Report: Many Americans Too Willing To Ask For Help | The Onion - America's Finest News Source:
"'American citizens are four times more likely to seek counseling than Canadian citizens, eight times more likely than the British, and 900 times more likely than Germans,' said the NIH's Dr. Anne Hanratty, who authored the study."
Is that such a bad thing? Trying to fix it yourself is the downfall of many people. Thinking you have to go it alone and solve it yourself is the thing so many people bring themselves undone with. Apparently, the Americans are not good at getting help for medical problems. That's the fix it yourself mentality!! We are good at getting help for medical ailments and health issues. What we have been discussing , though, is how much we seem to be doing the work of other people at the moment. A real intertia seems to have hit our "infrastructures." I nearly fell over when my plumber turned up on time and I sorted all the bill paying and what have you easily and without hassle. At the moment we have been ringing no matter who and getting the processes put in place ourselves and doing half the work of other people.We have all been faxing, emailing, phoning to try and get problems sorted with the clerks who are supposed to be doing the job. Bureaucracy has been alive and well.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Truckloads delivered to MPs
Truckloads delivered to MPs :
"'Some people had the view that anything goes - and lots of things went.'"
I guess you can't trust anyone. This whole story is outrageous. Politicians are in a position of trust and, yes, it would be so easy to misappropriate things...and here they are accusing others of being dishonest. These things are really vaulable. I am amazed they think they cannot recover them. Is there not a stock list of what is purchased? Don't parliaments have to account for their spending and do they not keep a record of purchases?
It is amazing how certain people can just be so unaccountable for what they do and others are shamed, humiliated and and publicly punished. I guess you have to know how to lie properly. What a great example for us all.
"'Some people had the view that anything goes - and lots of things went.'"
I guess you can't trust anyone. This whole story is outrageous. Politicians are in a position of trust and, yes, it would be so easy to misappropriate things...and here they are accusing others of being dishonest. These things are really vaulable. I am amazed they think they cannot recover them. Is there not a stock list of what is purchased? Don't parliaments have to account for their spending and do they not keep a record of purchases?
It is amazing how certain people can just be so unaccountable for what they do and others are shamed, humiliated and and publicly punished. I guess you have to know how to lie properly. What a great example for us all.
Gran loses rocket launcher
Gran loses rocket launcher :
"AN amnesty program designed to reduce the number of illegal and unwanted guns in British Columbia has also turned up an unexpected weapon, a rocket launcher."
Most Grannies lose their marbles! They found the rocket launcher when they were renovating in 1973! She says she and her husband were too frightened to tell anyone and had hidden it in their attic. I'd be too frightened to have a rocket launcher in my home. You wouldn't have wanted to have invaded her!! How bizarre is this story? So what else have the oldies got hidden in different parts of the world?
"AN amnesty program designed to reduce the number of illegal and unwanted guns in British Columbia has also turned up an unexpected weapon, a rocket launcher."
Most Grannies lose their marbles! They found the rocket launcher when they were renovating in 1973! She says she and her husband were too frightened to tell anyone and had hidden it in their attic. I'd be too frightened to have a rocket launcher in my home. You wouldn't have wanted to have invaded her!! How bizarre is this story? So what else have the oldies got hidden in different parts of the world?
Commentator earns red card
Commentator earns red card :
"Huang later said: 'I was hoping the Australians would do badly here (in Germany). I don't like Australians.'
He explained, while offering a partial apology, that this was because Australia has joined the Asian Football Confederation, and will thus contest for the Asian places in World C"
We have a lot of Chinese Australians and Australian Chinese. The Chinese were one of the nations which worked in the early days of Federation in the development of our mining communities in particular. So our Chinese attachment has a strong foundation and the Chinese people who live here are part of us and our culture. So here we have a mixed community of Chinese families who have a long history here and recent arrivals who now call Australia home. Australia has a European and Asian headset and that is why we are unique because that is all blended with the tribal ties we have and the tribal people who have been here forever. We heard Huang Jianxiang's comments and they were translated for us . We can deal with one eyed. There are lots of people here who are one eyed about their football team, but the rule is generally while you are one eyed about your own team winning, you don't actually put the opposing side down. I think it would be nice for Huang Jianxiang to come and visit us. Maybe he would then hate us less in such a high profile way. I don't know about a red card...he ought to have red ears by now. Was a bit unfair.
"Huang later said: 'I was hoping the Australians would do badly here (in Germany). I don't like Australians.'
He explained, while offering a partial apology, that this was because Australia has joined the Asian Football Confederation, and will thus contest for the Asian places in World C"
We have a lot of Chinese Australians and Australian Chinese. The Chinese were one of the nations which worked in the early days of Federation in the development of our mining communities in particular. So our Chinese attachment has a strong foundation and the Chinese people who live here are part of us and our culture. So here we have a mixed community of Chinese families who have a long history here and recent arrivals who now call Australia home. Australia has a European and Asian headset and that is why we are unique because that is all blended with the tribal ties we have and the tribal people who have been here forever. We heard Huang Jianxiang's comments and they were translated for us . We can deal with one eyed. There are lots of people here who are one eyed about their football team, but the rule is generally while you are one eyed about your own team winning, you don't actually put the opposing side down. I think it would be nice for Huang Jianxiang to come and visit us. Maybe he would then hate us less in such a high profile way. I don't know about a red card...he ought to have red ears by now. Was a bit unfair.
Service for murdered Perth teen
Service for murdered Perth teen "Whether she was learning sign language or a musical instrument, studying history, playing hockey or cooking her coveted bacon, egg and cheeseburgers, it seemed there was nothing Eliza could not do."
A beautiful butterfly who hadn't even reached the age of 16. Life is so cruel and we know it. Her friends and family have allowed her beauty and innocence to be preserved even though we live in a society which allows such beauty to be taken from us in such evil ways. The police will get to the bottom of it, but her community is good, kind and caring and has honoured her and her life.What she stood for . It is true that beautiful butterflies live such short lives and we need to ensure they stay with us. They seem to be an endangered species.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Downer sorry for settler's family
Downer sorry for settler's family :
"The body of Eliyahu Asheri, whose father is an Australian citizen from Adelaide, was recovered last night after he was kidnapped on Sunday.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer tonight said he sympathised with the family, and condemned the terrorists' actions."
I thank Mr. Downer for being so quick to respond to this in a way which is clear cut and compassionate. Have we had enough yet? Are we ready to change a world which keeps asking for thousands of sacrificial deaths for whichever country, whichever state, whichever cause? Have we had enough deaths yet? So I think instead of asking for less, we need to start asking for more. More life. More living. Instead of being asked to put up with death we need to start asking for the right to live. Our lives are being organised to the last detail : we are named, numbered, traced, tagged, searched, scanned...we never ask for more life. We keep having all these steps, plans and protocols and we keep having more death. I want governments that can give me life, give my friends life, my family , my colleagues, my fellow human beings. At some stage we need to put the guns, knives, bombs, aggression and anger away and start working towards a place we can all live. Every day we are dished up more and every day we listen and hear and know that that is not how we want it. Obviously not enough people have died yet. One day I'll wake up and hear we are talking and the weaponry has been put to rest.
"The body of Eliyahu Asheri, whose father is an Australian citizen from Adelaide, was recovered last night after he was kidnapped on Sunday.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer tonight said he sympathised with the family, and condemned the terrorists' actions."
I thank Mr. Downer for being so quick to respond to this in a way which is clear cut and compassionate. Have we had enough yet? Are we ready to change a world which keeps asking for thousands of sacrificial deaths for whichever country, whichever state, whichever cause? Have we had enough deaths yet? So I think instead of asking for less, we need to start asking for more. More life. More living. Instead of being asked to put up with death we need to start asking for the right to live. Our lives are being organised to the last detail : we are named, numbered, traced, tagged, searched, scanned...we never ask for more life. We keep having all these steps, plans and protocols and we keep having more death. I want governments that can give me life, give my friends life, my family , my colleagues, my fellow human beings. At some stage we need to put the guns, knives, bombs, aggression and anger away and start working towards a place we can all live. Every day we are dished up more and every day we listen and hear and know that that is not how we want it. Obviously not enough people have died yet. One day I'll wake up and hear we are talking and the weaponry has been put to rest.
Wind farms a total fraud
Wind farms a total fraud: Nats minister :
"A HOWARD Government minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the wind energy sector, denouncing wind farms as a 'complete fraud' that 'only exist on taxpayer subsidies'."
What's up with him? Has he got wind?
"A HOWARD Government minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the wind energy sector, denouncing wind farms as a 'complete fraud' that 'only exist on taxpayer subsidies'."
What's up with him? Has he got wind?
Mill cocky 'is common'
Mill cocky 'is common' :
"'They wake me up first thing every morning,' he said. 'We get 70 or 80 coming in here every day. There's plenty around these parts. The numbers seem to be increasing all the time.'"
Stupid cockies getting in the way of the pulp mill. Get rid of them!! I used to have a lot of parrots in the gum tree. I too used to be woken by parrots. Rosellas, galahs, corellas and some other one I didn't know. Then they decided to cull. They were shot, mangled, maimed and destroyed until now I rarely see a parrot in my gum tree. I had a few rosellas in the nectarine tree over summer. We are disgraceful at treating our wild life with respect. I loved the parrots. I used to drive through flocks of them and it was brilliant. Human beings are very selfish and self serving.
"'They wake me up first thing every morning,' he said. 'We get 70 or 80 coming in here every day. There's plenty around these parts. The numbers seem to be increasing all the time.'"
Stupid cockies getting in the way of the pulp mill. Get rid of them!! I used to have a lot of parrots in the gum tree. I too used to be woken by parrots. Rosellas, galahs, corellas and some other one I didn't know. Then they decided to cull. They were shot, mangled, maimed and destroyed until now I rarely see a parrot in my gum tree. I had a few rosellas in the nectarine tree over summer. We are disgraceful at treating our wild life with respect. I loved the parrots. I used to drive through flocks of them and it was brilliant. Human beings are very selfish and self serving.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Fake abuse for bus drivers
Fake abuse for bus drivers :
"Actors and frequent bus travellers are being hired to pose as irate customers in the taxpayer-funded project.
In a twist on patrons paying for being late or left on the side of the road, successful applicants will get $23.16 an hour to vent their spleen and prepare drivers for the public relations warfare they face on the streets."
Pay to encourage the tolerance of abuse and ill manners?? Civility costs nothing. How about some lessons in dignity and decorum for all concerned. I cannot believe we would tolerate ill manners being the status quo. The article points out that drivers can also be rude. True, but rare. Bus drivers can also be lacking in consideration for the physical stabilty of their passengers ...true, but it's often the pressure of trying to meet deadlines and timetables. Sydney bus drivers have had the tunnel saga as well everything else. Now, take a deep breath and let's everyone think of treating people with respect and let's pay to teach manners not ignorance. Truly, I'm appalled. We get what we are prepared to accept and if we are prepared to accept ill mannered ignorant pigs AND pay for them...don't ...oh...grrrrr... how preposterous that rudeness is valued above civility. I am truly scandalised....take a good long look at the transport system if everyone is getting tetchy!
"Actors and frequent bus travellers are being hired to pose as irate customers in the taxpayer-funded project.
In a twist on patrons paying for being late or left on the side of the road, successful applicants will get $23.16 an hour to vent their spleen and prepare drivers for the public relations warfare they face on the streets."
Pay to encourage the tolerance of abuse and ill manners?? Civility costs nothing. How about some lessons in dignity and decorum for all concerned. I cannot believe we would tolerate ill manners being the status quo. The article points out that drivers can also be rude. True, but rare. Bus drivers can also be lacking in consideration for the physical stabilty of their passengers ...true, but it's often the pressure of trying to meet deadlines and timetables. Sydney bus drivers have had the tunnel saga as well everything else. Now, take a deep breath and let's everyone think of treating people with respect and let's pay to teach manners not ignorance. Truly, I'm appalled. We get what we are prepared to accept and if we are prepared to accept ill mannered ignorant pigs AND pay for them...don't ...oh...grrrrr... how preposterous that rudeness is valued above civility. I am truly scandalised....take a good long look at the transport system if everyone is getting tetchy!
Greens welcome renewable energy target.
Greens welcome renewable energy target. :
"SA Greens Member of Parliament Mark Parnell says that is an achievable target which could be reached faster if big retailers were required to use power from renewable sources."
When you want wholesale change then a step at a time in the right direction is how you achieve it without fuss, without bother and without disruption. You sit down and look at what is achievable and how you can achieve it. You don't bite off more than you can chew and you don't demand that people just change. Evolution is always preferable to revolution. Great State!!
"SA Greens Member of Parliament Mark Parnell says that is an achievable target which could be reached faster if big retailers were required to use power from renewable sources."
When you want wholesale change then a step at a time in the right direction is how you achieve it without fuss, without bother and without disruption. You sit down and look at what is achievable and how you can achieve it. You don't bite off more than you can chew and you don't demand that people just change. Evolution is always preferable to revolution. Great State!!
Radical facial surgery declared a success.
Radical facial surgery declared a success. :
"As a child, 35-year-old Rusmini had a disease which ate the skin and bone on her face.
Two weeks ago she came to Adelaide for a face reconstruction."
We hear of some of the stories, but not all of them. The changes our Cranio Facial Foundation makes to the lives of others is nothing short of miraculous and it's a wonder we do not praise them and give thanks for them more often. We know, we hear about it and every once in a while you get another great story. The surgeons are astounding and when you hear their game plans for the reconstruction of people's faces and then see the results you are always astounded by how ingenious and painstaking they are.
"As a child, 35-year-old Rusmini had a disease which ate the skin and bone on her face.
Two weeks ago she came to Adelaide for a face reconstruction."
We hear of some of the stories, but not all of them. The changes our Cranio Facial Foundation makes to the lives of others is nothing short of miraculous and it's a wonder we do not praise them and give thanks for them more often. We know, we hear about it and every once in a while you get another great story. The surgeons are astounding and when you hear their game plans for the reconstruction of people's faces and then see the results you are always astounded by how ingenious and painstaking they are.
Binge drinking report prompts warning to workers.
Binge drinking report prompts warning to workers. :
"'We calculated, using that data, that about 2.7 million workdays were lost in 2001 as a result of alcohol use and that translated into a cost of about $437 million using the average wage for that year,' Dr Pidd said."
It mentions the damage to the person as well in this article...but there is the long term damage to the long suffering family of a drinker. The impact on children. Uncontrolled drinking puts a home into dysfunction and people become abused as a result. We need to work out why people are turning to drink.
"'We calculated, using that data, that about 2.7 million workdays were lost in 2001 as a result of alcohol use and that translated into a cost of about $437 million using the average wage for that year,' Dr Pidd said."
It mentions the damage to the person as well in this article...but there is the long term damage to the long suffering family of a drinker. The impact on children. Uncontrolled drinking puts a home into dysfunction and people become abused as a result. We need to work out why people are turning to drink.
MP 'disgusted' at drunken abuse in Parliament bar.
MP 'disgusted' at drunken abuse in Parliament bar. :
"'I think if people can't control their behaviour when they've been drinking then perhaps they should drink at home.
'This is about behaviour and believe me, if this continues and there are more incidents of this with the same people involved, I will name names.'"
In the same section of the news there are reports of more people binge drinking and that becoming a problem at work. My personal observation is there is a group of people drinking more but not noticing they are and it is going back to more people drinking too much. We had got rid of that. Drinking always releases inhibition and if it is the anger of a person which is released then some unsuspecting person is going to cop it for whatever reason. This is what excess drinking behaviour is about. This MP doesn't want to be party to it in the work place or in her non committed time in Parliament and I believe she is right. This whole question of drinking, excess drinking, binge drinking and then inappropriate behaviours needs to be examined. Like the MP we can ask for what we want. We can insist that civility is maintained. However, people are obviously leaning on alcohol for a reason. It could be tension, stress, heavy workloads, the desintegration and fragmentation of society. It could be depression, alienation...alcohol problems are always a warning sign and if it is showing up across the community we had better work out why because alcohol creates a whole can of worms when the drinking is unchecked. It's a sign. We need to heed it because we were merry socialisers and we had a good balance.
"'I think if people can't control their behaviour when they've been drinking then perhaps they should drink at home.
'This is about behaviour and believe me, if this continues and there are more incidents of this with the same people involved, I will name names.'"
In the same section of the news there are reports of more people binge drinking and that becoming a problem at work. My personal observation is there is a group of people drinking more but not noticing they are and it is going back to more people drinking too much. We had got rid of that. Drinking always releases inhibition and if it is the anger of a person which is released then some unsuspecting person is going to cop it for whatever reason. This is what excess drinking behaviour is about. This MP doesn't want to be party to it in the work place or in her non committed time in Parliament and I believe she is right. This whole question of drinking, excess drinking, binge drinking and then inappropriate behaviours needs to be examined. Like the MP we can ask for what we want. We can insist that civility is maintained. However, people are obviously leaning on alcohol for a reason. It could be tension, stress, heavy workloads, the desintegration and fragmentation of society. It could be depression, alienation...alcohol problems are always a warning sign and if it is showing up across the community we had better work out why because alcohol creates a whole can of worms when the drinking is unchecked. It's a sign. We need to heed it because we were merry socialisers and we had a good balance.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Amnesty criticises British decision on Hicks
Amnesty criticises British decision on Hicks :
"Amnesty International says it is disappointed with a British decision not to press for the release of David Hicks from Guantanamo Bay."
Not half as disappointed as David Hicks' father who is a remarkable, calm, stalwart pillar of reason and strength. I have nothing but admiration for him because all the way he has been down to earth and reasonable and has just asked for fairness for his son. He is straight forward and very wise. So patient and tolerant because he works within the boundaries with which he is presented and is impeccable in his manner and behaviour. All he wants is for David Hicks to come home and for a trial to occur here so that the rights and wrongs of David Hicks can be sorted out for us all to hear. David Hicks has been in Guantanamo Bay for four and a half years and I guess it's all about a point being made rather than a logical, level headed look at what has occurred with this person. I think our government could do more but doesn't want to.
"Amnesty International says it is disappointed with a British decision not to press for the release of David Hicks from Guantanamo Bay."
Not half as disappointed as David Hicks' father who is a remarkable, calm, stalwart pillar of reason and strength. I have nothing but admiration for him because all the way he has been down to earth and reasonable and has just asked for fairness for his son. He is straight forward and very wise. So patient and tolerant because he works within the boundaries with which he is presented and is impeccable in his manner and behaviour. All he wants is for David Hicks to come home and for a trial to occur here so that the rights and wrongs of David Hicks can be sorted out for us all to hear. David Hicks has been in Guantanamo Bay for four and a half years and I guess it's all about a point being made rather than a logical, level headed look at what has occurred with this person. I think our government could do more but doesn't want to.
Qld call operator saves SA woman
The Advertiser: Qld call operator saves SA woman :
"'The phone clattered to the ground then I just heard banging,' Mr Fogden said.
'At first I thought the banging was heavy footsteps and it might have been a home invasion,' he said."
This is someone who can think, react and manage and the woman at the end of the line was kept safe thanks to the sensitive and sensible actions of the call centre operator. This sense of community responsbility is heart warming.
"'The phone clattered to the ground then I just heard banging,' Mr Fogden said.
'At first I thought the banging was heavy footsteps and it might have been a home invasion,' he said."
This is someone who can think, react and manage and the woman at the end of the line was kept safe thanks to the sensitive and sensible actions of the call centre operator. This sense of community responsbility is heart warming.
Doctors may encourage early deaths
Doctors may encourage early deaths :
"The psychiatric study of more than 250 doctor-patient pairs found that the relationship between the two was an important factor in a patient's wish to hasten death.
The Queensland researchers also found that doctors with less training in the psychological aspects of medicine and counselling were more likely to want their patient to die sooner."
When I looked after my mother when she was dying of cancer, I learned some enormously useful lessons and they were all from her in her terminal stages. She managed the pain and demise of it all with enormous dignity and lived until her last day. The system constantly offered her priests - what do I want with one of those right now? , lectures on accepting her death...I am not dead yet...and she was sent home to die after she had been pushed through test after test after test day in day out for months. The two GPs I had access to at home were the most compassionate and understanding. They kept her spirits up, they treated her with respect and dignity and they made her laugh. They were not frightened to make her laugh...even on the day before she died when she could hardly talk, the GP had a smile on her lips because he called her a liar when she said she was all right when he asked how she was. My mother put it all into perspective for me. You are alive. Always alive. You can still teach people and they can still learn and it is important to stay free of pain. My mother did not complain. Not once. She took it all and just said one day - I have a bit of a sore stomach which I don't think I can manage today. She taught all her carers a lesson which they valued. Her most profound statement, though, was the one she said to the domicilary nurse who came every day and who tried to get her to accept her death. "How can you live when you are thinking about dying?" The nurse took that on board. Terminally ill patients are usually confronted every minute with their death. So they never think about life. My mother taught me that you can make the most of every minute even when the odds are stacked against you. When the time comes you will not have a choice and she knew that. Why focus on that? She enjoyed everyone's company and even valued sitting stroking my dog until she no longer had a choice.
"The psychiatric study of more than 250 doctor-patient pairs found that the relationship between the two was an important factor in a patient's wish to hasten death.
The Queensland researchers also found that doctors with less training in the psychological aspects of medicine and counselling were more likely to want their patient to die sooner."
When I looked after my mother when she was dying of cancer, I learned some enormously useful lessons and they were all from her in her terminal stages. She managed the pain and demise of it all with enormous dignity and lived until her last day. The system constantly offered her priests - what do I want with one of those right now? , lectures on accepting her death...I am not dead yet...and she was sent home to die after she had been pushed through test after test after test day in day out for months. The two GPs I had access to at home were the most compassionate and understanding. They kept her spirits up, they treated her with respect and dignity and they made her laugh. They were not frightened to make her laugh...even on the day before she died when she could hardly talk, the GP had a smile on her lips because he called her a liar when she said she was all right when he asked how she was. My mother put it all into perspective for me. You are alive. Always alive. You can still teach people and they can still learn and it is important to stay free of pain. My mother did not complain. Not once. She took it all and just said one day - I have a bit of a sore stomach which I don't think I can manage today. She taught all her carers a lesson which they valued. Her most profound statement, though, was the one she said to the domicilary nurse who came every day and who tried to get her to accept her death. "How can you live when you are thinking about dying?" The nurse took that on board. Terminally ill patients are usually confronted every minute with their death. So they never think about life. My mother taught me that you can make the most of every minute even when the odds are stacked against you. When the time comes you will not have a choice and she knew that. Why focus on that? She enjoyed everyone's company and even valued sitting stroking my dog until she no longer had a choice.
Socceroos
For as many as there were who said we'd been ripped off , there was an equal number who believed the referee's decision is his decision and it was a great match. Everyone thought it was a great match but to have that huge disappointment of losing at the very end was so upsetting. No one thought the Socceroos had played badly. Everyone thinks they have done us proud and we are all rapt in our coach. It was never going to be easy because we have had 32 years without World Cup experience. When the emotions subside I think everyone will agree our team was something to be proud of and that the pressure was really on them and they played superbly. They have learned a lot and will learn more. Our top swimmers have taught us you never look backwards. Our top swimmers are brilliant at saying - Well, that was that performance, what have I learned, what can I improve... and they just get on with the new approach and put things right behind them. The Adelaide Oval venue was a huge success, to all accounts, and those who went were thrilled to bits to be there and share the experience. It's a shame it was a loss...but maybe they'll think about the venue for the finals now. People have enjoyed the fun and thrill of it all and they will still be watching the Cup. The young ones seem to be very keen on Brazil and the older ones are favouring their countries of origin. No one denies it has been a brilliant gift to us from a great team who has done really well. No one thinks our team let us down. It was just excruciatingly bad luck and something we'll learn from.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Drug link possible in Collie murder
Drug link possible in Collie murder :
"'We can't understand it because the three of them (Eliza and the two accused) were best friends, they were joined at the hip,' said a close friend of the girls, who spoke to The Sunday Times on condition she would not be named."
Well, yes, it may well be drug related because when people are very sick, then the truth which is recounted always sounds very, very sick...but does it explain why two teenage girls killed their best friend on a Sunday morning after a night out dancing? According to The West Australian yesterday:
"When the girls woke the next morning, the two accused allegedly changed into old clothes then collected shovels, speaker cable and chemicals."
If they were drugged or had been would they be that organised at 16? The chemicals on the flannel were supposed to be methylated spirit, bleach and household cleaner. Would girls go shopping for methylated spirit? They might have bleach and household cleaner. Would girls think about speaker wire at 16? If they had gone over the top the night before I don't think they'd be feeling too flash the next morning. Then they were supposed to have taken the body downstairs and buried it under the house. With spiders? Cobwebs? Maybe snakes, rats, mice? Girls don't much care for stinky, smelly hands and then crawling into heaven knows what under a house. It is certainly a very oddball scenario and the friends don't seem to think there was a problem, so there are lots of pieces and not much of a picture. I guess the police will piece it together in time. Meanwhile the parents and friends must be feeling so upset and fragile. This is their reality in Collie and as much as we find it horrible and horrendous, we are going to have to speak about it to get the channels of communication working for us and for the people who are most acutely affected. It must be so difficult for the police too.It's harder because there is so much which is not clear and so much which is upsetting.
"'We can't understand it because the three of them (Eliza and the two accused) were best friends, they were joined at the hip,' said a close friend of the girls, who spoke to The Sunday Times on condition she would not be named."
Well, yes, it may well be drug related because when people are very sick, then the truth which is recounted always sounds very, very sick...but does it explain why two teenage girls killed their best friend on a Sunday morning after a night out dancing? According to The West Australian yesterday:
"When the girls woke the next morning, the two accused allegedly changed into old clothes then collected shovels, speaker cable and chemicals."
If they were drugged or had been would they be that organised at 16? The chemicals on the flannel were supposed to be methylated spirit, bleach and household cleaner. Would girls go shopping for methylated spirit? They might have bleach and household cleaner. Would girls think about speaker wire at 16? If they had gone over the top the night before I don't think they'd be feeling too flash the next morning. Then they were supposed to have taken the body downstairs and buried it under the house. With spiders? Cobwebs? Maybe snakes, rats, mice? Girls don't much care for stinky, smelly hands and then crawling into heaven knows what under a house. It is certainly a very oddball scenario and the friends don't seem to think there was a problem, so there are lots of pieces and not much of a picture. I guess the police will piece it together in time. Meanwhile the parents and friends must be feeling so upset and fragile. This is their reality in Collie and as much as we find it horrible and horrendous, we are going to have to speak about it to get the channels of communication working for us and for the people who are most acutely affected. It must be so difficult for the police too.It's harder because there is so much which is not clear and so much which is upsetting.
Army demotes ninny goat
Army demotes naughty goat :"Doubly embarrassing was Billy's refusal to obey commands in front of diplomats and army top brass, Coates said."
Have a heart!! He's been a mascot for 6 years! This was his first overseas trip and I don't suppose he had acclimatised. Fancy demoting him to fusilier for kidding around in unfamiliar surroundings...and he's so cute!!
'Expand or dump media rules'
'Expand or dump media rules' :
"'What it is for me is it's about tremendous choice for everybody, where they get their information, what information they want, where they can put their views out,' he told a high-powered lunch where he accepted his award."
I don't think we can just dump things without talking about it first. These decisions affect people's lifestyles and incomes. It may not be important for one so rich, but those less flush with funds are susceptible to market changes, doncha know? True, the Internet has changed things in terms of anyone being able to access anything but the sad fact is you can read the same news in several languages. There is a packet of news and it goes out in different languages. Same , to a large extent, with other media. We are in the age of homogenous media no matter where. There is The news, the book, the film, the song, the filmstar...opening it all up has actually closed it all down as far as I can tell. Maybe we need this one news so we can be Earthlings. Dunno.
"'What it is for me is it's about tremendous choice for everybody, where they get their information, what information they want, where they can put their views out,' he told a high-powered lunch where he accepted his award."
I don't think we can just dump things without talking about it first. These decisions affect people's lifestyles and incomes. It may not be important for one so rich, but those less flush with funds are susceptible to market changes, doncha know? True, the Internet has changed things in terms of anyone being able to access anything but the sad fact is you can read the same news in several languages. There is a packet of news and it goes out in different languages. Same , to a large extent, with other media. We are in the age of homogenous media no matter where. There is The news, the book, the film, the song, the filmstar...opening it all up has actually closed it all down as far as I can tell. Maybe we need this one news so we can be Earthlings. Dunno.
$5 a minute to talk to a nurse
The Advertiser: $5 a minute to talk to a nurse :
"It is understood callers would be charged $4.95/minute to receive medical advice from registered nurses. The Australian Medical Association yesterday opposed any health call centre concept, warning it only would create congestion in hospitals and provide limited help to the public."
I think this is a great idea and wouldn't be used as a health centre. I think it would be fantastic to have a nurse to call when you weren't sure whether you were worrying too much, or what you should do as the next step. I think people would be better able to manage illnesses and health issues if they could speak to someone to get some advice. Often you go to the doctor because you aren't sure. When a few questions over the phone would clarify things, then doctors would be able to do the higher level treatments and not have to put up with excess numbers when all some people need is to be sure!
"It is understood callers would be charged $4.95/minute to receive medical advice from registered nurses. The Australian Medical Association yesterday opposed any health call centre concept, warning it only would create congestion in hospitals and provide limited help to the public."
I think this is a great idea and wouldn't be used as a health centre. I think it would be fantastic to have a nurse to call when you weren't sure whether you were worrying too much, or what you should do as the next step. I think people would be better able to manage illnesses and health issues if they could speak to someone to get some advice. Often you go to the doctor because you aren't sure. When a few questions over the phone would clarify things, then doctors would be able to do the higher level treatments and not have to put up with excess numbers when all some people need is to be sure!
Socceroos vs. Italy
Now, our biggest game on earth :
"The move, spearheaded by radio FIVEaa's Chris McDermott, followed widespread criticism of Adelaide's lack of a central supporter site. Melbourne's Federation Square and Sydney's Circular Quay have been packed with thousands of fans in the Socceroos' group matches."
We have a venue and a big screen and need to thank Chris McDermott for moving the ball into the goal. See what networking and teamwork can do? It is so fantastic that the South Australian Cricket Association has let us have the Adelaide Oval and that the Premier has chipped in with some money. Public transport is even coming to the party and it means Adelaide can be like the rest of Australia and have our own central venue for the Socceroos matches. Everyone is so excited and thrilled to bits. We are right behind the team and know they will do their best and we love our coach. This has meant so much to us...but we have a big screen! Woo-hoo!!!
"The move, spearheaded by radio FIVEaa's Chris McDermott, followed widespread criticism of Adelaide's lack of a central supporter site. Melbourne's Federation Square and Sydney's Circular Quay have been packed with thousands of fans in the Socceroos' group matches."
We have a venue and a big screen and need to thank Chris McDermott for moving the ball into the goal. See what networking and teamwork can do? It is so fantastic that the South Australian Cricket Association has let us have the Adelaide Oval and that the Premier has chipped in with some money. Public transport is even coming to the party and it means Adelaide can be like the rest of Australia and have our own central venue for the Socceroos matches. Everyone is so excited and thrilled to bits. We are right behind the team and know they will do their best and we love our coach. This has meant so much to us...but we have a big screen! Woo-hoo!!!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Australian families to get free Internet porn filters
Channelnewsasia.com:
"'Protecting Australian Families Online is about educating parents about the dangers lurking on the Internet and equipping them with the tools they need to make sure when their children venture into cyberspace, they do so safely.'"
Yes, porn seems to be everywhere in the media and it's something which, if we are serious about protecting our children, we have to confront and deal with. There will be families who will have managed it through the own education of their children. My way of doing it, when I had young children, was to have the computer in the lounge room. I found out what a wonderful, social thing they are. Anyone who was there took an interest in what was coming up and it led to lots of interesting discussions. Computers in the bedroom were a no-no until the children were adults. I didn't use a filter but it was interesting how the most innocent of searches could lead you to the wrong place and I guess some kids would go out of their way to find the wrong place. At least now, parents can get a free filter from their ISP and that will help ease the burden of what can happen on the Net. I look upon the Net as a virtual real world and you just have to look after yourself as you do in real life.
"'Protecting Australian Families Online is about educating parents about the dangers lurking on the Internet and equipping them with the tools they need to make sure when their children venture into cyberspace, they do so safely.'"
Yes, porn seems to be everywhere in the media and it's something which, if we are serious about protecting our children, we have to confront and deal with. There will be families who will have managed it through the own education of their children. My way of doing it, when I had young children, was to have the computer in the lounge room. I found out what a wonderful, social thing they are. Anyone who was there took an interest in what was coming up and it led to lots of interesting discussions. Computers in the bedroom were a no-no until the children were adults. I didn't use a filter but it was interesting how the most innocent of searches could lead you to the wrong place and I guess some kids would go out of their way to find the wrong place. At least now, parents can get a free filter from their ISP and that will help ease the burden of what can happen on the Net. I look upon the Net as a virtual real world and you just have to look after yourself as you do in real life.
Crowds to pack live sites
Crowds to pack live sites :"'It is 1am in the morning, so it is not an unreasonable time for too many people,' Mr Pandazopoulos said.
'What we want is families to come out and party and enjoy,' he said."
Adelaide is hoping for a big screen. While the other cities have a big public venue, we have the plasma TVs at the top of the Mall. Better than nothing, and pubs have been hoping to get a licence for Tuesday because the pub venues around town are mostly family friendly. Others will rug up indoors at home and enjoy! The truth is , we are better than some of the poorer countries who are desperate to see the World Cup and whose little children would value it so much more than we do and we are having a great time. We have spared those countries a thought. I know my little sponsored child would just love to see all of this because he plays football after school and after his chores for the family. In any case, it has caught our imagination. It has set the world on fire with something to be positively passionate about and it has shown just how easy it is to connect us all with a common interest. As one of the Socceroos said...we'll let the football do the talking.
Home for baby was a drug lab
The Advertiser: Home for baby was a drug lab :
"'The people who are involved with these types of activities have no consideration for the welfare of others,' he said. 'The risks are just so high with the gas emissions and the dangerous chemicals involved."
The film Trainspotting was spot on when it came to the practical problems of people on drugs and the effect their families and friends. There was a little baby in the film which became neglected and the film didn't pull any punches. Once that is your life style then there is a whole package which comes with it. These children are not safe and they may well be loved but they are not properly looked after. So sad.
"'The people who are involved with these types of activities have no consideration for the welfare of others,' he said. 'The risks are just so high with the gas emissions and the dangerous chemicals involved."
The film Trainspotting was spot on when it came to the practical problems of people on drugs and the effect their families and friends. There was a little baby in the film which became neglected and the film didn't pull any punches. Once that is your life style then there is a whole package which comes with it. These children are not safe and they may well be loved but they are not properly looked after. So sad.
OK, I'll take the bus & train, says Conlon
The Advertiser: OK, I'll take the bus & train, says Conlon :
"Mr Conlon has vowed he will accept last week's Sunday Mail challenge to swap his chauffeur-driven car and join the thousands of commuters who each day rely on the city's public transport to get them to work."
That is remarkably daring of him. Overseas, politicians do take the trains and buses of their cities. Adelaide has come unglued with the public transport because of the number of changes on roads and then the shift to public transport away from cars. Mr. Conlon needs to remember that he still has his chauffeur driven car to fall back on and that his is a short term taste of public transport. Our transport is normally quite good but it is clear from talking to regular users that the shine has dropped off. It will be hard on the bus drivers who are in the line of fire. A team of people should be checking the system and the problems. The Adelaide Metro site is obviously getting feedback but don't seem to be responding. Maybe some of these problems are out of their control. This is where we need to investigate it properly and arrive at sensible decisions. People do not just complain when it comes to public transport. To suggest there isn't really a problem is not the way to solve it. But I think it's good that Mr. Conlon is going to get out there himself and have a look.
"Mr Conlon has vowed he will accept last week's Sunday Mail challenge to swap his chauffeur-driven car and join the thousands of commuters who each day rely on the city's public transport to get them to work."
That is remarkably daring of him. Overseas, politicians do take the trains and buses of their cities. Adelaide has come unglued with the public transport because of the number of changes on roads and then the shift to public transport away from cars. Mr. Conlon needs to remember that he still has his chauffeur driven car to fall back on and that his is a short term taste of public transport. Our transport is normally quite good but it is clear from talking to regular users that the shine has dropped off. It will be hard on the bus drivers who are in the line of fire. A team of people should be checking the system and the problems. The Adelaide Metro site is obviously getting feedback but don't seem to be responding. Maybe some of these problems are out of their control. This is where we need to investigate it properly and arrive at sensible decisions. People do not just complain when it comes to public transport. To suggest there isn't really a problem is not the way to solve it. But I think it's good that Mr. Conlon is going to get out there himself and have a look.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
More sheep thefts on EP
More sheep thefts on EP :"Seventy ewes were reported to have been stolen from an Edillilie property between February and May while 40 lambs were reported missing from a Karkoo farm between May 1 and June 16."
Who is stealing our Eyre Peninsula sheep and why? Leave our sheep alone. Sounds like a pretty organised group. Where are they taking the sheep and you'd have to notice them....baaaaaastards!
Collie murder
The Advertiser: Cloth 'muffled girl's screams' :
"It is alleged that when the two 16-year-olds awoke on Sunday morning, they worked out how to kill Ms Davis before seizing her in one of the bedrooms of the split-level house."
I have had to divorce myself emotionally from this. It is so horrible. As I had said it totally struck us dumb when we first heard it. Eliza, the girl who was killed, was to all accounts a happy, healthy, normal girl. When you read this article it sheds no light and sounds even more bizarre. It reads as though the other two girls were drones, like robots. They all went out dancing on Saturday night and the two of them were supposed to have got up on Sunday and planned the murder. They were supposed to be happy and friends. What 16 year old Australian girls get up on a Sunday morning and plan to strangle their friend? On that very morning? With speaker wire and I guess the flannel was stuffed in her mouth? It's like they were just robots . 16 year old girls would be laughing, chatting, maybe getting far too loud and playing loud music. Maybe cooking pancakes on a cold day ...certainly listening to music and just full on chatting. Have you had 16 year old girls over at your place? They are full on!...or, since they were out the night before, they might have been pretty sleepy for a while. 16 year old can't even get their washing in the wash and their bed made let alone murder someone in a very hands on way and then drag the body downstairs to bury it and leave it there under the house. 16 year old girls can be a bit morbid and into the supernatural and all of that, but they are basically not good on real life squeamish. I'm sorry, we have got to get to the bottom of this. That young girl has died for no good reason and I don't want to live in a country where this happens and we do not understand how it happened. We are speechless and dumb struck and the instinct is to pretend it hasn't happened. Why chuck her stuff in the river? At 16 they would know the police would search the local area. And what did they do till Wednesday? Go to school? Pretend it was all normal? That's 2 pretty tough girls. They really sound like they were programmed. Did they text each other to go to the police? One in Perth, one in Collie? We have to understand this because people have girls at school. How could they wait till Wednesday and why? Did they think , at 16, the police wouldn't mind very much if they went and said? That they'd get a detention? You don't get up on a Sunday morning and decide to murder your friend. Presumably they had to overpower her? Sexist as it may sound, it doesn't sound like 16 year old girls at all. Doesn't sound like 16 year old anyone. It sounds like robots. What is to become of these girls? Eliza's family must be so traumatised. If we can't deal with it, how must they be feeling? Why? I know. We are all asking why. It is something for us to understand so we do not have to let our young ones be like this.
"It is alleged that when the two 16-year-olds awoke on Sunday morning, they worked out how to kill Ms Davis before seizing her in one of the bedrooms of the split-level house."
I have had to divorce myself emotionally from this. It is so horrible. As I had said it totally struck us dumb when we first heard it. Eliza, the girl who was killed, was to all accounts a happy, healthy, normal girl. When you read this article it sheds no light and sounds even more bizarre. It reads as though the other two girls were drones, like robots. They all went out dancing on Saturday night and the two of them were supposed to have got up on Sunday and planned the murder. They were supposed to be happy and friends. What 16 year old Australian girls get up on a Sunday morning and plan to strangle their friend? On that very morning? With speaker wire and I guess the flannel was stuffed in her mouth? It's like they were just robots . 16 year old girls would be laughing, chatting, maybe getting far too loud and playing loud music. Maybe cooking pancakes on a cold day ...certainly listening to music and just full on chatting. Have you had 16 year old girls over at your place? They are full on!...or, since they were out the night before, they might have been pretty sleepy for a while. 16 year old can't even get their washing in the wash and their bed made let alone murder someone in a very hands on way and then drag the body downstairs to bury it and leave it there under the house. 16 year old girls can be a bit morbid and into the supernatural and all of that, but they are basically not good on real life squeamish. I'm sorry, we have got to get to the bottom of this. That young girl has died for no good reason and I don't want to live in a country where this happens and we do not understand how it happened. We are speechless and dumb struck and the instinct is to pretend it hasn't happened. Why chuck her stuff in the river? At 16 they would know the police would search the local area. And what did they do till Wednesday? Go to school? Pretend it was all normal? That's 2 pretty tough girls. They really sound like they were programmed. Did they text each other to go to the police? One in Perth, one in Collie? We have to understand this because people have girls at school. How could they wait till Wednesday and why? Did they think , at 16, the police wouldn't mind very much if they went and said? That they'd get a detention? You don't get up on a Sunday morning and decide to murder your friend. Presumably they had to overpower her? Sexist as it may sound, it doesn't sound like 16 year old girls at all. Doesn't sound like 16 year old anyone. It sounds like robots. What is to become of these girls? Eliza's family must be so traumatised. If we can't deal with it, how must they be feeling? Why? I know. We are all asking why. It is something for us to understand so we do not have to let our young ones be like this.
Mobile phone risk during storms
BBC NEWS | Health | Mobile phone risk during storms:
"UK doctors have warned of the danger of lightning strikes when using mobile phones outdoors during stormy weather."
I know about the dangers of using a landline during storms,but the case study of a 15 year old girl using a mobile during a storm is a real wake up call. She had a cardiac arrest and had to be revived but the ongoing damage to her is really severe. Given there are some people glued to their mobiles, we need to get the safety message out there.
"UK doctors have warned of the danger of lightning strikes when using mobile phones outdoors during stormy weather."
I know about the dangers of using a landline during storms,but the case study of a 15 year old girl using a mobile during a storm is a real wake up call. She had a cardiac arrest and had to be revived but the ongoing damage to her is really severe. Given there are some people glued to their mobiles, we need to get the safety message out there.
Delayed passengers left to book new flights.
Delayed passengers left to book new flights.
:
"'The thing that's really annoyed people is that Qantas has told us we would have to make our own arrangements to book our forward passage to Sydney,' she said.
'They weren't automatically going to find planes for us but that we would have to ring up the Qantas reservation centre and make our own arrangements.'"
Why not? We print our own photos,book our own flights anyway..., bank,do this , do that. We do the work and they get the money. We get what we are prepared to accept. We pay money AND do the work. Qantas used to be exemplary in its treatment of passengers. It used to be the preferred airline and its service was superb. It is still trading on the name but it's a pretty long way from being a good airline. What happened? It's frustrating enough being delayed and you certainly pay for the tickets and holidays. I gather they don't want us to fly and they don't want us to fly Qantas. Pretty bad.
:
"'The thing that's really annoyed people is that Qantas has told us we would have to make our own arrangements to book our forward passage to Sydney,' she said.
'They weren't automatically going to find planes for us but that we would have to ring up the Qantas reservation centre and make our own arrangements.'"
Why not? We print our own photos,book our own flights anyway..., bank,do this , do that. We do the work and they get the money. We get what we are prepared to accept. We pay money AND do the work. Qantas used to be exemplary in its treatment of passengers. It used to be the preferred airline and its service was superb. It is still trading on the name but it's a pretty long way from being a good airline. What happened? It's frustrating enough being delayed and you certainly pay for the tickets and holidays. I gather they don't want us to fly and they don't want us to fly Qantas. Pretty bad.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Australia 'misses wave of global growth'
Australia 'misses wave of global growth' :
"'Australia has failed badly at surfing the global growth of recent years,' the report said.
'In order to do better we need the infrastructure, and the commodities to export through that infrastructure."
And we thought we were such good surfers. We are not good exporters. We need to get good at that.
"'Australia has failed badly at surfing the global growth of recent years,' the report said.
'In order to do better we need the infrastructure, and the commodities to export through that infrastructure."
And we thought we were such good surfers. We are not good exporters. We need to get good at that.
Zap to the head can stave off migraine
Zap to the head can stave off migraine :
"The pulse has been found to trigger an electric current in neurons in the brain, preventing the initial 'electrical storm' from developing into a full-blown migraine."
So what long term effects does head zapping (aka Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) have, is it expensive and how does it compare with tablets? Can it be used for other killer headaches as well as migraines? The Ohio State University Medical team are going to present their findings on this head zapper which sounds so techno and cool and the very thing for the killer headache...but will brain zapping stuff up your brain is what I want to know and shall we be more amenable and compliant for having used it???
"The pulse has been found to trigger an electric current in neurons in the brain, preventing the initial 'electrical storm' from developing into a full-blown migraine."
So what long term effects does head zapping (aka Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) have, is it expensive and how does it compare with tablets? Can it be used for other killer headaches as well as migraines? The Ohio State University Medical team are going to present their findings on this head zapper which sounds so techno and cool and the very thing for the killer headache...but will brain zapping stuff up your brain is what I want to know and shall we be more amenable and compliant for having used it???
Quake fears as stress builds on San Andreas fault
Quake fears as stress builds on San Andreas fault :
"The southern end of the San Andreas fault near Los Angeles, which has not had a major rupture for more than 300 years, is under immense stress and there are fears it could produce a massive earthquake.
But exactly when that quake will take place cannot be predicted, a new study published in the British journal Nature says."
I have known about the San Andreas Fault all my life. It seems like forever that people have been talking about this fault and what might happen. So, we have the knowledge. It seems that even though there is this much stress, it does not mean there will be an earth quake . It would also appear we know a lot but not enough to be clear about what might occur when. In the light of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean area, I think we showed we could get enough information to alert people but we had no routine way of passing that information to key people who would act. Nature is mnature. We have to live with it but we are smart enough to be investigative and alert. We didn't react to the tsunami either because we went into disbelief. Our own shock. Fair enough, given we are human...but the cost? Too high. This San Andreas fault needs to be dealt with. It is obviously being monitored. We need a protocol in place which we will follow and which will get action inspite of our disbelief. We have the means to do that now. We need to look after ourselves.
"The southern end of the San Andreas fault near Los Angeles, which has not had a major rupture for more than 300 years, is under immense stress and there are fears it could produce a massive earthquake.
But exactly when that quake will take place cannot be predicted, a new study published in the British journal Nature says."
I have known about the San Andreas Fault all my life. It seems like forever that people have been talking about this fault and what might happen. So, we have the knowledge. It seems that even though there is this much stress, it does not mean there will be an earth quake . It would also appear we know a lot but not enough to be clear about what might occur when. In the light of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean area, I think we showed we could get enough information to alert people but we had no routine way of passing that information to key people who would act. Nature is mnature. We have to live with it but we are smart enough to be investigative and alert. We didn't react to the tsunami either because we went into disbelief. Our own shock. Fair enough, given we are human...but the cost? Too high. This San Andreas fault needs to be dealt with. It is obviously being monitored. We need a protocol in place which we will follow and which will get action inspite of our disbelief. We have the means to do that now. We need to look after ourselves.
Socceroos ready for Italy and the world
Socceroos ready for Italy and the world:"Their triumph in the most adrenaline-charged encounter of the World Cup so far sets up a tantalising meeting in Kaiserslautern next Monday (0100 Tuesday AEST) with the thrice world champion Italians who also lost the 1994 final to Brazil on penalties."
The early to bed, early to rise routine seems to be working for the World Cup enthusiasts. Our lot just floated into work today on a wave of incredible excitement. They had all seen the best football they had seen since they were little. They had all praised the skills of both teams. They said the match was just brilliant and just so superb and everything you would want from a football match. They said it got so exciting in the end the cards were out left right and centre and if the card count was muddled...it wasn't surprising because it was all happening. I have never seen these guys so child like, so lit up and so thrilled to bits. They couldn't find enough praise for everyone and said the muddled bits would get sorted out in the wash. So, Italy next. That should set us on fire as we have so many expat Italians here and they are so proud of being Italian Australians and Australian Italians. The pasta and vino is sure to flow in the early hours! We are so proud of our team and our coach...he's the man!! As for the guys...just get in there and have the time of your lives. After 32 years we are having a ball right along with you.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Heat-seeking sheep pave way for roads that generate energy
Heat-seeking sheep pave way for roads that generate energy:
"It generates energy to cool buildings and roads in summer and heat them in winter. Other benefits include not having to salt roads in winter, halving maintenance to tarmac and reducing emissions."
We don't have sheep warming themselves on roads here, but roads which help to heat and cool buildings is a great idea. A renewable reverse cycle energy source which is actually utilising the artefacts of our modern, urban living. The sheep on the west coast of Scotland had inpsired a dutchamn to think of this and the Invisible Heating Systems firm has made it a reality in the Netherlands. Brilliant thinking!
"It generates energy to cool buildings and roads in summer and heat them in winter. Other benefits include not having to salt roads in winter, halving maintenance to tarmac and reducing emissions."
We don't have sheep warming themselves on roads here, but roads which help to heat and cool buildings is a great idea. A renewable reverse cycle energy source which is actually utilising the artefacts of our modern, urban living. The sheep on the west coast of Scotland had inpsired a dutchamn to think of this and the Invisible Heating Systems firm has made it a reality in the Netherlands. Brilliant thinking!
Great-grandmother abseils
Great-grandmother abseils into record books :
"The 92-year-old British great-grandmother abseiled 67 metres down the side of a tower block."
This woman is not only a legend..read the article, she has a great sense of humour too. All power to her!
"The 92-year-old British great-grandmother abseiled 67 metres down the side of a tower block."
This woman is not only a legend..read the article, she has a great sense of humour too. All power to her!
Blood test may help detect skin cancer
Blood test may help detect skin cancer :
"Malignant melanoma was the most common skin cancer among 15- to 45-year-olds, and Australia had the highest incidence in the world, researchers at Perth's Edith Cowan University (ECU) said."
Prevention is always better than cure but early detection can be a life saver too. If they can get theis blood test to the stage where it is routine it will save a lot of heartache in this country. Melanoma can be fatal and it's something to which we are all vulnerable because of the depletion of the ozone layer and the intensity of the sun. As outdoors people then skin cancer is fairly frequent and we have to be ever vigilant. A blood test will be so welcome.
"Malignant melanoma was the most common skin cancer among 15- to 45-year-olds, and Australia had the highest incidence in the world, researchers at Perth's Edith Cowan University (ECU) said."
Prevention is always better than cure but early detection can be a life saver too. If they can get theis blood test to the stage where it is routine it will save a lot of heartache in this country. Melanoma can be fatal and it's something to which we are all vulnerable because of the depletion of the ozone layer and the intensity of the sun. As outdoors people then skin cancer is fairly frequent and we have to be ever vigilant. A blood test will be so welcome.
Teen girls face murder charge
Teen girls face murder charge :
"TWO 16-year-old West Australian girls appeared in court today after allegedly strangling their teenage friend then burying her body in a shallow grave beneath her house."
There was stunned silence in my home when this came on the news tonight. Then we looked at each other. The disbelief was palpable. These are 3 teenage , Australian girls who went to school together...like our kids have gone to school together. How do we get something like that happening in our community? Australian kids are lively, sporty, too loud at times...some are speeding and getting drunk or trying drugs, but mostly they are just kids. How do you get that happening? Sick is the word that comes to mind. These girls must be very sick...and so, if these girls are sick, how many other girls are? Who are our kids going to school with and what is making this happen? What is influencing this? The parents and family of the one who has died must be feeling shattered. I don't even know the girl and I feel awful. So bad for the parents and friends. The other two girls, who are they and what were they thinking? How do you get to be like that at 16 in Australia? The police are still doing their investigations and I suppose it will shed some light, but we need kids just to be kids. What will happen to the girls? If they actually have done this, what shall become of them? I am not surprised the Detective Sergeant hadn't come across anything like this in 20 years. We need to be very careful because it is so important we understand how this has occurred.
"TWO 16-year-old West Australian girls appeared in court today after allegedly strangling their teenage friend then burying her body in a shallow grave beneath her house."
There was stunned silence in my home when this came on the news tonight. Then we looked at each other. The disbelief was palpable. These are 3 teenage , Australian girls who went to school together...like our kids have gone to school together. How do we get something like that happening in our community? Australian kids are lively, sporty, too loud at times...some are speeding and getting drunk or trying drugs, but mostly they are just kids. How do you get that happening? Sick is the word that comes to mind. These girls must be very sick...and so, if these girls are sick, how many other girls are? Who are our kids going to school with and what is making this happen? What is influencing this? The parents and family of the one who has died must be feeling shattered. I don't even know the girl and I feel awful. So bad for the parents and friends. The other two girls, who are they and what were they thinking? How do you get to be like that at 16 in Australia? The police are still doing their investigations and I suppose it will shed some light, but we need kids just to be kids. What will happen to the girls? If they actually have done this, what shall become of them? I am not surprised the Detective Sergeant hadn't come across anything like this in 20 years. We need to be very careful because it is so important we understand how this has occurred.
Out of hours and school is in
The Advertiser: Out of hours and school is in :
"The stretch is being felt at Glenunga International, Unley High and Adelaide High schools, with Glenunga offering 8am to 8.40am classes before school and 3.30pm to 5pm classes afterwards."
I don't really know how the kids would feel about after hours classes, but it would seem a good idea to help better use of the facilities. You often hear of schools being set on fire or thefts occurring. They are big, expensive buildings. It would be good to get optimum use out of them and it might help if the kids can sleep in sometimes because I think that's what a lot of kids like to do! I have watched how things have changed at home and how the Internet has altered how assignments are done and submitted and how students can contact tutors on the Net. I think our lives have been changed but we haven't actually brought in any flexibility with working hours/school hours. Given the financial investment in schools, there should be good use made of them.
"The stretch is being felt at Glenunga International, Unley High and Adelaide High schools, with Glenunga offering 8am to 8.40am classes before school and 3.30pm to 5pm classes afterwards."
I don't really know how the kids would feel about after hours classes, but it would seem a good idea to help better use of the facilities. You often hear of schools being set on fire or thefts occurring. They are big, expensive buildings. It would be good to get optimum use out of them and it might help if the kids can sleep in sometimes because I think that's what a lot of kids like to do! I have watched how things have changed at home and how the Internet has altered how assignments are done and submitted and how students can contact tutors on the Net. I think our lives have been changed but we haven't actually brought in any flexibility with working hours/school hours. Given the financial investment in schools, there should be good use made of them.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Telemarketers to be permanently cut off
Telemarketers to be permanently cut off :
"Registration will be available for fixed line and mobile phone numbers and will be free. The call ban will apply to Australian telemarketers and overseas callers working for Australian companies."
No one has the right to tout their business by phone ESPECIALLY if this is a silent number. The default should be DO NOT CALL. Creating a do not call list is a great way of getting hold of the names, addresses and phone numbers of millions of Australians. What a fantastic idea, then it can be somehow leaked somewhere. Oh, my, what a fabulous idea!! The list will be kept on a computer. Computers are not secure, we know that. Love it, love it. What other great ideas do you have? LA LA LALA LAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
"Registration will be available for fixed line and mobile phone numbers and will be free. The call ban will apply to Australian telemarketers and overseas callers working for Australian companies."
No one has the right to tout their business by phone ESPECIALLY if this is a silent number. The default should be DO NOT CALL. Creating a do not call list is a great way of getting hold of the names, addresses and phone numbers of millions of Australians. What a fantastic idea, then it can be somehow leaked somewhere. Oh, my, what a fabulous idea!! The list will be kept on a computer. Computers are not secure, we know that. Love it, love it. What other great ideas do you have? LA LA LALA LAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Democracy under threat
Democracy under threat, says Beazley :
"The Government now plans to slash the number of committees and put a government member in charge of each one that remains."
Dearrie, dearrie me, och, dearrie me....The government is having a whale of a time but I have to confess some of our other politicians have really put their thinking caps on and shown that the government may have the numbers but it does not have the control. Some of our other politicians have been very creative in their thinking and approach and they will just have to show the leadership which is currently lacking. We knew once the government had control of the senate what it would do. There are no surprises here. We need to be reminded that Australians voted for this and may not have understood at the time what it would mean. Now they know. They could have listened but they preferred the discovery learning approach. Now they are discovering and it's an enlightening experience. I think it's showing the flexibility and ingenuity of our non government politicians and it demonstrates how many people value what was our democracy. We can't say we weren't told, but now we'll have to see just how good we are at tackling the current challenge.
"The Government now plans to slash the number of committees and put a government member in charge of each one that remains."
Dearrie, dearrie me, och, dearrie me....The government is having a whale of a time but I have to confess some of our other politicians have really put their thinking caps on and shown that the government may have the numbers but it does not have the control. Some of our other politicians have been very creative in their thinking and approach and they will just have to show the leadership which is currently lacking. We knew once the government had control of the senate what it would do. There are no surprises here. We need to be reminded that Australians voted for this and may not have understood at the time what it would mean. Now they know. They could have listened but they preferred the discovery learning approach. Now they are discovering and it's an enlightening experience. I think it's showing the flexibility and ingenuity of our non government politicians and it demonstrates how many people value what was our democracy. We can't say we weren't told, but now we'll have to see just how good we are at tackling the current challenge.
Japan gains momentum on whaling
Japan gains momentum on whaling :
"'Regardless of the rhetoric and posturing here, very little has been achieved, either for whales or people this week,' said Susan Lieberman, director of WWF's global species program."
All the environmental news today is the same. It's about profit and productivity and not about people and creatures. Just about everything these days is tied to big business and so all decisions will be in favour of money, fullstop, end of story. This is the world we have built and the legacy we shall leave. It matters not one jot how much we lose and destroy on the planet as long as people can generate huge sums of money in the short term. We are a pretty sad lot of custodians.
"'Regardless of the rhetoric and posturing here, very little has been achieved, either for whales or people this week,' said Susan Lieberman, director of WWF's global species program."
All the environmental news today is the same. It's about profit and productivity and not about people and creatures. Just about everything these days is tied to big business and so all decisions will be in favour of money, fullstop, end of story. This is the world we have built and the legacy we shall leave. It matters not one jot how much we lose and destroy on the planet as long as people can generate huge sums of money in the short term. We are a pretty sad lot of custodians.
Excessive levels of lead found in drinking water, Greens say.
Excessive levels of lead found in drinking water, Greens say.
: "He told Parliament arsenic, zinc, copper and cromium have also been detected.
The Minister for Health, Lara Giddings, has not confirmed the claims.
She told Parliament she would report back to the House by the end of the day."
Given water is one of our staffs of life, I had assumed it would be regularly checked. How silly of me. I think we need to have regular water checks done on the water which is destined for our taps....and people wonder why we always drink bottled water!
: "He told Parliament arsenic, zinc, copper and cromium have also been detected.
The Minister for Health, Lara Giddings, has not confirmed the claims.
She told Parliament she would report back to the House by the end of the day."
Given water is one of our staffs of life, I had assumed it would be regularly checked. How silly of me. I think we need to have regular water checks done on the water which is destined for our taps....and people wonder why we always drink bottled water!
Number of millionaires up.
Number of millionaires up. :
"The report found the number of high earners around the world grew by 6.5 per cent in 2004 to 8.7 million people."
There is only a certain amount of money in the world. If more has shifted to the top...then a lot more have less at the bottom.
"The report found the number of high earners around the world grew by 6.5 per cent in 2004 to 8.7 million people."
There is only a certain amount of money in the world. If more has shifted to the top...then a lot more have less at the bottom.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Banana import ban 'a political tool'
Banana import ban 'a political tool' :
"Maria Albarece said Canberra's refusal to ease the shortage by lifting the import ban was an indication it had caved in to pressure from the banana growers' lobby.
The price of bananas has skyrocketed to $15 a kilogram since March, when Cyclone Larry wiped out most of north Queensland's crop."
Yes, quarantine is a crucial issue in this country but we import other fruit and vegetables...I have seen them!! This is a perfect example of how a short term trade agreement could ease our pain. It is going to take a little while for our own banana crops to get back into business. Australia runs on bananas, kiwi fruit, oranges and apples, but bananas are right up there on the list. We have been talking about it at work and it's no wonder everyone is getting tired and grumpy...we need the nutritional input of bananas. They have become a luxury item but EVERYONE eats them. We can't live without bananas. We can't think without them. We are going bananas without bananas. This is a classic time for our fruit inspectors to okay some suitable fruit sourced elsewhere ..and quick. For goodness sake, so us all a favour. It won't threaten our farmers, they don't have many to sell!! Just think of those poor little children going to school without their bananas in their lunch box.
Newspaper great Des Colquhoun dies
The Advertiser: Newspaper great Des Colquhoun dies :
"ONE of Adelaide's outstanding journalists, Des Colquhoun, died quietly in his sleep early yesterday, aged 75."
I am going to have to add my thoughts to a very long list of others who will sadly miss Des Colquhoun. It is so sad that he died but I am relieved to discover he was released from his job of bringing us hours and hours of fine reading in a peaceful way. I always read his columns. He was interesting, quietly provocative, heartwarming and someone with a social conscience. I have spent hours of my life being moved by the writing of this man and was very sad when he could no longer provide a regular column. He has had a significant impact on our social fabric by being an inspirational, well informed, competent writer who looked at life in his own unique way, but in a way which would make us so much the better for his having shared his thoughts and views with us. A master craftman of the pen...and word processor. We shall miss him.
"ONE of Adelaide's outstanding journalists, Des Colquhoun, died quietly in his sleep early yesterday, aged 75."
I am going to have to add my thoughts to a very long list of others who will sadly miss Des Colquhoun. It is so sad that he died but I am relieved to discover he was released from his job of bringing us hours and hours of fine reading in a peaceful way. I always read his columns. He was interesting, quietly provocative, heartwarming and someone with a social conscience. I have spent hours of my life being moved by the writing of this man and was very sad when he could no longer provide a regular column. He has had a significant impact on our social fabric by being an inspirational, well informed, competent writer who looked at life in his own unique way, but in a way which would make us so much the better for his having shared his thoughts and views with us. A master craftman of the pen...and word processor. We shall miss him.
Poo Paper.
Paper maker adds new zoo poo to roo poo. :
"'But oddly enough the more decomposed the dung is it's actually a little bit easier for paper making, so there's no problem as far as that's concerned and it goes through a very extensive and hygienic process where all the bacteria is boiled away, so what you're left with is a remarkably strong, good quality fibre that's really great to work with.'"
We've had very successful kangaroo poo paper, now we have choices...fine quality elephant poo paper!!
"'But oddly enough the more decomposed the dung is it's actually a little bit easier for paper making, so there's no problem as far as that's concerned and it goes through a very extensive and hygienic process where all the bacteria is boiled away, so what you're left with is a remarkably strong, good quality fibre that's really great to work with.'"
We've had very successful kangaroo poo paper, now we have choices...fine quality elephant poo paper!!
Eggs not to blame for salmonella outbreak.
Eggs not to blame for salmonella outbreak. :
"Seventeen people have been infected with the bacteria and six of those cases have been linked to ravioli products made by Adelaide company Buona Pasta."
The man who owns the factory is doing everything within his power to find the cause, as are the authorities. Our food seems to be tampered with on a regular basis. I feel sorry for the food producers because I do not particularly believe they are at fault. Why is our food contaminated on such a regular basis? We are all going to have to be more vigilant to get to the bottom of this. Good food is vital to our well being.
"Seventeen people have been infected with the bacteria and six of those cases have been linked to ravioli products made by Adelaide company Buona Pasta."
The man who owns the factory is doing everything within his power to find the cause, as are the authorities. Our food seems to be tampered with on a regular basis. I feel sorry for the food producers because I do not particularly believe they are at fault. Why is our food contaminated on such a regular basis? We are all going to have to be more vigilant to get to the bottom of this. Good food is vital to our well being.
Children frequently missing meals
Children frequently missing meals: study. :
"They also found many of those children would often miss regular meals, including lunch and dinner."
So much for being a civilised country. Our lack of capacity to nurture the young is something we should be read the riot act about. Given 5,500 children were interviewed this is appalling.
"They also found many of those children would often miss regular meals, including lunch and dinner."
So much for being a civilised country. Our lack of capacity to nurture the young is something we should be read the riot act about. Given 5,500 children were interviewed this is appalling.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Ogilvy wins US Open
Ogilvy wins US Open - Golf - Sport - smh.com.au:"Ogilvy, 29, is the first Australian winner of a major championship since Steve Elkington won the PGA in 1995."
All I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!!! I don't actually understand the interest in golf...as someone famous once said , it's a good way to ruin a nice walk. Still, this guy has done so well and I am pleased he has won the US Open because it is quite an achievement. A lot more people are playing golf here, for reasons best known to themselves and it's something all age groups are tinkering with...some more seriously than others. I saw my favourite, Mr. Nice Guy , Tiger Woods miss his shots...honestly! What came over him? I really like Tiger Woods. He has such an easy manner. I have never seen Geoff Ogilvy talk or play...but he is obviously right up there now and I'll look out for him.
Officer hit as drunk driver rams police
Officer hit as drunk driver rams police :
"The 48-year-old, travelling 20 kmh over the speed limit in an unregistered and uninsured Nissan Skyline, led pursuing police across Doonside and Blacktown and had no problem with smashing police cars, driving into police officers and even hiding under houses to escape his pursuers."
He also stopped at the petrol station so the police could catch up with him. Luckily the dog squad caught him hiding out in a house...but seriously, thank heavens he was caught...and his unregistered, uninsured car. What was he thinking?
"The 48-year-old, travelling 20 kmh over the speed limit in an unregistered and uninsured Nissan Skyline, led pursuing police across Doonside and Blacktown and had no problem with smashing police cars, driving into police officers and even hiding under houses to escape his pursuers."
He also stopped at the petrol station so the police could catch up with him. Luckily the dog squad caught him hiding out in a house...but seriously, thank heavens he was caught...and his unregistered, uninsured car. What was he thinking?
Shuttle to fly in face of hazard
Shuttle to fly in face of hazard:
"NASA's top safety official, Bryan O'Conner, and its chief engineer, Christopher Scolese, signed the flight plans, but noted their objections about proceeding without resolving the issue."
I can only say to NASA the same thing I say to the people here...why are you employing experts and why are you ignoring them??? We are talking safety here. I know, I know, I'd be the first to be all excited because they have launched the Shuttle. I love the Shuttle stuff and what it does and how they get it back home. If the risk is rated probable/catastrophic then this is not the careful NASA I know which only takes calculated risks. This is reckless and I think NASA needs to rethink the launch date because it is not worth throwing lives away because you didn't want to dot the i's and cross the t's. Poeple are everything and launching for disaster is so pointless when there are experts there who would just thrive on the challenge of solving the problems.
"NASA's top safety official, Bryan O'Conner, and its chief engineer, Christopher Scolese, signed the flight plans, but noted their objections about proceeding without resolving the issue."
I can only say to NASA the same thing I say to the people here...why are you employing experts and why are you ignoring them??? We are talking safety here. I know, I know, I'd be the first to be all excited because they have launched the Shuttle. I love the Shuttle stuff and what it does and how they get it back home. If the risk is rated probable/catastrophic then this is not the careful NASA I know which only takes calculated risks. This is reckless and I think NASA needs to rethink the launch date because it is not worth throwing lives away because you didn't want to dot the i's and cross the t's. Poeple are everything and launching for disaster is so pointless when there are experts there who would just thrive on the challenge of solving the problems.
Socceroos
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.:
"The dream became reality, and reality came crashing down. Not a fatal crash. But a crash, nonetheless."
A lot of people went to bed early and got up to watch the match. I woke up at 2am and 4am and that was my big effort. The general consensus was it was a superb match and that both teams played exceptionally well. Poeple thought the Socceroos were extremely good but didn't capitalise on the their goal opportunities but at no stage would anyone say they had been sloppy or played badly. The belief was they had played a fantastic game but just didn't get the goals and that they didn't get them was just the nature of that particular match and not any lack of skill on the part of the players. Everyone was stoked with the match and there was no sense of anything crashing. There is eager anticipation for the next match and we are all enormously proud of our team and the great effort they are making....and ,believe me, Adelaide is the first to sink the boot in if you get it wrong...so , onya, guys, and just keep on keeping on.
"The dream became reality, and reality came crashing down. Not a fatal crash. But a crash, nonetheless."
A lot of people went to bed early and got up to watch the match. I woke up at 2am and 4am and that was my big effort. The general consensus was it was a superb match and that both teams played exceptionally well. Poeple thought the Socceroos were extremely good but didn't capitalise on the their goal opportunities but at no stage would anyone say they had been sloppy or played badly. The belief was they had played a fantastic game but just didn't get the goals and that they didn't get them was just the nature of that particular match and not any lack of skill on the part of the players. Everyone was stoked with the match and there was no sense of anything crashing. There is eager anticipation for the next match and we are all enormously proud of our team and the great effort they are making....and ,believe me, Adelaide is the first to sink the boot in if you get it wrong...so , onya, guys, and just keep on keeping on.
London hospital prepares for four face transplants
London hospital prepares for four face transplants :
"A 38-year-old French factory worker, Isabelle Dinoire, became the first person to receive a new face - donated by the family of a suicide victim - in November last year, after she had been mauled by her labrador."
This is extraordinary, that we can now transplant faces and the article is discussing the idea of donor faces. Something else we can donate to save a life. Adelaide has a cranio facial unit so we often see the miracles of our surgeons who recreate faces over a number of operations for disfugured children in particular. We have seen how much that means to them and how much it changes their lives. Facial transplants would be such a miracle for burns vitims and other who have had their faces damaged in accidents. I often wonder what happened to the Adelaide woman who was accidently shot in the face because the guy thought she was someone else. I wonder about that guy too and what he did to someone and had planned to do to someone else. Sugeons are making some really remarkable breakthroughs so that innocent victims can be transformed. This London hospital plans to transform the faces of four people. I look forward to hearing the results. It's about time we focussed on building up instead of knocking down.
"A 38-year-old French factory worker, Isabelle Dinoire, became the first person to receive a new face - donated by the family of a suicide victim - in November last year, after she had been mauled by her labrador."
This is extraordinary, that we can now transplant faces and the article is discussing the idea of donor faces. Something else we can donate to save a life. Adelaide has a cranio facial unit so we often see the miracles of our surgeons who recreate faces over a number of operations for disfugured children in particular. We have seen how much that means to them and how much it changes their lives. Facial transplants would be such a miracle for burns vitims and other who have had their faces damaged in accidents. I often wonder what happened to the Adelaide woman who was accidently shot in the face because the guy thought she was someone else. I wonder about that guy too and what he did to someone and had planned to do to someone else. Sugeons are making some really remarkable breakthroughs so that innocent victims can be transformed. This London hospital plans to transform the faces of four people. I look forward to hearing the results. It's about time we focussed on building up instead of knocking down.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Australia Doubles Number of Scholarships to the Asia-Pacific Region
Australia Doubles Number of Scholarships to the Asia-Pacific Region:
"'The initiative brings together Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), managed by Australia's international aid agency, AusAID, and Endeavour Scholarships, administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST)."
I am really happy to read we have increased our funding to help the development of our South Pacific region. It's where we live and we do need to work in partnership with our neighbours. This money will provide 19, 000 scholarships and one of the aims is to helps foster future leaders in the area. The article doean't say how people get the scholarships, what the selection criteria are and in which countries they are available and for what kind of study. I'd really like to know!!
"'The initiative brings together Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), managed by Australia's international aid agency, AusAID, and Endeavour Scholarships, administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST)."
I am really happy to read we have increased our funding to help the development of our South Pacific region. It's where we live and we do need to work in partnership with our neighbours. This money will provide 19, 000 scholarships and one of the aims is to helps foster future leaders in the area. The article doean't say how people get the scholarships, what the selection criteria are and in which countries they are available and for what kind of study. I'd really like to know!!
'Bursting point' puts buses in slow lane
The Advertiser: 'Bursting point' puts buses in slow lane :
"Passenger Transport Board figures show bus trips have increased from 43.67 million in the 2004/2005 financial year to 48.8 million from July, 2005, to the end of May.
This is equivalent to 125,500 trips a day. Total public transport use had grown from 56 million trips to 58.4 million in the same period."
Yes, it's all come together and the buses are wearing the brunt of it. Time to sit down and talk. We have had a number of roadworks going on to upgrade our travel, we have had petrol increases, an awareness of global warming and then the speed limit changes. Suddenly there are more people , not enough buses and then incredible traffic congestion. I had to drive out to Hindmarsh the other week and I could not belive how much I was held up. I was so glad of my CDs because it was a constant time wasting experience. I used to be able to drive straight to Hindmarsh. Others had reported the same coming from the other side fo the city. None of what is happening is bad but we do not have the "plan" which will manage all of this. I was glad I knew the back roads because I got home much faster by missing most of the main roads until I got on the freeway. It was silly. Very other city! My daughter uses buses all the time and each day it's a case of late buses or no buses in certain areas. We really need to have a sensible look at this.
"Passenger Transport Board figures show bus trips have increased from 43.67 million in the 2004/2005 financial year to 48.8 million from July, 2005, to the end of May.
This is equivalent to 125,500 trips a day. Total public transport use had grown from 56 million trips to 58.4 million in the same period."
Yes, it's all come together and the buses are wearing the brunt of it. Time to sit down and talk. We have had a number of roadworks going on to upgrade our travel, we have had petrol increases, an awareness of global warming and then the speed limit changes. Suddenly there are more people , not enough buses and then incredible traffic congestion. I had to drive out to Hindmarsh the other week and I could not belive how much I was held up. I was so glad of my CDs because it was a constant time wasting experience. I used to be able to drive straight to Hindmarsh. Others had reported the same coming from the other side fo the city. None of what is happening is bad but we do not have the "plan" which will manage all of this. I was glad I knew the back roads because I got home much faster by missing most of the main roads until I got on the freeway. It was silly. Very other city! My daughter uses buses all the time and each day it's a case of late buses or no buses in certain areas. We really need to have a sensible look at this.
My little hero
The Advertiser: My little hero :
"Mrs Baldwin still gets emotional talking about Caleb's actions. 'I'd taught him if he could not wake mummy he was to dial the three circles on the telephone and tell the operator he could not wake mummy,' she said."
Just goes to show. Children can be taught to be very responsible if you find the right way. The parents are excellent for teaching their little boy since he was the one who would, more likely than not, be with the mother if anything happened. He took it in his stride. He responded to the cues , and his mother , who is only 27 , is safe and well thanks to him. His parents were good to include him as a resource since it was a life or death situation and for him it was a set of things to do. The ambulance people will now be aware of him and the mother and can create a meaningful relationship with the family so that this type predicament can be dealt with routinely. The ambulance people did well to get there so fast. It's a great community approach. Maybe there's some techno gizmo which he can press with her details or something like that which would automatically make the call or alert. Somehow it is easier when everyone is in the loop. What a fantastic story.
"Mrs Baldwin still gets emotional talking about Caleb's actions. 'I'd taught him if he could not wake mummy he was to dial the three circles on the telephone and tell the operator he could not wake mummy,' she said."
Just goes to show. Children can be taught to be very responsible if you find the right way. The parents are excellent for teaching their little boy since he was the one who would, more likely than not, be with the mother if anything happened. He took it in his stride. He responded to the cues , and his mother , who is only 27 , is safe and well thanks to him. His parents were good to include him as a resource since it was a life or death situation and for him it was a set of things to do. The ambulance people will now be aware of him and the mother and can create a meaningful relationship with the family so that this type predicament can be dealt with routinely. The ambulance people did well to get there so fast. It's a great community approach. Maybe there's some techno gizmo which he can press with her details or something like that which would automatically make the call or alert. Somehow it is easier when everyone is in the loop. What a fantastic story.
Socceroos vs. Brazil....
Look, no hands, ma!Soccer fans ready for sleepless night :
"Despite a 2am (AEST) start in the middle of winter, thousands of fans were expected to crowd pubs and outdoor live sites in the big cities, and millions more are expected to watch from their homes."
No one missed work last time. I wonder if they will this time? I think last time everyone was so excited over the way we won they had the adrenalin to get into work and rave , rave rave about it. There's a real quietness about at the moment, so maybe folks are resting up ready for the big night. People are certainly excited about it and I look forward to the news tomorrow. I just can't stay up that late and I'd fall asleep even if I tried.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
AFL
It's not the sort of behind you are supposed to get in football, but, oh well. We score goals and behinds!! And are we happy or what ...woooo-hooooo!!!! Both our teams have won again and we are so happy. It's making the young kids so excited and enthusiastic to have two winning teams in the AFL at the moment. It has really got them running around and dobbing the footy with a sense of purpose. It's got the Dads back into it as well because footabll is something that makes men feel good here. There are heaps of girls and women who take a solid interest in it as well. It's just part of a good community feel. Well done to Port, though, for such a convincing win over the Eagles. The latter are a pretty tough team to beat and they won the premiership last year. Port is running on a lot of new blood but I have to say they are shaping up well...and probably the reason a lot of girls are getting so keen on the sport here!! Which is not to say the Crows have nothing to offer. Indeed they do! The best thing though, is that it's been so much about the game lately..football...and I think that has changed everything for the better. We are all happy with the footie at the moment and it's great because it adds so much to our social wellbeing as well as our outlook on life. It's a great leveller.
PM keen to back tournament bid
The Advertiser: PM keen to back tournament bid :
"As World Cup fever swept the nation last week, Mr Rann wrote to Mr Howard seeking support for a bid on Australia's behalf."
You have to admit Mr. Rann just gets in there. You have got to be in it to win it. People used to love coming to Adelaide for the Formula One when it was here. World Cup Football? Why not? The young kids would just go off!! We love our football and our cricket...and we love the tennis too. Come to think of it, with the Tour Down Under...I think we just love sport...either playing it or supporting it. It's something we enjoy and which is very much a social, family thing for us. I don't think it's up to Mr.Howard and Mr. Rann, though, but why not get in there and give ourselves a go?
"As World Cup fever swept the nation last week, Mr Rann wrote to Mr Howard seeking support for a bid on Australia's behalf."
You have to admit Mr. Rann just gets in there. You have got to be in it to win it. People used to love coming to Adelaide for the Formula One when it was here. World Cup Football? Why not? The young kids would just go off!! We love our football and our cricket...and we love the tennis too. Come to think of it, with the Tour Down Under...I think we just love sport...either playing it or supporting it. It's something we enjoy and which is very much a social, family thing for us. I don't think it's up to Mr.Howard and Mr. Rann, though, but why not get in there and give ourselves a go?
Piglet keeps Pooh off air
Piglet keeps Pooh off air :
"TURKEY'S public television TRT, controlled by the Islamist-rooted government, has barred the popular Walt Disney cartoon Winnie the Pooh from air because it has a piglet as one of its main heroes, the Turkish press reported today."
Poor Piglet. Each to their own. This country banned Noddy because of Big Ears and even Biggles books....which you can pick up on Ebay.
Noddy Turns 50
"TURKEY'S public television TRT, controlled by the Islamist-rooted government, has barred the popular Walt Disney cartoon Winnie the Pooh from air because it has a piglet as one of its main heroes, the Turkish press reported today."
Poor Piglet. Each to their own. This country banned Noddy because of Big Ears and even Biggles books....which you can pick up on Ebay.
Noddy Turns 50
Beazley acting like Latham: minister
Beazley acting like Latham: minister :
"The Sydney Morning Herald quoted an unnamed shadow minister as having accused Mr Beazley of 'rolling over to appease a mob of gangsters' in Unions New South Wales."
I gather Mr. Beazley is doing well or this rot wouldn't be crawling out of the news fibres. The more they chuck rocks, the more successful the leader must be being and they will not be happy until they have damaged yet another one of our politicians. This era of government has been so destructive of our worthy politicians. So many of them can no longer function in politics. Not just Labour. All sorts of good Australians who were doing a good job have been so damaged by this run in politics. What is the point? It's a pretty stupid thing to do this to your own country because our politicians are working in the community with all of us. Attacking and breaking down the good and loyal ones is a pretty daft way to lead.
"The Sydney Morning Herald quoted an unnamed shadow minister as having accused Mr Beazley of 'rolling over to appease a mob of gangsters' in Unions New South Wales."
I gather Mr. Beazley is doing well or this rot wouldn't be crawling out of the news fibres. The more they chuck rocks, the more successful the leader must be being and they will not be happy until they have damaged yet another one of our politicians. This era of government has been so destructive of our worthy politicians. So many of them can no longer function in politics. Not just Labour. All sorts of good Australians who were doing a good job have been so damaged by this run in politics. What is the point? It's a pretty stupid thing to do this to your own country because our politicians are working in the community with all of us. Attacking and breaking down the good and loyal ones is a pretty daft way to lead.
Campbell encouraged by anti-whaling win.
Campbell encouraged by anti-whaling win. :
"'We cannot continue year after year to see the fate of the whales hang by a thread,' Greenpeace International spokesman Mike Townsley said."
Since Ian Cambell has been our Minister at IWC I have been watching him! Truth is, he has grown over the last few weeks and now is a composed, articulate, poised spokesperson for our country and our point of view. IWC needs to get accurate figures on whales and they need to be public. Sanctuaries need to be sanctuaries for whales and given that Japan dumped so much of that scientific whalemeat (blogged earlier in June), then I think IWC needs to clarify what scientific whaling means. Most people who are studying animals study them in their habitat over long term.If there are whales small enough to be farmed then I think that needs to be considered , even though I do not agree with it. Some people don't agree with cattle being eaten either. The IWC needs to confront these issues honestly and we need to look at the situation of the animals, fish and birds on our planet. We haven't exactly worked in harmony with the planet and over fishing, over killing and just plain ignoring the needs of our other creatures means we have brought about an imbalance in populations, destroyed some and ignored the plight of others. The whale situation needs to be properly and accurately documented and dealt with. It's hard to believe that civilised countries cannot come to a proper understanding on this and ,rather than resolve the issue , it's a constant case of position bargaining.
"'We cannot continue year after year to see the fate of the whales hang by a thread,' Greenpeace International spokesman Mike Townsley said."
Since Ian Cambell has been our Minister at IWC I have been watching him! Truth is, he has grown over the last few weeks and now is a composed, articulate, poised spokesperson for our country and our point of view. IWC needs to get accurate figures on whales and they need to be public. Sanctuaries need to be sanctuaries for whales and given that Japan dumped so much of that scientific whalemeat (blogged earlier in June), then I think IWC needs to clarify what scientific whaling means. Most people who are studying animals study them in their habitat over long term.If there are whales small enough to be farmed then I think that needs to be considered , even though I do not agree with it. Some people don't agree with cattle being eaten either. The IWC needs to confront these issues honestly and we need to look at the situation of the animals, fish and birds on our planet. We haven't exactly worked in harmony with the planet and over fishing, over killing and just plain ignoring the needs of our other creatures means we have brought about an imbalance in populations, destroyed some and ignored the plight of others. The whale situation needs to be properly and accurately documented and dealt with. It's hard to believe that civilised countries cannot come to a proper understanding on this and ,rather than resolve the issue , it's a constant case of position bargaining.
Friday, June 16, 2006
A dog's life
A dog's life, but only if you're bilingual :
"David Stephenson, who handles two-year-old Flint from Slovakia, said: 'At first we were telling them to sit and they weren't taking a blind bit of notice.'
Translators were brought in to provide a breakdown of basic words in the canine lexicon to help train the dogs the English way."
Just goes to show...if a dog can learn a foreign language, so can you. Bilingual is beautiful....and multilingual is magnificent.
On another note, I am stunned to find out the Britain cannot provide its own German Shepherds. Why not?? I wish to have a full and detailed explanation of this in triplicate on my desk in the morning at 8am sharp.
"David Stephenson, who handles two-year-old Flint from Slovakia, said: 'At first we were telling them to sit and they weren't taking a blind bit of notice.'
Translators were brought in to provide a breakdown of basic words in the canine lexicon to help train the dogs the English way."
Just goes to show...if a dog can learn a foreign language, so can you. Bilingual is beautiful....and multilingual is magnificent.
On another note, I am stunned to find out the Britain cannot provide its own German Shepherds. Why not?? I wish to have a full and detailed explanation of this in triplicate on my desk in the morning at 8am sharp.
Exam 'spy' traps school cheats
Exam 'spy' traps school cheats :
"Students who surfed the internet to complete their GCSE and A-level assignments face exposure as plagiarists in an experiment introduced by an exam board this summer."
I know this has been a problem driving people mad at uni. I wonder how successful the Turnitin software is and how long it takes to check and mark one paper. I guess other places will be trying it . But what about the net enabled mobile phones in exams? Or texting? Someone has told me today that they have phones which older people can't hear...just kids and dogs ( does that mean something?) Shall we have patrolling dogs in exam rooms like we have dogs at airports? Dogs are becoming very handy in a technologically bent world. I know unis are making students do a lot more oral work and explanations to try and combat plagarism of work. That seems to be very effective.
"Students who surfed the internet to complete their GCSE and A-level assignments face exposure as plagiarists in an experiment introduced by an exam board this summer."
I know this has been a problem driving people mad at uni. I wonder how successful the Turnitin software is and how long it takes to check and mark one paper. I guess other places will be trying it . But what about the net enabled mobile phones in exams? Or texting? Someone has told me today that they have phones which older people can't hear...just kids and dogs ( does that mean something?) Shall we have patrolling dogs in exam rooms like we have dogs at airports? Dogs are becoming very handy in a technologically bent world. I know unis are making students do a lot more oral work and explanations to try and combat plagarism of work. That seems to be very effective.
Software predicts Czech Republic to win World Cup
Channelnewsasia.com:
"The simulation of the tournament was designed and created by software engineers from Electronic Arts, which specialises in sports computer games."
I guess this would be one for the FIFA World Cup fanatics and it will be interesting hwo the software simulation compares with the real thing. It won't be able to replicate the sheer thrill and joy of sharing it with so many other humans. The human experience, but the software will feed those who just can't get enough of football at the moment. All the little kids are out there with their soccer balls and then they swap over to their footies. This is the thing I like at the moment. Our national and international football players are really inspiring the young kids..boys and girls...so they are all off their backsides kicking the round or oval ball ...or both and everyone is having a whale of a time. The laughter, cheer and enthusiasm say it all...and they are all ready for all the big matches. Now, that is balanced living. I have a feeling homework might be on a bit of a slide ...we need to monitor that one!! They have to hurt their heads with learning too!
"The simulation of the tournament was designed and created by software engineers from Electronic Arts, which specialises in sports computer games."
I guess this would be one for the FIFA World Cup fanatics and it will be interesting hwo the software simulation compares with the real thing. It won't be able to replicate the sheer thrill and joy of sharing it with so many other humans. The human experience, but the software will feed those who just can't get enough of football at the moment. All the little kids are out there with their soccer balls and then they swap over to their footies. This is the thing I like at the moment. Our national and international football players are really inspiring the young kids..boys and girls...so they are all off their backsides kicking the round or oval ball ...or both and everyone is having a whale of a time. The laughter, cheer and enthusiasm say it all...and they are all ready for all the big matches. Now, that is balanced living. I have a feeling homework might be on a bit of a slide ...we need to monitor that one!! They have to hurt their heads with learning too!
Anti terror laws
Channelnewsasia.com:
"The Australian government has rejected calls for an overhaul of its anti-terrorism laws, after a high level committee of security and legal experts recommended key changes to protect human rights."
What is the matter with this government? Why would you get security and legal experts together to review our security legislation and then say you know better than they? Why are our leaders on a completely different path from the rest of us. When you want to know, you get the best information you can, you look at it, condider it, ask questions and then discuss your misgivings and queries with the experts. These are people of considerable experience and expertise. So the rport is tabled Thursday and rejected Friday...slap in the face with a wet fish, I'd say...but I bet the committee of experts is just looking on wondering why on earth they were consulted when the government is not even doing them the courtesy of listening and discussing the matter with them like the intelligent, cpmpetent people they expect us to think they are. Unbelievable. This egocentric approach is so divisive and anti community approach.
"The Australian government has rejected calls for an overhaul of its anti-terrorism laws, after a high level committee of security and legal experts recommended key changes to protect human rights."
What is the matter with this government? Why would you get security and legal experts together to review our security legislation and then say you know better than they? Why are our leaders on a completely different path from the rest of us. When you want to know, you get the best information you can, you look at it, condider it, ask questions and then discuss your misgivings and queries with the experts. These are people of considerable experience and expertise. So the rport is tabled Thursday and rejected Friday...slap in the face with a wet fish, I'd say...but I bet the committee of experts is just looking on wondering why on earth they were consulted when the government is not even doing them the courtesy of listening and discussing the matter with them like the intelligent, cpmpetent people they expect us to think they are. Unbelievable. This egocentric approach is so divisive and anti community approach.
Gold man told: you're in a hole, stop digging
Scotsman.com Gold man told: you're in a hole, stop digging
"A Californian digging for gold in his front garden got 'carried away' and ended up with a 60ft hole."
The man was 63 and to dig a 20m hole says something about his level of fitness!! Well done on that score. He thought he had gold...why would you miss that golden opportunity? He must have thought it was a lot. So I can see the text book question now...how long will it take a 63 year old man to dig a 20 m hole for what he thinks is gold in his front garden? How wide was the hole? He's obviously so fit as well as obsessed!
"A Californian digging for gold in his front garden got 'carried away' and ended up with a 60ft hole."
The man was 63 and to dig a 20m hole says something about his level of fitness!! Well done on that score. He thought he had gold...why would you miss that golden opportunity? He must have thought it was a lot. So I can see the text book question now...how long will it take a 63 year old man to dig a 20 m hole for what he thinks is gold in his front garden? How wide was the hole? He's obviously so fit as well as obsessed!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Whale meat dumped as Japanese lose taste
Whale meat dumped as Japanese lose taste:
"JAPANESE whalers have been throwing away tonnes of their catches at sea because of a slump in consumption that has resulted in a vast surplus of whale meat."
I am so angry. So what was the point of killing them? This is sickening in the extreme. Extreme sickness and unbelievable cruelty. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Pot on you.
"JAPANESE whalers have been throwing away tonnes of their catches at sea because of a slump in consumption that has resulted in a vast surplus of whale meat."
I am so angry. So what was the point of killing them? This is sickening in the extreme. Extreme sickness and unbelievable cruelty. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Pot on you.
Schoolkids plan own courses
Schoolkids plan own courses :
"'It is a waste of time if you are learning something for which you have no use and in which you are disinterested,' the school says in a report on the project. 'You don't have to learn about all of it; you only need some of it. When you want to know and learn more, you will, and it will be useful to you.'"
Who doesn't know the difference between uninterested and disinterested???
I am sure the children will make some wonderful decisions about what to learn and overseas countries will be delighted to take our jobs because of an ongoing skills shortage. Various things train various aspects of our personality and brain. Student initiated learning will really help them get the edge...
On the up side, a tailored learning plan which is driven by educators would be a good idea. How many of us would have benefitted had we had some good advice and input from people who knew us as learners? I still don't know why I did year 12 Maths. I failed it and went back 5 years later and redid the course and got an A, but I really shouldn't have bothered. Yet, I cannot deny that mathematical thinking is something I needed to balance my very arts humanities bent. Thousands of years of proven educating is just being chucked out of the window. Elders are elders for a reason. Getting some input from students is valid when the course is set by people who are supposed to be experts in their field. I can really look forward to patient driven surgery. Homeowner driven plumbing and haven't we had dire warnings about doing our own electrical repairs no matter how enthusiastic? I gather we have abandoned the notion of education. The Summerhill student initiated learning has some profound and acknowledged limitations. Even my daughter came home the other day from uni and started a discussion about what on earth she was going to do if and when she had children because she thought the wheels had dropped off. "Mum, which country can I live in so my kids will get an education?" If the young twenties are asking themselves that , then we need to be asking ourselves what on earth we are doing and whether it wouldn't be prudent to review things more carefully.
"'It is a waste of time if you are learning something for which you have no use and in which you are disinterested,' the school says in a report on the project. 'You don't have to learn about all of it; you only need some of it. When you want to know and learn more, you will, and it will be useful to you.'"
Who doesn't know the difference between uninterested and disinterested???
I am sure the children will make some wonderful decisions about what to learn and overseas countries will be delighted to take our jobs because of an ongoing skills shortage. Various things train various aspects of our personality and brain. Student initiated learning will really help them get the edge...
On the up side, a tailored learning plan which is driven by educators would be a good idea. How many of us would have benefitted had we had some good advice and input from people who knew us as learners? I still don't know why I did year 12 Maths. I failed it and went back 5 years later and redid the course and got an A, but I really shouldn't have bothered. Yet, I cannot deny that mathematical thinking is something I needed to balance my very arts humanities bent. Thousands of years of proven educating is just being chucked out of the window. Elders are elders for a reason. Getting some input from students is valid when the course is set by people who are supposed to be experts in their field. I can really look forward to patient driven surgery. Homeowner driven plumbing and haven't we had dire warnings about doing our own electrical repairs no matter how enthusiastic? I gather we have abandoned the notion of education. The Summerhill student initiated learning has some profound and acknowledged limitations. Even my daughter came home the other day from uni and started a discussion about what on earth she was going to do if and when she had children because she thought the wheels had dropped off. "Mum, which country can I live in so my kids will get an education?" If the young twenties are asking themselves that , then we need to be asking ourselves what on earth we are doing and whether it wouldn't be prudent to review things more carefully.
Australia should soften anti-whaling stance, expert says.
Australia should soften anti-whaling stance, expert says. :
"An international law expert says anti-whaling countries, including Australia, should be more willing to compromise and allow some whales to be killed."
It's a pragmatic stance which IWC might accept but I do not think you can compromise on death.
"An international law expert says anti-whaling countries, including Australia, should be more willing to compromise and allow some whales to be killed."
It's a pragmatic stance which IWC might accept but I do not think you can compromise on death.
What Electric Ants Look Like
Ecosystems : What Electric Ants Look Like :"To help people know what electric ants look like, Future of Cairns has taken some photos of ants from the original colony that was discovered three weeks ago. Again we stress that ant identification is something that only a few experts are capable of."
I need to update the picture of the electric ants. We have had the wrong one!! I heard from the Future Of Cairns site which has some better pictures of the right electric ants. They are small, stampy and reddy brown. They need to be properly identified because, as I blogged before, they can give nasty bites, especially to pets.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
English from around the world
I have just received this in an email and have laughed so much. I don't know if they are really real...but they are so funny!!
English around the world..........
In a Tokyo Hotel:
Is forbitten to steal hotel towels please.
If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.
In another Japanese hotel room:
Please to bathe inside the tub.
In a Bucharest hotel lobby:
The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.
In a Leipzig elevator:
Do not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.
In a Belgrade hotel elevator:
To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor.
If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor.
Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.
In a Paris hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.
In a hotel in Athens:
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.
In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.
In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastary:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.
In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
On the menu of a Polish hotel:
Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.
In a Hong Kong supermarket:
For your convenience, we recommend courageous, efficient self-service.
Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop:
Ladies may have a fit upstairs.
In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
Outside a Paris dress shop:
Dresses for street walking.
In a Rhodes tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush
we will execute customers in strict rotation.
In a Vienna hotel:
In case of fire, do your utmost to alarm the hotel
porter.
In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests
of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the
afternoon having a good time.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
On the faucet in a Finnish washroom:
To stop the drip, turn cock to right.
In the window of a Swedish furrier:
Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin.
On the box of a clockwork toy made in Hong Kong:
Guaranteed to work throughout its useful life.
In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner
if dressed as a man.
In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them
in all directions.
In a Norwegian cocktail lounge:
Ladies are requested not to have
children in the bar.
In an Acapulco hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water
served here.
In a Tokyo shop:
Our nylons cost more than common, but you'll find
they are best in the long run.
From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air
conditioner:
Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in
your room, please control yourself.
From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo:
When passenger of foot
heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first,
but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.
English around the world..........
In a Tokyo Hotel:
Is forbitten to steal hotel towels please.
If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.
In another Japanese hotel room:
Please to bathe inside the tub.
In a Bucharest hotel lobby:
The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.
In a Leipzig elevator:
Do not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.
In a Belgrade hotel elevator:
To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor.
If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor.
Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.
In a Paris hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.
In a hotel in Athens:
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.
In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.
In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastary:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.
In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
On the menu of a Polish hotel:
Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.
In a Hong Kong supermarket:
For your convenience, we recommend courageous, efficient self-service.
Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop:
Ladies may have a fit upstairs.
In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
Outside a Paris dress shop:
Dresses for street walking.
In a Rhodes tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush
we will execute customers in strict rotation.
In a Vienna hotel:
In case of fire, do your utmost to alarm the hotel
porter.
In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests
of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the
afternoon having a good time.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
On the faucet in a Finnish washroom:
To stop the drip, turn cock to right.
In the window of a Swedish furrier:
Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin.
On the box of a clockwork toy made in Hong Kong:
Guaranteed to work throughout its useful life.
In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner
if dressed as a man.
In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them
in all directions.
In a Norwegian cocktail lounge:
Ladies are requested not to have
children in the bar.
In an Acapulco hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water
served here.
In a Tokyo shop:
Our nylons cost more than common, but you'll find
they are best in the long run.
From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air
conditioner:
Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in
your room, please control yourself.
From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo:
When passenger of foot
heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first,
but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.
Cents and sensibilities
The Advertiser: Cents and sensibilities :
"Labor MPs waved large copies of two-cent coins at the Government during Question Time to drive home its message about Spotlight's Australian Workplace Agreement,
Very clever heading for this article. It is about cents and it is about the sensibilities of a vulnerable group. I love the visual literacy appraoch of the Labour Party. Visual literacy is critical to getting messages across effectively and powerfully. Two cents...yes. That's what the Spotlight workers get per hour instead of overtime...but it's a great, great world. I resent the name calling. It means there is no intelligent discourse on offer. The visual literacy...very clever. Disorderly? Really? Because they were making a point with pictures? Of two cent pieces? Well, absolutely digraceful, I'd say. Shocking. Very disorderly.
"Labor MPs waved large copies of two-cent coins at the Government during Question Time to drive home its message about Spotlight's Australian Workplace Agreement,
Very clever heading for this article. It is about cents and it is about the sensibilities of a vulnerable group. I love the visual literacy appraoch of the Labour Party. Visual literacy is critical to getting messages across effectively and powerfully. Two cents...yes. That's what the Spotlight workers get per hour instead of overtime...but it's a great, great world. I resent the name calling. It means there is no intelligent discourse on offer. The visual literacy...very clever. Disorderly? Really? Because they were making a point with pictures? Of two cent pieces? Well, absolutely digraceful, I'd say. Shocking. Very disorderly.
Students may get a dose of good oil
Students may get a dose of good oil :
"'The focus in SA is on providing good nutrition through our public schools and combating childhood obesity,' he said."
I was given a dose of milk at school as a child. An omega fish oil tablet? I don't feel very happy about this. Firstly doses of vitamins are not te same for all people. Secondly, some children could be allergic to the other matter in the tablets. Thirdly it is about nutrition. Teach people to cook proper meals. Teach parents to provide a proper diet for their family. If fish oil tablets can be proven beyond doubt to be of help...then bring the price down and let food products be in the family home. Children need to eat, sleep, learn and play well. It's about teaching them a lifestyle not propping up dysfunction. No, I think this is all weird to me...like the bread and milk with omega 3 added. Let's just eat properly, shall we?
"'The focus in SA is on providing good nutrition through our public schools and combating childhood obesity,' he said."
I was given a dose of milk at school as a child. An omega fish oil tablet? I don't feel very happy about this. Firstly doses of vitamins are not te same for all people. Secondly, some children could be allergic to the other matter in the tablets. Thirdly it is about nutrition. Teach people to cook proper meals. Teach parents to provide a proper diet for their family. If fish oil tablets can be proven beyond doubt to be of help...then bring the price down and let food products be in the family home. Children need to eat, sleep, learn and play well. It's about teaching them a lifestyle not propping up dysfunction. No, I think this is all weird to me...like the bread and milk with omega 3 added. Let's just eat properly, shall we?
Exodus to private primary schools
Exodus to private primary schools:
"The new figures, contained in the Education Department's annual report, show a marked swing away from public schools, with one in three South Australian primary aged children now in private schools."
10 years ago a quarter of the state's children were in private primary schools. Last year the state schools were down 1200 and the private primary schools were up 1000 in their enrolments. So what has happened to the other 200 children? What do parents find in private schools? Better opportunities? Why is that? Smaller classes. Yes, I can imagine that is the case. Are we shifting the state over to private education facilities so that we now pay for education as well? I'm curious to know about what is motivating the shift. I know one lot of parents who shifted their kids and it was because the private school made the students do what it said it was going to make them do. What happened to kids taking responsibility? Very interesting.
"The new figures, contained in the Education Department's annual report, show a marked swing away from public schools, with one in three South Australian primary aged children now in private schools."
10 years ago a quarter of the state's children were in private primary schools. Last year the state schools were down 1200 and the private primary schools were up 1000 in their enrolments. So what has happened to the other 200 children? What do parents find in private schools? Better opportunities? Why is that? Smaller classes. Yes, I can imagine that is the case. Are we shifting the state over to private education facilities so that we now pay for education as well? I'm curious to know about what is motivating the shift. I know one lot of parents who shifted their kids and it was because the private school made the students do what it said it was going to make them do. What happened to kids taking responsibility? Very interesting.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Socceroos
Everyone was so excited this morning. Tired, some of them, but in such good spirits and just chortling. The joy of winning after they thought it was lost. The pleasure of seeing the Socceroo coach behaving like a real Australian when the ref awarded the goal to Japan. Would he have claimed innocence had the Socceroos not scored 3 goals in the last 10 minutes? 32 years in the making and are we enjoying every minute of it!!! It has lit up the littlies and we are now looking for more soccer pitches and more trainers. Do we all love it along with our footie...you bet. Joy. The pure joy and cmeraderie of sport. Sport as a social adhesive...gluing us all together and on the set! Fun, jubilation and sheer letting your spirits flow. The crowd was certainly going off in Kaiserslautern and I am so glad. The Socceroos have the whole nation behind them in every spot we are. We love them, we love soccer, some are ready for the long haul of late nights. No one stayed home...they all ran in to work with their version of reality and so full of it. It was faaaaaaaaaaantastic!! Cahill will never be forgotten. He is now a legend and Aloisi is making Adelaide so excited!! We have our own World Cup star. This is really something.
Stevedore killed in Adelaide wharf accident.
Stevedore killed in Adelaide wharf accident.:
"The 60-year-old man was killed when a load of steel fell on him while he was working on a ship at about 1:30 am ACST."
We have had too many deaths reecently and too many near misses. Time to shape up , ak a few questions and lift our game. Obviously things need to be investigated well, but we all need to be far more alert as to what might constitute a dangerous work practice. We don't have deaths on the water front. I don't think writing things off as accidental will help us resolve what appear to be a whole heap of unnecessary accidents. It's something we all need to be considering more carefully because families are suffering and largely without the knowledge that our workplaces are now safer. The pain of losing someone can be salved a little by knowing their loss has helped improve the lot of others.
"The 60-year-old man was killed when a load of steel fell on him while he was working on a ship at about 1:30 am ACST."
We have had too many deaths reecently and too many near misses. Time to shape up , ak a few questions and lift our game. Obviously things need to be investigated well, but we all need to be far more alert as to what might constitute a dangerous work practice. We don't have deaths on the water front. I don't think writing things off as accidental will help us resolve what appear to be a whole heap of unnecessary accidents. It's something we all need to be considering more carefully because families are suffering and largely without the knowledge that our workplaces are now safer. The pain of losing someone can be salved a little by knowing their loss has helped improve the lot of others.
City of Kaiserslautern
- Destination Kaiserslautern: more than an insider's tip:
"There is no mass tourism in Kaiserslautern - and yet the city and region are always a popular destination for city trips, short vacations or longer stays, for all generations. Of course soccer fans are among our most faithful visitors."
I think they might have to change the spiel on this site. Kaiserslautern will be going off big time!!
And will the news readers please have a practice...
Kai... zerz...low (as in cow)... tern (or teRRRn). Not slaughton or sloughton . Readers need to practise the big names especially when they are going to have to say them a lot. Ask if you don't know. We have plenty of Germans here. No harm in asking!! It's a Barbarossa city . The Barossa Valley here was founded by a Barbarossa.
"There is no mass tourism in Kaiserslautern - and yet the city and region are always a popular destination for city trips, short vacations or longer stays, for all generations. Of course soccer fans are among our most faithful visitors."
I think they might have to change the spiel on this site. Kaiserslautern will be going off big time!!
And will the news readers please have a practice...
Kai... zerz...low (as in cow)... tern (or teRRRn). Not slaughton or sloughton . Readers need to practise the big names especially when they are going to have to say them a lot. Ask if you don't know. We have plenty of Germans here. No harm in asking!! It's a Barbarossa city . The Barossa Valley here was founded by a Barbarossa.
Anti-whaling ad goes for shock value.
Anti-whaling ad goes for shock value. :
"'It's a very bloody business and it's very shocking but that is the nature of killing wild animals at sea with harpoons.'"
Greenpeace has made a hard hitting anti whaling ad. The truth is..it should not be described as a shock ad...this is what is really happening. The shock , if there is one, is that in this millennium we are still killing whales...even protected ones. The world has moved on from different food sources and killing practices. We do not need whalemeat and we need to get the whale populations right back up there. Many nations have changed older practices and our farms have equipment lying around that we just don't use any more. Times change and it would be nice to see them change for the better. The IWC is meeting in the Caribbean this week and Australia has always spoken up strongly and well on behalf of the whales. Let it not stop now.
"'It's a very bloody business and it's very shocking but that is the nature of killing wild animals at sea with harpoons.'"
Greenpeace has made a hard hitting anti whaling ad. The truth is..it should not be described as a shock ad...this is what is really happening. The shock , if there is one, is that in this millennium we are still killing whales...even protected ones. The world has moved on from different food sources and killing practices. We do not need whalemeat and we need to get the whale populations right back up there. Many nations have changed older practices and our farms have equipment lying around that we just don't use any more. Times change and it would be nice to see them change for the better. The IWC is meeting in the Caribbean this week and Australia has always spoken up strongly and well on behalf of the whales. Let it not stop now.
Cards
Try ThisThe talk of the own today, apart from the fantastic soccer result (more later!) was how young kids of about 13/14 are really getting into card games. Many adults had spent some good time with kids at the weekend teaching them the card games they knew. As it turned out, the kids were really enthusiastic and we found out by sharing our experiences that a lot of kids are being drawn back into family and social life by the good old card games where everyone gets to play! I guess , to kids, all this technology is pretty routine and so we were talking about how we've all been getting our board games out and how much the kids have been loving them...even good old Cluedo! Our main impression was how sociable these activities were and how you got to learn more about people's personalities through the table top games. Since we have a cold snap around then the board and card games in the warmth are a fun way to pass an hour or two...before the World Cup matches!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Fee set to boost water bills.
Fee set to boost water bills. :
"'So in this case, that increase will come to the Government, it will be able to be used through consolidated revenue for general purposes, it won't have to be specifically provided through water measures.'"
I think Canberra has lost it. $100 extra a year for water in Canberra and it can be used for anything. Oh, I think we'll just put a 30 cent fee on here and we'll just spend your money as we please. What???
"'So in this case, that increase will come to the Government, it will be able to be used through consolidated revenue for general purposes, it won't have to be specifically provided through water measures.'"
I think Canberra has lost it. $100 extra a year for water in Canberra and it can be used for anything. Oh, I think we'll just put a 30 cent fee on here and we'll just spend your money as we please. What???
Greens outraged ACT scrapped Environment Dept.
Greens outraged ACT scrapped Environment Dept. :
"Dr Foskey says the environment has fallen off Chief Minister Jon Stanhope's political agenda.
She says this week's Budget gave very little money to the environment, and she is angry that Environment ACT will be absorbed into the Department of Territory and Municipal Services."
Doesn't make sense given that environmental issues are one of our top interests in this country and one of the prime concerns of our current period in history. Why would our capital territory not think an environment minister is not important? John Hargreaves is no longer a minister and so the Department of the Environment seems to have been abandoned and dismantled. This from our capital city. Doesn't make any sense at all. Deb Foskey has been right to call this to our attention.
"Dr Foskey says the environment has fallen off Chief Minister Jon Stanhope's political agenda.
She says this week's Budget gave very little money to the environment, and she is angry that Environment ACT will be absorbed into the Department of Territory and Municipal Services."
Doesn't make sense given that environmental issues are one of our top interests in this country and one of the prime concerns of our current period in history. Why would our capital territory not think an environment minister is not important? John Hargreaves is no longer a minister and so the Department of the Environment seems to have been abandoned and dismantled. This from our capital city. Doesn't make any sense at all. Deb Foskey has been right to call this to our attention.
Food code not grounded on best available science
Scoop: Food code not grounded on best available science:
"Monsanto has applied to FSANZ for LY038 to be permitted in the food supply, but has declared that its intention is to market LY038 as animal feed. INBI believes LY038 is the first genetically modified crop plant substantially different in its nutritional profile to be considered for approval as a human food. INBI recommends that safety studies be conducted using GM corn that"
The University of Canturbury in NZ is quite right to say a proper risk assessment has to be made of GM food, even when it is used for animals. The animals are part of our food chain. Monsanto is taking over quite a lot of the seed and herbicide market and cannot be criticised for making business, but there have been so many stoies of GM crops and how bad they are and how hard it has been for farmers to grow them...why on earth would you invest in them? They don't seem to have a good track record at all and would probably not be good food for animals. In any case, people need to consider these things carefully and the scientists need to do their long term studies.
"Monsanto has applied to FSANZ for LY038 to be permitted in the food supply, but has declared that its intention is to market LY038 as animal feed. INBI believes LY038 is the first genetically modified crop plant substantially different in its nutritional profile to be considered for approval as a human food. INBI recommends that safety studies be conducted using GM corn that"
The University of Canturbury in NZ is quite right to say a proper risk assessment has to be made of GM food, even when it is used for animals. The animals are part of our food chain. Monsanto is taking over quite a lot of the seed and herbicide market and cannot be criticised for making business, but there have been so many stoies of GM crops and how bad they are and how hard it has been for farmers to grow them...why on earth would you invest in them? They don't seem to have a good track record at all and would probably not be good food for animals. In any case, people need to consider these things carefully and the scientists need to do their long term studies.
PM disputes report on Hicks's condition.
PM disputes report on Hicks's condition. :
"Prime Minister John Howard says he has been told the only Australian in detention in the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention centre is doing well."
really? I expect you'll go over and spend a bit of time with him there then? No one else could do well under those conditions and no one else has. David Hicks must be a remarkable man.
"Prime Minister John Howard says he has been told the only Australian in detention in the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention centre is doing well."
really? I expect you'll go over and spend a bit of time with him there then? No one else could do well under those conditions and no one else has. David Hicks must be a remarkable man.
Beazley bullied by unions into AWA pledge, PM says.
Beazley bullied by unions into AWA pledge, PM says. :
"'What kind of country are we going to build where you say to people who can better themselves by working harder, 'We're not going to let you do so', and that is the essence of Mr Beazley's policy - don't trust people, do what the unions tell you."
Exactly, that's what we were doing. We were working with the bosses and the unions and the various other tribunals to get the right mix for everyone. We actually had choices and we were able to negotiate things like workplace training, parental leave, LSL entitlements and accouchement leave. All of that was negotiated through our unions and with our bosses. Now the individual workers are not in the position to negotiate.People would be happy if these workplace changes were good. Mr. Beasley is a man of considerable experience and clearly he has looked at all of this and listened to people. He is not one to be bullied because he has a mind of his own. Isn't that so annoying?!
"'What kind of country are we going to build where you say to people who can better themselves by working harder, 'We're not going to let you do so', and that is the essence of Mr Beazley's policy - don't trust people, do what the unions tell you."
Exactly, that's what we were doing. We were working with the bosses and the unions and the various other tribunals to get the right mix for everyone. We actually had choices and we were able to negotiate things like workplace training, parental leave, LSL entitlements and accouchement leave. All of that was negotiated through our unions and with our bosses. Now the individual workers are not in the position to negotiate.People would be happy if these workplace changes were good. Mr. Beasley is a man of considerable experience and clearly he has looked at all of this and listened to people. He is not one to be bullied because he has a mind of his own. Isn't that so annoying?!
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