortage of heroin supply in Australia, also known as a heroin drought.


Drug overdoses


Young addicts may be using the internet to procure prescription drugs such as tranquillisers, sleeping pills and steroids, according to a psychiatry expert. With the growing reach of e-commerce, internet-savvy addicts were now able to access such drugs online, said Bernard St George, a specialist in child, adolescent and family psychiatry. He said online pharmacies based in Mexico and through Asia would dispense drugs without a prescription.


Internet prescriptions


National Drug and Alcohol Research Council (NDARC)

* Cocaine and Methamphetamine Deaths: 2003 Edition
* Cocaine and Methamphetamine mentions in accidental drug-induced deaths in Australia, 1997-2002

Amphetamines


They say 20 years ago alcohol was a factor in 50 per cent of Victoria's fatal road accidents, but that dropped to 20 per cent recently.

However, Acting Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Ferguson says alcohol related deaths and injuries have increased in the past year.


Alcohol related road accidents

"Ninety per cent of drug-caused disability and death is from alcohol and tobacco and just under 10 per cent is from illicit drugs," Prof Stockwell said.

"The health cost of legal drugs per year is about $28 billion, roughly 20,000 lives are lost from legal drugs, and thousands of preventable hospital admissions from diseases and injuries caused by legal drugs."


Legal drugs


In figures released today, the study shows that 2,643 people aged between 15 and 24 died from alcohol-attributable injury and disease between 1993 and 2002 - around 15 per cent of all deaths in the age group.


Alcohol


P.S.

I notice some links are not working from the URLs I found on my searches. Here is a list of the sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200412/s1270752.htm


http://www.spinneypress.com.au/194_book_desc.html


http://www.life-educationaustralia.com.au/ezine_2_04.htm


http://www.alcoholsummit.nsw.gov.au/druginfo/illicit_drugs/amphetamines


http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/vic/mildura/200411/s1251691.htm


http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/12/1100227562418.html?from=moreStories


http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/29/1088487954264.html

Push for seat belts on school buses

Push for seat belts on school buses :

"Last week 15 intellectually disabled children were hurt when their bus and a semi-trailer collided near Waikerie in the SA Riverland."

When we saw the pictures of threat bus crash on the news last week two things were very clear. Locals had worked in a very compassionate, efficient manner to help the children and to keep them calm. The level of care was exemplary ad a good example for all of us. The second obvious thing was when someone said we go on and on and on about how important seat belt wearing is in cars, but we don't provide them in buses. I know when I go interstate on the new coaches, I have a seat belt to wear. It is sense. Good sense. Yes, it is very costly to put them in on older coaches. But what of the injuries and deaths without them. What holds for cars, holds for buses and coaches, the moreso because they have more and bigger windows. Children should have seat belts on school buses. Even if we have to go into major fund raising...let's do it. They are our future. Let somebody come out with the exact cost of this and let's do it.

Pest animal report urges fast action

Pest animal report urges fast action : "The inquiry examined the impact of pest animals, noting that 11 pest animals including foxes, feral cats, rabbits, feral pigs, dogs, wild horses, cane toads, mice, carp, feral goats and feral camels cost the national economy at least $720 million a year. This would run into the billions if other pest animals and insects were taken into account."

A national approach to pest animals has made 47 recommendations. These sorts of enquiries noramlly are very thorough and have sensible , practical ideas. I hope to goodness they are used because using the 1080 poison needs to stop and aerial baiting has obvious dangers for other living creatures. The report says these things need to continue to be avaiable to land holders. They have to use something...but we also need to carry out the recommendation to create a national approach to pests and ways of dealing with them. I am so much in favour of a not poison approach. Easier said than done, I know. I am the first one to pick up the insecticide if I can't reach that eight legged invader, hairy or not.

OzJet

We have a new business class airline! This picture comes for Yahoo news but the original article is no longer available as it was published 11/11/05. The jet had it's first run today from Melbourne to Sydney and over the next year the services will be expanded. Something different for us!!OzJet
 

Game reserve koalas are starving to death

Game reserve koalas are starving to death:

"But Ms Tabart said a lack of trees and an inability of koalas to move from Tower Hill to alternative habitats was causing the problem. 'If the Government had a genuine commitment to conserve koalas in Victoria, then there would be a mass planting of habitat,' she said."

Starving koalas means not enough to eat. We have managed populations of Koalas in a much more humane way than this. You can't just shrug off the problem and say it is their fault!!! I hope the Victorian government will listen to Ms. O' Brien and others like her because they work with the animals and they have a commitment to the animals. Governments have other priorities and divided interests, but we actually haven't had a government which just lets koalas starve. They can be moved, given contraceptives, have new habitat grown for them...we have been very successful in managing the koala populations once we have let the bio diversity and animal experts take the lead role. Time to look after the defenceless , people.

Let mum hug Nguyen, Australia asks.

Let mum hug Nguyen, Australia asks. :

"Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says Australia will ask the Singaporean Government to allow the mother of Van Nguyen to hug her son before his execution.

Mr Downer says it appears the hanging of the 25-year-old will proceed on Friday."

According to what I read last night on my searches, it is customary to execute people before dawn on a Friday in Singapore. I also worked out that we have been making requests to the Singapore Government for quite some time about van Nguyen. It also appears they have granted clemency only to two women before. From the way he writes and the kind and tranquil inspiration his friends give when we see them on the news after they have seen him, I should say he should be given to a monastery. He appears to be able to give such peace and direction to people the like of which only comes from monks. It has been really very obvious how inspiring he is and therefore really very puzzling, when you see and hear his friends, how such a person could be carrying drugs. It doesn't really make any sense to me at all. I am glad that people like Mr. Downer have contined to ask for what will help the mother to withstand the terrible blow she will receive and I am glad he is allowing his position to lend her some dignity in this. I can remember from my history lessons that in medieval England people were given the choice of the gallows/chopping block or going to a life in the nunnery or the monastery if they incurred the monarch's wrath. Now I have thought about it, democracies don't actually have much flexibility.

Tests reveal super-sized feral cat.

Tests reveal super-sized feral cat. :


"He estimated it was more than 1.5 metres long and weighed about 35 kilograms."

Yes..it's a big cat! Feral cats are huge! Even cats which seem to have become feral recently seem to get a big, scruffy look in quite a short time. Their eyes become much sharper, their stance is more agressive and their bodies are very strong. They are very adaptable and very difficult to keep under control. Often they are in populated areas and so baits are not really an option. Then you can't set traps or shoot them for fear of upsetting children. This one from the Gippsland is massive and would pose quite a threat, as the article says, to native species. We have a feral cats around here from time to time and the worst thing is if they get into fights with your own moggy. Their scratches are incredibly toxic as are the resultant vet bills. I am sure little children would be quite hurt by them but I actually haven't heard of them attacking people...just other cats. Our current one is a massive ginger one who seems to wear hobnail boots if he is walking on the shed. I can get him to back off but he is always ready for a fight. I suppose they have to be agressive to stay alive. We actually do need to consider how we will manage them. They seem unstoppable.

Land lines

Hanging up on fixed-lines :

"It found residential fixed-line customers fell 2 per cent over the study period and business use was down 4 per cent."

It is not as fast as I would hvae thought but wwith mobiles and internet access I am starting to hear of homes which have no fixed phone. The migration to wi fi facilities will only increase this. Then everyone will be able to tune into everyone!! We can have one big mobile hotch potch! Mixed messaging will be the way to go and group gossip...can you imagine? We were talking about the advent of video phones. We are all dreading it because of the requirement to be presentable all the time . No more hanging around as a dag bag...be ready at all times to get that all important video phone message. Bang goes the privacy!

Mum dobs in thieving sons

The Australian: Mum dobs in thieving sons, 11 and 8 :

"AN Adelaide mother has dobbed in her two sons who turned up at home with toys stolen in a break-in at a secondhand store."

This mother has become our local legend because it is not easy to dob in your children. She has unequivocally followed the " do the right thing because it's the right thing to do " line and she has won all of our respect. The kids obviously thought it with Christmas with all those presents and thought they could help themselves, when the presents were for the needy children in Adelaide. The Mum can have a clear conscience and the children have learned from their rash and ill considered behaviour. This is one Mum who ought to get a big present at Christmas. Lessons learnt like that are rarely forgotten. Our police are generally very good with the community education and let's get a better approach to this method.

Nguyen's mum requests last hug before execution.

Nguyen's mum requests last hug before execution. :

"Ms Nguyen received a hug and a kiss from an Australian official as she entered the visitors centre, but it is the embrace of her son that she most wants."

This is certainly the talk of the town. Yes, he was smuggling heroin. Yes, he was silly enough to do it in Singapore. He belongs to the age group which was very indulged as children, who became the centre of attention. The " demi god " group who were so much the apple of their parents' eye. Brought up in the age group with parents who reasoned and rationalised and did not smack or punish severely. Parents who gave their children education, culture and a lot of time. Many of this age group have no understanding of the cut and dried approach to rules.That is an older generation. They have had access to televisions, games machines, education, sport, music. Things. They are very material and yet, when you hear his letters, he is someone who reflects very well and who has a comprehensive idea of his wrong doing. He is aware of how it has gone wrong and inspite of that he has written in a very eloquent way. His hand writing is so perfectly neat and beautiful. I can't even begin to imagine how this mother must feel to lose a son like that and to know she is unable to talk to him as a mother. The pain for her must be unbearable. Things being as they are, there are things she would be driven to say and do. On the other hand, he has to let go. There is no way out. Should she be allowed to hug him, that will be the lasting memory of him in her life. She has done no wrong. May it be tomorrow or Wednesday because past that point , he has to shut down and turn away from life. I have no idea how she is managing now and who knows what thunder will shudder through her soul on Friday. It is she who makes me feel so terribly sad. I am glad that an Australian official put protocol aside and just put some human comfort into it. We all have to , to make her feel strong. As for the rest, well, I think the PM is right because he cannot be wrong all of the time. We are not happy about this but it is not our country and we know it. We view it differently because we would give him a chance to set his life straight at this young age, knowing full well, if he didn't, he would bring himself undone. It's a different way of looking at it.On Friday we shall all be thinking about it in a different way, but we shall be thinking about it. Australian politicians have tried many avenues and other countries, churches and organisations have also tried the many avenues they have had. This is having an impact. It would not be like this if it weren't. People just wouldn't care. I wouldn't care. I hate drugs, I hate druggies. I hate dealers. We do care, though ,and there is a reason for that. I hope Ms. Nguyen has the strength to survive. Someone once told me that life never gives you anything which you do not have the inner strength to manage. I hope this is true. As a mother myself I cannot even think how she will manage this.

Season of Goodwill

If you are looking to make a Christmas Desktop then this is a nice site. In a month's time it'll be the day after Christmas!! Tis the season of goodwill to all men. When I was shopping yesterday I was impressed with the decorations in the supermarket and asked about who had gone to all the effort. I was delighted to find out the store had involved all its staff in decorating the shop and it really showed. People are everything. 

Nguyen's dawn walk to the gallows

Nguyen's dawn walk to the gallows :

"Friday: Nguyen to be hanged at 6am (9am Sydney time), accompanied by priest Gregoire Van Giang. Bells at St Ignatius Richmond will toll 25 times to mark each year of his life. By 1pm, family members have to remove his remains."

Getting the message across about drug dealing is one thing...not allowing his family to be with him in his last moments and then expecting them to remove a body which has been hanged...not just a body... a son, a brother...what on earth have those poor people done to be treated so cruelly? I cannot believe this. It is heart rending. His family have done nothing wrong. May we all have the courage to stand next to them on Friday because this far,far exceeds anything he has done .

Black Opal

What is Black Opal ? Our national gem stone. They are quite stunning and have been an inspiration for makeup,art and our own very internationally successful range of Black Opal Wines .We have a number of jewellers like Opal Sculptures who produce beautiful pieces,but Giulians has come up with some very drool worthy pieces from local opals and South Pacific pearls which have a wonderful European styling . Just a little something to divert you from the daily routine! 

Send Downer, Rudd to plea

The Advertiser: Send Downer, Rudd to plea: Labor :


"'There is broad-based concern in this country that what is going on here is simply not right and (that) we ourselves have things that we want to see Mr Van Nguyen do for us in terms of capturing the Mr Bigs of the drug industry and that simply cannot happen if his life has been terminated in Singapore.'"

There is concern. There is unhappiness. There is frustration. As one person quite rightly pointed out in a forum, we are more gravely at risk from the speeding drivers who have taken more than one innocent life this year than someone like van Nguyen. With drugs we have a choice and the real criminals will still be with us. Mr. Beazley has made a very good point. If important government officials are there next week and on Friday along with his friends and family, it will represent how we feel. I totally accept what Mr. Howard has said, that he has explored all the official avenues to plead for clemency, and has done it in a manner which respects both our wishes to be heard and the Singaporean Government's right to enact its laws. This is where an absolute monarch would be handy. They could show mercy to individuals and hear individual cases. Democracy forces you to simply apply the common law whether it is relevant or not at the time.

Beattie pleased with Schoolies festival.

Beattie pleased with Schoolies festival. :

"Peter Beattie says he has not seen the final police report for the week, but says this year's event was no more violent than previous years."

Violent? Oh well, as long as Mr. Beattie is happy. 89 arrests, 17 of them schoolies. Something to aim for , I guess.

Fraisez-vous!

Delicious! 

Desalination 'cheaper water option'

The Australian: Desalination 'cheaper water option' :

"Mr Scully said the capital cost of setting up a 100-megalitre-a-day desalination plant would be $470 million, compared to $580 million for a plant to recycle sewage through Warragamba, he said."

I cannot believe Sydney has had to confront drinking it's own waste. May well be scientiffically possible, but not at all palatable in my book. Thank heavens Mr. Scully has done his somes to show desalination is far cheaper. Can you imagine the jokes, the ignominy of drinking your own waste? It's waste for a reason! Treat it and use it for vegetation , by all means, but nut human consumption. Yukky poos!

Hi-tech Christmas gifts drain wallets and batteries

The Advertiser: Hi-tech Christmas gifts drain wallets and batteries :

"'Everyone wants an iPod Nano for Christmas, even though they already have a normal iPod,' Ms Gibson said."

Well, we have to keep the economy going. All about profit share and market growth. The material world. It'll continue for as long as we endorse it. Companies are not stupid creating the seductive, expensive presents, are they?

High prices, lack of services blamed for illegal dumps

The Advertiser: High prices, lack of services blamed for illegal dumps :

"Vivien Coats, from Morphett Vale, says she does not blame people who dump rubbish illegally. 'I really get tired of people labelling others lazy and saying they don't care about their environment when the local dump charges so much,'"

My last council area had at least one hard rubbish collection a year. Mt current council has one upon request but then there is a list of things they weill not take. Dump areas not only charge fees, they assume you have a way to get the rubbish down there or that you are fit enoughto organise the rubbish in this way. Clearly indicated, regular hard rubbish collections are far easier and superior in terms of getting rubbish removed and dumped. The Goodwill bins are often rally points because people need a "spot" for rubbish. Annoying as it is, they are at least putting it in one place which might give the councils a clue!

Friends to carry support messages to Nguyen.

Friends to carry support messages to Nguyen. :

"'We've had messages, thousands and thousands of messages of support from around the country - around the world, as well,' she said."

There's a reason why people care. Helen Clark, Prime Minister of NZ is going to make an informal protest. She really is a friend. If nothing else, all our thoughts and care will dignify the mother and show our forgiveness towards Van Nguyen. May it be enough to buffer the blow.

21 arrested at Schoolies.

21 arrested at Schoolies. :

"One juvenile was arrested after headbutting a police horse.

Sergeant Mike Howard says parents are being called to collect their kids."

You get what you are prepared to accept. Why should the police have to have their horses damaged and upset? Finishing a school year is not a licence to do as you please. I have just finished washing the dishes. Maybe I'll chuck a few through the neighbour's window...he's just finsihed washoing his car...mayhap he'll just chuck the suds over my dog.

Shark attacks surfer on Mornington Peninsula.

Shark attacks surfer on Mornington Peninsula. :

"'This thing just came up and grabbed my leg and sort of ripped me off my board and then I don't know ... I just sort of got back up and sort of saw it again and just punched it real hard,' he said."

The sharks are getting out and about early this year. The Mornington Pensinsula is in Victoria and this attack happened about 6pm and luckily the guy could fight the shark off and has got off with teeth marks on his legs. His friends were obviously on the ball. We have had at least one white pointer cruising our coast but the spotter planes have been tracking it for us and most people seem to be swimming in pools when the weather gets hot. The planes are a real help because you hear on the news where the shark is and how close to the coast and , in Adelaide, that is instant news. Have they got spotter planes up in Victoria? That shark was only 50 metres off the coast. Bet he feels relieved.

Hammer and chisel

Having said that...I had better get to work on my next post. Might take a while. Me and my big mouth! All jokes aside, this is a pretty neat site if you like sculpture! Direct Sculpture
 

Cyberspace threat

Australian IT - Cyberspace threat :

"'All over the world, we have a very heavy reliance on technological infrastructure and technological systems; nearly every part of our lives is run by computer systems and essentially that creates a vulnerability,' he said yesterday."

How right.Katrina was an excellent example of how bad it gets when your technology and technical back up is dismantled and is not easily and quickly reinstated. So where is the training for the alternatives and where are our skills centres to sustain the skills of a non technological environment? It's all about dependency. You manipulate better that way. Of course it would create chaos to take out the technology...but we have given ourselves over to that framework and the exorbitant costs with very little thought about plan B. Kids need to be trained in all areas of survival and productivity,not just technology and, as adults, we need to keep our living with the land skills going and stop thinking about that internet fridge and everything which can be controlled by the flick of a switch and a press of a button.

Town braces for schoolies arrival

Town braces for schoolies arrival :

"Last year, 68 schoolies needed hospital treatment for a variety of problems, ranging from bee stings, sunburn and asthma to issues related to alcohol and substance abuse.

First aid officers also treated another 357."

As I have said before, you get what you are prepared to accept. The people in Victor Harbour must be very accepting to go through this year after year for a week. Were there an influx of 10, 000 teenagers around here for a week it would be disruptive and chaotic even if they were nice and lovely. 10,000 oldies would also make a difference. There didn't used to be schoolies and now it appears to be a compulsory rite of passage to what? Good luck, Victor!!

Teen arrested 'after 36hr rampage'

The Advertiser: Teen arrested 'after 36hr rampage' :

"A TEENAGER who allegedly stole five cars, knocked a 14-year-old boy unconscious, snatched bags and tried to rob people at knifepoint during a 36-hour rampage on the Gold Coast has been remanded in custody."

This is an 18 year old. Why would you knock a 14 year old boy unconscious to get his school bag? When you are 18? He's snatched bags at a shopping centre, tried to rob people at knife point and has stolen cars. To get to other places where he will try to steal? I gather he has an urgent need for cash and I gather he is not very well because he is not behaving in a rational way to raise income. I hope the little boy he knocked out is okay because 14 year olds like to think they are pretty grown up and it will come as a blow to his ego he was flattened. He's got cuts and bruises on his face so it's all about upsetting his young life in a nasty way. I expect his family are getting him through it. As for the 18 year old...he needs all the help he can get. Did no one report him in those 36 hours?

Brian Lara

What a legend. Over 200 runs in his innings so far and only the second player to make over 11,000 test runs. He needs 12 runs to better Border's record. Lara eyes Border's record
 

Kath and Kim

The power of two :

"THEY'RE back. And if the prepublicity and the level of public excitement is any guide, they'll be welcomed. But the return of Kath & Kim raises some iSS-yews. Why are they appearing in a telemovie? Have we seen the last of them in multipart series? What does the future hold for the foxy ladies from Fountain Lakes?"

If they're in a tele movie , we'll all be watching it. If they make a new series , we'll all love it. I sometimes wonder why I laugh so much at kath and Kym, but it is hilarious. It's that inspiration Australian comedy like Kingswood Country and characters we've had like Dame Edna, Kylie and Uncle Arthur. They are recognisably Australian and the things they say and do are recognisably Austrlaian but we are not actually like that. I find it hard to explain to myself but I just sit there chortling through every show. It's so classic.For some of you, it might be an acquired taste. The first time I saw Ab Fab I was exhausted. It was a harrowing experience. The second time I saw it I was just so embarrassed for them. Like Fawlty Towers. I couldn't watch that the first time because I was just so embarrassed for Basil Fawlty. Once I got used to them they were firm favourites. I haven't needed lead in time for Kath and Kym, I have just loved it. May they live long and prosper because they are good medicine!

When kids light up

When kids light up :

"But many other teenagers go on to develop serious mental health problems. At Orygen Youth Health, 70 per cent of teenagers who seek treatment for mental health conditions have drug issues, according to executive director Professor Patrick McGorry."

This is a long article but a very interesting and informative read and certainly an enlightening view of the sorts of porblems we are confroting because drugs are so freely available and used. It is creating a number of behavioural issues and then the more serious issues of mental health. Quite an expensive habit for us all to be carrying. It discusses the sorts of issues relating to children being introduced to drugs and then how that grows and develops into bigger and more far reaching problems with a greater impact on others. Getting the picture straight is a good way of dealing with it. Hanging it on a nail as we have means we have simply looked at the frame. Taking it off the wall and looking at it means we might actually do something about it. How we have accepted young kids on drugs is beyond me, but the article even explains that in a way I can understand. I think we need to get our perspective straight and then maybe we'll get the priorities straight.

Wine oversupply tipped to continue

Wine oversupply tipped to continue - Breaking News - Business - Breaking News: "Lawrie Stanford, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation's information and analysis manager, said winegrape supply could outstrip demand until 2010."

Woopsch. Hic!

More kids smoking pot than cigs

The Australian: More kids smoking pot than cigs :

"The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare report found 4.3 per cent of 12- to 15-year-olds had smoked cigarettes in 2004, but 7 per cent tried illicit drugs and 5.2 per cent had used cannabis.

While it found 180,000 fewer Australians used cannabis last year compared with the previous year, use of illegal drugs was still common among older teens, with 20 per cent of 16- and 17-year-olds and 30 per cent of 18- and 19-year-olds trying marijuana, speed or heroin."

Go anywhere and most Australians are not smoking and the Australian community is remarkably intolerant of smokers. However, there is considerable indulgence with regard to drug taking. Nobody says anything, nobody does anything and there are no media bans on it as with smoking. Any media outlets can talk and wrte about drug taking as much as they like. You can't smoke on tele but it's okay to be chemically enhanced and video clips certainly are not required to take drugs and drug references out as with smoking. Really rather odd, don't you think? So if the young ones think it's okay, what have we done to show them it's not? For heaven's sake don't let them light up a cigarette, though. We have all sorts of ways of avoiding smokers but we have no protection from drug takers and drug taking.

Hulls holds out hope for Nguyen

The Australian: Hulls holds out hope for Nguyen :

"'It is important that we use every avenue possible to save this young man's life.'"

Do you know, we are all talking about this and it's heartwarming. The discussions are multifaceted and comprehensive. This 25 year old with no other criminal record is scheduled to die next Friday, the second, and when you look at other 25 year olds, you can see that is a time people are hitting their stride in claiming their own lives and when you listen to 40 and 50 year olds they will talk about their mid twenties and how silly they were and how they have changed. It's very sobering to think this life is being sacrificed so we can become more conscious of the complexities of the drug situation in our society and what drugs have done to our world and then to hear how each person reacts. What is clear and interesting is that each of these media cases has been "judged" by the individuals. No case has just been lumped into the "druggie" or "criminal" basket. People have listened and thought and then made decisions. The general consensus seems to be these people are very stupid for doing this in Asian countries. The second thought is maybe there are people behind these people who terrify them into doing things and then the third thought seems to be they are actually too stupid to be criminals and a proper criminal wouldn't get caught. I rest my case at this point. The people sentenced to die are not the criminals in the drug problem we have world wide...and the real criminals are not being caught. That countries have agreed to work on this together is of great relief to me. The more brains engaged in this , the better. It has been very obvious in this that Australians are being caught. No other country seems to be doing this or reporting it. You just don't read news of others from other countries in their news. Either they don't get caught or they don't do it or we own our recalcitrants very publicly. I am actually pleased to know I am in a country where we have operated as a team to try and sort this awful mess out for all these people. We have treated them all differently. They are all individuals to us. We have responded differently to them all and our politicians have too. So inspite of criticisms of this person and that person, I am actually glad we have been just like a squabbling family trying to sort out the black sheep. I am proud of us. We have not disowned them. Nor have we necessarily felt sorry for them. They have been our family and we have applied our common sense to them. Whatever way you look at it...they haven't killed, maimed , destroyed, blown up, spiflicated, raped, pillaged or murdered. Some seem more involved than others and we are looking at that. We realise they have a real problem with reality and we question why,when they are so young, and most other young people get it. Those who say they don't care, probably don't, like some family members switch off...usually with a family member who does the same stupid thing time and time again. So which one of our high profile cases has done this time and time and time again? Which one of our high profile cases has been so drug affected it's driven us to distraction or been such a case hardened dealer? Friday of next week will tell me again we are a nation which still has a heart and we are still a family and I hope it's not because a 25 year old has to die because he really did do something soooo stupid. The penalty for stupidity? Come to Australia...you will find out. We are merciless with people who make daft decisions. Shane Warne is still serving his time.

The last comforting thought I have had about this situation is I have been reading the news and Indonesia has been really getting stuck into us. They have been all along the way. They are not frightened to give us a good talking to and to tell us to sort ourselves out and get ourselves into gear. That is a good friend. When they think we are stuffing up, they blast us in a very public way and go lecture, lecture, lecture and that's what your best mate does to keep up your courage and to keep your backside moving. It tells me we have got neighbours who are our friends. They are as frustrated as we are with all of this. I thank them for their forebearance ,their consideration and their straight talk.

In the mean time, the mother is suffering her pain, but we have somehow managed to rally around her and give her public support. For her, this is a cruel blow and I am glad we have had the compassion to put our positions aside and stand right there with her.

Teens design 'anti-rape belt'

Teens design 'anti-rape belt' - The Other Side - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au:

"'It's like a reverse chastity belt,' said one of the creators, 19-year-old Nadja Bjoerk, meaning that the wearer is in control, instead of being controled."

Another example of kids taking a psoitive approach to life. Using their brains to overcome problems. Porrblem solving. Being practical. The girls are motivated to protect girls and womwn and so have come up with a novel idea which might some women feel more at ease. My question is would it make an obviously violent man more violent because he is being thwarted? I guess we'll find out.

Students get taste for solving crimes

The Advertiser: Students get taste for solving crimes :

"Students use chromatography - separating and analysing chemical mixtures - and anthropometry - measuring body parts to determine height, age and race - to solve crimes. Staff members have been suspects and victims in crimes including forgery, theft and the 'Bempton murder' - solved by analysing mud found on boots."

Kids have always liked a good mystery and a well told tale. Star Wars and Harry Potter successes attest to that as well as the huge commitment to reading The Lord Of the Rings as the films were coming out. To put that in a school takes the dull routine out and allows students to revel in something we have all had...curiosity. We have had a big drift away from science and maths and it's because TV and media things have been more fun. Kids want edutainment and so have left those sorts of subjects where there is a lot of learning to be done. From what I have read, they have left school too. States seem to be chasing absentee rates. We've got kids brought up on Game Boys , Play Stations and TV. They want interactive things by the response this teacher is getting to his ingenuity. Trouble with forensics is you have to have crimes...surely we don't want crimes to satisfy a thirst for forensics??? The skills are transferable and I bet this is a school where people are itching to get there in the morning! Fantastic idea.

Body parts made from paper

News in Science - Body parts made from paper :

"The idea behind organ printing is relatively simple: print cells onto thin sheets of biodegradable paper; stack thousands of sheets of the paper on top of each other; and when the paper disintegrates, the cells are left intact to form a 3D shape, such as a hollow blood vessel."

Yesterday it was about turning poo into papaer and today it's about turning papaer into organs!! So you go out and buy a ream of bio paper and some bio ink and you can print your own organs!!! It sounds that simple, but I think it's a trifle more complex than that. The new bio paper works. They had tried seaweed extracts and collagen to get the rusults, but they didn't work now:

"Cells embedded into the bio-paper secrete enzymes that eat up the hydrogel; produce a biological matrix for new cells; and multiple and divide to create new cells. Eventually, the cells migrate, fuse together, and become a functioning tissue."

I am stunned. Not only are we clever, we are ingenious...so how come we make such dumb decisions when we can do such awe-inspiring things like this?? I am fast becoming aware that paper is going to be organic in the future!

Students caught smoking drugs on Fiji trip

Students caught smoking drugs on Fiji trip :

"'It's always a bad idea for young people to be messing with drugs, and it's an unbelievably stupid idea to be messing with drugs when you are overseas.'"

I think it's a bit unfair to single out one school and target them as though they are the ones who have lost it. If you read the article, the headmaster is as non plussed as we are about young people. It is odd they would do this on a school trip and think it's okay. It's horrendous they are doing it overseas in the light of all that has happened recently. Now I do not think it is a particular problem of these particular students. It's a problem we have as a nation. We have been frustrated with young people speeding, driving into trees, taking the wrong tablets at the wrong place... We have yet another example of young people thinking they may do as they please , when they please and that rules and social behaviour belong to everyone else but not to them. The parents and the school have done the right thing, but the kids are doing as they wish. What can we do? We are holding up the stop sign and there is a group of young people who just plant their foot on the accelerator. This is the behaviour we have not been able to break. You would think death penalties and 25-20 years in jail might be enough to put the fear of God into them, but no. So what can people who are in charge of young people do? We have to change this. It really is self destructive and other people destructive behaviour. How much time and money is it costing trying to get these young people to see sense? Most young people aren't like it, but there is a trigger which sets off a group of them . What is it? Adolescents have always rattled the bars and tested the limits of their society, but these ones , and others we read about daily, are just plain reckless.It's almost worth rounding a group of them up and putting them in a Big Brother house and studying them 24/7 to try and work out what makes them tick.

Reading

The Advertiser: HOW IT WORKS :

"From February next year every child aged between six and 12 months will be offered a free reading pack containing:

* A book bag.

* A copy of Baby, Baby by Phil Cummings and Greg Holdfeld.

* The Smith Family Let's Read DVD.

* The Story-time reading guide."

Adelaide is right behind reading. I am still amazed how everyone talks about their favourite book and everyone has one stashed in their bag or drawer. Baby, Baby is written by two Adelaide authors so it's a good way to boost our reading. We are enthusiastic because we keep coming up with the books and the ideas. It's a snowball thing.

Costello attacks WA on uranium ban

The Advertiser: Costello attacks WA on uranium ban :

"'This is great news for Australia because we've got the reserves. What is stupid is if we had all of these reserves and all of these markets and for ideology people said 'we're not allowed to sell it to them'."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the government which was telling us we were not teaching values? Now we have a state with values and they are "ideology people" for upholding what they believe to be true? Of course, if there is money to be made, there shouldn't be any values?! The difficulty with uranium is yes, it can be used for energy and it can supply vast amounts of energy at good prices...BUT, as you know, it can also be used for nuclear weapons. There is no clear explanation how you can sell it for good purposes and not for bad. This is our dilemma and as "ideological people" we are probably thinking of everyone's good health, safety and capacity to remain in one piece without glowing in the dark for years to come. By all means open up the debate and clarify our sticking points, but don't make ideology sound like it's wrong and superfluous to requirements.

Don't kill the fairies

Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online:

"The Planning Inspectorate has no specific guidelines on fairies but a spokesman said: “Planning guidance states that local customs and beliefs must be taken into account when a developer applies for planning permission.” Mr Salter said: “We had to redesign the entire thing from scratch.”"

Marcus Salter, head of genesis Properties has had to renegotiate its building plans to save the fairies under a rock in St. Fillans , Perthshire. I am glad that the local council is sensitive to local customs and beliefs because there is probably a sound reason for the "superstitions". I am also relieved to discover that in Perthshire, at least, fairies are a protected species. We could well take heed as much of our land is imbued with significance and we blithely ignore it.

Hong Kong health spa burns fat - literally.

Hong Kong health spa burns fat - literally.:


"The Life of Life Healing Spa says it can trim down any body part with its fire treatment, where the client is massaged, smothered in Chinese herbs and wrapped in wet towels before being set alight."


Bit drastic , heh? It is claimed to be a traditional treatment for weightloss but a traditional Chinese doctor has no knowledge of this. They have the fire extinguishers on hand while they repeat the process 3-5 times. Rather them than me, that's for sure.

Your stem cells can fix your heart

Health & Medical News - Your stem cells can fix your heart:

"'In contrast, progenitor cell therapy has the potential not only to limit further damage, but to regenerate heart function,' he says."

Heartwarming news!! Especially since the stem cells ere tested against placebo treatments. Until now we have focussed on stopping further damage and this is often the cause of fear and worry in heart patients. If they thought the stem cell treatments from their own bone marrow could regenerate the heart, that terrible fear of being vulnerable would be eliminated. The more we can do this type of restorative treatment the better and it shows a different path for medicine which is usually about halting deterioration and stemming the flow of degenerative effects. Being in the postion to renew and renovate is much better!

Coastal erosion

Environment & Nature News - Coastal erosion may be worse than we think -


: "Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, for example, has a very steep profile and would be less vulnerable to erosion than a shallow beach like the one at Byron Bay, much further north, says Cowell."

If you look at world maps from a couple of hundred years ago and before, the world is different so change do take place. We have become very observant and so we notice. From this point of view it is good we are developing climate warming models for the southern hemisphere and we are looking at coastline erosion. Given the technology and scientific knowledge we have, we ought to be able to make some reasonable predictions so that we can shift people and places and thereby protect them. We certainly need to look at vegetation programmes. The more we denude our landscape, the more erosion there is and of course, global warming is causing seas to rise and eat our coastlines. Time to get a good picture of the patterns and move with the changes.

Quoll poo

News in Science - Quolls poo when they're ready for love :

"PhD student Monica Ruibal, from the Australian National University, says that the quolls increases their poo output, or scat deposits, in the breeding season, suggesting the latrines may play a role in reproduction."

Monica Ruibal has put considerable hours into discovering the increase of poo on river beds in the mating season...or some other significant spot in the landscape. Quolls are incredibly cute but loners, really. So if the poo can't be used to make paper it can be used to attract a lover!!

Roo poo used to make paper

Environment & Nature News - Roo poo used to make paper :


"'I've been inspired by the African paper makers who've created an enormous industry out of elephant dung paper,' she says. 'I thought we needed an Australian version.'"

Joanna Gair's company is making paper from kangaroo and wallaby poo and it's a big winner. The poo is soaked for 5 hours. Some of the poo is mixed with cotton to produce a lighter coloured paper. One way to seriously recycle!!

Wattlebird

I was a bit miffed I didn't take my camera out with me today because there was a really friendly Wattlebird around the shops. Wattlebirds are adjusting well to our urban areas. I have two that drive me crazy at home by tapping on my kitchen window in the hope of being fed. They are incredibly persistent. My friend's husband can hold out his hand and they come and fly down to him to get scraps and will "kiss" him on the cheek. They seem to be very at home with humans. They have loose red bits on the side of their heads like chickens and are quite funny birds to watch and look at. The one at the shops was very at home with its urban environment, but our shops have big trees and lawn areas too which is fantastic. The little kids appreciate it too. Today was very mild, so everyone was kicking back and relaxing and the atmosphere was great. Everyone was chatty and friendly but wanted to go out to eat and solicalise as well as get the all important bargains. Most of us were out trying to get a head start on Christmas! I must say our shops have put some real life and feeling into Christmas this year. It's not just about baubles and bling...some of the displays are there just to be artistic and attractive and to give some sense of meaning to us. The colours and elements have been well chosen. Adelaide is looking very tasteful!

$2m bill to keep power

$2m bill to keep power [: "But costs would be passed on to retailers, who would recover them from customers, the Essential Service Commission of SA says.

'Any costs (of this plan) will be passed through to consumers,' ESCOSA chairman Pat Walsh said."

The worst thing about this is they think they have the perfect right to pass the 2 million plus costs onto us. Didn't used to cost us all this amount of money for electricity. We didn't have to pay exorbitant amounts to avoid blackouts. When they think they are being reasonable and rational you know the $$$$$$$$$$$$ signs have addled there brains. This is absolute tosh. Daylight robbery. Scamming...outrageous. Usury...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

"If the Laverton generator plant and Basslink electricity interconnector had not been delayed, we would have an excessive reserve capacity," he said.

Ah, yes, I get it now. The delay was totally our fault. Silly us.

U2 to play here

The Advertiser: U2 to play here ]:


"The hugely successful Irish quartet will bring its Vertigo stadium show to AAMI Stadium on Tuesday, March 28, 2006."

Successful Irish quartet!!!!???? Honestly. It's U2!!!!! U2....woo-hooooo!!!!

Residents may act as fishing rangers.

Residents may act as fishing rangers. :

"The Federal Fisheries Minister is encouraging the Western Australian Government to go ahead with a proposal to pay residents of remote Aboriginal communities to be fishing rangers."

It's working in the Northern Territiory and it will probably work in WA. We need to value the Aborigines and give them more respect. We also need to acknowledge their skils and use them. We need to be part of them and they need to be part of us. We have rules and regulations but the most appropriate people need to be chosen for the job. Aborigines have a real commitment to their land.

Australian prostate cancer drug shows promise.

Australian prostate cancer drug shows promise. :

"The new drug, phenoxidiol, works by reprogramming cells to encourage cancerous ones to die off."

I can only say what I've said before - the sooner we beat this scourge, the better and since we keep coming up with breakthroughs then we need to persisit to keep up the momentum. Cancer is a disgusting disease. So cruel. The drug apprears to be Australian but the article talks about tests being conducted in the US. I wonder how the French are going with their ultra sound treatment of prostate cancer because that was pretty amazing the results they were achieving and all without pain. This Australian drug also looks like it might be helpful in treating ovarian cancer.

"Michael Rodriguez, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 years ago, has been taking part in the trial."

Hope, it's what everyone needs.

Man rescued from car hanging over dam.

Man rescued from car hanging over dam. :

"The 31-year-old man used his mobile phone to call police after his Ford sedan left Fork Tree Rd at Carrickalinga, crashed through two fences, then came to rest with its front wheels hanging over the dam."

Carrackalinga is an easy outing from town and a place where people have holiday homes. It's a lovely beach resort but has some lethal rip tides. This man is so lucky and thank heaven's he had a mobile. Left there in such a precarious position is probably going to teach him to be more careful in future so any charges the police will put on top of that will reinforce the lesson. Presumably he was speeding? Doesn't say other than he drove with undue care. What luck he had.

Public comment sought on Olympic Dam expansion.

Public comment sought on Olympic Dam expansion. :

"Members of the public will have four weeks to study the draft environmental statement before it is finalised early next year."

This is a real democracy in action. It really makes sense. When big changes are envisaged, if you publish the drafts of the changes and invite public comment you are doing several things. You are including everyone in the decision. You are allowing people to participate in change. People have brains and experience. If you invite comment you get unsolicited improvements and any difficulties are foreshadowed. In this way, the final decision is the best one you can make at the time. It's about respecting the expertise of others and others acknowledging you have laid the ground work for some change to occur. Two way process. Love it!!

Indigenous royalties to be shaken up

The Courier-Mail: Indigenous royalties to be shaken up :

"'There's no point in indigenous Australians being asset-rich and dirt-poor,' Aboriginal Affairs Minister Amanda Vanstone said yesterday."

True, true. Far better to change it and ensure we get the money because the NT, in particular, is set to boom with all the mining. Can't have that money being invested in the oldest race on earth. They won't know how to spend it all. I hope to goodness we have some decent lawyers looking after the assets of our indigenous folk...because they own those assets, they have been custodians for such a long time..and we just can see the $$$$$$$$ signs.

"Alice Springs-based Labor MP Warren Snowdon said yesterday changes to reduce secrecy and conflicts of interest were an "unnecessary intervention" and land councils should have been consulted."

Prince Charles sues

The Advertiser: Prince Charles sues tabloid :

"'This is a matter of principle,' said his principal private secretary Sir Michael Peat in a statement.

'Like anybody else, the Prince of Wales is entitled to write a private journal without extracts being published."

It's time people fought back or we have no way of just being normal folk with our less than charitable thoughts at times. We need to be able to say what we think and then change our minds. It's how we are. People keep diaries, they make phone calls, they send emails, they chat to others. If everything is published firstly it is denying something we all do and secondly it means we will say nothing...and a world devoid of thought and gossip is pretty damn bland. People have the right to their own private thoughts and the more peoeple like Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman take up the battle and tell people to stop interfering and making everything public, then the better off we'll be. Ther are some things we shouldn't know. I couldn't believe we had the details of Bill Clinton's private life splattered everywhere. We had no choice. There is this thing called respect. It used to be a massive offense to poke into other people's letters and journals. I nearly brained my brother for reading my diary when I lived at home. Fortunately, my father straightened him out.

Bush rejects calls for pull-out

The Advertiser: Bush rejects calls for pull-out :

"US President George W. Bush, in his latest rhetorical broadside at critics of the war in Iraq, argued today that setting a date for pulling out US forces was 'a recipe for disaster'."

Recipe for disaster? Maybe another recipe for disaster. The current recipe they are using seems to be of the Cordon Bleu level of attainment in terms of culinary expertise. Just keep bringing on the sacrifices, that's okay.

Govt to fast-track digital TV

Australian IT - Govt to fast-track digital TV :

"But Australians have proved reluctant to buy the boxes, which retail at $120 or more and which at this stage only offer improved quality and no extra services"

A lovely marketing con to make extra money from the unsuspecting. The 120 dollar set top boxes are standard definition and they are not worth buying. Subsidising the high definition ones is a good move but that now has to be coupled with the news I have heard that the new version of windows will need a new, flashy monitor and some buyers might prefer to put their money into the home theatres. There is only so much money we have and already we are stockpiling "obsolete" items which still work because they have no resale value and we cannot dispose of them. We really are shockingly wasteful and it is really starting to show now. We actually want to be able to decide, not have all this expense foisted upon us because it suits others to spend our cash.

Telstra's walking wounded

Australian IT - Telstra's walking wounded :

"TELSTRA'S $10 billion next generation network overhaul is a 'cookie-cutter' exercise that already lags similar international efforts and is relying on a demoralised workforce to deliver its aggressive targets, analyst firm IDC has said."

I really do wonder how the employees at Telstra feel. This company was one of our most successful, stable companies and a series of decisions has turned it into the proverbial dog's dinner. We've done good, but I feel very sorry for the people who work at Telstra.

US to drop bombs on NT

US to drop bombs on NT :

"LONG-range American bombers will be able to drop live bombs on an Australian training range in the Northern Territory under a key plan announced today."

You have got to be joking. This is my country.

Parliament 'mate' ban makes international silly list.

Parliament 'mate' ban makes international silly list. :

"In 2005, some people wanted the word 'brainstorming' replaced by 'thought shower' so as not to offend people with brain disorders, and they also wanted 'deferred success' to replace 'failure' so as not to embarrass those who do not succeed."

As it should have...but it's not half as silly as womyn or some of the other things we have on our international silly list. I love the thought of a foolish expression watch dog who reports to us. Helps to keep us in context and perspective!! I love the thought shower!! We could have a pondering precipitation! A deepthought deluge even.

OECD delegates head to Riverland.

OECD delegates head to Riverland. :

"'We're trying to see what this means in practice, how real situations, real farmers are dealing with a scarce water supply and dealing with water quality issues,' he said."

Well, we save water by importing the oranges from Queensland and selling them in our best citrus growing area in SA. This way we don't have to water our own...how embarrassing. I hope these important people haven't noticed. Can't believe local supermarkets would source oranges from interstate. Like carrying coals to Newcastle...oopsies.

Solon 'bears no grudges'.

Solon 'bears no grudges'. :

"The wrongfully deported Australian citizen Vivian Solon has appeared before the media after flying home today."

This is going to be a very expensive mistake the Government has made by wrongfully deporting Vivian Solon. She is a very kind woman but the compensation case which will result will cost us plenty. This is not the only wrongful detention, so apart from the fact the Government cannot seem to tell people who are a threat to us from those who are not, we are having to pay dearly for their mistakes. I feel some new levies coming on. I am glad she is home and I am glad she will be helped to recover and I am glad she has a caring family. Four years of ill treatment cannot be given back and four years is a very long time when it's bad.

Boy nets donor father online

The Australian: Boy nets donor father online :

"LONDON: A teenager has tracked down his anonymous sperm donor father using nothing more than a swab of saliva and the internet. Experts warned the case has major implications for men who made sperm donations hoping to keep their identity secret."

It is fortunate the boy was blessed with brains as part of his genetic heritage or he wuld never have found his real father. I believe people need to know who their parents are, that it is their right and that whether their parents are good, bad, or in this case "donors" then the human life created has a right to know its heritage. We are as much our culture and genetic heritage as we are us. This young boy has proven my point and I thank him for being so darn human and going after his heritage. Children have a right to know whether or not they are going to be "parented" by the biological parent or not. Children want their parents even if it is just to look them over. It is part of their puzzle and peace of mind. I love this boy for going up against the odds and showing where there is a will there is a way. People are part of a society...they are NOT part of an economy. He may well become that, but he shows he is a person who has human connections.

Researcher highlights sugarcane positives.

Researcher highlights sugarcane positives. :

"A sugar researcher says his study confirms cane could become a major source of competitive renewable energy."

Didn't they fly the plane in The Day of the Triffids on sugar? I hope we can drive our cars on sugar!! Is that one lump or two?

Singapore sets Nguyen execution date.

Singapore sets Nguyen execution date. :

"'It's a decision which we have to take, and which we have to answer for,' Mr Lee said."

It is his mother who has to answer for this. She will be left standing after December 2nd. I hope she is not Christian because this is not about good will to all men, nor mercy nor something you would do to anyone at Christmas. I feel worse for that woman today than I did yesterday because her unconditional love has shown all that is Christian in spirit and has been a great lesson for me. No compassion has been shown for her predicament and the law is the law is the law. Yes. All mothers will know that December 2nd will be a black day indeed for motherhood and that women do not deny life and living like this. I am saddened because his death will not stop the problem of drugs anywhere because the source has not been destroyed. This is what drugs do to people and their lives. I hate drugs. Her son will die on December 2nd and she is only allowed to visit 3 days before hand. She has done nothing wrong. This is so sad. I hope we shall stand very near and close to her so that she knows we care.

Hand-cranked laptop

Hand-cranked laptop launched for schoolkids. :

"About the size of a textbook, the lime-green machines can set up their own wireless networks and operate in areas without a reliable electricity supply, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers said at a United Nations technology summit."

This is what I like to see - the world coming up with something innovative, fun, useful, critical and positive which will enable everyone to participate in similar activities and experiences. No reason for people to go without simply from an accident of birth place. When the world applies itself to community projects it always comes up trumps. Hand cranked laptops look cool, they run at half the normal processing speed, can be used in areas without electricity and use open source operating systems. It is not in production yet and should cost about 150 dollars. They can be used in developing countries but are also a way of managing our own energy resources, I should have thought. Brilliant idea!!

Socceroos

Adelaide is so asleep today but sooooo happy. What a great team. What a great match. Penalty shoot outs are a killer. But after 32 years we now get a chance in the World Cup Series...if only people knew how much we love soccer as much as anyone else. We have been behind our socceroos for the last 32 years and now it's happened. Great effort, great match!! Oh what a night!

Socceroos shoot through to Germany 

Facilities, facilitation and networking

Southern hothouse :

"SSHED was recently named Australia's top business incubator by Business Innovation & Incubation Australia (BIAA), despite SSHED not calling itself an incubator, but rather an accelerator, as its businesses are not 'embryonic' and they come from different sectors."

It never ceases to amaze me how the simplest ideas are the ones which generate jobs, growth, inspiration and income. Two young men started this business at home and have now moved into their own offices. The business is aimed at helping small business have a central docking point as an ideas exchange and strengthening network. It's about communication, support and information. This notion of small business incubation is great...and so obvious. May we have more of these innovators!

Glow in the dark pork chops

GFlow in the dark pork chops :

"'And while most of us would understandably be shocked to see our food glowing, it is important to remember that the micro-organism responsible for the glow is not known to cause food poisoning,' he said."

We have been storing food for AGES. We have never had glow in the dark chops! Green ones, brown ones, dry ones, slimy ones, furry ones but not luminescent ones. Pseudomonas fluorescens may not be poisonous but how did it get there? If it is bacteria, why haven't we had glow in the dark things before? I can see it coming in as a new food cult. Restaurants which specialise in soft lighting and luminous food. The market potential might be quite viable for those who fancy something rather space agey.

More jobs gone.

The Australian: Telstra to slash jobs for digital:

"TELSTRA has tied its future to a $10 billion investment in a digital network - at the expense of 12,000 jobs and a rural phone service."

Well, there we went. We are such a clever country.

Concern over recycling plant closure.

Concern over recycling plant closure. :

"'The closure of this facility will deal a very damaging blow to Australia's ability to recycle milk and juice cartons around the country,' he said."

If we close our only facility for recycling milk and juice cartons, what will we do? Surely not put it into landfill?? What is the matter with us? We are getting so good at these recycling initiatives. We need to keep the momentum and move forward, not backward!

SA Speaker to consider protest applications.

SA Speaker to consider protest applications.:

"People wanting to hold peaceful rallies outside the South Australian Parliament in Adelaide during a two-day visit by the US Defence Secretary are now being told they are allowed to do so."

Adelaide people have always held peaceful rallies. The ones which were difficult to manage were the ones about Vietnam and this is because the feelings were running very high at the time and the police were less adept at managing an outcry. The police have come a long way as have we. It must be their worst nightmare to have to protect a public figure from anywhere. I can understand they inititally said protesting was not a good idea. We still have the right to rally. Making your opinions known at a rally is something which ought to be able to occur. Protesting, as such, is a normal part of a democracy even though it seems to occur in waves. The balancing act of managing it is always difficult in this day and age. I am glad it wasn't forbidden in the end because we haven't banned them, to my knowledge, before.

Man to stand trial over Brigitte 'lies'.

Man to stand trial over Brigitte 'lies'. :

"In a statement of facts tendered to court, it is alleged Hasan made misleading statements about arranging accommodation for Brigitte in Sydney's south-west, and about the number of times the pair had spoken."

We seem to have considerable difficlty in ascertaining the facts. We also seem to have considerable difficulty in determining who is a threat and who is not. So, was Willie Brigitte a threat? Is he a threat now? He was deported. He has suffered considerable ignominy at our hands. This is why people are concerned with any changes to our laws. We do not seem to be able to get it right with regard to people being a threat to us or being worthy of detention. Why is that?

Bon appétit

Sometimes you just have to get away from it all to a tranquil, civilised corner of town where the atmosphere is great and the food is superb. Once again I have been told by international visitors,who have travelled widely ,that Adelaide had the best food and coffee and some great wine! So let's think positively and preserve and improve it shall we? Value what we have. 

Rumsfeld visit terror alert

The Australian: Rumsfeld visit terror alert :

"ADELAIDE police are on high alert for possible terrorist attacks to coincide with a visit by United States Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld."

Just what we need. Can't wait.

Excess speed

The Advertiser: PRISON TERMS FOR SPEEDING-Police chief wants new laws :

"Mr Hyde said in many cases, Mandrake targets were repeat juvenile offenders who deliberately engaged police in high-speed pursuits using stolen cars while under the influence of drugs. Mr Hyde predicted that unless attitudes changed quickly it was 'only a matter time' before crashes resulted in death or injury."

Well, Sunday night I didn't sleep because there was a loud motor bike which seemed to go on the same circuit rpeatedly about 10 times. A motor bike which had a very peculiar and loud engine note. Now, as I blog there is somone roaring up and about with a rather noisy muffler. Late at night they will probably not injure people. Now they might. It's loud, repetitious and annoying. Is it worth a gaol sentence? No, probably not. So what can we do about it? Not sure. The artice says they are repeat juvenile offenders. Banning them from cars is not the answer because they will drive a car and expect to get away with it. Locking them up will probably just make them worse and then they'll be harder to deal with. They'll get used to the system. We need to consult with clinical psychologists because it's about breaking anti social and destructive behaviour but it's also about an adrenalin rush. Shipping them off somewhere. This is working with the South Pacific nations would be helpful because some of their tribal cultural practices might help us. Maybe our aboriginal tribal elders can help because, in my experience, they have a good understanding of extreme behaviour. I accept the frustration. It is frustrating when kids do not take any notice and do not care. These juveniles need to be reeled in and held on a tight leash, but who will work with them? And do we want a generation of case hardened kids?

Howard brushes off IR rallies.

Howard brushes off IR rallies. :

"Mr Howard says he does not measure public support or opposition by the number of people who take part in demonstrations."

True, true. We know that, but we can't all be wrong all of the time and we seem to have been constantly erroneous in our thinking as citizens of Australia. Must be the climate change boiling our brains.

Nguyen's mother

Nguyen death sentence 'irreversible'. :

"Singapore's decision to hang Australian heroin smuggler Van Nguyen is 'irreversible', Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says."

The saddest thing about all of this is how the mother is being punished and made to suffer so greatly. She, too, is being judged and I cannot imagine how she feels trying to manage it all. Throughout all of it she has taught me a great lesson in unconditional love. I hope we shall be able to do sufficient as a community to ensure she is not judged harshly nor has to serve a life sentence because she is Van Nguyen's mother. I think about her daily and wonder where she finds the strength to be such a caring human being who has the capacity to just carry on.

Damn!!

Major dam projects ignoring environmental risks: WWF. :


"'Bad dams and bad economics are apparently still alive and kicking five years after the WCD,' said Ute Collier, author of the WWF report.

According to the world commission, dams have already fragmented 60 per cent of major rivers worldwide and displaced up to 80 million people."


What is it with us as a species? We get good research, good information, people who take their jobs seriously....AND THEN WE IGNORE THEM BECAUSE WE KNOW BETTER. We are so stupid, honestly.

Red all over

The Advertiser: Cooking: Red all over :

"BRIGHT red, round and fresh. Tomatoes do it every time – as long as they're properly ripe and packed densely with juicy flesh."

This article has some great tomato recipes. My first lot of tomato plants are booming because of our weather. They have flowers and hopefully the fruit will set. Then I have some seedlings in again for the next crop. I love tomato salads on a hot day, but I also love tomato pasta sauces on a cold day...so I eat tomatoes all year. We have had some good choices of tomatoes in the supermarkets, markets and as nursery plants. You can pick the tomatoes according to your taste and dish. My favourites are the vine tomatoes or the little cherry ones. I like stuffed tomatoes too. Yum!

No food, no jobs

The Advertiser: SPECIAL REPORT:
Cheap food has a high price :

"'Employment across the food industry value chain has fallen from the record levels of 2003/04 to 132,800 jobs (10,000 jobs or eight per cent)."

No food - no jobs. Lose our food industries, which have been significant emplyers in this state...and no jobs. So who got the 10, 000 jobs we lost, primarily on food manufacturing. Decisions are starting to have consequences. Ms. Beer says it all:

"We could be the centre of excellence in all spheres of food in South Australia - real excellence, not hype. To do so, we need a huge commitment from a really food-savvy Government, one that permeates every strand of this industry to maximise our potential."

Nothing should come between us and our food because people recognise it as top quality.

Egg crisis

The Advertiser: SPECIAL REPORT:
75c a dozen egg crisis :

"THE dumping of cheap interstate eggs in South Australia has pushed the price down to 75 cents a dozen in some major supermarkets."

75 cents a dozen?? Where? I paid 4.98 for mine at the supermarket yesterday. Something is really going wrong with our food supply chain. This article is highlighting the plight of our egg producers and when business which have been around fr 40+ years are suddenly desperate, soemthing is VERY wrong. I have never particularly looked where eggs are sourced. We have been big chicken and egg producers and I have assumed locally I suppose now that I have been made to think about it. The egg producers are giving awsy eggs to help us understand they are in trouble. It's unbelievable. After over 40 years of successful business and now, over night it's all up the creek. I thought I blogged not long ago about us being the state to produce chickens and then , presumably, eggs. Why has it gone like this all of a sudden? We have to understand the mechanism by which this is going wrong because we are starting to lose our fresh markets and our own ones. No local food and we are going to be pretty dependent as well as ill nourished. SA has always had sound food industries. Nothing's as sure as eggs anymore. I am fed up with it.

Be alert but not alarmed

Today's news:




Brisbane public transport stopped after threat



'Jihad' training camps in Australia, documents say



Tenth terrorist suspect appears in court



Ruddock probes identity leak of terrorism hotline tip



Terror suspects 'near N-reactor'



North West Shelf 'at risk of attack'



Alleged terror car found burnt out

Pride cometh before a fall

The Advertiser: Cane toad helps cops nab biker :

"Queensland police said today the 25-year-old was seen doing a 'mono' wheelstand as he rode along King Street in Caboolture about 7.10pm yesterday."

He hit a cane toad, lost control of the bike and was then easily caught by the police...

Which weather???

We had a beautiful day today, but I was checking the weather for tomorrow to work out what to wear. Guess it's take your pick weather tomorrow. Weather Fox says 29 and sunny. Yahoo says 28 and sunny. ABC weather says 31 thundery, warm winds...so now what am I supposed to do? 

Windsor,NSW

Windsor has a population of 12,000 and is located 55Km north west of Sydney and is one of the oldest and most historic towns in NSW. 

Windsor, New South Wales

National Trust Historic Property Holiday Guide - Claremont Cottage, Windsor, New South Wales:

"Claremont Cottage was first built in 1796 and extended by William Cox in 1823. It is an early example of a Colonial homestead with continuous use as a residence from 1796 making it one of Australia’s very earliest homes. The sense of history which it inspires is complemented by the tower of St Mathew’s Church located nearby which is fine example of Greenaways’s early architecture and one of the oldest Anglican churches in Australia."

We do indeed have a Winsor in western Sydney and the perfect palce for our royal family since it is steeped in history and has many things which we have saved as part of our national heritage. St. Mathew's Church does indeed exist and should we have things royal, you would be able to stay in this wonderful cottage which was first built in 1796. As you see, we have the makings of royal kingdoms here and I really do feel this is the way to go and forgo all this modern republican clap trap.

Monarchy or Republic Part II

I have been thinking about this idea of being a monarchy rather than a republic. I was thinking our monarchy might go something like this:

A day in the life of the King of Windsor



King Bruce was sitting on his throne reigning when suddenly the giant oak doors to the throne room burst open and in stalked his younger daughter, Esmeralda, with a face like thunder and smoke pouring from her delicate, regal ears. Six confused, dumbfounded guards closely followed her. She was normally such a sweet child, of gentle and coy disposition, and the rarest jewel in these parts. Her golden hair shone like the sun and her eyes would glint like the finest sapphires. Today, she was the proverbial dragon itself.

“Father!” she roared, “Father, just how long are you going to keep me locked up in this contraption?”

The King looked down at his beautiful daughter, sighed a royal sigh and answered with regal calmness, ”Esmeralda, my blossom, you know I cannot remove your chastity belt until your wedding night.”

Esmeralda stormed up and down the room, followed by the six guards. Back and forth, back and forth and back. A force eight gale hissed through her teeth. “Well, what I wish to know is when are you going to let me get married? You know full well I have sufficient suitors to keep me busy every night of the month. I wish to marry, Father, and I demand you remove this hideous monstrosity.”

“My lotus flower, you may not marry until your eldest sister is married. That is the law.”

There was an ear-rending scream of anguish. Esmeralda fell to her knees, closely followed by the six guards. She beat the floor in frustration then she lifted her tear stained, rosy cheeks to her father. ” You know Genevieve will never marry. What man would want her after the wicked witch put a curse on her the night she was born in the Hawksbury District Hospital? Even Mother will not lay eyes on her. Oh, Father, can you not make an exception just this once?”

The King leaned forward on his throne. Being the King of Windsor was not easy, especially when you had a daughter who was cursed. Being a King today was not as straightforward as it used to be. He sat up and adjusted his crown. “My little rose petal, you know the law of the land must be obeyed. So unless you know how to break the spell, you will just have to learn that patience is a virtue. And let it be said that my daughters are, and always will be virtuous. Now, go to St. Matthew’s and repent your sins.”

“Sins? How can I sin with this thing on?” Esmeralda wheeled around and stomped out of the room. The guards hurried behind her.


No sooner had she left the throne room than the doors burst open again and in strode Genevieve in riding gear and smoking a large Havana cigar. She cracked the whip on the side of her leg and, with giant, bounding steps, was at her father’s side. She gave him a hefty wallop between the shoulder blades and while he was recovering, she bellowed, “Stone the crows, Kingsie, yous’ll never guess what’s happened to yer own daughter. Gawd, yous’ll be fair laughin’ yer arse off when I tell ys. Laugh? Yous’ll be fair bustin’ yer strides over this one. No kiddin.”

The King took a deep, royal breath, hung onto his crown and put his sceptre across his chest for further security. “Now, Genevieve. What is it you have to tell your father?”

“Jumpin’ galahs, Kingsie, ys wouldn’t believe yer luck. I was just out on me nag, doin’ a bit of ‘roo huntin’. Gawd, should of seen ‘em! Yous’ll have to get off yer great rear end next time and come with us. Anyhow, I’d just got down onto Princes Highway, when up comes this bonza bloke in a white Charger. Ys always said it would happen, Kingsie, and it did. Straight up. No kiddin.”

King Bruce was quite confused. He had no idea what his daughter was talking about, not that he usually did, but she seemed so excited. “Genevieve, my dear, what happened?”

“Flamin’ Nora, Kingsie! Are yous thick or somethin ? Yous know the bit about the knight bloke and the white charger? Anyway, this bloke in the white Charger had a few tinnies with me and we dropped into the Macquarie Arms for a yarn. Geez, he’s a card, Kingsie. Yous’ll just love him. Anyhow, we got to talking and time went on. Yous know how it is when yous start talking with yer mates. He wants to marry me, Kingsie. He reckons I’m the best sheila he’s met in a while and I’m a good sort. I tried to tell ‘im me name was Genevieve, but he just kept calling me Sheila. Laugh? I fair wet me pants. No kiddin.”

The King took his golden handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. This was beyond belief. Two distraught daughters in one day. Both completely out of their minds. He would have to spend twice as long in church in future. “Tell your father, my dear, where is this young man?”

“He’s just stopped off to get a slab and then he’ll be right up here for the bash.”

“Bash?”

“Gawd, Kingsie, all this reignin’ is fair wearin’ ys out. My wedding bash. Ys are goin’ to let me marry the bloke, aren’t ys? And it’s only fittin’ we should sink a few coldies to celebrate, doncha think? Got any chips and a few peanuts? That’ll do us. She’ll be right.”

King Bruce slumped back into his throne. This was too much for one day. He closed his eyes. At last, his eldest daughter married. Now his younger daughter could marry. After a month of feasting and merry making, maybe his Queen would come out of her chamber and start reigning with him.


And the moral of the story is: It is better to wear out than to rust out.

(Bishop Richard Cumberland. 1631-1718)

Moves to fill thousands of IT vacancies

Moves to fill thousands of IT vacancies :

"About a quarter of British businesses say that they suffer from a lack of proficiency in everyday IT skills. In effect, this is the equivalent of saying that their people lack basic skills because that is how important IT is in today’s working world."

So, Britain has a lack of IT skills as well. So what happened to all these terribly clever kids with IT capacities to make you envious??? They should be in the work force by now making it go at lightning speed. Their skills are limited and very self serving. They are often rather destructive too. We have also arrogantly assumed men are better than women and boys are better than girls. They have an affinity for technology. They zap and push buttons in a twink of an eye, but they are not ones to sit and learn programmes. Whizz around the Net click , click, click. Lizards skittering along the top of grass. Slow them down and teach them. Look to others as well because you actually haven't noticed they have skills because of your narrow view of what makes someone "good" with technology. It's about attitde.

Paperless society

Tech & Net News on technology and the Internet from The Times and Sunday Times:

"He is looking forward to a near-paperless world where we won’t want magazines, students won’t need textbooks, and paper forms will be redundant. It is a vision we have been told about before — the paperless office was supposed to have been the norm by now — but Gates is adamant that we are nearing a turning point."

Well, I guess that will make a nice challenge for Mr. Gates. I have waited forever to dispense with paper. I really thought we were going to do it, silly me. Instead we have used more and more and more. Hard copies are essential. Technology is not stable , easily currupted and too quickly stuffed up. You have back ups of the back ups of the back ups, the network, stand alone, laptop and then the other computer. You have a flash disk copy, a CD copy , a hard drive copy and then , the all essential paper copy. Putting your faith in digital data is a big ask. Files bugger up, go missing, won't open. I can see how stuffed the world will become when we are totally digital. Reading a magazine on a computer is not the same experience. As, for encyclopedias, I find my print copies are still better at orientating me to any subject. The electronic stuff either doesn't materialise in a search, or it's biased or it's too brief. Going digital was the worst thing encyclopedias did because it deprived us of facts. Now you get 10 different versions of the same thing, but who cares, why spoil a good story with the truth. But...if anyone can get this together in a viable fashion , it will be Mr. Gates because he broke the ground and market before. He does seem to have the overall vision,as such. We'll see. I have been desperate to keep my trees in the soil. We need them.