Aussies ignorant of surf dangers :
"The Surf Life Saving Australia National Surf Safety Report, released today, showed more than 10,000 people had unwittingly ventured into dangerous conditions and needed to be rescued in 2005-2006."
I come back to parenting. You learn all these safety things as you grow up. Part of the problem is parents working and being out of the home for long hours. So safety stuff is assumed and actually not taught because children are no longer actually living with people where they will learn safety routines for BBQs , swimming , surfing, household procedures. You learn to protect yourself by living with adults not by being routinely institutionalised with them. We really have to look at the structures we have for nurturing. I think we are taking too much for granted and need to go back to basics.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Investors tricked by bogus black ants
Investors tricked by bogus black ants :
"The report did not explain why the public would want to invest in ants but, in the southern region of Guangxi, black ants are sold by the bagful to be steeped in tea or soaked in liquor as a natural remedy for ailments such as arthritis."
See? The scammers are being trailed and caught everywhere. If it is the same black ants ...why would you want to breed the critters. I saw one outside this morning as I left for work. I hope it's gone because they are so nasty. They trick you into thinking they are spiders and then they turn out to be these huge ants...and the bite is so painful. They are always by themselves and lone foragers...so how do they breed? Maybe that's why the Chinese are buying them because you never see more than one at a time and you want to know how they multifply. I hate them!!! I'd never buy any...bogus or not.
"The report did not explain why the public would want to invest in ants but, in the southern region of Guangxi, black ants are sold by the bagful to be steeped in tea or soaked in liquor as a natural remedy for ailments such as arthritis."
See? The scammers are being trailed and caught everywhere. If it is the same black ants ...why would you want to breed the critters. I saw one outside this morning as I left for work. I hope it's gone because they are so nasty. They trick you into thinking they are spiders and then they turn out to be these huge ants...and the bite is so painful. They are always by themselves and lone foragers...so how do they breed? Maybe that's why the Chinese are buying them because you never see more than one at a time and you want to know how they multifply. I hate them!!! I'd never buy any...bogus or not.
Man charged over $1.2m banking scam
AdelaideNow... Man charged over $1.2m banking scam:
"A SYDNEY man has been charged over a $1.2 million internet banking scam."
The police are getting very good at finding the scammers. I have to take my hat of to them. Not just here but overseas as well. Scammers are a scourge and they are horribly opportunistic. I am glad the police are onto them. Did he get into our country on one of the false passports?? So much for our security. I feel safe.
"A SYDNEY man has been charged over a $1.2 million internet banking scam."
The police are getting very good at finding the scammers. I have to take my hat of to them. Not just here but overseas as well. Scammers are a scourge and they are horribly opportunistic. I am glad the police are onto them. Did he get into our country on one of the false passports?? So much for our security. I feel safe.
Tatiana in tears after medals returned
AdelaideNow... Tatiana in tears after medals returned:
"The Gold Coast-based athlete and model is still missing a flag bearing the autographs of the entire Sydney Olympic team, a 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games silver medal and a bronze medal from the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane."
It was great how school kids provided the buffer zone for Tatiana when she originally had the medals stolen. I have blogged about that previously. She did at least come to find that Australia prizes and values her dearly and that must have given her heart. She was taking it all in her stride. She is is very straight forward and very dedicated to her sport which is why we all know and respect her and saw it as outrageous her medals were stolen. No wonder she was emotional when they were returned. She has put so much heart into being a top athlete. I hope they find the flag.
"The Gold Coast-based athlete and model is still missing a flag bearing the autographs of the entire Sydney Olympic team, a 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games silver medal and a bronze medal from the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane."
It was great how school kids provided the buffer zone for Tatiana when she originally had the medals stolen. I have blogged about that previously. She did at least come to find that Australia prizes and values her dearly and that must have given her heart. She was taking it all in her stride. She is is very straight forward and very dedicated to her sport which is why we all know and respect her and saw it as outrageous her medals were stolen. No wonder she was emotional when they were returned. She has put so much heart into being a top athlete. I hope they find the flag.
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse can be more than proud of its last episode and it was sad to see Corinne with her eyes full of tears, but her breaking quietly summed it up for us all. That image at the end was so genuine. That is the Glasshouse. Genuine. Full of fun, stirring, magic, humanity, emotion and irreverence. A good foil to the daily grind and a great way to let out the frustration and confusion. What now that we have nothing to balance the ho-hum? Last night was a showcase of the wit and talent which has kept us thinking, amused and bemused for so long. A collection of talent, thought, humour and quick response which has had us in stitches and forced us to keep our brains intact and sharpened. A show to be proud of . All of them so talented. I am certain they will all find a nice niche and will never let us die from apathy. Top of their field and unique. Such special people.I thank them all and I wish them all well.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Welfare authority failed children
Welfare authority failed children - report :
"Mr Barbour said 54 of the children who died in 2005 had parents with a history of substance abuse.
Three died from methadone poisoning and 14 had mothers who used illicit drugs or alcohol during pregnancy."
So, what about our parenting skills? What about parents? There doesn't seem to be any requirement to nurture children or care for them. Blaming agencies and making them feel bad will not alter the fact we are creating a society where parents are incapable of nurturing their young and agencies are stretched to their limit. Right across the board young people are at risk and parents and families are the people who have the power to make or break these young lives. At no stage have we been prepared to look at why we have so many parents who can't nurture. Drugs is one reason. But why have we got parents who choose drugs over the lives of their children? Why do we think agencies can fix it? We need to look at how we are bringing people up because right now we are creating peopple who cannot and do not nurture so we are losing our next generation. It's a very fundamental problem. It's about how we structure our society to make it a positive, surviving, growing and developing society. It's about our future. While we are busy documenting this we are not doing and while we are not doing the abuse continues and yet without the documentation we cannot file law suits ...bit late, heh, when the child has not survived. We have a systems problem. All of these children would have had neighbours, neighbourhoods, families and friends. We are all disempowered through our systems.
"Mr Barbour said 54 of the children who died in 2005 had parents with a history of substance abuse.
Three died from methadone poisoning and 14 had mothers who used illicit drugs or alcohol during pregnancy."
So, what about our parenting skills? What about parents? There doesn't seem to be any requirement to nurture children or care for them. Blaming agencies and making them feel bad will not alter the fact we are creating a society where parents are incapable of nurturing their young and agencies are stretched to their limit. Right across the board young people are at risk and parents and families are the people who have the power to make or break these young lives. At no stage have we been prepared to look at why we have so many parents who can't nurture. Drugs is one reason. But why have we got parents who choose drugs over the lives of their children? Why do we think agencies can fix it? We need to look at how we are bringing people up because right now we are creating peopple who cannot and do not nurture so we are losing our next generation. It's a very fundamental problem. It's about how we structure our society to make it a positive, surviving, growing and developing society. It's about our future. While we are busy documenting this we are not doing and while we are not doing the abuse continues and yet without the documentation we cannot file law suits ...bit late, heh, when the child has not survived. We have a systems problem. All of these children would have had neighbours, neighbourhoods, families and friends. We are all disempowered through our systems.
Oh Brother! Big business
AdelaideNow... Oh Brother! Big business:
"An international 'click to call' service, connected to the brothers' Idacall website, allows customers to call business free. 'Businesses are jumping at it,' Darren said. 'Soon, you will be able to call hundreds of thousands of businesses in Australia, Britain and the U.S. totally free from the internet and mobiles.'"
We are starting to see the real possibilities behind all our technology now we have some of the younger ones up and running. In different countries individuals are spearheading the real changes we need to occur with our technology so we move on and we can show the technology savvy we ought to have by now. The results are ingenious, interesting, creative and really useful, so the changes are functional as well as inspirational. It's good to see Adelaide up there because we do have good skills in technology here and there are people who really know what tehy are doing and can come of with an original idea. When you see it all in action, it seems obvious, but it's really amazing to see how modern brains are adapting and connecting to all the new information. Love it.
"An international 'click to call' service, connected to the brothers' Idacall website, allows customers to call business free. 'Businesses are jumping at it,' Darren said. 'Soon, you will be able to call hundreds of thousands of businesses in Australia, Britain and the U.S. totally free from the internet and mobiles.'"
We are starting to see the real possibilities behind all our technology now we have some of the younger ones up and running. In different countries individuals are spearheading the real changes we need to occur with our technology so we move on and we can show the technology savvy we ought to have by now. The results are ingenious, interesting, creative and really useful, so the changes are functional as well as inspirational. It's good to see Adelaide up there because we do have good skills in technology here and there are people who really know what tehy are doing and can come of with an original idea. When you see it all in action, it seems obvious, but it's really amazing to see how modern brains are adapting and connecting to all the new information. Love it.
Police warning on $40,000 stolen caravan
AdelaideNow... Police warning on $40,000 stolen caravan:
"Sergeant Gary Simpson said the Regent Cruiser van had various special features including a split system air conditioner mounted on the front."
I should like to think we shall track the caravan down and find the thieves. It was obviously planned. It's galling to think someone has the temerity to feel such a sense of entitlement to someone else's property. As naive as it sounds I don't think it's good to be living in a time where you cannot even put your caravan in for repairs without it being stolen. It looks bad for the repair business, too, so this theft has impacted on a number of lives. On top of that people are being paid to hunt it down so the cost of this theft is much more than the value of the van. I hope it's found along with the thieves.
"Sergeant Gary Simpson said the Regent Cruiser van had various special features including a split system air conditioner mounted on the front."
I should like to think we shall track the caravan down and find the thieves. It was obviously planned. It's galling to think someone has the temerity to feel such a sense of entitlement to someone else's property. As naive as it sounds I don't think it's good to be living in a time where you cannot even put your caravan in for repairs without it being stolen. It looks bad for the repair business, too, so this theft has impacted on a number of lives. On top of that people are being paid to hunt it down so the cost of this theft is much more than the value of the van. I hope it's found along with the thieves.
Labor wants national summit on P-plater deaths.
Labor wants national summit on P-plater deaths. :
"'What we need is a consistent national standard, we need all the states backing one another up, all the states pushing in the same direction."
It's called parenting. Increasingly we have a Nanny society where state and federal institutions and organisations are parenting. What about the parents?
"'What we need is a consistent national standard, we need all the states backing one another up, all the states pushing in the same direction."
It's called parenting. Increasingly we have a Nanny society where state and federal institutions and organisations are parenting. What about the parents?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Beazley pays price for mistakes
Beazley pays price for mistakes :"But Mr Beazley's approval rating has slipped, with a majority of those polled thinking Mr Rudd and Labor's health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, would be a better leadership team than Mr Beazley and his deputy Jenny Macklin."
There must be an election coming. The government and media found it all too easy to indulge in chook shed slapping and setting a cat among the pigeons last time and then laughed all the way to the reelection and beyond. This divide and conquer is just so easy for them and the other parties just obligingly fall into line. Wake up, Australia, your country needs you!!! So go on, put in the new people, watch them drop like flies, stand by and listen to the squabbles. Come on...anyone would think only one party can lead Australia and if the rest of you are put off so easily and can't see the traps...well, maybe the best party does win. Wake up!! We've gone hot , dry and dusty. We could really use a breath of fresh air and some clearing rain.
Drought
Fireball in sky excites locals
Fireball in sky excites locals :
"'It was before sunset and normally you only see those things in the dark,' Monty said.
'The trail hung in the sky for at least 15 minutes afterward like a jet stream.'"
Okay so a lot of people saw this thing and it might be this and it might be that. Surely we have it on film with all the cameras we have? Surely some expert knows what it is so that we are not landed with all this speculation? So, what was it and why was it there? Was it a meteor? how come the experts are so hard to enthuse and the general population is agog?
"'It was before sunset and normally you only see those things in the dark,' Monty said.
'The trail hung in the sky for at least 15 minutes afterward like a jet stream.'"
Okay so a lot of people saw this thing and it might be this and it might be that. Surely we have it on film with all the cameras we have? Surely some expert knows what it is so that we are not landed with all this speculation? So, what was it and why was it there? Was it a meteor? how come the experts are so hard to enthuse and the general population is agog?
While the cat's away - rats move in
AdelaideNow... While the cat's away - rats move in:"'I think there is a general fear of rats because they are associated with disease,' he said. 'I don't think people should be alarmed.'"
More rats and cockroaches in the city and we shouldn't be alarmed and eradication won't work? Come on!!! Who wants rats and cockroaches and who wants to be living with them? Do something about it and get the team on the move. Maybe we do need cats, afterall. In any case, telling people it's all right is really not the attitude. Would you live with rats and cockroaches?? Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!!
aaapestcontrol
Adult arrests schoolie concern
AdelaideNow... Adult arrests schoolie concern:
"Official police figures show arrests at the schoolies festival doubled this year, with 23 people arrested on Friday, nine on Saturday and another 12 on Sunday. Twenty-nine were non school-leavers, with most arrested for behavioural offences.
There were 22 arrests last year, 21 of which were adults."
You know, this really is a step forward. Firstly the schoolies seem to have co operated and seem to have been the ones who did the right thing. Secondly, we are looking at the picture with the frame straight. We are getting a better idea of who is doing what. That in itself will be a help. I think we need to keep talking to the young ones because quite clearly a lot of young people can have a good time without harming others and themselves. We also need to arm the young ones with information - what to look for, what to look out for, what procedures to adopt to help themselves and others. How to manage difficult and unwelcome behaviour. As a community, we need to know exactly who is doing what so we know what messages to give each other. When everyone looks out, then the police will find it easier to target the right people and groups in their own way. I am really happy we are talking to each other and sharing information because that is how you keep people safe and how you manage massive events like this. It also means credit is given where credit is due because, as I keep saying, the good people keep being smothered by the few who are negative and destructive and so the good are overlooked and the bad get all the acknowledgement and time.
"Official police figures show arrests at the schoolies festival doubled this year, with 23 people arrested on Friday, nine on Saturday and another 12 on Sunday. Twenty-nine were non school-leavers, with most arrested for behavioural offences.
There were 22 arrests last year, 21 of which were adults."
You know, this really is a step forward. Firstly the schoolies seem to have co operated and seem to have been the ones who did the right thing. Secondly, we are looking at the picture with the frame straight. We are getting a better idea of who is doing what. That in itself will be a help. I think we need to keep talking to the young ones because quite clearly a lot of young people can have a good time without harming others and themselves. We also need to arm the young ones with information - what to look for, what to look out for, what procedures to adopt to help themselves and others. How to manage difficult and unwelcome behaviour. As a community, we need to know exactly who is doing what so we know what messages to give each other. When everyone looks out, then the police will find it easier to target the right people and groups in their own way. I am really happy we are talking to each other and sharing information because that is how you keep people safe and how you manage massive events like this. It also means credit is given where credit is due because, as I keep saying, the good people keep being smothered by the few who are negative and destructive and so the good are overlooked and the bad get all the acknowledgement and time.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Car sliced by tractor mower
The Age: :
"A New Zealand woman wants compensation after her parked car was sliced open from boot to bonnet at waist height by a passing tractor mower - while she was in it. She said she was so shocked she sat, frozen in her car, for 15 minutes afterwards. The arm on the tractor came within centimetres of hitting her."
OMG!!!! That would be terrifying. How will she recover from it? She will be so traumatised. That is so bad. Poor woman. I wish her so much happiness now. How is she dealing with it?? OMG, that is so insane.
"A New Zealand woman wants compensation after her parked car was sliced open from boot to bonnet at waist height by a passing tractor mower - while she was in it. She said she was so shocked she sat, frozen in her car, for 15 minutes afterwards. The arm on the tractor came within centimetres of hitting her."
OMG!!!! That would be terrifying. How will she recover from it? She will be so traumatised. That is so bad. Poor woman. I wish her so much happiness now. How is she dealing with it?? OMG, that is so insane.
Despite arrests schoolies 'well behaved'
AdelaideNow... Despite arrests schoolies 'well behaved':
"Police said a majority of those charged over the three nights of festivities were actually adults and not teenagers celebrating the end of year 12 exams."
I am actually pleased to get a more detailed account of this event. It's too esy to get things out of perspective. When you read this , you can see that a massive crowd gathered and had fun and that the school kids actually participated positively in the celebration. We haven't heard from the townsfolk yet and they are part of this event. It would appear our kids are learning and they are respectful of the event and area. Big celebrations can be good and a real drawcard, but they rely on community co operation and a level of social behaviour which demonstrates thought and care. I am pleased we have moved this all forward into something decent. It could be a great event if everyone thinks about he part they play and clearly we have moved in the right direction.
"Police said a majority of those charged over the three nights of festivities were actually adults and not teenagers celebrating the end of year 12 exams."
I am actually pleased to get a more detailed account of this event. It's too esy to get things out of perspective. When you read this , you can see that a massive crowd gathered and had fun and that the school kids actually participated positively in the celebration. We haven't heard from the townsfolk yet and they are part of this event. It would appear our kids are learning and they are respectful of the event and area. Big celebrations can be good and a real drawcard, but they rely on community co operation and a level of social behaviour which demonstrates thought and care. I am pleased we have moved this all forward into something decent. It could be a great event if everyone thinks about he part they play and clearly we have moved in the right direction.
Adelaide moves to level three water restrictions.
Adelaide moves to level three water restrictions. :
"There will also be a further restriction on the use of hand-held hoses and drip watering systems.
They will only be allowed between 8:00pm and 8:00am ACDT."
ACDT??? Adelaide Central...what? If I have to water at 8pm at night out the front...oh, how safe I shall feel. I take the point though and I need to know if ACDT means me or not. How is this message getting through to us? I found this by accident rather than design.
"There will also be a further restriction on the use of hand-held hoses and drip watering systems.
They will only be allowed between 8:00pm and 8:00am ACDT."
ACDT??? Adelaide Central...what? If I have to water at 8pm at night out the front...oh, how safe I shall feel. I take the point though and I need to know if ACDT means me or not. How is this message getting through to us? I found this by accident rather than design.
Authorities investigate Corby book profits.
Authorities investigate Corby book profits. :
"'The legislation that we've put in place does provide for literary proceeds, which relate to criminal activity, to be seized, or an application to be made for the seizure of those proceeds,' he said."
We've all been a bit non plussed to say the least. I hope the profits go into drug rehabilitation and prevention.
"'The legislation that we've put in place does provide for literary proceeds, which relate to criminal activity, to be seized, or an application to be made for the seizure of those proceeds,' he said."
We've all been a bit non plussed to say the least. I hope the profits go into drug rehabilitation and prevention.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
'Sick' Torrens needs plan of action
'Sick' Torrens needs plan of action :
"'For too long, this river that runs through the heart of Adelaide has been treated like a glorified stormwater drain,' the Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Greg Hunt told a conference in Adelaide."
I agree. It's our river and could be our main attraction and it is not held in high regard and it is not even considered. A 10 year plan is not a plan and that was the most recent thing I heard. A 10 year plan means you talk about it and never do anything. A 10 year plan means it's someone else's problem. It's our river and it runs through our city. We need to treat it with greater respect and make it the star attraction in town.It needs to be worked on now and it needs to be worked on solidly until the job is done.
"'For too long, this river that runs through the heart of Adelaide has been treated like a glorified stormwater drain,' the Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Greg Hunt told a conference in Adelaide."
I agree. It's our river and could be our main attraction and it is not held in high regard and it is not even considered. A 10 year plan is not a plan and that was the most recent thing I heard. A 10 year plan means you talk about it and never do anything. A 10 year plan means it's someone else's problem. It's our river and it runs through our city. We need to treat it with greater respect and make it the star attraction in town.It needs to be worked on now and it needs to be worked on solidly until the job is done.
32 arrested at Victor
32 arrested at Victor :"The three-night festival, which police estimate has attracted up to 9000 students from around the state, ends tomorrow."
32 arrests out of 9000 students is a pretty small number. Of those arrests , how many were students and how many were students entitled to be at schoolies..i.e. those who have finished year 12? The drinking in a dry zone..well, we all know the rules do not apply to them. The rules are for someone else all the time in that age group. I'm curious to see what the overall opinion of this year's schoolies' festival is because 9000 extras in your community is a big influx and would really test the local community and yet, it appears to have been pretty successful so maybe young people do respect others and it's those odd few who keep messing it up for everyone else. Those extremes which detract form the decency of others so they never get to be spoken about and rewarded for their good behaviour.
Victor Harbour
PM must reveal nuclear timetable
AdelaideNow... PM must reveal nuclear timetable:
"Former Telstra chief Ziggy Switkowski last week released his report on a possible nuclear energy industry in Australia, concluding 25 nuclear reactors could produce a third of Australia's electricity needs by 2050."
The day they decided to do open cut mining at Roxby was the day we were on a nuclear path. Past that point it has just been media fodder, something to keep our pretty little minds occupied while the real decisions are made by the real people and it is, as they say, purely academic.
"Former Telstra chief Ziggy Switkowski last week released his report on a possible nuclear energy industry in Australia, concluding 25 nuclear reactors could produce a third of Australia's electricity needs by 2050."
The day they decided to do open cut mining at Roxby was the day we were on a nuclear path. Past that point it has just been media fodder, something to keep our pretty little minds occupied while the real decisions are made by the real people and it is, as they say, purely academic.
Schoolie drug bust
AdelaideNow... Schoolie drug bust:
"'What I don't want to see is young people ruining their lives because they are breaking serious laws during a schoolies weekend,' he said through a media spokesman."
14 and with 13 ecstasy pills when they caught him. So what did his parents think he was doing? Some kids really need to get a life and stop messing up ours.
"'What I don't want to see is young people ruining their lives because they are breaking serious laws during a schoolies weekend,' he said through a media spokesman."
14 and with 13 ecstasy pills when they caught him. So what did his parents think he was doing? Some kids really need to get a life and stop messing up ours.
Pageant politics turn ugly
AdelaideNow... Pageant politics turn ugly:"Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg accused union organisers of 'trying to trick council' with their application after learning the planned banner made no reference to Christmas."
There's a time and a place and we all know some politicians and some political decisions need a long , hard look in the bright light of day, but not at a Christmas pageant for crying out loud. I was there. I didn't mean to be there because I had no idea it was on and I have no littlies. I have been to the Southern Community Christmas Pageant when I have had littlies around the place and it's nice. Modest, but nice and everyone gets out there for the kids. It's about the local community and it's about involving the families and people in the local community. It is about Christmas. It's about goodwill and good spirit. The new mayor is obviously no featherweight and has called it right. Politics is running amok over everything. Who do they think they are? Time and place. Time and place, people. What really impressed me yesterday...and why I stayed even though I was supposed to be preparing for a birthday party at my place, was the pride in the costumes. Adults and children were turning up in really well thought out costumes and the elves and fairies looked so cute. It must have taken ages to put their outfits together and it would have been a real family thing to get it all togeher. Family. Gottit? It was a family day and the children and parents obviously had spent some good family time to arrive at that special event. Santa hats were everywhere, but my hat was off to the huge dedication to great costumes so many people were wearing this year. It's good that most people know what Christmas is about. Pity others can't realise that it is upon us. Let's hear it for the elves and fairies!!
Friday, November 24, 2006
LCD's bright future
AdelaideNow... LCD's bright future:
"LCD televisions do not reflect light, are comparatively lightweight and easier to mount on walls, use less electricity than plasma and usually have a longer life span."
I have neither a plasma nor an LCD TV and the debate will just have to continue. I prefer the look of LCD. I prefer LCD computer screens because I have one at work, but I don't have one here. I like my laptop screen and I suppose that is LCD. Who knows? It's very shiny and glitzy looking. Crystal clear. What about the dead pixel problem? Is that solved? Nothing like a great screen with dead pixels. Looks daft and is really annoying. Lots of people drool over these big sets. Some people own them. At the time they came out we'd all paid for the larger versions of TVs so to pay out again is not on even if they are getting cheaper...and then there is this constant recycling problem. Has anyone worked out yet that we just can't keep buying and replacing no matter how fancy and cool the stuff is?? The life of equipment these days is ludicrously short. I know it's about the economy and moving on...but we are heaps happier to move in our own time and replace as we need to. I was really happy to go out and get a new , fancier DVD player when one of mine clapped out. It was fun and the store person was really helpful. I like store people who can tell me things and give me clues and answer my questions and have a good set of questions of their own. It makes buying something a really good event!! Then you come home sounding terribly knowledgeable and that only adds to the fun.
"LCD televisions do not reflect light, are comparatively lightweight and easier to mount on walls, use less electricity than plasma and usually have a longer life span."
I have neither a plasma nor an LCD TV and the debate will just have to continue. I prefer the look of LCD. I prefer LCD computer screens because I have one at work, but I don't have one here. I like my laptop screen and I suppose that is LCD. Who knows? It's very shiny and glitzy looking. Crystal clear. What about the dead pixel problem? Is that solved? Nothing like a great screen with dead pixels. Looks daft and is really annoying. Lots of people drool over these big sets. Some people own them. At the time they came out we'd all paid for the larger versions of TVs so to pay out again is not on even if they are getting cheaper...and then there is this constant recycling problem. Has anyone worked out yet that we just can't keep buying and replacing no matter how fancy and cool the stuff is?? The life of equipment these days is ludicrously short. I know it's about the economy and moving on...but we are heaps happier to move in our own time and replace as we need to. I was really happy to go out and get a new , fancier DVD player when one of mine clapped out. It was fun and the store person was really helpful. I like store people who can tell me things and give me clues and answer my questions and have a good set of questions of their own. It makes buying something a really good event!! Then you come home sounding terribly knowledgeable and that only adds to the fun.
Beer giant may be next to go
Beer giant may be next to go :
"A day after Qantas revealed it was in talks with an American-backed buy-out consortium, the Australian Stock Exchange asked Foster's to explain a dramatic surge in its share price."
The world according to the multinationals and the rich. Money. The world is not divided geographically, it is carved up by the rich. It's about profit , not people, so nationality and national icons have no meaning other than the money they can generate because of the brand. I wonder , if once we take the national identity out of the brands, whether they will just flop? Rich people make money and they are good at it, so when one thing flops, then they move on to another thing. At the moment it's food and water. It's a differnt approach but our nationalities are going to be meaningless. Multinationals make as much profit and more, than countries, so they are having a big say in how things are managed. This erasing of geographical barriers is interesting. It means we shall not belong.
"A day after Qantas revealed it was in talks with an American-backed buy-out consortium, the Australian Stock Exchange asked Foster's to explain a dramatic surge in its share price."
The world according to the multinationals and the rich. Money. The world is not divided geographically, it is carved up by the rich. It's about profit , not people, so nationality and national icons have no meaning other than the money they can generate because of the brand. I wonder , if once we take the national identity out of the brands, whether they will just flop? Rich people make money and they are good at it, so when one thing flops, then they move on to another thing. At the moment it's food and water. It's a differnt approach but our nationalities are going to be meaningless. Multinationals make as much profit and more, than countries, so they are having a big say in how things are managed. This erasing of geographical barriers is interesting. It means we shall not belong.
Youth leaps from school roof
AdelaideNow... Youth leaps from school roof:
"Alarms were activated at the school about 12.40am and when police arrived they found the youth on the roof. He jumped but was caught and arrested moments later."
The long arm off the floor!!! I am so glad he was caught because I feel really sorry for kids and teachers who constantly lose their schoolwork, property and whatever else because anti social young ones think it's okay to damage and steal what is not theirs. Kids must get sick and tired of it and teachers must get disheartened. I am glad the alarms worked and I am glad the police were really on the ball. Maybe they'll think again if they get caught and maybe the majority of good people can get the balance restored because we are constantly victims of these few who are just so bloomin' horrible.
"Alarms were activated at the school about 12.40am and when police arrived they found the youth on the roof. He jumped but was caught and arrested moments later."
The long arm off the floor!!! I am so glad he was caught because I feel really sorry for kids and teachers who constantly lose their schoolwork, property and whatever else because anti social young ones think it's okay to damage and steal what is not theirs. Kids must get sick and tired of it and teachers must get disheartened. I am glad the alarms worked and I am glad the police were really on the ball. Maybe they'll think again if they get caught and maybe the majority of good people can get the balance restored because we are constantly victims of these few who are just so bloomin' horrible.
Adelaide upbeat on MP3
AdelaideNow... Adelaide upbeat on MP3:
"ADELAIDE music lovers spend more time listening to their MP3 players than any other state, research has found."
Upbeat?? I hate that word. Is it a good thing everyone here is plugged in? Glued to the mobile or the MP3? Hearing loss might be a problem. Who cares. Accidents might be a problem. Who cares. Personal safety might be an issue. So what? So long as we are plugged it. Are we affected socially? Do we think reality is less important than our own version of the real world. If we lock ourselves out in diversion are we safe? Does it cause problems at work and school. A lot of people are plugged in on public transport. A lot of people are plugged in as they walk and cycle. it means you are tuned out from reality. Is it a problem? I have an MP3 player and I think they are nifty little devices. Mine is basically for travelling or to pass the time on an exercise bike. I don't plug in when I might need my ears and I don't plug in in company. I think it's important to be a part of things and not to reduce others to non events. That's me , though. So why aren't they so popular in other states? Here you think you are very odd if you don't have one.
"ADELAIDE music lovers spend more time listening to their MP3 players than any other state, research has found."
Upbeat?? I hate that word. Is it a good thing everyone here is plugged in? Glued to the mobile or the MP3? Hearing loss might be a problem. Who cares. Accidents might be a problem. Who cares. Personal safety might be an issue. So what? So long as we are plugged it. Are we affected socially? Do we think reality is less important than our own version of the real world. If we lock ourselves out in diversion are we safe? Does it cause problems at work and school. A lot of people are plugged in on public transport. A lot of people are plugged in as they walk and cycle. it means you are tuned out from reality. Is it a problem? I have an MP3 player and I think they are nifty little devices. Mine is basically for travelling or to pass the time on an exercise bike. I don't plug in when I might need my ears and I don't plug in in company. I think it's important to be a part of things and not to reduce others to non events. That's me , though. So why aren't they so popular in other states? Here you think you are very odd if you don't have one.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Green pea-flavoured soft drink hits US
Green pea-flavoured soft drink hits US stores :"AFTER introducing the world to new soda flavors like fish taco and salmon, Seattle specialty beverage maker Jones Soda Co. is offering a new flavor: Green pea."
Pea pop??? Green pea pop? I am so glad I don't like fizzy drinks. They've had broccoli casserole pop too!!! And fufu berry. What's fufu berry???!
Jones Soda
ALP to examine voucher plan
ALP to examine voucher plan :
"The scheme aims to reduce the amount of welfare money being spent on alcohol and drugs."
The vouchers would not be an issue if we had no problem. We know about people spending family income instead of feeding their children and paying the rent. The cash is tempting. Okay, we'd love to wave a magic wand and rid ourselves of the behaviours which lead to the misuse of money which ought to support the family unit. Oh how nice that would be. Fixing the ills of society is something we need to deal with head on because poor parenting is costing us big time. Money, lives, property, more lives. We do have a damages section of the population which is costing us as a society because we have poor parenting. Why are they poor parents...we'll find a vicious circle. So we need to intervene in a very considered way. We have to stop the cycle and we have talked about this for years. So now we had better get the experts in to plan and think and actually do something. Will the vouchers help in the meantime? Ask the people who are working with these families because I bet we have people working with these families. These families are costing us a lot. People are not bad parents because they plan it that way. They become bad parents because they have behaviours which srive them in a different direction away from nurturing. What would they do with the vouchers? Would they be misappropriated? Would they trade what they get in vouchers? I don't know. I think there are people who could say better and those would be the poeple who owrk with the families or have contact with the families. If they don't have access to cash, will they become more frustrated and violent and create more problems? This cannot be discussed like this. Vouchers is an idea. What else can we suggest? What else might work? Who is more likely to know than us?
"The scheme aims to reduce the amount of welfare money being spent on alcohol and drugs."
The vouchers would not be an issue if we had no problem. We know about people spending family income instead of feeding their children and paying the rent. The cash is tempting. Okay, we'd love to wave a magic wand and rid ourselves of the behaviours which lead to the misuse of money which ought to support the family unit. Oh how nice that would be. Fixing the ills of society is something we need to deal with head on because poor parenting is costing us big time. Money, lives, property, more lives. We do have a damages section of the population which is costing us as a society because we have poor parenting. Why are they poor parents...we'll find a vicious circle. So we need to intervene in a very considered way. We have to stop the cycle and we have talked about this for years. So now we had better get the experts in to plan and think and actually do something. Will the vouchers help in the meantime? Ask the people who are working with these families because I bet we have people working with these families. These families are costing us a lot. People are not bad parents because they plan it that way. They become bad parents because they have behaviours which srive them in a different direction away from nurturing. What would they do with the vouchers? Would they be misappropriated? Would they trade what they get in vouchers? I don't know. I think there are people who could say better and those would be the poeple who owrk with the families or have contact with the families. If they don't have access to cash, will they become more frustrated and violent and create more problems? This cannot be discussed like this. Vouchers is an idea. What else can we suggest? What else might work? Who is more likely to know than us?
Alternative medicine to be put to the test
Alternative medicine to be put to the test :
"Australians spend about $1bn each year on complementary medicines including vitamins, homeopathic medicines and traditional Asian and indigenous medicines."
It doesn't matter what you put into your system, you have to know the effects, the side effects and likely reactions. It's that kind of vigilance which is often missing. We assume because it's medicine or vitamins then no harm will come to us. I think it is vital to read all you can about anything. I think it's important to consider small doses first. I find I often get too much prescribed and a smaller dose works better. My sister is the opposite. Every one has a body which processes things in a different way. What suits one person, does not suit another. I thank my GP for his very sane approach to medicine. He is very good at highlighting what might be reactions. He always explains what effects something might have. He does listen to his patients and will suggest things which others have found helpful and he will try and come up with a range of practical and medicinal treatments. I think he is very special because he has trained me over the years to consider carefully what I am taking and why and whether I need this or that . He makes me an active participant in my treatment. The best thing , though, is when you really are low and you really feel defeated by an illness, he gives you things to do. The doing is very empowering. It makes you take control and it makes you part of your wellness. It's not something some tablet does. The tablet is part of your overall "doing". People do need to be reminded to check labels, read pamphlets and get information, no matter what it is they plan to take. In health food shops I ask their opinion and I have shared mine with them. It all adds to the knowledge base.
"Australians spend about $1bn each year on complementary medicines including vitamins, homeopathic medicines and traditional Asian and indigenous medicines."
It doesn't matter what you put into your system, you have to know the effects, the side effects and likely reactions. It's that kind of vigilance which is often missing. We assume because it's medicine or vitamins then no harm will come to us. I think it is vital to read all you can about anything. I think it's important to consider small doses first. I find I often get too much prescribed and a smaller dose works better. My sister is the opposite. Every one has a body which processes things in a different way. What suits one person, does not suit another. I thank my GP for his very sane approach to medicine. He is very good at highlighting what might be reactions. He always explains what effects something might have. He does listen to his patients and will suggest things which others have found helpful and he will try and come up with a range of practical and medicinal treatments. I think he is very special because he has trained me over the years to consider carefully what I am taking and why and whether I need this or that . He makes me an active participant in my treatment. The best thing , though, is when you really are low and you really feel defeated by an illness, he gives you things to do. The doing is very empowering. It makes you take control and it makes you part of your wellness. It's not something some tablet does. The tablet is part of your overall "doing". People do need to be reminded to check labels, read pamphlets and get information, no matter what it is they plan to take. In health food shops I ask their opinion and I have shared mine with them. It all adds to the knowledge base.
Fat study to look at healthy families
Fat study to look at healthy families:
"“Everyone is different, but somehow the majority of families do support healthy behaviours that produce healthy weight,” Ms Hendrie said."
It may seem obvious to study the families which are succeeding with wieght and health issues, but it is probably advantageous to have the picture really clear. When people use their study time to examine our community problems, I see that as a good thing. It means we will have practical information to work on. Weight , or too much of it, is a lifestyle thing by and large. It's about how we live and what we do or don't do. I have looked everywhere for these obese children. I have seen few. I have seen a lot of painfully thin children with very tiny legs, arms and hips. I have seen overwieght adults and they are very easy to find. Something goes wrong from childhood to adulthood here and by looking at the family set up we may well shed light on how the adults are gaining a lot of weight. I suspect too little time to actually consider their own needs. We'll see. I look forward to hearing what Gilly Hendrie will be able to report back to us because I know we will implement the findings. We are good like that!
"“Everyone is different, but somehow the majority of families do support healthy behaviours that produce healthy weight,” Ms Hendrie said."
It may seem obvious to study the families which are succeeding with wieght and health issues, but it is probably advantageous to have the picture really clear. When people use their study time to examine our community problems, I see that as a good thing. It means we will have practical information to work on. Weight , or too much of it, is a lifestyle thing by and large. It's about how we live and what we do or don't do. I have looked everywhere for these obese children. I have seen few. I have seen a lot of painfully thin children with very tiny legs, arms and hips. I have seen overwieght adults and they are very easy to find. Something goes wrong from childhood to adulthood here and by looking at the family set up we may well shed light on how the adults are gaining a lot of weight. I suspect too little time to actually consider their own needs. We'll see. I look forward to hearing what Gilly Hendrie will be able to report back to us because I know we will implement the findings. We are good like that!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Grunting
Health - Life & Style Home :
"A US fitness club with a long list of dos and don'ts for its members expells one of them for grunting."
Is it me or has someone lost control of their linguistic skills??
That apart...poor people for not being able to grunt while they lift weights. We'd all be out!!! Who are these perfectly poised and toned people who can lift weights and keep their grunts to themselves? Are they real? Not allowed to drop weights, either. I am amazed. They could not have rules like this unless they had a clientele which could comply. I am stunned they don't grunt, don't drop weights, don't wear bandannas...the screaming I get. Who are these perfect specimens of humanity?? I thought the bandanna was all part of the outfit?? How else would you know you are a weightlifter? I shall get my score card out on the Olympians next time.
"A US fitness club with a long list of dos and don'ts for its members expells one of them for grunting."
Is it me or has someone lost control of their linguistic skills??
That apart...poor people for not being able to grunt while they lift weights. We'd all be out!!! Who are these perfectly poised and toned people who can lift weights and keep their grunts to themselves? Are they real? Not allowed to drop weights, either. I am amazed. They could not have rules like this unless they had a clientele which could comply. I am stunned they don't grunt, don't drop weights, don't wear bandannas...the screaming I get. Who are these perfect specimens of humanity?? I thought the bandanna was all part of the outfit?? How else would you know you are a weightlifter? I shall get my score card out on the Olympians next time.
Wave power technology unveiled in Perth
Wave power technology unveiled in Perth :
"'I am very hopeful that wave energy will become an important addition to the suite of renewable energy generators in this state.'"
SA has done a fair bit for a small state to look at renewable energy and to increase the sorts of options we have. WA also seems to have got off its bottom and has been addressing the issues which are bothering us all. It's good to see states actually move ahead in this area when federally we keep discussing everything. We have a lot of knowledgeable and creative people in this country. We also have a lot of enthusiasm and willingness to be proactive, so it's good to see that people can do something worthwhile and productive while the discussions are still being aired. Change is action. The are some things we need to change NOW, so WA is getting onto that. Good.
"'I am very hopeful that wave energy will become an important addition to the suite of renewable energy generators in this state.'"
SA has done a fair bit for a small state to look at renewable energy and to increase the sorts of options we have. WA also seems to have got off its bottom and has been addressing the issues which are bothering us all. It's good to see states actually move ahead in this area when federally we keep discussing everything. We have a lot of knowledgeable and creative people in this country. We also have a lot of enthusiasm and willingness to be proactive, so it's good to see that people can do something worthwhile and productive while the discussions are still being aired. Change is action. The are some things we need to change NOW, so WA is getting onto that. Good.
Young Aussies recognised for courage
Young Aussies recognised for courage :
"The Take 5 Young Bravehearts award ceremony, held at Sydney Aquarium, celebrated the achievements of children who survived life threatening disease such as cancer or meningococcal or have heroin addicted parents."
The extremes are grabbing the headlines and achieving far more attention than they warrant, so it's good to hear there are awards for the sorts of kids we like to know are there to balance the extremes. These kids have strength, courage, grit and a real spirit. They have done the hard yards and have achieved a personal best. They have also shown others how to work through demanding lives and still come out on top. So let's give more airplay to the achievers and no airplay to the destructive influences. The article says it's important to show the world that these sorts of people exist. It's true. We spend far too much time on those who make life nasty and miserable. We should just reward the people who are moving us forward and who avoid being destructive and anti social. I wonder what would happen if we only reported positive events and people for a week? Celebrated our wisdom for a week? Valued our capacity to be a community for a week? Only considered the promotion of the positive human spirit for a week? I dare you.
"The Take 5 Young Bravehearts award ceremony, held at Sydney Aquarium, celebrated the achievements of children who survived life threatening disease such as cancer or meningococcal or have heroin addicted parents."
The extremes are grabbing the headlines and achieving far more attention than they warrant, so it's good to hear there are awards for the sorts of kids we like to know are there to balance the extremes. These kids have strength, courage, grit and a real spirit. They have done the hard yards and have achieved a personal best. They have also shown others how to work through demanding lives and still come out on top. So let's give more airplay to the achievers and no airplay to the destructive influences. The article says it's important to show the world that these sorts of people exist. It's true. We spend far too much time on those who make life nasty and miserable. We should just reward the people who are moving us forward and who avoid being destructive and anti social. I wonder what would happen if we only reported positive events and people for a week? Celebrated our wisdom for a week? Valued our capacity to be a community for a week? Only considered the promotion of the positive human spirit for a week? I dare you.
Vietnam a just war, says PM
Vietnam a just war, says PM :
"'In public life you take a position, and I think particularly of the positions I've taken in the time I've been Prime Minister. I have to live with the consequences of those both now and into the future.'"
I don't think so. A prime minister or head of state represents the country, so the people of that country become responsible for the decisions made and the people of the country have to wear the burden of that. Inspite of living here just about all my life there are times where I have been accused of carrying the responsibility of Margaret Thatcher's odd decision making...because I have an English accent. As Australians we are put in the position of explaining any decision our government makes or has made. Vietnam was never declared a war and therein lies the rub, because we had lotto conscription and He was only 19 sums it all up. We changed the vote to 18 because of Vietnam. We thought it was wrong. We did not agree with it.The trouble is , people think that reframing the picture will make the picture different.
"'In public life you take a position, and I think particularly of the positions I've taken in the time I've been Prime Minister. I have to live with the consequences of those both now and into the future.'"
I don't think so. A prime minister or head of state represents the country, so the people of that country become responsible for the decisions made and the people of the country have to wear the burden of that. Inspite of living here just about all my life there are times where I have been accused of carrying the responsibility of Margaret Thatcher's odd decision making...because I have an English accent. As Australians we are put in the position of explaining any decision our government makes or has made. Vietnam was never declared a war and therein lies the rub, because we had lotto conscription and He was only 19 sums it all up. We changed the vote to 18 because of Vietnam. We thought it was wrong. We did not agree with it.The trouble is , people think that reframing the picture will make the picture different.
SA plans secondary school overhaul
SA plans secondary school overhaul :
"'We want all young South Australians to complete 12 years of education or training to build practical skills that will allow them to do real work for real jobs, including local jobs as plumbers, nurses, engineers, teachers and more,' Dr Lomax-Smith said."
That is not education. That is vocational training.
"'We want all young South Australians to complete 12 years of education or training to build practical skills that will allow them to do real work for real jobs, including local jobs as plumbers, nurses, engineers, teachers and more,' Dr Lomax-Smith said."
That is not education. That is vocational training.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Tiny Tuvalu packs a powerful punch
Tiny Tuvalu packs a powerful punch :
"Imagine the world knew global warming was about to destroy 43 nations - ' but not which 43', Enele Sopoaga, Tuvalu's UN ambassador, told the summit on Friday. If that were the case, 'we suggest that all parties would be striving for big reductions in greenhouse gases'."
Tuvalu is one of our neighbours in the South pacific which uses our currency and can trade on the internet suffix .tv. It has a population of just over eleven and a half thousand and is threatened by global warming. They have brought some real thinking to this debate. They are asking for consideration. They are not demanding it. They are requesting larger nations should consider their future and yet they are dealing with the very real threat with a great deal of dignity. Would we were so wise. As a neighbour I think we can help them. As part of our South Pacific neighbourhood I think we can lend our physical size to their thoughtful questions. We can all do better. We know we can. We can make an effort because we do not want to be the ones who have caused the demise of small, spirited nations. As a nation we can lend a hand and negotiate things which would help them. More than that , though, we can give some serious weight to doing something decent with regard to climate change.
Tuvalu
"Imagine the world knew global warming was about to destroy 43 nations - ' but not which 43', Enele Sopoaga, Tuvalu's UN ambassador, told the summit on Friday. If that were the case, 'we suggest that all parties would be striving for big reductions in greenhouse gases'."
Tuvalu is one of our neighbours in the South pacific which uses our currency and can trade on the internet suffix .tv. It has a population of just over eleven and a half thousand and is threatened by global warming. They have brought some real thinking to this debate. They are asking for consideration. They are not demanding it. They are requesting larger nations should consider their future and yet they are dealing with the very real threat with a great deal of dignity. Would we were so wise. As a neighbour I think we can help them. As part of our South Pacific neighbourhood I think we can lend our physical size to their thoughtful questions. We can all do better. We know we can. We can make an effort because we do not want to be the ones who have caused the demise of small, spirited nations. As a nation we can lend a hand and negotiate things which would help them. More than that , though, we can give some serious weight to doing something decent with regard to climate change.
Tuvalu
Australians good at recycling
Australians good at recycling :
"Today, 99 per cent of Australian households engage in some form of recycling or re-use, compared to 91 per cent in March 1996.
Almost nine in ten households re-use plastic bags, and paper products are the most commonly recycled, followed by glass and plastic bottles."
We have got better and we can get even better. It needs to be pushed in schools and the community as a way of life. Our local shopping centre got right behind it and did everything to prick our consciences and to provide practical solutions. It also got the shops right into it, which we saw and it influenced us. Then Planet Ark got to us and has since been on our cases. It's a matter of process..because we nagged our council. Yes, we had to push them but they got onside and out did themselves in the end. So it's about hauling as a team. We really need to have a long, hard look at recycling technology because currently, apart from ink cartridges, it's too bloomin' hard and we have been needing more local areas to accept recycling technology. Even if our other recycle depots for paper and bottles could be expanded to take on the technological waste, that would be a real step forward. Bit by bit...and we flaunt our reuseable bags quite happily these days. It's not about compulsion. There actually has been very little pressure and none of the crime and punishment approach and yet this snowball effect has been very successful. Keep it coming.
"Today, 99 per cent of Australian households engage in some form of recycling or re-use, compared to 91 per cent in March 1996.
Almost nine in ten households re-use plastic bags, and paper products are the most commonly recycled, followed by glass and plastic bottles."
We have got better and we can get even better. It needs to be pushed in schools and the community as a way of life. Our local shopping centre got right behind it and did everything to prick our consciences and to provide practical solutions. It also got the shops right into it, which we saw and it influenced us. Then Planet Ark got to us and has since been on our cases. It's a matter of process..because we nagged our council. Yes, we had to push them but they got onside and out did themselves in the end. So it's about hauling as a team. We really need to have a long, hard look at recycling technology because currently, apart from ink cartridges, it's too bloomin' hard and we have been needing more local areas to accept recycling technology. Even if our other recycle depots for paper and bottles could be expanded to take on the technological waste, that would be a real step forward. Bit by bit...and we flaunt our reuseable bags quite happily these days. It's not about compulsion. There actually has been very little pressure and none of the crime and punishment approach and yet this snowball effect has been very successful. Keep it coming.
Thai toilet expo proves popular
AM - Thai toilet expo proves popular:
"It's not the sort of exhibition you would think would be popular, but the World Toilet Expo has attracted hundreds of delegates from across host nation, Thailand as well as South East Asia.
The popularity stems from a push by many of the countries to improve sanitation and hygiene, something they say improves community health as well as the economic bottom line."
Toilets are what we all need and everyone should have access to. They would cause interest and it would be interesting to see a toilet exhibition. I can imagine it would be a huge success. If you had the historical approach , the cultural approach and then there could be fun exhibits. It would probably inspire artists and designers and provide a vehicle for the overall impreovement of sanitiation and aesthetics. I am certain a toilet expo would be a big hit!
"It's not the sort of exhibition you would think would be popular, but the World Toilet Expo has attracted hundreds of delegates from across host nation, Thailand as well as South East Asia.
The popularity stems from a push by many of the countries to improve sanitation and hygiene, something they say improves community health as well as the economic bottom line."
Toilets are what we all need and everyone should have access to. They would cause interest and it would be interesting to see a toilet exhibition. I can imagine it would be a huge success. If you had the historical approach , the cultural approach and then there could be fun exhibits. It would probably inspire artists and designers and provide a vehicle for the overall impreovement of sanitiation and aesthetics. I am certain a toilet expo would be a big hit!
Leaders pay tribute to Thorpe's swimming legacy.
Leaders pay tribute to Thorpe's swimming legacy. :"The five time Olympic gold medallist told a media conference in Sydney that swimming is no longer a priority in his life and he wants to explore other challenges.
Thorpe says not even the prospect of more medals or records could motivate him to stay in the pool."
I still feel privileged to have shared the same time and planet as Ian Thorpe. He has given hours and hours of his young life to bring us accolades and glory which is why he is probably much in need of a chance to frame his own opportunities and carve his own life. We'd all love him to take us to those heady heights again. We all know he can bring home the gold and records for Australia. He has one life so it isn't about us, it is about him. In terms of serving his country he has done more than enough. What else can he achieve because he eclipsed anyone else in the pool and was in a class of his own? Maybe he'll feel like inspiring others. Maybe not. Maybe we'll get another Ian Thorpe. I doubt it. He is truly unique and it has been a very difficult life for him because he has had to constantly shine and then meet our needs. So it's not about us. He will maybe muddle through a bit finding his path in life. He is still young and will be able to completely change the direction of his life at the moment. Maybe he wants to control his destiny instead of working in harness.Whatever he chooses to do...even if it's sit on the sofa and enjoy the company of friends and watch others swim, I wish him well. He is so remarkable.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Spooky survey
'Spooky survey' gets big response - :"Some 2,000 people have made contact via the internet since the survey began six weeks ago, says Dr Beverley Jane, who is supervising Breen's research.
She says 96% of respondents claim to have had at least one brush with the paranormal."
This survey has been created by Monash University and has been even more popular than they expected. It would appear many, many people have tales of the paranormal. The survey is about how it impacts on people's lives and the sorts of things they have experienced. It sounds as those the findings will be compelling reading so I hope they will be published and available to the general public...so...is it weird and spooky out there?
Bats
Boy, 13, arrested over scrub fire
AdelaideNow... Boy, 13, arrested over scrub fire:
"Investigations led police to the Aldinga Beach teenager, who was arrested and charged with arson and recklessly endangering property on a day of total fire ban and extreme fire danger."
Nice way to spend your Sunday. He maybe needs to take a tour of the burns unit. He certainly needs to talk to fire fighters and the CFS and his services need to be required for quite some time in helping to repair fire damage. What on earth was he thinking?
"Investigations led police to the Aldinga Beach teenager, who was arrested and charged with arson and recklessly endangering property on a day of total fire ban and extreme fire danger."
Nice way to spend your Sunday. He maybe needs to take a tour of the burns unit. He certainly needs to talk to fire fighters and the CFS and his services need to be required for quite some time in helping to repair fire damage. What on earth was he thinking?
Skateboard boys risking injury
AdelaideNow... Skateboard boys risking injury:"While cycling injuries have fallen since helmet wearing became compulsory in SA in 1991, the number of skateboarders and in-line skaters presenting to emergency departments had doubled in the past six years, he said. 'The majority of patients are boys aged 15 and under,' he said."
When you seriously look at what the kids do, you can see why skateboarding is so popular and the park by Adelaide railway station gets a lot of visits, plenty of action and a lot of admiration from the little kids sitting on the train. But heads and concrete don't mix. I think it's time to sit down honestly with skateboarders, present them with the information and ask for their ideas and input. It's a perfect opportunity to engage young people in the development of their lifestyle and community and I am certain they will come up with some practical ideas we can implement. We are not going to stop them. They carry those boards with pride and they love skateboarding. Ask them. Talk to them. Involve them...just as you would with any other sport.
Kewday
No ambulance please, they're British
No ambulance please, they're British :
"The YouGov poll has also revealed 64 per cent of people experiencing heart attack symptoms would ring their partner, friend, relative, doctor or NHS Direct - the National Health Service's telephone network - rather than call an ambulance."
Is it just the British or is it people who have heart attacks? Maybe they call a loved one for reassurance because emotionally that is more important to them. Maybe they think it's not true and it won't be believed. My father's first heart attack was diagnosed as indigestion and he was sent home with a bottle of Mylanta...so he and Mum made a trip to Sydeny where he had a very serious heart attack and managed to survive it and was hospitalised away from the support of friends and family and Mum was there carrying the weight of all of that. I am curious to know what is going on in their heads. The people I know seem to fall into the categories of they know for sure it's a heart attack and then those who are not sure...one of whom had a quadruple bypass!! That person had no real idea of how serious it was and just said they felt unwell. So, I think it's time to go back to basics. Back to raising the awareness of symptoms, back to establishing the right protocols, back to rethinking how we approach this so that those having heart attacks will ring the ambulance!!
"The YouGov poll has also revealed 64 per cent of people experiencing heart attack symptoms would ring their partner, friend, relative, doctor or NHS Direct - the National Health Service's telephone network - rather than call an ambulance."
Is it just the British or is it people who have heart attacks? Maybe they call a loved one for reassurance because emotionally that is more important to them. Maybe they think it's not true and it won't be believed. My father's first heart attack was diagnosed as indigestion and he was sent home with a bottle of Mylanta...so he and Mum made a trip to Sydeny where he had a very serious heart attack and managed to survive it and was hospitalised away from the support of friends and family and Mum was there carrying the weight of all of that. I am curious to know what is going on in their heads. The people I know seem to fall into the categories of they know for sure it's a heart attack and then those who are not sure...one of whom had a quadruple bypass!! That person had no real idea of how serious it was and just said they felt unwell. So, I think it's time to go back to basics. Back to raising the awareness of symptoms, back to establishing the right protocols, back to rethinking how we approach this so that those having heart attacks will ring the ambulance!!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Desalinated water flows in Perth
AdelaideNow... Desalinated water flows in Perth:
"Water from the $387 million seawater desalination facility at Kwinana, south of the city, began pumping through Perth's supply system, Premier Alan Carpenter said.
It will supply 17 per cent of the city's water when it ramps up to full capacity in two months time, he said."
Well, more positive news and that is how it should be. We need to deal with the problems in a logical fashion. I know we have to tackle the melting ice caps, and we could if we put our minds to it, but at the moment, we need water and rising oceans can be recycled and it is at least putting water back into our system. We need to treat the causes and we need to get serious about that, but the Perth desalination plant is a move forward for now because it takes the pressure off Perth. Hoorah and well done....and it'll be a good way to see how this technology operates so we can make some sensible decisions.
"Water from the $387 million seawater desalination facility at Kwinana, south of the city, began pumping through Perth's supply system, Premier Alan Carpenter said.
It will supply 17 per cent of the city's water when it ramps up to full capacity in two months time, he said."
Well, more positive news and that is how it should be. We need to deal with the problems in a logical fashion. I know we have to tackle the melting ice caps, and we could if we put our minds to it, but at the moment, we need water and rising oceans can be recycled and it is at least putting water back into our system. We need to treat the causes and we need to get serious about that, but the Perth desalination plant is a move forward for now because it takes the pressure off Perth. Hoorah and well done....and it'll be a good way to see how this technology operates so we can make some sensible decisions.
Museum shouldn't test Aboriginal remains
Museum shouldn't test Aboriginal remains: Putt. : "'These are the ancestors, the relatives of people who are alive now in Tasmania who deserve much better consideration than they've go so far.'"
I thought the world had come a long way in getting the right things in the right place when it came to art and artefacts. Tribal things are meaningless out of context and have nothing to say to someone who simply has no idea of their significance. Ancestors are something totally different. They were people and belonged to people. It is very disrespectful not to treat them with the utmost consideration. That they are being returned is a massive step forward because they can be in the land of their own people. Testing them is unthinkable because it is treating them as objects. Perhaps tribal elders could advise this museum more carefully about what this actually means. Perhaps the museum could make contact with tribal elders and initiate a dialogue. With aborigines , you go to their home and you speak with them. It's about doing the right thing.
I thought the world had come a long way in getting the right things in the right place when it came to art and artefacts. Tribal things are meaningless out of context and have nothing to say to someone who simply has no idea of their significance. Ancestors are something totally different. They were people and belonged to people. It is very disrespectful not to treat them with the utmost consideration. That they are being returned is a massive step forward because they can be in the land of their own people. Testing them is unthinkable because it is treating them as objects. Perhaps tribal elders could advise this museum more carefully about what this actually means. Perhaps the museum could make contact with tribal elders and initiate a dialogue. With aborigines , you go to their home and you speak with them. It's about doing the right thing.
Cosmonaut to tee off for orbital golf.
Cosmonaut to tee off for orbital golf. : "Mr Tyurin, who has been aboard the station since September, is not expected to smack the ball, just tap it with the club.The ball itself weighs just 4.5 grams, instead of the standard issue 45 grams.
Mr Tyurin has to make the shot one-handed because his bulky spacesuit prevents him from bringing his hands together."
I gather it's as much about physics as it is about fun. I gather it's about creating interest and involvement and I am actually glad we are finding out what they are doing up there because it is a bit thing this international space station and yet we do not get to share much. It is cutting edge technology and oooo, aaah stuff and it would be fantastic if we could focus a bit more on the great things we do instead of all the destructive muck. People would be interested and it would be a great thing for kids growing up instead of those dumb , violent games. This space station has it all...pioneering, adventure, guts...and now some serious science with a twist. Where will the ball go? Will it stay up there or plop to earth eventually? See, I need my science lessons.
Blogspiration
5 Favorite Blogs, Bloggers and Blog Tools
Share five of your favorite blogs, bloggers and blog tools (and their URLs) in these five categories:
1) Name five blogs that you like to visit regularly.
1) Buzzflash
2) Slightly Mad
3) le périscope
4) Seb's blog (fr)
5) Today in Iraq
2) Name five blogs/bloggers that inspire you.
1) 404 Brain not Found (fr)
2) Le blog Médiocre de BabOOn
3) Slightly Mad
4) Random Acts of Reality
5) fafblog
3) Name five blogs that you find the most informative.
1) 404 Brain not Found (fr)
2) La Tribu du Verbe
3) Today in Iraq
4) Random Acts of Reality
5) Climate Science
4) Name five podcasts and/or video blogs that you enjoy.
1) I don’t do podcasts
2) I don’t do video blogs
3) Can’t relate
4) Prefer text
5) They drive me nuts
5) Name five blog tools or blog services that you really love.
1) StatCounter
2) Who Links to me
3) BlogLines
4) Blog Explosion
5) About.com
Share your responses in your blog and link to this piece about what you love or hate about blogs. I found it at About Web Logs by Sheila Ann Manuel Coggins.
Share five of your favorite blogs, bloggers and blog tools (and their URLs) in these five categories:
1) Name five blogs that you like to visit regularly.
1) Buzzflash
2) Slightly Mad
3) le périscope
4) Seb's blog (fr)
5) Today in Iraq
2) Name five blogs/bloggers that inspire you.
1) 404 Brain not Found (fr)
2) Le blog Médiocre de BabOOn
3) Slightly Mad
4) Random Acts of Reality
5) fafblog
3) Name five blogs that you find the most informative.
1) 404 Brain not Found (fr)
2) La Tribu du Verbe
3) Today in Iraq
4) Random Acts of Reality
5) Climate Science
4) Name five podcasts and/or video blogs that you enjoy.
1) I don’t do podcasts
2) I don’t do video blogs
3) Can’t relate
4) Prefer text
5) They drive me nuts
5) Name five blog tools or blog services that you really love.
1) StatCounter
2) Who Links to me
3) BlogLines
4) Blog Explosion
5) About.com
Share your responses in your blog and link to this piece about what you love or hate about blogs. I found it at About Web Logs by Sheila Ann Manuel Coggins.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Greens deal threat to Bracks
Greens deal threat to Bracks :"A GREENS deal to give preferences to the state Liberal Party in eight of its seats could lead to the demise of Victoria's Labor Government, Premier Steve Bracks says."
I am not surprised Bracks is surprised and he may be right. It's about the Greens jockeying into a position of strength for themselves, but then they will , at best, be part of a coalition. Not so good. Maybe the Greens can explain it better? These days you have to check and double check everything because nothing can be taken for granted and it's all about the moment. Flash in the pan politics. Fancy schmantzy but where is it getting us?
'Gandalf, Arsenal, it's dinnertime'
'Gandalf, Arsenal, it's dinnertime' :
"Children, it appears, are in growing danger from their parents of name abuse. Among the worst reported cases are Dre, Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop. These unfortunates, when they grow up, may well wonder why they were named after a variety of transient rap stars."
I sometimes wonder what parents are thinking when they give their children names. Some names are destined to damage the life of the child unless they change it . Some kids use their middle name. Some kids have to hide their names. An unusual name might be all lovely and trendy but trying to live with it can be something else. I think those sorts of names should be second names, if anything. Very few people live a kind of life where they can tell the tale of their unusual name. Somehow or another it's the Kate's, John's , Tina's and Jeff's who stay together and find their spot. Maybe we should be more flexible as a society but the number of Tyrone's who've shortened themselves to Ty...and it suits, is astounding. The best name I have ever heard is Wanda Woolidge and I have never forgotten her because of it. I often wonder what became of her. While England is increasing the number of Kylies, we, thankfully , are not. Try pronouncing that the German way...Koolia...and it's a name which is unpronouncable in most parts and with an Australian accent...it's not good. Kylies are great people though. Very sound and down to earth.
"Children, it appears, are in growing danger from their parents of name abuse. Among the worst reported cases are Dre, Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop. These unfortunates, when they grow up, may well wonder why they were named after a variety of transient rap stars."
I sometimes wonder what parents are thinking when they give their children names. Some names are destined to damage the life of the child unless they change it . Some kids use their middle name. Some kids have to hide their names. An unusual name might be all lovely and trendy but trying to live with it can be something else. I think those sorts of names should be second names, if anything. Very few people live a kind of life where they can tell the tale of their unusual name. Somehow or another it's the Kate's, John's , Tina's and Jeff's who stay together and find their spot. Maybe we should be more flexible as a society but the number of Tyrone's who've shortened themselves to Ty...and it suits, is astounding. The best name I have ever heard is Wanda Woolidge and I have never forgotten her because of it. I often wonder what became of her. While England is increasing the number of Kylies, we, thankfully , are not. Try pronouncing that the German way...Koolia...and it's a name which is unpronouncable in most parts and with an Australian accent...it's not good. Kylies are great people though. Very sound and down to earth.
Protesters trying to 'trash' reputation
Protesters trying to 'trash' reputation :
"'There are hard-core militant and violent groups who have organised for violence, trained for violence and engaged in violence against property and police,' he said."
And that is not Australia. We are not hard core violent. We hate it. We cannot be bothered with it. So it is not Australians trying to ruin us...and the protests. People have always had a right to protest here. It's only recently our protesters have had masked men who are violent so I suppose the police are having difficulty identifying who they are. It would be good if Mr. Costello could recognise the difference between his and our values and those of outsider groups who neither value the peace we have nor our right to peacefully express our view. Jumping on the stereotype, violent protesters doesn't at all address what on earth is going on here. Media fodder?
"'There are hard-core militant and violent groups who have organised for violence, trained for violence and engaged in violence against property and police,' he said."
And that is not Australia. We are not hard core violent. We hate it. We cannot be bothered with it. So it is not Australians trying to ruin us...and the protests. People have always had a right to protest here. It's only recently our protesters have had masked men who are violent so I suppose the police are having difficulty identifying who they are. It would be good if Mr. Costello could recognise the difference between his and our values and those of outsider groups who neither value the peace we have nor our right to peacefully express our view. Jumping on the stereotype, violent protesters doesn't at all address what on earth is going on here. Media fodder?
G20 protest turns violent.
G20 protest turns violent. :
"About 25 protesters in spray painters' suits and surgeons' masks have been leading the charges at police."
Makes a change from the balaclavas and the scarves, I suppose. Spray painters outfits??? Surgeons masks. Just the sort of thing you have handy. So who are these people who dress up and turn any protest violent no matter where?
"About 25 protesters in spray painters' suits and surgeons' masks have been leading the charges at police."
Makes a change from the balaclavas and the scarves, I suppose. Spray painters outfits??? Surgeons masks. Just the sort of thing you have handy. So who are these people who dress up and turn any protest violent no matter where?
Friday, November 17, 2006
A chocolate a day keeps the doctor at bay
Health - Life & Style Home :"Before they got the aspirin, the volunteers were asked to stay on a strict regimen of exercise, refrain from smoking and avoid caffeinated drinks, wine, grapefruit juice and chocolate."
Well, it's just as well the chocoholics failed because they gave the researchers food for thought. Not so weak will , after all!! Just saving their hearts. What I really admire in this study is that the researchers kept testing for everything whether their volunteers were helpful or not! That way they got some unexpected, but very welcome, information....so go on, indulge yourself...yum, slurp, oh yum, scrunch, slurp, um...yum..oooh..mmmmm....yum.
Haigh's Chocolates
Confusion over water restriction messages
AdelaideNow... Confusion over water restriction messages:
"However, more recent figures from SA Water for the first few months of 2006/07 show water consumption well above the five-year average, despite Level 2 water restriction now in place."
We are not confused. We are quite clear about the restrictions because we reinforce on another and we have a written copy which we received. Since the beginning of the year we have been mindful of our water situation. Our winter was dry so our garden watering has started in October when you don't usually need to do it until December ...even later in the last couple of years. If the water consumption was up at teh beginning of the year then I think we need to see the break down and SA water needs to look at the accounts which utilise a lot of water. Twasn't us!! We have been clear and careful.
"However, more recent figures from SA Water for the first few months of 2006/07 show water consumption well above the five-year average, despite Level 2 water restriction now in place."
We are not confused. We are quite clear about the restrictions because we reinforce on another and we have a written copy which we received. Since the beginning of the year we have been mindful of our water situation. Our winter was dry so our garden watering has started in October when you don't usually need to do it until December ...even later in the last couple of years. If the water consumption was up at teh beginning of the year then I think we need to see the break down and SA water needs to look at the accounts which utilise a lot of water. Twasn't us!! We have been clear and careful.
Mother charged over poison plot against sons
Mother charged over poison plot against sons:
"Police say the 45-year-old, from Cleveland, on the eastern outskirts of Brisbane, tried to kill her sons, aged 18 and 20, by crushing up prescription medication and mixing it into yoghurt."
She is obviously not well and needs a lot of help, but how must the sons feel? What will that do to their lives. We are getting a whole range of disturbed people to the extend I can only say there is a terrible malaise in Australia which never existed before. What have we done to ourselves?
"Police say the 45-year-old, from Cleveland, on the eastern outskirts of Brisbane, tried to kill her sons, aged 18 and 20, by crushing up prescription medication and mixing it into yoghurt."
She is obviously not well and needs a lot of help, but how must the sons feel? What will that do to their lives. We are getting a whole range of disturbed people to the extend I can only say there is a terrible malaise in Australia which never existed before. What have we done to ourselves?
World-wide corduroy club
World-wide corduroy club :"More than 800 people around the world have signed up to be part of the New York-based Corduroy Appreciation Club, which meets every November 11 - the date, when written as 11/11, that most resembles the fabric they love."
I have never not been a fan of corduroy. I love the texture and I love the feel . I wear it because in winter it looks smart but it's easy to wash and dry and rarely needs ironing. I have several pairs of winter corduroy trousers in nice thick corduroy and then some autumn ones in pinwhale cord. I love the colours - Schiaparelli pink, electric blue, back, midnight blue and then my favourites in olive green. Topped with a blouse, a jumper and a nice scarf it's so easy to look well dressed and warm. I don't understand how people can wear normal jeans in winter and you can't go out in trakkies! The club is a great idea because it's a fabric we all take for granted.
Anti-Aussie rant commentator quits
Anti-Aussie rant commentator quits :
"'The victory belongs to Italy, to Grosso, to Cannavaro, to Zambrotta, to Buffon, to Maldini, to everyone who loves Italian soccer!... (Australia) should go home. They don't need to go as far away as Australia as most of them are living in Europe. Farewell!'"
When Huang Jianxiang gave his anti Australian rant, we just laughed. We criticise our own so much there is no way an outsider can offend us. We found it hilarious because he had no idea. The Australians with Italian links were over the moon so we were in a win-win situation. We weren't happy our Socceroos went down to Italy but the Italian -Australians were in full on party mode and lifted our spirits. The cup was us getting there after years and years of never being there. The Chinese commentary was seen as hilarious not offensive. It's a pity he has resigned, particularly if he had to resign over this. If he came here he'd realise it's an even playing field and we can give as good as we get but we don't mind people getting carried away in the heat of the moment. You've forgotten...Australians are expert at destroying formality and protocol.
"'The victory belongs to Italy, to Grosso, to Cannavaro, to Zambrotta, to Buffon, to Maldini, to everyone who loves Italian soccer!... (Australia) should go home. They don't need to go as far away as Australia as most of them are living in Europe. Farewell!'"
When Huang Jianxiang gave his anti Australian rant, we just laughed. We criticise our own so much there is no way an outsider can offend us. We found it hilarious because he had no idea. The Australians with Italian links were over the moon so we were in a win-win situation. We weren't happy our Socceroos went down to Italy but the Italian -Australians were in full on party mode and lifted our spirits. The cup was us getting there after years and years of never being there. The Chinese commentary was seen as hilarious not offensive. It's a pity he has resigned, particularly if he had to resign over this. If he came here he'd realise it's an even playing field and we can give as good as we get but we don't mind people getting carried away in the heat of the moment. You've forgotten...Australians are expert at destroying formality and protocol.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
McGrath Foundation
McGrath Foundation :"Glenn and I are extremely grateful to Rove for nominating the McGrath Foundation as the recipient of any donations that people would like to make. This will help us enormously towards our goals of educating young women to be breast aware and raising funds for much needed breast care nurses."
Belinda Emmett's funeral will be on Friday. It is a sad, sad thing, but the family has nominated the McGrath foundation as the recipient of donations instead of sending flowers. It makes sense. I feel so, so sorry for them. She was such a strong lady and maybe that's what this is about. Breast cancer just has to be cured. We lose too many great ladies.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Bush administration face climate lawsuit
Bush administration face climate lawsuit :
"The law suit seeks to compel the US Climate Change Science Program to issue the national assessment, which should contain the most recent scientific data on global warming and projections for its future impacts."
Maybe that'll happen here. It's pretty sad when you have to take legal action against a government when they are the government and are supposed to be elected leaders. It's the same here. The ho-hum approach is not a plan. The we don't need to, is not a plan. Everyone, but everyone knows there is a problem with the climate. It is so bloomin' obvious . For governments to say they'll think about this and think about that is simply not good enough. We elected them to lead us...not to snub us. The who world is concerned. The whole world is trying to take action. The whole world wants something done. But when governments fiddle faddle and dilly dally on a very serious issue, you do wonder. If taking them to court makes them give us a plan...and I want a proper plan. I want something that tells me we are dealing with climate change in a serious way. If we made the mess, we can fix it. We can't fix it while they prevaricate and doddle around.
"The law suit seeks to compel the US Climate Change Science Program to issue the national assessment, which should contain the most recent scientific data on global warming and projections for its future impacts."
Maybe that'll happen here. It's pretty sad when you have to take legal action against a government when they are the government and are supposed to be elected leaders. It's the same here. The ho-hum approach is not a plan. The we don't need to, is not a plan. Everyone, but everyone knows there is a problem with the climate. It is so bloomin' obvious . For governments to say they'll think about this and think about that is simply not good enough. We elected them to lead us...not to snub us. The who world is concerned. The whole world is trying to take action. The whole world wants something done. But when governments fiddle faddle and dilly dally on a very serious issue, you do wonder. If taking them to court makes them give us a plan...and I want a proper plan. I want something that tells me we are dealing with climate change in a serious way. If we made the mess, we can fix it. We can't fix it while they prevaricate and doddle around.
Strong grip helps men live longer
Strong grip helps men live longer: study :
"A strong grip, a good education, a wife, and not becoming overweight are among the keys to a long life for middle-aged men who'd like to grow old in good health, a US study said."
The grip is about upper body strength. I guess they won't fall over too soon. Strong bodies help keep you upright for longer. It makes sense but it's astounding how fast people let themselves fall out of condition. How inflexible people let themselves become and how quickly they just let go. Fitness isn't the only factor though and I am certain everyone has at least one long lived family member and could trot out a recipe for old age. My family had this tiny, frail wicked witch of the west who outlived everyone. She was a venomous, vicious auntie who lived to 95 and made everyone's life a misery. She smoked, drank, fooled around, road a motor bike, abandoned her children. Her house was totally spotless and very neat. Her cooking was superb...but she was so mean. She made Mombie look kind. At least studies provide you with trends which you can pick up on. I think mobility is everything.
"A strong grip, a good education, a wife, and not becoming overweight are among the keys to a long life for middle-aged men who'd like to grow old in good health, a US study said."
The grip is about upper body strength. I guess they won't fall over too soon. Strong bodies help keep you upright for longer. It makes sense but it's astounding how fast people let themselves fall out of condition. How inflexible people let themselves become and how quickly they just let go. Fitness isn't the only factor though and I am certain everyone has at least one long lived family member and could trot out a recipe for old age. My family had this tiny, frail wicked witch of the west who outlived everyone. She was a venomous, vicious auntie who lived to 95 and made everyone's life a misery. She smoked, drank, fooled around, road a motor bike, abandoned her children. Her house was totally spotless and very neat. Her cooking was superb...but she was so mean. She made Mombie look kind. At least studies provide you with trends which you can pick up on. I think mobility is everything.
No need for constitutional convention
No need for constitutional convention:
"The Prime Minister says there is no need for a constitutional convention in the wake of yesterday's High Court case on industrial relations."
I love our PM. He's very labour saving. He never sees a need for anything and so we don't do anything because there is no need. And then when there is a need we don't do anything anyway, he does it all, so he saves all of our energy.
"I will use the constitutional power available to the Commonwealth when it's in the public good."
He even does our thinking for us so we can sit back and just get on with our lives. No need to bother our pretty little heads with anything really.
"The Prime Minister says there is no need for a constitutional convention in the wake of yesterday's High Court case on industrial relations."
I love our PM. He's very labour saving. He never sees a need for anything and so we don't do anything because there is no need. And then when there is a need we don't do anything anyway, he does it all, so he saves all of our energy.
"I will use the constitutional power available to the Commonwealth when it's in the public good."
He even does our thinking for us so we can sit back and just get on with our lives. No need to bother our pretty little heads with anything really.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Microsoft gets fair dinkum
AdelaideNow... Microsoft gets fair dinkum:"The results have prompted Microsoft to embrace Australian colloquialisms by including some in its Microsoft Office 2007 software."
'Bout bloody time or we might've all chucked a wobbly, spat the dummy and gone completely bunta.
Global warming could lead to extinction spike
Global warming could lead to extinction spike :"'It's the randomness of the damage that means that different areas are disturbed during each cyclone, so that different areas are regenerated,'' he said."
Sounds very painful. I don't think I want an extinction spike. Can you get a surge guard for it? I think we need to start cultivating the Banyan trees and the mangrove swamps. I dont want random damage and spikes of any kind. I want a plan. I want information and I want facts. I want guidelines and a big to do list. I want to know we actually can contain random damage because it doesn't sound as though we have a clue and it sounds as though we are defenceless and it sounds as though we couldn't use our brains if we tried. I should have thought we could get onto this since we created it. I thought we were people of reason...this all sounds a bit random to me.
Beazley shrugs off fall in opinion poll
Beazley shrugs off fall in opinion poll :
"OPPOSITION Leader Kim Beazley has shrugged off an opinion poll which shows support for federal Labor slipping after a string of scandals involving state Labor governments."
Scandal mongering is the foundation upon which elections are built these days and the closer to the elections the bigger the School for Scandal. I love all the squeaky clean perfect politicians. Must be awfully hard to fly like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys. I hope they've got the brasso out to polish their halos. Bloomin' ridiculous.
"OPPOSITION Leader Kim Beazley has shrugged off an opinion poll which shows support for federal Labor slipping after a string of scandals involving state Labor governments."
Scandal mongering is the foundation upon which elections are built these days and the closer to the elections the bigger the School for Scandal. I love all the squeaky clean perfect politicians. Must be awfully hard to fly like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys. I hope they've got the brasso out to polish their halos. Bloomin' ridiculous.
Telstra defends Trujillo's $10m.
Telstra defends Trujillo's $10m. :
"Shareholders have been told Mr Trujillo received an annual package of up to $10 million."
Ten million? That's a lot of million for a year's work. Wow!
"Shareholders have been told Mr Trujillo received an annual package of up to $10 million."
Ten million? That's a lot of million for a year's work. Wow!
Plans for Beaconsfield trust fund scrapped.
Plans for Beaconsfield trust fund scrapped. :"No-one could be found to manage the fund as a trustee, but the miners may still get money.
The company KordaMentha will try to collect debts from Allstate Explorations, and if the mine reopens and the debts are repaid, the miners will receive the money."
Pretty shoddy treatment. That town, those people and , in particular, those miners kept two of our miners alive. They didn't think about the cost, the inconvenience, the hardship. They thought about two workers who were precariously trapped and who had all of us glued to the media in the faint hope they would be rescued. Well, they were. The miners and the people provided the guts and stamina to keep the show on the road. Now the dust has settled , it's pretty poor to neglect them and consider they can just be fobbed off. Fortunately , they have already shown they have blood in their vains and compassion in their hearts. Doesn't count for anything on a business plan because you can't make profit from it.
Monday, November 13, 2006
G20 nations urged to tackle poverty
G20 nations urged to tackle poverty :
"MORE than 60,000 children will die as a result of poverty over the course of the G20 Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne this week."
So will there be any change for those who survive? We are a a heartless world and not a bit civilised. There is enough on this planet for everyone.
"MORE than 60,000 children will die as a result of poverty over the course of the G20 Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne this week."
So will there be any change for those who survive? We are a a heartless world and not a bit civilised. There is enough on this planet for everyone.
Students cut some slack when hanging loose
Students cut some slack when hanging loose :
"'The idea is if the kids are not going to tuck it in, you may as well have one that doesn't have to be tucked in because it looks a lot tidier,' he said. 'It's also more climatically appropriate because it's cooler and easier to wear in our hot summer.'"
While our business sector and retail personel are looking smarter and more dapper, our school students are looking scruffier, no matter where they go. I love the boys who muss up their hair to look like some 50 year old guy who just got out of bed. The untucked shirts are the go, but with their pants at half mast they look like big, dopey penguins. Even penguins have class. The girls are an odd mix of ultra short skirts,with or without weirdo belts, pants rolled over at the top and then ballet slippers or something odd on their feet. The overall look is not good, but who cares? While everyone else in Adelaide has personal grooming to a tee, the school students are a sight, full stop, end of story.
"'The idea is if the kids are not going to tuck it in, you may as well have one that doesn't have to be tucked in because it looks a lot tidier,' he said. 'It's also more climatically appropriate because it's cooler and easier to wear in our hot summer.'"
While our business sector and retail personel are looking smarter and more dapper, our school students are looking scruffier, no matter where they go. I love the boys who muss up their hair to look like some 50 year old guy who just got out of bed. The untucked shirts are the go, but with their pants at half mast they look like big, dopey penguins. Even penguins have class. The girls are an odd mix of ultra short skirts,with or without weirdo belts, pants rolled over at the top and then ballet slippers or something odd on their feet. The overall look is not good, but who cares? While everyone else in Adelaide has personal grooming to a tee, the school students are a sight, full stop, end of story.
Tassie on poo hunt to eradicate foxes
Tassie on poo hunt to eradicate foxes:
"Scores of volunteers will be enlisted to join a 'great poo hunt' in a battle to rid Tasmania of foxes in an eradication program never previously attempted anywhere in the world."
Well, there you go. Pop over to Tassie and do a bit of poo hunting and rid the island state of foxes. The state government has given 28 million to the eradication project...so it's pretty serious. Nothing like a community effort to combat scourges and I suppose they deliver poo identification inservice training before the intrepid poo hunters launch themselves into the wild?
"Scores of volunteers will be enlisted to join a 'great poo hunt' in a battle to rid Tasmania of foxes in an eradication program never previously attempted anywhere in the world."
Well, there you go. Pop over to Tassie and do a bit of poo hunting and rid the island state of foxes. The state government has given 28 million to the eradication project...so it's pretty serious. Nothing like a community effort to combat scourges and I suppose they deliver poo identification inservice training before the intrepid poo hunters launch themselves into the wild?
Dry spell the worst nation's known
Dry spell the worst nation's known :
"THE drought is rewriting record books and forcing climate experts, water watchers, farmers and urban planners to go back to the drawing board as they grapple with a previously unseen dry and unprecedented demand for water from our rivers."
I was furious yesterday when I read in the paper that the state government has been sitting on our River Murray Levy. For many people it's money they can ill afford. It isn't even collecting interest so that we have even more money sitting there and the River Murray needs all the help it can get and that money should not be taken to be horded. It's over 11 million dollars. I can't understand it. I gather the project is going to be gigantic and and our River Murray will flow furiously fast by the time it is finished. That aside, we can continue on without addressing carbon emissions. We can let business and others waste water. We can let the storm water run down the drains and we can just be very ho-hum ,la de da about a very serious issue. I am astounded no one sees this lack of water as a real problem except your average citizen. Governments seem to be very lackadaisical about our weather machinations. So, do we keep cutting the trees and clearing the land as well? And people call the Greens, who have been vocal about this extremists!!! Stupid Greens. We should just dry up.
"THE drought is rewriting record books and forcing climate experts, water watchers, farmers and urban planners to go back to the drawing board as they grapple with a previously unseen dry and unprecedented demand for water from our rivers."
I was furious yesterday when I read in the paper that the state government has been sitting on our River Murray Levy. For many people it's money they can ill afford. It isn't even collecting interest so that we have even more money sitting there and the River Murray needs all the help it can get and that money should not be taken to be horded. It's over 11 million dollars. I can't understand it. I gather the project is going to be gigantic and and our River Murray will flow furiously fast by the time it is finished. That aside, we can continue on without addressing carbon emissions. We can let business and others waste water. We can let the storm water run down the drains and we can just be very ho-hum ,la de da about a very serious issue. I am astounded no one sees this lack of water as a real problem except your average citizen. Governments seem to be very lackadaisical about our weather machinations. So, do we keep cutting the trees and clearing the land as well? And people call the Greens, who have been vocal about this extremists!!! Stupid Greens. We should just dry up.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
NZ embarrass France, Pumas shock England
NZ embarrass France, Pumas shock England:"The All Blacks crushed Six Nations champions France 47-3 in Lyon, the awesome Kiwis scoring seven tries as they handed the French their worst home defeat just 10 months before they host the World Cup."
France lost big time to NZ and England lost to Argentina. For those people who follow rugby, this competition is being thrown on its head from what I can tell...not a lot really, I won't even pretend to know. I watch the French news and they are great followers of rugby. We have a firm interest in it here , too, so we know about the All Blacks from New Zealand. On the French news last night they had the All Blacks playing France and I tell you, I can certainly appreciate good sportsmanship. The All Blacks looked the part and were awesome...as they were here against our team. They have to be congratulated on putting rugby into the hearts and souls of "le bout du monde." They have such spirit and they have such skill. The French are no hopeless team. I wonder what my friend though who is currently living in Lyon thinks. She might have seen it because NZ was playing and despite what you hear, Australia and NZ are very close. I am sad for the French, but I am so excited that a Kiwi team is right up there and on top of the world!!!
Airport boss hits back
AdelaideNow... Airport boss hits back:
"An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report ranks the year-old facility's service and quality behind Brisbane and Perth airports, both built more than a decade ago.
But Adelaide Airport managing director Phil Baker says the rankings are '`ridiculous'."
I used the new airport on my last trip, and , as I said, it was a great airport to come home to. It was so easy to negotiate and was so open, artistic and airy. The parking nightmares were gone, which was a boon for those who were my taxi service. It doesn't have a lot of swish shops, but it has some good eating and srinking, some nice shops and the whole feel is very civilised. I like Sydney but you have a really long haul to get anywhere. I like Tullamarine but it is confusing to negotiate. Adelaide was clean, fresh and really pleasant. The views were superb and the service very pleasant. I do not care what rating we have, to be honest. I think it is a great airport for us to have and a real relief to get to at the end of a long haul. Before it was always terribly quaint. Now it's easy on the eye and less is more! Lots more.
Hit run driver leaves licence behind
Hit run driver leaves licence behind :
"Police said the driver freed the car and drove off leaving behind the car's bumper bar"
Well, there you go. All that quick thinking gone to waste. Similar thing happened here a few years back when the drunken teenagers crashed into my tree, sped the wheels and upended my garden and then got their car exhaust somehow jammed in my drive way. Enough time to get the police and have the neighbours come out so they realised they couldn't leave. The driver was so drunk he just could not walk and the other guy was nice enough, but how mad...they had lost control on the corner as did the other teenager who ploughed into my neighbour's verandah last year. Heels on wheels need to stop.
"Police said the driver freed the car and drove off leaving behind the car's bumper bar"
Well, there you go. All that quick thinking gone to waste. Similar thing happened here a few years back when the drunken teenagers crashed into my tree, sped the wheels and upended my garden and then got their car exhaust somehow jammed in my drive way. Enough time to get the police and have the neighbours come out so they realised they couldn't leave. The driver was so drunk he just could not walk and the other guy was nice enough, but how mad...they had lost control on the corner as did the other teenager who ploughed into my neighbour's verandah last year. Heels on wheels need to stop.
Rumsfeld 'in deep denial' over Iraq.
Rumsfeld 'in deep denial' over Iraq. :
"Pentagon insider Kenneth Adelman has told The New Yorker magazine that resigning US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been in 'deep, deep denial' about the status of the war in Iraq."
Aren't we all? Inspite of it being an unwarranted invasion of a country doing us no harm, inspite of the daily death toll, inspite of the blood bath, we have all let it go on day after tragic day. Life after loss of life. I believe a president was elected on the basis of pulling troups out of Vietnam. I truly hope America will find the strength to set the picture straight and stop its own terrible loss of life and its own constant pouring of funds into something which is such a mess. All that money could be used for their own benefit and prosperity. Their own programmes at home. As much as I do not like what Mr. Rumsfeld did and what he represents, I should hate to think he will be the only one to carry the can. It was never going to be a cakewalk and he was never going to have his cake and eat it...but he was part of a team and had authority through that team. The hope in this is that the American people are starting to sort it all out, as are we.
"Pentagon insider Kenneth Adelman has told The New Yorker magazine that resigning US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been in 'deep, deep denial' about the status of the war in Iraq."
Aren't we all? Inspite of it being an unwarranted invasion of a country doing us no harm, inspite of the daily death toll, inspite of the blood bath, we have all let it go on day after tragic day. Life after loss of life. I believe a president was elected on the basis of pulling troups out of Vietnam. I truly hope America will find the strength to set the picture straight and stop its own terrible loss of life and its own constant pouring of funds into something which is such a mess. All that money could be used for their own benefit and prosperity. Their own programmes at home. As much as I do not like what Mr. Rumsfeld did and what he represents, I should hate to think he will be the only one to carry the can. It was never going to be a cakewalk and he was never going to have his cake and eat it...but he was part of a team and had authority through that team. The hope in this is that the American people are starting to sort it all out, as are we.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Banana relief on way
AdelaideNow... Banana relief on way:
"'They might not be $2 a kilo but I think they might be $3 (this summer),' he said."
Bit late for the banana muffins and banana cake which are firm favourites in winter here...but...I guess people will put them in their fruit salad and get into the banana smoothies. Won't they be glad to have their banana on their cereal and a banana in the lunch box. Truth is, they are a good snack when you are hungry and it's not yet lunch or dinner time. We just run on bananas...it'll be great to have them back, that's for sure. In the mean time we have enjoyed the pears and apples and some of us have been dedicated to kiwi fruit this winter.
Blair shows solidarity on Iraq
Blair shows solidarity on Iraq :
"Prime Minister John Howard says his British counterpart Tony Blair remains fully committed to the Iraq war."
We have said this ever since the 3 of them got together. He should, he should be fully committed. There has never been doubt about that. And if his two friends are committed ,too, then that's a good thing. It's nice for the 3 of them to be friends together.
"Prime Minister John Howard says his British counterpart Tony Blair remains fully committed to the Iraq war."
We have said this ever since the 3 of them got together. He should, he should be fully committed. There has never been doubt about that. And if his two friends are committed ,too, then that's a good thing. It's nice for the 3 of them to be friends together.
Huge drug bust
AdelaideNow... Huge drug bust: "'It must be one of the most extensive hydroponic crop set-ups that's ever been located by SA police,' Supt Dickson said."
Chapeau!! Hat's off!! Well done! Onya!!
Marie Claire History
Further 17 whales die in NZ
Further 17 whales die in second NZ stranding. :"The survivors were herded out to sea but later came ashore at another beach a few kilometres to the south.
A Conservation Department spokesman said they had six boats monitoring the remaining whales and would stay with them for the rest of the day as they again headed out to sea."
The New Zealanders have been working so hard this last couple of days to save these whales. They lost 37 on the first day and now they have lost 17 of the 40 which were left. The New Zealanders have shown so much care and dedication in trying to protect and manage this mass stranding. NZ does get a lot of stranding abut it doesn't say why this one occurred. They are trying so hard to keep the others alive. I salute you.
Belinda Emmett loses cancer battle.
TV personality Belinda Emmett loses cancer battle. :
"'Rove's fantastic. He doesn't flinch. He doesn't flinch,' she said.
'He's incredible, absolutely incredible. Honestly, I don't think I could have gotten through this the way that I have, if I hadn't had him there for support.'"
At 24 , Belinda Emmett was diagnosed with breast cancer. Three years later there was secondary bone cancer. She has been so dignified and generous through all of this. Her spirit has been strong and her grace and poise so impressive. She and Rove have been a class act when it comes to dealing with trauma and personal tragedy. They have both borne it so well and have shown us all how to be alive and well for every single moment. I am certain this will cut Rove deeply and even though our hilarious TV show host will have sufficient courage and inner strength to deal with this all, I just feel so sorry for him. She and he just did not deserve any of this and they have taught us so much. We are all thinking of him. We care and we are truly sad. I know he knows John Travolta and I know John Travolta had to haul himself through similar personal pain at a young age and developed into such a powerful and decent human being because of it . People will rally and keep Rove strong. Belinda was a lovely, talented, unassuming lady. She is going to be missed. All the more reason to support research and subsidise treatments.
"'Rove's fantastic. He doesn't flinch. He doesn't flinch,' she said.
'He's incredible, absolutely incredible. Honestly, I don't think I could have gotten through this the way that I have, if I hadn't had him there for support.'"
At 24 , Belinda Emmett was diagnosed with breast cancer. Three years later there was secondary bone cancer. She has been so dignified and generous through all of this. Her spirit has been strong and her grace and poise so impressive. She and Rove have been a class act when it comes to dealing with trauma and personal tragedy. They have both borne it so well and have shown us all how to be alive and well for every single moment. I am certain this will cut Rove deeply and even though our hilarious TV show host will have sufficient courage and inner strength to deal with this all, I just feel so sorry for him. She and he just did not deserve any of this and they have taught us so much. We are all thinking of him. We care and we are truly sad. I know he knows John Travolta and I know John Travolta had to haul himself through similar personal pain at a young age and developed into such a powerful and decent human being because of it . People will rally and keep Rove strong. Belinda was a lovely, talented, unassuming lady. She is going to be missed. All the more reason to support research and subsidise treatments.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Tech trash piling up, says report
Tech trash piling up, says report:
"Australians generated 32.4 million tonnes of waste in 2002-03, an increase of 9.7 million tonnes on 1996-97 figures."
The tech trash has made people a whole heap of money, though, and isn't that what it's all about? The fast buck and bugger the consequences. We are not able to recycle easily and we are forced to update and change so that constant obsolescence feeds the bank balance of one company or another. We also worked out today that since we have had computers we have been driven. Before we would spend a whole afternoon addressing 240 letters. No we have to do goodness knows what because we have computers and it looks like it won't take long. Computers are deceiving. They use heaps of paper, burn electricity, drive us nuts...and the network is always lumpy and it's always easier to get stuff done at home than it is at work so we work longer hours. So who's the fool? The recycling has to improve. Driving to a depot is silly. It is too long and too inconvenient. At least when we recycle other things the depots are handy...or we can opt out and put out a recycling bin for the council to collect.
Would I give up my computer at home? No.
"Australians generated 32.4 million tonnes of waste in 2002-03, an increase of 9.7 million tonnes on 1996-97 figures."
The tech trash has made people a whole heap of money, though, and isn't that what it's all about? The fast buck and bugger the consequences. We are not able to recycle easily and we are forced to update and change so that constant obsolescence feeds the bank balance of one company or another. We also worked out today that since we have had computers we have been driven. Before we would spend a whole afternoon addressing 240 letters. No we have to do goodness knows what because we have computers and it looks like it won't take long. Computers are deceiving. They use heaps of paper, burn electricity, drive us nuts...and the network is always lumpy and it's always easier to get stuff done at home than it is at work so we work longer hours. So who's the fool? The recycling has to improve. Driving to a depot is silly. It is too long and too inconvenient. At least when we recycle other things the depots are handy...or we can opt out and put out a recycling bin for the council to collect.
Would I give up my computer at home? No.
Website for the 'born to be mild'
Website for the 'born to be mild' "'Figs are good for you. High fibre and high nutritional value ... fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free ... not to mention the great taste. And they are portable,' enthuses the Dull Men's Club website www.dullmen.com just above its choice of Anorak of the Month."
This is hilarious. It's good to have balance. It's great to have an antithesis to the extreme, over the top, let's destroy the boundaries websites. It's fantastic to have one where we are born to be mild. The name in itself is funny. Some people just want the simple life, with simple values.
No clues on 'Indian' attacks
No clues on 'Indian' attacks :
"Eight Indians have been assaulted in the Enfield area in the past six months. They include four international students. Two people from other countries also have been attacked in the area."
This has horrified us all because we have never had a nation which assaulted others because of their race. We are disgusted and do not know what to think. I know you get criticised when you say something is not Australian or not professional or whatever it is people do not want you to say when you want to say it, but this is not Australian. We haven't been like this at all in the past. Our crime was calling people New Australians and then treating them in a stupid way. We were long over that. We really want to know who attacked these Indians because we are very angry, very upset and at a loss to explain where that kind of revolting thinking has come from. I know we should like these Indian people to know we are acutely embarrassed we have had this on our streets and we reject totally the way these people have been treated...and we really want to know who has been so vile.
"Eight Indians have been assaulted in the Enfield area in the past six months. They include four international students. Two people from other countries also have been attacked in the area."
This has horrified us all because we have never had a nation which assaulted others because of their race. We are disgusted and do not know what to think. I know you get criticised when you say something is not Australian or not professional or whatever it is people do not want you to say when you want to say it, but this is not Australian. We haven't been like this at all in the past. Our crime was calling people New Australians and then treating them in a stupid way. We were long over that. We really want to know who attacked these Indians because we are very angry, very upset and at a loss to explain where that kind of revolting thinking has come from. I know we should like these Indian people to know we are acutely embarrassed we have had this on our streets and we reject totally the way these people have been treated...and we really want to know who has been so vile.
Ram-raid children destined for life of crime
Ram-raid children destined for life of crime :
"His comments follow the release of figures from an operation targeting ram raids, showing that of 269 offenders caught last financial year, 95 per cent had previous convictions.
Many of these criminals were children."
What is wrong with our parenting? It's true. It will be very difficult to re educate these chidren if they are that case hardened at 13. I think we need to be a bit more honest about how useless we have become at developing functional families and we need to have a long, hard look at what is going on. It is not most people but because there has been a shift to money, money, money, location, location ,location, lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle...then the resultant effect is unsupervised and unguided children . I guess it's interesting to see when children direct themselves, they become brutal and aggressive. If there is no firm, adult input they are just destructive forces and will not be able to be easily rehabilitated. I guess we'd better get the experts together and I guess we'd better reel the kids in because it is making life hard for all of us. If we put economic issues ahead of social issues...this is the result. Money doesn't buy you happiness and harmony.
"His comments follow the release of figures from an operation targeting ram raids, showing that of 269 offenders caught last financial year, 95 per cent had previous convictions.
Many of these criminals were children."
What is wrong with our parenting? It's true. It will be very difficult to re educate these chidren if they are that case hardened at 13. I think we need to be a bit more honest about how useless we have become at developing functional families and we need to have a long, hard look at what is going on. It is not most people but because there has been a shift to money, money, money, location, location ,location, lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle...then the resultant effect is unsupervised and unguided children . I guess it's interesting to see when children direct themselves, they become brutal and aggressive. If there is no firm, adult input they are just destructive forces and will not be able to be easily rehabilitated. I guess we'd better get the experts together and I guess we'd better reel the kids in because it is making life hard for all of us. If we put economic issues ahead of social issues...this is the result. Money doesn't buy you happiness and harmony.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Stop treating us like sheep
AdelaideNow... Stop treating us like sheep:"TransAdelaide general manager Bill Watson said one 'sweeper' tram service starting at Morphett Rd was catering to passengers left behind in the morning. If overcrowding became a problem on afternoon peak services, it would be addressed, he said."
Adelaide is a difficult city to service in terms of public transport since we often use it in waves. It becomes the trend, then it moves on or there is an unusual lack of clients or an unusual excess. It's hard when you are the one standing all the way to town on public transport. It's worse if you are standing on the way home. It's not something we like. We are generally very accommodating and when we complain it's usually time to act because we always try to go with the flow and then allow for odd occasions. Complaining is how we deal with things. TransAdelaide is generally quick to respond on regular routes. Our difficulty is getting some services increased to other areas when the number of commuters can vary enormously. It's because we can be put off by long waits and under servicing that we get the highs and lows of public transport here. Maybe there needs to be an online feedback site. Maybe there already is. I think it's best to get current information with us. TransAdelaide does pretty well in interpreting us and does try to work with us in a reasonable way.
Adelaide IMC
Frazer pleased with cancer vaccine assurance.
Frazer pleased with cancer vaccine assurance. :
"John Howard says an immunisation program could begin in 2008, despite the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) decision not to recommend the vaccine for subsidy."
This vaccine has to be subsidised. I agree with trialling it and evaluating it. Past that point so no one should die when we have a vaccine which can so easily prevent it. It's wrong. Cervical cancer is a needless cause of death . We obviously have to follow safe protocol for the introduction of new medicine ...in which case it should be clearly labelled as a trial and not an unsubsidised introduction.
"John Howard says an immunisation program could begin in 2008, despite the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) decision not to recommend the vaccine for subsidy."
This vaccine has to be subsidised. I agree with trialling it and evaluating it. Past that point so no one should die when we have a vaccine which can so easily prevent it. It's wrong. Cervical cancer is a needless cause of death . We obviously have to follow safe protocol for the introduction of new medicine ...in which case it should be clearly labelled as a trial and not an unsubsidised introduction.
Big wind!
SA wind farm construction at second stage. :"'It's a big wind farm, a big operation.'"
We've got a big wind farm up and running and we, like NSW, are getting our renewable energy act together. The implementation costs are high, but the fact we want it, we've been heard, we want renewable energy and we can see it happening is fantastic. Lake Bonney is a beautiful area. I think we just have to create our opportunities and plans to save our environment together. It is something we are ready to co operate with if we are shown a clear direction.
Wind tower manufacturing
Labour says teenage unemployment too high.
Labor says teenage unemployment too high. :
"The Opposition is highlighting job data for teenagers, which show almost one in five is unemployed."
Teenagers of employable age should be at school or further education/traineeships. They are 15-19. So, if they want to be working and can't get work, what are they lacking? Why are they unemployable? Have we created a group of unemployable young ones and why is this so? Young people need to be getting skilled up. I think we need to look at who they are and what the problems are.
"The Opposition is highlighting job data for teenagers, which show almost one in five is unemployed."
Teenagers of employable age should be at school or further education/traineeships. They are 15-19. So, if they want to be working and can't get work, what are they lacking? Why are they unemployable? Have we created a group of unemployable young ones and why is this so? Young people need to be getting skilled up. I think we need to look at who they are and what the problems are.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Australia tops world for national brand
Australia tops world for national brand :
"Australia has the world's most marketable country brand, according to an index released in London at the World Travel Market."
Can you believe Australia is a brand name? Seriously? That a country name is its brand name and then it becomes a market commodity to be bought, sold traded...money, money,money. I suppose quantifying something has its value...Australia means this and this and this and therefore we can improve this and this and that. But seriously. I suppose we do it to everything these days. I may even be a brand. Okay so how do I quantify myself and what am I worth? Priceless? Worthless? 20,000,017th on the brandometer? Most people do love Australia when they visit. Some come back to live. Some find it a tricky place to get used to if they come to live here...then come back. It's not everyone's cup of tea...but when I am away the things I miss most are the gigantic gum trees, the do as you please within reason, the great eating places for any pocket, the big blue sky and the shopping. It's a place you can easily negotiate. We can be irreverend, we can seem naive, but we are not, we can have a bundle of laughs and we do seem to chit chat a lot and avoid serious issues. It's not actually the case...serious is not for the public arena and we don't think we should be dragging you down with serious talk. I love our creativity, our spark, our capacity to network seamlessly and our humour. When I go away I love the cultural traditions, the sense of history, the politeness and manners, the ease with which I am accepted, the enthusiasm others have for sharing their cultural traditions with me, the openness and the big conversations. I love the different sights and sounds of other places.I love their art and culture. I am not good at cold so it's not nice to find Australia getting colder. So I like to go to warm places and do what I used to do here ...hang around in my shorts and T shirt. I like the big rains and the rushing clean rivers I find in other places. I am good at big tropical rains!!
"Australia has the world's most marketable country brand, according to an index released in London at the World Travel Market."
Can you believe Australia is a brand name? Seriously? That a country name is its brand name and then it becomes a market commodity to be bought, sold traded...money, money,money. I suppose quantifying something has its value...Australia means this and this and this and therefore we can improve this and this and that. But seriously. I suppose we do it to everything these days. I may even be a brand. Okay so how do I quantify myself and what am I worth? Priceless? Worthless? 20,000,017th on the brandometer? Most people do love Australia when they visit. Some come back to live. Some find it a tricky place to get used to if they come to live here...then come back. It's not everyone's cup of tea...but when I am away the things I miss most are the gigantic gum trees, the do as you please within reason, the great eating places for any pocket, the big blue sky and the shopping. It's a place you can easily negotiate. We can be irreverend, we can seem naive, but we are not, we can have a bundle of laughs and we do seem to chit chat a lot and avoid serious issues. It's not actually the case...serious is not for the public arena and we don't think we should be dragging you down with serious talk. I love our creativity, our spark, our capacity to network seamlessly and our humour. When I go away I love the cultural traditions, the sense of history, the politeness and manners, the ease with which I am accepted, the enthusiasm others have for sharing their cultural traditions with me, the openness and the big conversations. I love the different sights and sounds of other places.I love their art and culture. I am not good at cold so it's not nice to find Australia getting colder. So I like to go to warm places and do what I used to do here ...hang around in my shorts and T shirt. I like the big rains and the rushing clean rivers I find in other places. I am good at big tropical rains!!
Cup truly international with Japan's win
Cup truly international with Japan's win :
"The Melbourne Cup became a truly international event when Japan's Delta Blues scored an historic win over stablemate Pop Rock, leaving the best stayers from Europe and Australia in their wake."
We truly are a nation that stops for a horse race. Everyone wanted to know who had run and even those who studiously avoided the ignominy of living in a place that focusses on a horse race were still part of the event because they were the ones not participating! We accommodate all types on Melbourne Cup Day and it's a day of good spirits and anticipation. The kids get excited, people get into the sweeps and lunches are plentiful and beautiful. We had a nice one at work and some of the hats were great. It's nice to know the cup winners will celebrate the Austrlain cup with in good Australian style. It was a good day and a happy one. Some watched the race on TV, others listened on their MP3 players and some would have been lucky enough to really be there. I wish it were a national day because the food and hospitality industry go all out to bring us gastronomic events worthy of us as a nation. It would be great to be out there in the thick of it.
"The Melbourne Cup became a truly international event when Japan's Delta Blues scored an historic win over stablemate Pop Rock, leaving the best stayers from Europe and Australia in their wake."
We truly are a nation that stops for a horse race. Everyone wanted to know who had run and even those who studiously avoided the ignominy of living in a place that focusses on a horse race were still part of the event because they were the ones not participating! We accommodate all types on Melbourne Cup Day and it's a day of good spirits and anticipation. The kids get excited, people get into the sweeps and lunches are plentiful and beautiful. We had a nice one at work and some of the hats were great. It's nice to know the cup winners will celebrate the Austrlain cup with in good Australian style. It was a good day and a happy one. Some watched the race on TV, others listened on their MP3 players and some would have been lucky enough to really be there. I wish it were a national day because the food and hospitality industry go all out to bring us gastronomic events worthy of us as a nation. It would be great to be out there in the thick of it.
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