Conference seeks women's view on Middle East peace. : "The conference 'Women Leaders Networking for Peace and Security in the Middle East' brings together women from the world of politics, media, business and civil society."
Well the men have achieved an unbeatable loss of life and money. The women have to be able to beat that. I just really, really hope they can get their heads together and find a way forward. Even if it's only the first tiny step.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Dying Diana picture to be aired
Dying Diana picture to be aired on British TV : "Princes William and Harry are said to be 'devastated' at a decision by Britain's Channel Four to show a picture of their dying mother."
Most people who die are left to rest in peace but our media is constantly bringing up pictures and information about Lady Di. No one has let her rest in peace. Her children are constantly haunted by her face and they have had to confront it non stop since she was killed. It's cruel. I do not know how they have managed as well as they have. The media has been merciless. She is gone. It was hard to accept, but she is gone and she needs to be respected and her children need to be allowed to heal. Not once have they been able to get away from it. If it were your children and their mother and her picture was always there, footage of her alive was always there, what would you think? It is unbelievably senseless and insensitive.
Most people who die are left to rest in peace but our media is constantly bringing up pictures and information about Lady Di. No one has let her rest in peace. Her children are constantly haunted by her face and they have had to confront it non stop since she was killed. It's cruel. I do not know how they have managed as well as they have. The media has been merciless. She is gone. It was hard to accept, but she is gone and she needs to be respected and her children need to be allowed to heal. Not once have they been able to get away from it. If it were your children and their mother and her picture was always there, footage of her alive was always there, what would you think? It is unbelievably senseless and insensitive.
India's global invitation to pull down slum
India's global invitation to pull down slum: "'Redesign the township. Rehabilitate the families. It's a challenge. But rewards outweigh the task,' said the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's notice which is being published in 16 countries."
The inhabitants of Dharavi are worried about this because they do not know if they will be tricked out of their homes or not. Big business and urban development often see innocents deprived of their own living spaces. If this is genuine then it is a remarkable social initiative. It would give a chance for someone who wants to make a difference to do just that. But why wouldn't they be paid? The land is worth 5 billion pounds and houses nearly a million people. If it is redeveloped would those who live there actually get the housing and how would they pay for the upkeep? I think the idea is a good one and could engender neighbourly relations between India and others, but it actually needs to be clear how this will all work. maybe that will come up as part of the plan. A challenge. We need proper challenges. The Chinese are in Africa trying to create social change. It has been appreciated by the Africans because they can see development and they are learning Chinese so it is a two way thing. I hear the Chinese are finding it too hot, but they helped develop parts of this country and I tell you, it is hot and dusty here too! Maybe the new generation Chinese aren't so able to cope with the heat anymore than our new generation Australians. Good reason to work together to get the changes we need to manage our current climate.
The inhabitants of Dharavi are worried about this because they do not know if they will be tricked out of their homes or not. Big business and urban development often see innocents deprived of their own living spaces. If this is genuine then it is a remarkable social initiative. It would give a chance for someone who wants to make a difference to do just that. But why wouldn't they be paid? The land is worth 5 billion pounds and houses nearly a million people. If it is redeveloped would those who live there actually get the housing and how would they pay for the upkeep? I think the idea is a good one and could engender neighbourly relations between India and others, but it actually needs to be clear how this will all work. maybe that will come up as part of the plan. A challenge. We need proper challenges. The Chinese are in Africa trying to create social change. It has been appreciated by the Africans because they can see development and they are learning Chinese so it is a two way thing. I hear the Chinese are finding it too hot, but they helped develop parts of this country and I tell you, it is hot and dusty here too! Maybe the new generation Chinese aren't so able to cope with the heat anymore than our new generation Australians. Good reason to work together to get the changes we need to manage our current climate.
Beware the psycho boss
Beware the psycho boss, the new enemy within : "'They don't give a damn about anyone but they are very charming. They manipulate their way to success by conning those above them and exploiting those below them,' he said."
There are bosses and there are administrators. Bosses are people persons and line the people up with the organisational objectives and examine the objectives if they create too much damage to people. The are leaders , carers and they know how to get the best fit when it comes to working people who have to work with this constant overlay of productivity and documentation. Administrators are about structure and process and so people issues are not relevant. They implement structures. I hadn't actually thought of them as psychopathic, but maybe this is so because they keep thinking people can do whatever the structure requires and if they cannot, or if workers raise genuine concerns then they are dispensable and someone else is put in. The article lists the 5 give aways of psychopathic bosses. Maybe they are the ones who make you feel totally inadequate all the time or expect you not to have any human traits and discount your knowledge, skills and experience if you cannot make something worthwhile of their processes and structures. Certainly worth a thought because increasingly we have administrators and more and more workers are becoming stressed, distressed and are breaking down in one way or another. We were never this hopeless!
There are bosses and there are administrators. Bosses are people persons and line the people up with the organisational objectives and examine the objectives if they create too much damage to people. The are leaders , carers and they know how to get the best fit when it comes to working people who have to work with this constant overlay of productivity and documentation. Administrators are about structure and process and so people issues are not relevant. They implement structures. I hadn't actually thought of them as psychopathic, but maybe this is so because they keep thinking people can do whatever the structure requires and if they cannot, or if workers raise genuine concerns then they are dispensable and someone else is put in. The article lists the 5 give aways of psychopathic bosses. Maybe they are the ones who make you feel totally inadequate all the time or expect you not to have any human traits and discount your knowledge, skills and experience if you cannot make something worthwhile of their processes and structures. Certainly worth a thought because increasingly we have administrators and more and more workers are becoming stressed, distressed and are breaking down in one way or another. We were never this hopeless!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Aboriginal remains buried
Aboriginal remains buried 90 years after being found. : "'As they stay and stay in museums, the sprirt never rests and this is just one part of, to put them back into the earth, to let their spirit rest.'
'They're back where they belong.'"
At least we are starting to show respect for tribal cultures. Their people should be buried and laid to rest just as ours are and for us to wake up to ourselves and let our aborigines bury their ancestors is a really good move forward.
'They're back where they belong.'"
At least we are starting to show respect for tribal cultures. Their people should be buried and laid to rest just as ours are and for us to wake up to ourselves and let our aborigines bury their ancestors is a really good move forward.
Liberals bicker over Vanstone replacement
Liberals bicker over Vanstone replacement : "The Coalition will be forced to rely on the Labor Party to provide a 'pair' for former senator Vanstone's vote if it is to preserve its control of the upper house."
My lips are sealed. I am saying nothing. Meanwhile, Ms Vanstone is busy studying the Italian language course we, the humble taxpayers, have given her for her new job, as she should.
My lips are sealed. I am saying nothing. Meanwhile, Ms Vanstone is busy studying the Italian language course we, the humble taxpayers, have given her for her new job, as she should.
Police crack Kings Cross drug ring
Police crack Kings Cross drug ring : "Detective Inspector Gavin Wood said police had dismantled a highly organised syndicate responsible for the majority of cocaine and heroin sales on the streets of Sydney's red light district."
There have been a few of these big busts around Australia and in other countries. All I can say is thank you. The police around the world have somehow managed to get a real inroad into this and I know drugs make heaps of money for people and that it is then very hard to take the syndicates on. I realise it's an act of courage. But when you see the poor buggers who are hooked and you see where they end up and how they end up and you realise that some of their children are then affected by their drug dependence, you realise we just have to take our courage in both hands and work on it as a team. The truth is, those who are good are making money will make it from anything. It's the money making which is important to them. We need to find a safer way of them making money because drugs are just destroying us all in one way or another. They and their impact are just too devastating. Kings Cross has been a problem for years. Last time I went to Sydney I was warned off going to Kings Cross but I went up there during the day because , well, you just have to go to Kings Cross if you are in Sydney. It didn't look as bad as it had sounded and had quite a buzz about it . I went into a coffee bar and ordered a black coffee and got my tourist brochures out. I must have looked really naive to them now I think about it. I was siting there drinking my coffee and thinking Kings Cross was all right when I realised the coffee bar had filled with very well built, very strong, very don't mess with me men. I breathed so slowly so that no one would hear me. I had been served in a polite and friendly manner and just had to assume that the politeness and friendliness would stay. I did feel like a bit of a twit.A lot of a twit, really. I was the only woman there and must have looked like a tiny doll compared with all these guys. I think had I been younger it might have been a problem. I wasn't overly dressed up and I looked pretty ordinary, so I did the crossword puzzle in the paper ( what was I thinking?), finished my coffee and then just got up, smiled at the shop owner , waved good bye , left and then let out a massively big breath. I went down to Circular Key and took a ferry over to Manly to wash the cobwebs away. Phew!!
There have been a few of these big busts around Australia and in other countries. All I can say is thank you. The police around the world have somehow managed to get a real inroad into this and I know drugs make heaps of money for people and that it is then very hard to take the syndicates on. I realise it's an act of courage. But when you see the poor buggers who are hooked and you see where they end up and how they end up and you realise that some of their children are then affected by their drug dependence, you realise we just have to take our courage in both hands and work on it as a team. The truth is, those who are good are making money will make it from anything. It's the money making which is important to them. We need to find a safer way of them making money because drugs are just destroying us all in one way or another. They and their impact are just too devastating. Kings Cross has been a problem for years. Last time I went to Sydney I was warned off going to Kings Cross but I went up there during the day because , well, you just have to go to Kings Cross if you are in Sydney. It didn't look as bad as it had sounded and had quite a buzz about it . I went into a coffee bar and ordered a black coffee and got my tourist brochures out. I must have looked really naive to them now I think about it. I was siting there drinking my coffee and thinking Kings Cross was all right when I realised the coffee bar had filled with very well built, very strong, very don't mess with me men. I breathed so slowly so that no one would hear me. I had been served in a polite and friendly manner and just had to assume that the politeness and friendliness would stay. I did feel like a bit of a twit.A lot of a twit, really. I was the only woman there and must have looked like a tiny doll compared with all these guys. I think had I been younger it might have been a problem. I wasn't overly dressed up and I looked pretty ordinary, so I did the crossword puzzle in the paper ( what was I thinking?), finished my coffee and then just got up, smiled at the shop owner , waved good bye , left and then let out a massively big breath. I went down to Circular Key and took a ferry over to Manly to wash the cobwebs away. Phew!!
Artist eats corgi in royal fox protest stunt.
Artist eats corgi in royal fox protest stunt. : "'An independent post-mortem examination was carried out and found that the fox died from gunshot wounds - and no evidence of other injury or trauma was found,' it said in a statement."
No one in their right mind approves of fox hunting but it sadly has a long tradition. So how does eating a corgi help? No one in their right mind would do that either. Whether they like the Queen or not, whether they approve of fox hunting or not, there is no logical reason to eat a corgi.
No one in their right mind approves of fox hunting but it sadly has a long tradition. So how does eating a corgi help? No one in their right mind would do that either. Whether they like the Queen or not, whether they approve of fox hunting or not, there is no logical reason to eat a corgi.
New secure home for at-risk children.
New secure home for at-risk children. : "'We have to remember these children aren't criminals. As long as they put the children in there who are of the greatest need, that need clinical psychologists, that need therapeutic services, and it's done in a practical way, then I don't mind,' he said."
If the unit is secure and their movements are restricted because these children are at risk of harming themselves or others, then presumably they have done something to get there or is this early intervention? It's another one of those articles which needs expanding. We certainly do have under 18s who are a grave risk to us and others. They are the minority but it seems to be a new breed of child and we need to do something other than lock them away in gaol. We need to know what to do and how to prevent ourselves from creating children like this. We also need to know whether we have the tools to manage and rehabilitate them. They are disturbed and dangerous. We can pick some of this up through You Tube and MySpace now and we know that. We have been finding out too late. Now we know we need some method of discovering the sorts of sites where children may be "advertising" that they are at risk. This facility is at least an idea which can be developed and looked at. It's at least something we can try and having tried it we will certainly get more and better ideas. It's better than our current state of frustration and denial where we are having difficulty even thinking about how we can deal with some of these issues.
If the unit is secure and their movements are restricted because these children are at risk of harming themselves or others, then presumably they have done something to get there or is this early intervention? It's another one of those articles which needs expanding. We certainly do have under 18s who are a grave risk to us and others. They are the minority but it seems to be a new breed of child and we need to do something other than lock them away in gaol. We need to know what to do and how to prevent ourselves from creating children like this. We also need to know whether we have the tools to manage and rehabilitate them. They are disturbed and dangerous. We can pick some of this up through You Tube and MySpace now and we know that. We have been finding out too late. Now we know we need some method of discovering the sorts of sites where children may be "advertising" that they are at risk. This facility is at least an idea which can be developed and looked at. It's at least something we can try and having tried it we will certainly get more and better ideas. It's better than our current state of frustration and denial where we are having difficulty even thinking about how we can deal with some of these issues.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Keep pets under lock and key
AdelaideNow... Keep pets under lock and key: "Figures released to The Advertiser by SA Police show three cats and 42 dogs were stolen between December 18 and May 17."
Yes, some pedigrees are worth a fortune, as the article indicates, so I suppose others do feel entitled to your pet. Mine is a bitsa from the RSPCA and quite priceless. It's horrible to think people would steal pets. Pets are smarter than they think though. They don't transfer their loyalties as easy as you think. My dog has one of those chips and ear tattoos to mark her and I appreciate the RSPCA making that a part of the deal. I suppose really wicked people would replace the chips too. Sad, sad world we live in when we think their property is ours by right.
Yes, some pedigrees are worth a fortune, as the article indicates, so I suppose others do feel entitled to your pet. Mine is a bitsa from the RSPCA and quite priceless. It's horrible to think people would steal pets. Pets are smarter than they think though. They don't transfer their loyalties as easy as you think. My dog has one of those chips and ear tattoos to mark her and I appreciate the RSPCA making that a part of the deal. I suppose really wicked people would replace the chips too. Sad, sad world we live in when we think their property is ours by right.
Drag pair jailed
AdelaideNow... Drag pair jailed: "Identifying B as the ring leader on the night of the crash, Judge Rice sentenced him to 2-1/2 years in jail with a non-parole period of 18 months, to be served on top of a sentence he is already serving. He was also disqualified from driving for 10 years."
I don't actually get this. I have read it 3 times. These two are 19. They stole the cars to drag race. So, okay, they've taken soemone else's property to put at risk. What kind of cars? What were they worth? What gives them the idea it's all right to take other people's cars to drag race...put themselves, their passengers, the cars, other people , other cars and property at risk? So, they do crash the cars. They kill someone, they seriously injure another person. Kill someone. They take cars to drag race, they kill one of their passengers and they seriously injure another. These people are 19. Then they leave. They leave because they are frightened? They leave because they have killed someone? They leave? They do not stop to help the injured people . Are they the ones who called the ambulance? Did they at least do that? They have stolen cars, killed someone's son, presumably, seriously injured someone's daughter, I assume, called them friends but left them to die...because one did die. 2 years and 2 and a half years? What else? Losing their licences for 10 and 8 years. What else? How do we get through to people like this? What else? I do not get it at all. Don't they have to do anything to get their heads and personalities straight? What about the family of the male who died? I really do not get it. These two are a real risk to the community.
I don't actually get this. I have read it 3 times. These two are 19. They stole the cars to drag race. So, okay, they've taken soemone else's property to put at risk. What kind of cars? What were they worth? What gives them the idea it's all right to take other people's cars to drag race...put themselves, their passengers, the cars, other people , other cars and property at risk? So, they do crash the cars. They kill someone, they seriously injure another person. Kill someone. They take cars to drag race, they kill one of their passengers and they seriously injure another. These people are 19. Then they leave. They leave because they are frightened? They leave because they have killed someone? They leave? They do not stop to help the injured people . Are they the ones who called the ambulance? Did they at least do that? They have stolen cars, killed someone's son, presumably, seriously injured someone's daughter, I assume, called them friends but left them to die...because one did die. 2 years and 2 and a half years? What else? Losing their licences for 10 and 8 years. What else? How do we get through to people like this? What else? I do not get it at all. Don't they have to do anything to get their heads and personalities straight? What about the family of the male who died? I really do not get it. These two are a real risk to the community.
Emergency services kept busy by Adelaide wind and rain.
Emergency services kept busy by Adelaide wind and rain. : "A house has lost roofing and emergency services have dealt with fallen trees and power lines at Somerton Park, Hallett Cove, Port Willunga, Hawthorndene and Henley Beach."
Victoria is worse. The weather machine has whipped up some really heavy winter weather today and there have been all osrts of mishaps and accidents. I confess the accident I passed was really well marked and managed by the police. Traffic slow down was kept to a minimum and the police had really thought out how to warn us and protect us as we went through. But, we still have the nutters who slam their cars in and out of the traffic because it makes a good squeal with the tyres on a wet road...and then they forget the car can keep sliding or they distract themselves with the skewing of the car and fail to get their breaks on because the traffic has had to slow or stop. It's mad. They are mad. We were all commenting on the weathe today. It really was heavy duty...but then we did have the long, hot, dry balmy days for too long and got spoiled. A lot of people got up late today as if in protest. Hopefully they are over it by tomorrow.
Victoria is worse. The weather machine has whipped up some really heavy winter weather today and there have been all osrts of mishaps and accidents. I confess the accident I passed was really well marked and managed by the police. Traffic slow down was kept to a minimum and the police had really thought out how to warn us and protect us as we went through. But, we still have the nutters who slam their cars in and out of the traffic because it makes a good squeal with the tyres on a wet road...and then they forget the car can keep sliding or they distract themselves with the skewing of the car and fail to get their breaks on because the traffic has had to slow or stop. It's mad. They are mad. We were all commenting on the weathe today. It really was heavy duty...but then we did have the long, hot, dry balmy days for too long and got spoiled. A lot of people got up late today as if in protest. Hopefully they are over it by tomorrow.
Coalition must 'work harder' amid opinion poll slump.
Coalition must 'work harder' amid opinion poll slump. : "'[If we] show people the vision out of the front of the bus, [we] give people the reason to stay on the bus for another three years.'"
Okay, I'll play the bus game. If we're on the bus it's about time we got off because we are not going anywhere. Backwards? We have been looking out the back for too long. Yes, I think it'd be nice to get a view from the front. Certainly better than looking like the back end of a bus. Now, ditch the metaphor and come to terms with what we need. Not what we want. We do need vision. More than that we are all going to have to work hard to return to the country that used to discuss issues. For too long now we have been told and spoon fed what is good for our own good. And it sounds as bad as that last sentence and is about as well thought out. Time to liven up. Time to value thought, debate, discussion, opinion and the sorts of hearty exchanges we had. Time to get things on the table and look at them properly instead of yet another quick fix which falls adrift because people don't actually look at things like repercussions, ramifications and consequences. Deep thought instead of polly speak. Proper, considered thinking instead of the smart alek pot shot which only does us harm because we are taking out people we all need. No debate, no thought, no discussion and we rattle around in this empty land of ours. We all need to work hard at thinking and discussing. Enough of the process and protocol and let's get back to people and issues.
Okay, I'll play the bus game. If we're on the bus it's about time we got off because we are not going anywhere. Backwards? We have been looking out the back for too long. Yes, I think it'd be nice to get a view from the front. Certainly better than looking like the back end of a bus. Now, ditch the metaphor and come to terms with what we need. Not what we want. We do need vision. More than that we are all going to have to work hard to return to the country that used to discuss issues. For too long now we have been told and spoon fed what is good for our own good. And it sounds as bad as that last sentence and is about as well thought out. Time to liven up. Time to value thought, debate, discussion, opinion and the sorts of hearty exchanges we had. Time to get things on the table and look at them properly instead of yet another quick fix which falls adrift because people don't actually look at things like repercussions, ramifications and consequences. Deep thought instead of polly speak. Proper, considered thinking instead of the smart alek pot shot which only does us harm because we are taking out people we all need. No debate, no thought, no discussion and we rattle around in this empty land of ours. We all need to work hard at thinking and discussing. Enough of the process and protocol and let's get back to people and issues.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Which language should you learn?
 | You scored as French, You should learn... French. Maybe you'll move to France or a formerly-French African colony. Even if you won't, you're up to the challenge. Learn French!
What language should you learn? created with QuizFarm.com |
Just as well, heh? This is a really good site for quizzes!
PM sticks by Aboriginal program
AdelaideNow... PM sticks by Aboriginal program: "PRIME Minister John Howard has vowed to continue his government's program of practical measures to improve Aboriginal health, education and employment and called for all Aboriginal children to learn English from an early age."
And we shall meet them half way by getting our children to learn aboriginal languages. A language is the expression of yourself and your spirit. We can learn too. Let's have a bit of a team effort here, shall we. We have the Net, we have MP3 players, we have got the technology to make language learning easier. It's about genuine effort and a mutual respect for language origins.
And we shall meet them half way by getting our children to learn aboriginal languages. A language is the expression of yourself and your spirit. We can learn too. Let's have a bit of a team effort here, shall we. We have the Net, we have MP3 players, we have got the technology to make language learning easier. It's about genuine effort and a mutual respect for language origins.
Mum 'put baby in aquarium'
AdelaideNow... Mum 'put baby in aquarium': "'The nature of this one is a little bit unusual,' police prosecutor Senior Constable Mandy Leray told the court."
To say the least. What an understatement. At this stage it's an allegation.
To say the least. What an understatement. At this stage it's an allegation.
Aussie doctor helps mid-air birth
AdelaideNow... Aussie doctor helps mid-air birth: "As the other passengers slept, oblivious to what was going on, four stunned crew members watched as Dr Cook guided baby - who Aline named Barbara - into the world in minutes."
What a fantastic human story. An Adelaide obstetrician, a Brazilian woman, a flight crew and a breech birth. Lucky she was an obstetrician. It would have been tricky but how good are the crew? the little girl and mother are doing well. That really was a good Friday. Team effort and skill. Gold stars and plus points.
What a fantastic human story. An Adelaide obstetrician, a Brazilian woman, a flight crew and a breech birth. Lucky she was an obstetrician. It would have been tricky but how good are the crew? the little girl and mother are doing well. That really was a good Friday. Team effort and skill. Gold stars and plus points.
Dentists refuse to treat bad teeth
Dentists refuse to treat bad teeth: "DENTISTS on the National Health Service are turning away people with bad teeth because they say they are only paid enough to treat patients with a good dental health record."
I am pleased to hear this. I thought it was only our dentists who were adopting a primadonna approach to dentistry. The amount of huffing and puffing, sulking, groaning and complaining we have had when they actually have to do some real dental work has been extraordinary. They have even been making it hurt for anyone they think should not be bringing them abscesses, dirty teeth, broken teeth or anything more than a look and clean...as long as it's a quick clean. We are all getting fed up with it because we are paying for pretty shoddy treatment and it's such a relief when you get a nice dentist who doesn't mind doing dentistry and whose practice actually sends out reminders That's the other thing we are begrudged. For all the talk about oral health and dental hygiene, we are not being encouraged and we cannot help our teeth. It's what dentists are for and we used to have brilliant dentists. It was one of our brilliant dentists who got me over my total fear of dentists. I do not know what is going on.
I am pleased to hear this. I thought it was only our dentists who were adopting a primadonna approach to dentistry. The amount of huffing and puffing, sulking, groaning and complaining we have had when they actually have to do some real dental work has been extraordinary. They have even been making it hurt for anyone they think should not be bringing them abscesses, dirty teeth, broken teeth or anything more than a look and clean...as long as it's a quick clean. We are all getting fed up with it because we are paying for pretty shoddy treatment and it's such a relief when you get a nice dentist who doesn't mind doing dentistry and whose practice actually sends out reminders That's the other thing we are begrudged. For all the talk about oral health and dental hygiene, we are not being encouraged and we cannot help our teeth. It's what dentists are for and we used to have brilliant dentists. It was one of our brilliant dentists who got me over my total fear of dentists. I do not know what is going on.
Scientists breed cows that give skimmed milk
Scientists breed cows that give skimmed milk: "The cows, which have a particular genetic mutation, were bred from a single female discovered by researchers when they screened milk from millions of cattle in New Zealand."
Well, good old Marge even if she is a mutant. She makes skimmed milk, rich in Omega 3s and spreadable butter as well. The spreadable butter herds will be available in 2011, so start saving now. Skimmed milk is our milk of choice so it's a real bonus to hear NZ has cows which can produce it. Marge's female offspring are able to give skimmed milk too. They are just waiting to see if the male offspring can pass the trait on. Whatever happened to the cow they were trying to make give strawberry milk? It was a while ago. Maybe it flopped. Well done to the spreadable butter cows!
Well, good old Marge even if she is a mutant. She makes skimmed milk, rich in Omega 3s and spreadable butter as well. The spreadable butter herds will be available in 2011, so start saving now. Skimmed milk is our milk of choice so it's a real bonus to hear NZ has cows which can produce it. Marge's female offspring are able to give skimmed milk too. They are just waiting to see if the male offspring can pass the trait on. Whatever happened to the cow they were trying to make give strawberry milk? It was a while ago. Maybe it flopped. Well done to the spreadable butter cows!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Rudd to bridge black-white longevity gap
Rudd to bridge black-white longevity gap : "KEVIN Rudd has promised to close the 17-year gap in life expectancy between black and white Australians within a generation."Not just the health and age barriers. All the barriers we have and that will take a big person with a big vision. Considerable progress has been made in NZ because they have brought the white and Maori groups together to create programmes and ideas to bridge the divide. Everything is labelled in English and Maori. The children learn Maori at school and the Maori population has done its bit to educate others. It has only strengthened their country. I can remember my daughter coming home from primary school after an outing with an aboriginal elder who had taught her her class about the Tjilbruke trail by taking them part of the way along it. From her account, which she remembered in great detail he stopped at leaves, trees, birds, rocks...he knew every part of the trail and had explained it to them. Her eyes were shining and her brain was full of knowledge. He had taught her well and she has never forgotten it. Aborigines are magical teachers. We built the Southern Expressway through part of that trail. That was our contribution. We need to use the strength of each culture to start blending our ideas and knowledge. That will take time and thought but he vision simply is not there and it ought to be. The indigenous population know such a lot about our land.
Wi-fi and RFID used for tracking
Wi-fi and RFID used for tracking: "There have been privacy concerns expressed in some quarters about RFID tags, especially around the possible use of tags on shopping goods to monitor consumer spending habits."
Yes, I can imagine my rubbish bin lighting up and chattering as people log onto my wrappings with the embedded tags. I can see we shall go tracking mad. Useful for tracking stolen property, but there will be counter tag technology and blocking devices. Useful for tagging wandering patients in homes and hospitals. Useful for keeping an eye on parolees. I can see it all now. Kids will be tagged to make sure they are in class...maybe not such a bad idea considering how many seem to be out and about during the school week. Aren't kids supposed to be at school? Handy for tracking who knows what who knows when and look out, we are watching you!
Yes, I can imagine my rubbish bin lighting up and chattering as people log onto my wrappings with the embedded tags. I can see we shall go tracking mad. Useful for tracking stolen property, but there will be counter tag technology and blocking devices. Useful for tagging wandering patients in homes and hospitals. Useful for keeping an eye on parolees. I can see it all now. Kids will be tagged to make sure they are in class...maybe not such a bad idea considering how many seem to be out and about during the school week. Aren't kids supposed to be at school? Handy for tracking who knows what who knows when and look out, we are watching you!
Kovco family welcomes new inquest
Kovco family welcomes new inquest. : "Private Kovco's mother Judy Kovco rejected the findings of the military investigation."
Yes, the poor woman must be going insane with what has happened. She will know when she hears the truth no matter what it is. It is horrible that she has had to endure such pain and misery because the investigations cannot seem to solve this in a way that puts her heart at peace. It's bad enough she lost her son. She need not have lost her son, but the whole story has been a muddle and undignified. She needs some peace of mind and I think it's very considerate of the NSW coroner to persist with this until it's put right. Not an easy task since some information will obviously be sensitive because of Private Kovko's position.
Yes, the poor woman must be going insane with what has happened. She will know when she hears the truth no matter what it is. It is horrible that she has had to endure such pain and misery because the investigations cannot seem to solve this in a way that puts her heart at peace. It's bad enough she lost her son. She need not have lost her son, but the whole story has been a muddle and undignified. She needs some peace of mind and I think it's very considerate of the NSW coroner to persist with this until it's put right. Not an easy task since some information will obviously be sensitive because of Private Kovko's position.
Bush signs $100 billion Iraq war funding bill.
Bush signs $100 billion Iraq war funding bill. : "US President George W Bush has signed a bill providing $US100 billion ($122 billion) to pay for the Iraq war."
100 billion?? 100 billion? How do you get that much money and what if you were to spend it in your own country? Iraq really is a black hole sucking up life and money. 100 billion? What would the Americans do in their own country if they had that kind of budget?
100 billion?? 100 billion? How do you get that much money and what if you were to spend it in your own country? Iraq really is a black hole sucking up life and money. 100 billion? What would the Americans do in their own country if they had that kind of budget?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Big Brother votes death out
Big Brother votes death out : "'This is the great ethical value of Big Brother because it highlights dilemmas that are already there. It doesn't create them,' she said."
On the contrary. It creates them by arbitrating what is and is not allowed and what can and cannot happen. This is her father. She should be told. It is her decision. We are talking about the death of her father. That a television programme can filter information is not right. It's artificial and it completely denies the reality of her life. Completely denies that she is a human being with human ties. We have all discussed it and she does not know. It is her father. He is dead. She needs to be told and should have been able to see him and go to the funeral. This is not ethical value. It's death. Father. Emma's father. We know and she doesn't. It is wrong. In death you allow the people closest to be there. You allow them to be at the funeral and in death you inform all you think need to know. That is ethical. That is the value of life. Her life.Her father. Her decision.
On the contrary. It creates them by arbitrating what is and is not allowed and what can and cannot happen. This is her father. She should be told. It is her decision. We are talking about the death of her father. That a television programme can filter information is not right. It's artificial and it completely denies the reality of her life. Completely denies that she is a human being with human ties. We have all discussed it and she does not know. It is her father. He is dead. She needs to be told and should have been able to see him and go to the funeral. This is not ethical value. It's death. Father. Emma's father. We know and she doesn't. It is wrong. In death you allow the people closest to be there. You allow them to be at the funeral and in death you inform all you think need to know. That is ethical. That is the value of life. Her life.Her father. Her decision.
Basic Habits of the Emu
Basic Habits of the Emu: "Emus are not the easiest to catch. First of all, you must realized that they can be very dangerous when catching."
You do not have to kill unfamiliar animals and birds. You can get help. I am still not over it.
You do not have to kill unfamiliar animals and birds. You can get help. I am still not over it.
Emus - catching and handling
Emus - catching and handling: "# you have the catching techniques demonstrated to you by a skilled and experienced emu farmer
# you also work with a skilled and experienced emu farmer to get some practical catching and handling experience under supervision."
God gave you Google so you can Google help.
# you also work with a skilled and experienced emu farmer to get some practical catching and handling experience under supervision."
God gave you Google so you can Google help.
Emu chase ends in tragedy
Emu chase ends in tragedy : "The emu was clocked at speeds up to 50km/h, with police resorting to roadblocks, while the vets were unsuccessful in their attempts to sedate the bird with tranquiliser darts."
Emus should not be allowed in Europe if they are going to shoot them. Why would you kill an emu?? Why have they got an emu there and why did they not ask for help? We have email, chat lines and Skype for crying out loud.
Emus should not be allowed in Europe if they are going to shoot them. Why would you kill an emu?? Why have they got an emu there and why did they not ask for help? We have email, chat lines and Skype for crying out loud.
Third of women see female PM by 2018
AdelaideNow... Third of women see female PM by 2018: "'Australians have peeled away the layers of bias in most industry types and there is no doubt that there will come a time when female politicians will have equal opportunities to their male counterparts.''"
Judging by what is going on now we have no hope of having a female Prime Minister. Women politicians cannot seem to sruvive at that level and need to look at that and I have blogged about his issue before. We need to consider why some pretty competent women fold under our political climate. Then we have the small matter of a woman who is married to a successful politician not being able to exist in her own right. Her life becomes annexed. What a lot of nonsense that is in this day and age...but we actually talk about it as though it is okay...and ought to be considered. I don't think we'll get a woman Prime Minister yet. Women need to take a long , hard look at how they are manipulated in the positions they get to, to then fall foul of the male dominated upper echelon. They don't weather the conditions. Why not?
Judging by what is going on now we have no hope of having a female Prime Minister. Women politicians cannot seem to sruvive at that level and need to look at that and I have blogged about his issue before. We need to consider why some pretty competent women fold under our political climate. Then we have the small matter of a woman who is married to a successful politician not being able to exist in her own right. Her life becomes annexed. What a lot of nonsense that is in this day and age...but we actually talk about it as though it is okay...and ought to be considered. I don't think we'll get a woman Prime Minister yet. Women need to take a long , hard look at how they are manipulated in the positions they get to, to then fall foul of the male dominated upper echelon. They don't weather the conditions. Why not?
Rudd's wife heads home for career talks.
Rudd's wife heads home for career talks. : "'I assume that it will become increasingly common for people who are married or in partnerships to aspire to be in politics while their partner is a business person in their own right.'"
Oh yes, we are going to have to drag politicians kicking and screaming into the 21st century because women have been working and running their lives in the real world for quite some time. It's what our social change and equity issues have been about. Therese Rein is a bona fide professional woman with all the success and frustrations of a proper professional woman. I should not like to have a head of state where the wife has to be an ornamental adjunct because that is not what women are in Australia. Our women are working hard and have aspirations and our professional women are extremely successful and well credentialled. It's this anachronistic approach which is stopping them from existing in their own right. Whoever is our Prime Minister should not be having a wife who cannot direct her own life and interests and who may well then serve our country better because she is a dynamic,independent woman. Forcing any succesful woman to abandon her career and interests to be the chattel of her husband and state is both retrograde and ludicrous in 2007.
Oh yes, we are going to have to drag politicians kicking and screaming into the 21st century because women have been working and running their lives in the real world for quite some time. It's what our social change and equity issues have been about. Therese Rein is a bona fide professional woman with all the success and frustrations of a proper professional woman. I should not like to have a head of state where the wife has to be an ornamental adjunct because that is not what women are in Australia. Our women are working hard and have aspirations and our professional women are extremely successful and well credentialled. It's this anachronistic approach which is stopping them from existing in their own right. Whoever is our Prime Minister should not be having a wife who cannot direct her own life and interests and who may well then serve our country better because she is a dynamic,independent woman. Forcing any succesful woman to abandon her career and interests to be the chattel of her husband and state is both retrograde and ludicrous in 2007.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Grief expert slams Big Brother
Grief expert slams Big Brother : "'It would be tragic if this was made into some kind of a media event, and that this private experience was publicly paraded in order to encourage ratings,' he said."
Well it has been. We are voting whether to tell her , we are discussing whether to tell her. It's on the Net. In the papers. This is her father. He has died. She knew he was dying, but has not been allowed to see him or go to the funeral. You only have one father. He may have wished her not to be told, but this is her father. She needs to know. She needs to be treated with respect and dignity. This is her Dad. She can decide what to do and her decision is the one thing which is missing. We have all discussed it. She doesn't even know.
Well it has been. We are voting whether to tell her , we are discussing whether to tell her. It's on the Net. In the papers. This is her father. He has died. She knew he was dying, but has not been allowed to see him or go to the funeral. You only have one father. He may have wished her not to be told, but this is her father. She needs to know. She needs to be treated with respect and dignity. This is her Dad. She can decide what to do and her decision is the one thing which is missing. We have all discussed it. She doesn't even know.
National Sorry Day Committee
National Sorry Day Committee: "Saturday 26th May 2007, 10.30 am - 4.00 pm"
The events and activities for all states can be found on the National Sorry Day Committee site.
The events and activities for all states can be found on the National Sorry Day Committee site.
National Sorry Day
Labor eHerald: National Sorry Day: "In Adelaide, events will be held at the Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide"
May 26th is National Sorry Day and it's a day where Australians focus on healing needed in our society so we can achieve reconciliation and, as a group, we apologise to our indigenous people for the damage done to them by people who came to Australia. Our government has not participated in a formal recognition of things like Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children were removed from their families. Our Migration Museum is staging events this weekend for us. A lot of Australians would like to say sorry as part of an official ceremony, so this is how we do it. We didn't do it but we really are sorry it occurred.
May 26th is National Sorry Day and it's a day where Australians focus on healing needed in our society so we can achieve reconciliation and, as a group, we apologise to our indigenous people for the damage done to them by people who came to Australia. Our government has not participated in a formal recognition of things like Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children were removed from their families. Our Migration Museum is staging events this weekend for us. A lot of Australians would like to say sorry as part of an official ceremony, so this is how we do it. We didn't do it but we really are sorry it occurred.
Curry blows up on BA flight
Curry blows up on BA flight : "BRITISH Airways has banned cabin crew from microwaving their own food after a curry exploded at 35,000 ft (10,668 metres), causing around $US40,000 ($48,790) of damage to an aircraft."
That curry was hot!! So, it came from a supermarket. Have other batches of that curry exploded in people's homes and caused damage? Surely it wasn't just the one that went on the plane? Or doesn't that curry react well to altitude? What on earth was in it? Better to make your own curry from scratch. What a blow out!
That curry was hot!! So, it came from a supermarket. Have other batches of that curry exploded in people's homes and caused damage? Surely it wasn't just the one that went on the plane? Or doesn't that curry react well to altitude? What on earth was in it? Better to make your own curry from scratch. What a blow out!
SA Govt urged to combine RAH and QEH.
SA Govt urged to combine RAH and QEH.: "'I'll just be grateful that the government is prepared to invest this sort of money in the health system, but would just ask that they engage the profession completely in the process and making sure that things work as they should be, and we address the needs of the community,' he said."
Not having a hospital in the central part of the city could be devasting and discriminatory. I hope they do dicuss it with everyone, epsecially those working in the RAH and the QEH. Woodville is not as easily accesible to the general public nor is it a good idea not to have a hospital in the city. The RAH is a hub. It's always busy and it's always buzzing. To take it away would impact significantly on city living and city life. Yes, look at how it can be used and how the QEH can be used and make health a priority. It doesn't come cheaply but amalgamating into one hospital is not the best idea to come out. Further informed discussion is well and truly warranted.
Not having a hospital in the central part of the city could be devasting and discriminatory. I hope they do dicuss it with everyone, epsecially those working in the RAH and the QEH. Woodville is not as easily accesible to the general public nor is it a good idea not to have a hospital in the city. The RAH is a hub. It's always busy and it's always buzzing. To take it away would impact significantly on city living and city life. Yes, look at how it can be used and how the QEH can be used and make health a priority. It doesn't come cheaply but amalgamating into one hospital is not the best idea to come out. Further informed discussion is well and truly warranted.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Fire whips though bondage parlour
Fire whips though bondage parlour : "'It was fairly quickly controlled. It was a small fire. Once they gained access into the first floor area it was reasonably quickly extinguished,' Mr McLean said."
Sorry, just thought I'd share that headline with you. I laughed. Someone had fun making it up. No harm came to anyone and there a million jokes in all of this. S'okay. I'm over it now.
Sorry, just thought I'd share that headline with you. I laughed. Someone had fun making it up. No harm came to anyone and there a million jokes in all of this. S'okay. I'm over it now.
'Pretty' Gillard more popular
'Pretty' Gillard more popular: "Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey says he's not as popular as Labor's industrial relations spokeswoman Julia Gillard because he is 'not as pretty'."
OMG!! Is this what professional women need? I don't think so. Oh dear. Aren't we over that yet?
OMG!! Is this what professional women need? I don't think so. Oh dear. Aren't we over that yet?
Child porn conviction for student
Child porn conviction for student : "ONE of Monash University's most outstanding law students has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography images, some of which a magistrate described as 'truly depraved'."
We need to differentiate between the public and private self of anyone. Outstanding intellectual ability and a successful public life doesn't mean you have no inside problems. This man is only 22 . I think it is good he has been found out now because at 22 there is some chance of helping him before it had become a real horror story. I am truly sorry he is like this at this age and there has to be a reason for it. It could be he erroneously clicked on something and the downlaods occurred too fast for him to stop and that's part and parcel of the problem for the young man. I am extremely sorry for those children whose images are on anyone's computer. Where are the pictures from? Whose children are they? If he is to be a lawyer then it's important he would understand how easy it is to become trapped in the cyberworld and connections. That is the new area for crime and so our young lawyers need to understand it. As a society we need to work out how to deal with issues such as this because computers have made crime easy, involvement in crime easy and the obviousness of it less obvious and the accidental involvement a real possibility. It's no longer so clear cut because computers can have minds of their own sometimes and one click can create havoc. We need to keep a really clear head about all of this, that's for sure...because the real issue in my mind are those images of the children. Who made them?
We need to differentiate between the public and private self of anyone. Outstanding intellectual ability and a successful public life doesn't mean you have no inside problems. This man is only 22 . I think it is good he has been found out now because at 22 there is some chance of helping him before it had become a real horror story. I am truly sorry he is like this at this age and there has to be a reason for it. It could be he erroneously clicked on something and the downlaods occurred too fast for him to stop and that's part and parcel of the problem for the young man. I am extremely sorry for those children whose images are on anyone's computer. Where are the pictures from? Whose children are they? If he is to be a lawyer then it's important he would understand how easy it is to become trapped in the cyberworld and connections. That is the new area for crime and so our young lawyers need to understand it. As a society we need to work out how to deal with issues such as this because computers have made crime easy, involvement in crime easy and the obviousness of it less obvious and the accidental involvement a real possibility. It's no longer so clear cut because computers can have minds of their own sometimes and one click can create havoc. We need to keep a really clear head about all of this, that's for sure...because the real issue in my mind are those images of the children. Who made them?
Colds and Flu
Health -: "Airborne droplets have a range of about one metre, which can make you a sitting duck on a tightly packed bus. So should you consider a mask, especially when the flu virus can be transmitted in the same way?"
No!! We can now have clothes which will stop us getting colds and flu thanks to the research of Cornell University in the US. They use nanoparticles and they are very pricey because they are still in the rarified intellectual atmosphere! It would be good to have clothing to combat colds and flu because some people do not cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze and cough. Some people can't help it because the sneeze is sudden and unexpected. Well, our weather change has got us all running for the tissues and the panadol. We have overly pink cheeks, wheezes and sneezes. The flue shot shave been grabbed. I don't have one. That's one thing I do not have. Tissues, yes. Lemon drinks, yes. Cod liver oil. Yes. Vit C. Yes. Warm winter woolies. Yes. Not good on the eucalytus oil...erk. Not good on the Vicks...double erk. Peppermint tea? Yes. Black currant tea. Yes...and the old adage feed a cold and starve a fever. So, we are not ready really for this onslaught of coughs and sneezes, but we'll get by. Most of us just stop and rest these days...a few still solier on and give it to the rest of us! How much of it is the mind? Not sure. I know I always feel sicker when I am surrounded by sick people and I feel worse if anyone at work is really sick.
No!! We can now have clothes which will stop us getting colds and flu thanks to the research of Cornell University in the US. They use nanoparticles and they are very pricey because they are still in the rarified intellectual atmosphere! It would be good to have clothing to combat colds and flu because some people do not cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze and cough. Some people can't help it because the sneeze is sudden and unexpected. Well, our weather change has got us all running for the tissues and the panadol. We have overly pink cheeks, wheezes and sneezes. The flue shot shave been grabbed. I don't have one. That's one thing I do not have. Tissues, yes. Lemon drinks, yes. Cod liver oil. Yes. Vit C. Yes. Warm winter woolies. Yes. Not good on the eucalytus oil...erk. Not good on the Vicks...double erk. Peppermint tea? Yes. Black currant tea. Yes...and the old adage feed a cold and starve a fever. So, we are not ready really for this onslaught of coughs and sneezes, but we'll get by. Most of us just stop and rest these days...a few still solier on and give it to the rest of us! How much of it is the mind? Not sure. I know I always feel sicker when I am surrounded by sick people and I feel worse if anyone at work is really sick.
Sex shop approved near school.
Sex shop approved near school. : "'I did ask the question of our officers, could we put a hold on this or could we ask them to relocate to another area which might not have so much exposure to youth walking past, and the answer was simply no,' he said."
Well, our art school has an adult super store next door. You do wonder sometimes. In this case it is an adult book store next to a primary school and our state legislation appears to be the stumbling block. I should have thought town planning could be better and more flexible than this. It would seem better to think these things out logically even if our state laws permit it...How is the law helping us if we get inappropriately place neighbours? It's not about the content of shops it's about the placement.
Well, our art school has an adult super store next door. You do wonder sometimes. In this case it is an adult book store next to a primary school and our state legislation appears to be the stumbling block. I should have thought town planning could be better and more flexible than this. It would seem better to think these things out logically even if our state laws permit it...How is the law helping us if we get inappropriately place neighbours? It's not about the content of shops it's about the placement.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Grey water's stumbling block
Grey water's stumbling block : "'Residents are collecting grey water from their washing machines and bathrooms for outdoor use,' Mr Bicknell said. He said reduced water flows along sewerage pipes meant solid matter in sewage appeared to be building up rather than being swept along to its intended destination."
Absolutely. We have health and hygiene because we have running water. That was the difference between us and nations which suffer form disease. We'll need to think about this carefully.
Absolutely. We have health and hygiene because we have running water. That was the difference between us and nations which suffer form disease. We'll need to think about this carefully.
Backyard baristas
Backyard baristas : "But A Minor Place has helped pioneer the new breed of shoestring cafe culture that's transforming corner stores, vacant shops and suburban houses into creative salons for Melbourne's arts community and frequented by new parents typically in their 30s."
Great idea to transform dead space into a social spot. Good for us, good for business and great for a sense of belonging. There is room for different sorts of coffee/relaxation spots. It's good to cater to different age groups and different interests. It builds bonds and ties and creates a place to get away without getting away. Somewhere with a bit of an atmosphere where you can see familiar faces. I think we all need that. In Adelaide it's not going along the same lines as Melbourne but it might. Over here there have been more places which have offered tables and chairs for patrons of the shop. Automatically it has created a more sociable atmosphere. Automatically people are stopping for a chat. It's not just a hit and run. Sometimes it's just somewhere to stop before you go home or before you get on with the rest of the shopping. For parents of little children it gives them a little breather to sit down and let the children be diverted by other things and people. It's about taking the strain off and I am not surprised these places are thriving.
Great idea to transform dead space into a social spot. Good for us, good for business and great for a sense of belonging. There is room for different sorts of coffee/relaxation spots. It's good to cater to different age groups and different interests. It builds bonds and ties and creates a place to get away without getting away. Somewhere with a bit of an atmosphere where you can see familiar faces. I think we all need that. In Adelaide it's not going along the same lines as Melbourne but it might. Over here there have been more places which have offered tables and chairs for patrons of the shop. Automatically it has created a more sociable atmosphere. Automatically people are stopping for a chat. It's not just a hit and run. Sometimes it's just somewhere to stop before you go home or before you get on with the rest of the shopping. For parents of little children it gives them a little breather to sit down and let the children be diverted by other things and people. It's about taking the strain off and I am not surprised these places are thriving.
A drink a day may slow dementia
AdelaideNow... A drink a day may slow dementia: "'The mechanism responsible for why low alcohol consumption appears to protect against the progression to dementia isn't known. However, it is possible that the arrangement of blood vessels in the brain may play a role,' Dr Solfrizzi and Dr Panza conclude."
My Grandmother used to swear by her glass of guiness a day. It was something she enjoyed and looked forward to and she did live to a ripe old age and remained lucid. I know that is not empirical evidence, but I think we tend to look at who we know and what we think when we read about research such as this. I am sure in time we shall discover how a daily drink helps. I think it's about relaxation and about getting a chance to be sociable. Grandma always had her drink when someone was visiting and she always offered them a sherry or a shandy. It was a convivial thing to do and probably helped her realise she was still a social being, even when she was older. Dementia is devastating. My friend's mother changed so quickly and suddenly it was quite distressing even for those of us who merely knew her as part of that family circle. She changed from a dynamic, happy woman to this little old lady who was really only a shell. She didn't ever return to the self we knew but we accepted her as the little old lady who sat quietly at family gatherings and would sometimes become quite angry and particular about something. Whatever it takes to beat this illness would be welcome.
My Grandmother used to swear by her glass of guiness a day. It was something she enjoyed and looked forward to and she did live to a ripe old age and remained lucid. I know that is not empirical evidence, but I think we tend to look at who we know and what we think when we read about research such as this. I am sure in time we shall discover how a daily drink helps. I think it's about relaxation and about getting a chance to be sociable. Grandma always had her drink when someone was visiting and she always offered them a sherry or a shandy. It was a convivial thing to do and probably helped her realise she was still a social being, even when she was older. Dementia is devastating. My friend's mother changed so quickly and suddenly it was quite distressing even for those of us who merely knew her as part of that family circle. She changed from a dynamic, happy woman to this little old lady who was really only a shell. She didn't ever return to the self we knew but we accepted her as the little old lady who sat quietly at family gatherings and would sometimes become quite angry and particular about something. Whatever it takes to beat this illness would be welcome.
Calm urged on Gardasil
AdelaideNow... Calm urged on Gardasil: "Sacred Heart Girls' College principal Christopher Dalton said today that 26 girls were taken to the school sick bay after injections."
The roll out of the vaccine has been across Australia. Is this one school or more than one school? It does warrant investigation as have cases from other vaccinations . There is no doubt that vaccinations have kept more of us in better health . For some it is not the case. This vaccination prevents cervical cancer. Women do get it. It is merciless. It is so important to use the means we have to keep people alive and well. I hope we do stay level headed about this because some minor adjustments may be all that is needed. That is for the experts to determine. Maybe we have to look at how the vaccination programme is delivered. This is all very worrying but given we are talking the prevention of cancer then I think we need to get a cold, commonsense approach to what has occurred.
The roll out of the vaccine has been across Australia. Is this one school or more than one school? It does warrant investigation as have cases from other vaccinations . There is no doubt that vaccinations have kept more of us in better health . For some it is not the case. This vaccination prevents cervical cancer. Women do get it. It is merciless. It is so important to use the means we have to keep people alive and well. I hope we do stay level headed about this because some minor adjustments may be all that is needed. That is for the experts to determine. Maybe we have to look at how the vaccination programme is delivered. This is all very worrying but given we are talking the prevention of cancer then I think we need to get a cold, commonsense approach to what has occurred.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Costello's 'Rocky runs' a risk
Costello's 'Rocky runs' a risk: MPs: "He told reporters that he liked to jog a lap of the Parliament and finish by racing to the grassy roof, where he would 'clasp my hands together like Rocky Balboa'."
Not something most of us would aspire or own up to!
Not something most of us would aspire or own up to!
Mini tornado hits south
AdelaideNow... Mini tornado hits south: "MOANA residents are cleaning up after a freak mini tornado ripped through the southern suburb early this morning."
Why have we got tornadoes in SA, mini or not? I thought they said the weather patterns were returning to normal? The weather machine is obviously alive and well and up to its usual mischief. We have had a mad day. Rain, wind, sunshine..downpours, rain, wind...sunshine. Warm, cold...colder, bit warmer...warm...snap frozen, down pour. Storm. We have had insane weather and we were all running for coats and jackets.Yep, the damage is there. So much for normal weather patterns.
Why have we got tornadoes in SA, mini or not? I thought they said the weather patterns were returning to normal? The weather machine is obviously alive and well and up to its usual mischief. We have had a mad day. Rain, wind, sunshine..downpours, rain, wind...sunshine. Warm, cold...colder, bit warmer...warm...snap frozen, down pour. Storm. We have had insane weather and we were all running for coats and jackets.Yep, the damage is there. So much for normal weather patterns.
Nicolas Sarkozy
This man is getting some coverage in Australia. He has appealed to us. He even made Pete's Space on tele on Rove last night. The presidential elections did get some reasonable coverage over here, but since Sarkozy has won, we seem to have adapted quickly to him for some reason. We like his cabinet line up and it's probably because he walks and talks faster than a lot of politicians and has a good mix of active and itellectual interests . He is younger and you realise it makes a difference. Older people have expertise and knowledge which cannot be denied, but we have seen the same faces for so long. We think he is taking his job and his people seriously by the way he has selected his cabinet. He is certainly well credentialled.We have just responded psoitively to him and that's good to have a leader that other nations like. It only bodes well for international relations.
Hicks's new prison 'a Hilton' compared to Cuba.
Hicks's new prison 'a Hilton' compared to Cuba. : "'We look at all his individual needs, his health, his welfare, psychological services that might be required,' he said."
The circle in which I mix is glad to have David Hicks home. Some believe it was good for him to have that private flight. It protected us all from media hoo-ha which we don't want. It protected him when he is , as yet, in no position to defend himself and some believed he deserved that jet after all he went through. He didn't have a trial , as such, and that's the least we expected. We were surprised he was left in Guantanomo Bay for so long and we believe our government could have managed this better. As it stands we think he should be at home where we can sort it all out and we a really pleased about that. We were inspired by his long suffering father who has been so patient with the system. He has shown himself to be a man of dignity. He asked for fair treatment for his son. He asked no more and no less. He asked for his son to be treated humanely. He withstood all the twists and turns of this particular case with a lot of dignity and has shown us all how to behave in adverse and abject circumstances. We were also impressed with Marine Corps Major Michael Mori who defended David Hicks in America. We acknowledge he represented his uniform, his country and our citizen with a great deal of expertise, skill and common sense. He negotiated between his country and ours effectively and he did the utmost to represent David Hicks fairly. We thank him.It is time to let David Hicks reformat himself back to Australian ways. There will be a lesson in this for all of us and we'll learn it when the time is right.
The circle in which I mix is glad to have David Hicks home. Some believe it was good for him to have that private flight. It protected us all from media hoo-ha which we don't want. It protected him when he is , as yet, in no position to defend himself and some believed he deserved that jet after all he went through. He didn't have a trial , as such, and that's the least we expected. We were surprised he was left in Guantanomo Bay for so long and we believe our government could have managed this better. As it stands we think he should be at home where we can sort it all out and we a really pleased about that. We were inspired by his long suffering father who has been so patient with the system. He has shown himself to be a man of dignity. He asked for fair treatment for his son. He asked no more and no less. He asked for his son to be treated humanely. He withstood all the twists and turns of this particular case with a lot of dignity and has shown us all how to behave in adverse and abject circumstances. We were also impressed with Marine Corps Major Michael Mori who defended David Hicks in America. We acknowledge he represented his uniform, his country and our citizen with a great deal of expertise, skill and common sense. He negotiated between his country and ours effectively and he did the utmost to represent David Hicks fairly. We thank him.It is time to let David Hicks reformat himself back to Australian ways. There will be a lesson in this for all of us and we'll learn it when the time is right.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Public 'tuning out' to federal politics
AdelaideNow... Public 'tuning out' to federal politics: "'I think people are starting to tune out a bit, I think they're looking for a politics-free week or month,'' Mr Robb said today."
If no one is bothering it's because it's the same ole same ole. The potshots, the predigested thinking, the smear campaigns, the fear fest, the what's good for us. There is no attempt to engage us and plenty of telling us what we have got wrong. You stop listening because there is no real debate, no genuine interest in humanity and human issues . It's about image, format, expedience. It really doesn't deal with the things which ought to be dealt with and it's tiresome. There is plenty of evidence around the world that politics can be interesting, gripping , can engender debate and profound thought. We have allowed ourselves to sink to non thinking , ill informed, quick response. We have not supported thought provoking education so the air headedness is exactly that.We have become victims of edutainment. Politics can be fascinating when there is concern for people and issues and some real thinking. As it stands it's about structure and process so it's singularly lacking in feeling , depth and complexity of thought.
If no one is bothering it's because it's the same ole same ole. The potshots, the predigested thinking, the smear campaigns, the fear fest, the what's good for us. There is no attempt to engage us and plenty of telling us what we have got wrong. You stop listening because there is no real debate, no genuine interest in humanity and human issues . It's about image, format, expedience. It really doesn't deal with the things which ought to be dealt with and it's tiresome. There is plenty of evidence around the world that politics can be interesting, gripping , can engender debate and profound thought. We have allowed ourselves to sink to non thinking , ill informed, quick response. We have not supported thought provoking education so the air headedness is exactly that.We have become victims of edutainment. Politics can be fascinating when there is concern for people and issues and some real thinking. As it stands it's about structure and process so it's singularly lacking in feeling , depth and complexity of thought.
West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers
West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers :: Handmade on the farm: "Welcome to the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers website"
This site is inspired. It is full of information, it takes its cheese seriously but there is a real sense of creativity about it. The site incorporates any number of modern trends in a competent fashion to promote its hand made cheese. I confess I found it when I was looking at the web news on the french TV5 after I'd watched the news. It was featuring the West Country Cheddarvison TV where you watch a cheddar cheese maturing in real time. This site is so good, right down to the fruit bread with the cheese!
This site is inspired. It is full of information, it takes its cheese seriously but there is a real sense of creativity about it. The site incorporates any number of modern trends in a competent fashion to promote its hand made cheese. I confess I found it when I was looking at the web news on the french TV5 after I'd watched the news. It was featuring the West Country Cheddarvison TV where you watch a cheddar cheese maturing in real time. This site is so good, right down to the fruit bread with the cheese!
Defiant drivers talk and text
AdelaideNow... Defiant drivers talk and text: "An SGIC survey has found almost 50 per cent of respondents admitted to using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
About 58 per cent of young people under 30 also admitted to sending or receiving text messages while driving."
The price of delusion is high. When you think you are invincible and the centre of the universe, well, who is responsible? Who cares? Who made them that way? Mobile phones are like cars, they are dictating the terms of our existence and we change everything to accommodate them instead of wondering whether the ultimate cost is worth it. We are hopeless at getting things into perspective. I can't belive our lives are run by bits of metal and lumps of plastic.
About 58 per cent of young people under 30 also admitted to sending or receiving text messages while driving."
The price of delusion is high. When you think you are invincible and the centre of the universe, well, who is responsible? Who cares? Who made them that way? Mobile phones are like cars, they are dictating the terms of our existence and we change everything to accommodate them instead of wondering whether the ultimate cost is worth it. We are hopeless at getting things into perspective. I can't belive our lives are run by bits of metal and lumps of plastic.
Shelling out more for eggs
AdelaideNow... Shelling out more for eggs: "However, Mr Savvas said the increase hasn't necessarily been bad for the business, which sells eggs ranging from $1.50 to $4.50."
If you are really strapped for cash, you can put conscience aside and buy cage eggs quite cheaply. We don't like to do that but money is money and if you don't have much that is where you just have to do what you have to do to feed your family. It's sad. We need to look at farming so we can get reasonably priced food for everyone without hurting our animals and the environment. In any case, buying organic and free range eggs does cost more and they are nice eggs. Really nice eggs. They make food taste good, they make better cakes and biscuits and they actually go further because they are usually bigger. They still represent good value for money because eggs are very good for you and they are very versatile, so compared with other proteins, you are still ahead with a carton of eggs. I think we have mnaged all the egg hoo ha really well and I congratulate our stores, our farmers and our green grocers for using their brains. I have been inpressed with the improved quality of our eggs.
If you are really strapped for cash, you can put conscience aside and buy cage eggs quite cheaply. We don't like to do that but money is money and if you don't have much that is where you just have to do what you have to do to feed your family. It's sad. We need to look at farming so we can get reasonably priced food for everyone without hurting our animals and the environment. In any case, buying organic and free range eggs does cost more and they are nice eggs. Really nice eggs. They make food taste good, they make better cakes and biscuits and they actually go further because they are usually bigger. They still represent good value for money because eggs are very good for you and they are very versatile, so compared with other proteins, you are still ahead with a carton of eggs. I think we have mnaged all the egg hoo ha really well and I congratulate our stores, our farmers and our green grocers for using their brains. I have been inpressed with the improved quality of our eggs.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Clinton and friends go to town on the environment
Clinton and friends go to town on the environment: "Mr Clinton got five of the largest global financial institutions - ABN AMRO, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase and UBS - to pledge $1 billion each in finance for the program."
This is such an achievement. Firstly, some significant businesses are using their profit to improve the planet immediately. Secondly, they will find this will repay them in one way or another because we are so in need of action and we need people to get these sorts of initiatives going. We won't forget. Melbourne is going to participate in this particular programme and it's a good idea and a good Australian city to use. Whatever we learn there can be improved for Sydney and sized down for places like Adelaide. It will have a snowballing effect and we shall learn as we put the whole thing into place and practice. This is the best news I have heard because Bill Clinton and his sponsors are going to start something we badly need to be a part of. We are sick of the hot air. We need action. The time for talk is past and the only thing from here on in will be dialogue about what improvements we can make and what else we can do. Sydney is going to build on the Earth Hour I blogged about. This year it will turn the lights out for New Year and save carbon. It won't have it's usual fireworks so the planning of a lights out evening will create opportunities for new ideas, initiatives, imagination and creativity. It is so time for a change!
This is such an achievement. Firstly, some significant businesses are using their profit to improve the planet immediately. Secondly, they will find this will repay them in one way or another because we are so in need of action and we need people to get these sorts of initiatives going. We won't forget. Melbourne is going to participate in this particular programme and it's a good idea and a good Australian city to use. Whatever we learn there can be improved for Sydney and sized down for places like Adelaide. It will have a snowballing effect and we shall learn as we put the whole thing into place and practice. This is the best news I have heard because Bill Clinton and his sponsors are going to start something we badly need to be a part of. We are sick of the hot air. We need action. The time for talk is past and the only thing from here on in will be dialogue about what improvements we can make and what else we can do. Sydney is going to build on the Earth Hour I blogged about. This year it will turn the lights out for New Year and save carbon. It won't have it's usual fireworks so the planning of a lights out evening will create opportunities for new ideas, initiatives, imagination and creativity. It is so time for a change!
We'd go to war again
'We'd go to war again' says defiant Bush-Blair double act: "GEORGE Bush and Tony Blair yesterday staged their final double act of defiance, telling the world they would go to war again in Iraq if it was called for."
I am speechless. Speechless.
I am speechless. Speechless.
BBC cans 'Neighbours'.
BBC cans 'Neighbours'. : "The broadcaster has blamed an 'unrealistic price demand' from the show's owners, FremantleMedia, for its decision not to renew the contract for one of its most popular daytime shows."
Don't blame them. It used to be a soap that had its place and had some merit for what it was. Now it is pretty sad and I can't even bear hearing it in the background. It has seriously lost it and that's a shame because it had a good place in our life. I used to watch it on and off like a lot of people. Now I just find it infuriatingly full of nonsense and twaddle. It's a joke.
Don't blame them. It used to be a soap that had its place and had some merit for what it was. Now it is pretty sad and I can't even bear hearing it in the background. It has seriously lost it and that's a shame because it had a good place in our life. I used to watch it on and off like a lot of people. Now I just find it infuriatingly full of nonsense and twaddle. It's a joke.
Sarkozy's Socialist appointment infuriates left.
Sarkozy's Socialist appointment infuriates left. : "Mr Kouchner is the founder of aid organisation Doctors Without Borders, a former United Nations high representative in Kosovo and one of France's most popular politicians."
Yes, well, when I saw this on the French news last night I thought this was a real Foreign Minister. Someone who has lived foreign ministry and has dedicated his life to it. In terms of his experience and his commitment to humanity and humanitarian ideas, Bernard Kouchner is someone really worth having as Foreign Minister. It does seem odd, given that he had supported Mme Royal during the presidential campaign, but I believe his commitment to foreign relations and human causes would be greater than anything else. Look at his life. M. Sarkozy may appear to be poaching, but he seems to have put together a very strong ministry. Rachida Dati as Justice Minister is also what appears to be an inspired move. If you look at what M. Sarkozy has done and how these things go, he has appointed people who have real experience, backbone and a real commitment to their areas of responsibility. They are credible and they do seem like a group of ministers who can only strengthen France. Whether they do or not remains to be seen, but it was a pretty impressive list that M. Sarkozy trotted out and from where I sit , it looks like he had carefully considered it and that has to please the French people. They will discuss and debate the implications of their ministerial appointments, but they have to accept they are a group of people who ought to be able to do more than a good job and M. Sarkozy is showing he wants to work with French people.
Yes, well, when I saw this on the French news last night I thought this was a real Foreign Minister. Someone who has lived foreign ministry and has dedicated his life to it. In terms of his experience and his commitment to humanity and humanitarian ideas, Bernard Kouchner is someone really worth having as Foreign Minister. It does seem odd, given that he had supported Mme Royal during the presidential campaign, but I believe his commitment to foreign relations and human causes would be greater than anything else. Look at his life. M. Sarkozy may appear to be poaching, but he seems to have put together a very strong ministry. Rachida Dati as Justice Minister is also what appears to be an inspired move. If you look at what M. Sarkozy has done and how these things go, he has appointed people who have real experience, backbone and a real commitment to their areas of responsibility. They are credible and they do seem like a group of ministers who can only strengthen France. Whether they do or not remains to be seen, but it was a pretty impressive list that M. Sarkozy trotted out and from where I sit , it looks like he had carefully considered it and that has to please the French people. They will discuss and debate the implications of their ministerial appointments, but they have to accept they are a group of people who ought to be able to do more than a good job and M. Sarkozy is showing he wants to work with French people.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Men own the engagement ring
Men own the engagement ring : "A few days later, Ms Papathanasopoulos told her father to dispose of the ring, along with photographs and other mementos of the failed relationship, which he threw in the garbage."
Better to stick to the letter of the tradition and return the ring to the owner when the engagement is broken. I do not quite understand throwing a 15000 dollar ring away. If nothing wlse it could have raised money for charity. But broken hearts and broken relationships can be very emotional, tricky things. Engagement rings and presents were always returned to the owners if the engagement was broken. That custom has now been upheld in our law. I wonder what has happened to the ring? Lost in some rubbish tip, I gather.
Better to stick to the letter of the tradition and return the ring to the owner when the engagement is broken. I do not quite understand throwing a 15000 dollar ring away. If nothing wlse it could have raised money for charity. But broken hearts and broken relationships can be very emotional, tricky things. Engagement rings and presents were always returned to the owners if the engagement was broken. That custom has now been upheld in our law. I wonder what has happened to the ring? Lost in some rubbish tip, I gather.
'Drought of the century ending'
'Drought of the century ending' : "'You just sit there listening to it,'' he said today."
The article says more normal and natural weather patterns are re emerging. Let us hope so. The farmer is right. When you have had no rain and you are breathing in so much dust and it's all dry, cracked and brittle, when it does rain, it's an odd, rythmic sound you are not used to, so you just listen. There is a certain comfort in it, that pounding rhythm. For us it means we are not sleeping. We are so used to warm, hot, humid...now it's cold and wet but the rain has come over night some nights and the sound on the roof is quite startling and then odd and then there is that familiar feeling of the comforting rhythm of rain. Quite what it means no one knows. We are so unused to regular weather that we have lost that sense of seasons and with it the security which goes with it. Natural weather is so essential to wellbeing. We need to do all within our power to ensure it. In Adelaide we are quite split in our dress. Some of us are bundled up in winter woollies because we feel so cold. Others of us are still feeling to warm and so still have light weight summer clothing on. It's odd.
The article says more normal and natural weather patterns are re emerging. Let us hope so. The farmer is right. When you have had no rain and you are breathing in so much dust and it's all dry, cracked and brittle, when it does rain, it's an odd, rythmic sound you are not used to, so you just listen. There is a certain comfort in it, that pounding rhythm. For us it means we are not sleeping. We are so used to warm, hot, humid...now it's cold and wet but the rain has come over night some nights and the sound on the roof is quite startling and then odd and then there is that familiar feeling of the comforting rhythm of rain. Quite what it means no one knows. We are so unused to regular weather that we have lost that sense of seasons and with it the security which goes with it. Natural weather is so essential to wellbeing. We need to do all within our power to ensure it. In Adelaide we are quite split in our dress. Some of us are bundled up in winter woollies because we feel so cold. Others of us are still feeling to warm and so still have light weight summer clothing on. It's odd.
Hero dog saves owner
AdelaideNow... Hero dog saves owner: "A DOG has been credited with helping firefighters save his owner from a house fire in the Adelaide Hills overnight."
I love a good dog story and this one is a beauty! The dog is magnificent because it led the fire fighters to the owners and then they found the hydroponic cannabis crop! These house blazes are happening fairly frequently and I am glad the response is so reassuring. When the dog helps save lives well, maybe we need fire fighter dogs too. Other houses are often at risk and other families. It is such a risky business , this drug stuff, because it does so much damage and can be quite cruel. At least this guy was saved.
I love a good dog story and this one is a beauty! The dog is magnificent because it led the fire fighters to the owners and then they found the hydroponic cannabis crop! These house blazes are happening fairly frequently and I am glad the response is so reassuring. When the dog helps save lives well, maybe we need fire fighter dogs too. Other houses are often at risk and other families. It is such a risky business , this drug stuff, because it does so much damage and can be quite cruel. At least this guy was saved.
Jail party photos horrify minister
AdelaideNow... Jail party photos horrify minister: "'It's really important for people who offend to have an opportunity to be real people,' he said."
They are being punished. They are not on the outside and they are with men all the time. People become criminals for all sorts of reasons and as horrible as their crimes might be you can usually see why they ended up like that. It is very complex. To undo that kind of damage you have to deal with it in a complex way. If you do not humanise people and bring out their gentler, kinder side, if you do not try and get them in touch with their emotions and self, how can you get them to be people who will succeed in the community when they are released? Maybe because their treatment is harsh they become even harder and are then beyond help.Of course the messages to them need to be strong...but they also need to engage in normal behaviour. So who's the expert? Who spends time with these prisoners? Who is there day in day out? What are our objectives? If we don't want to better them, then why have we imprisoned them? Might as well just get rid of them. You do not learn to be human by being treated harshly. There are plenty of examples of that around to know it's true. Di Cooper is with the prisoners and she has a duty of care to them , her colleagues and eventually to us as a community. She is trying to create some positive change. It may well be a waste of time, but at least she is doing something. Quite frankly, I want people to come out of prison and no longer be a threat to me. I say, so what it takes...and if feathers and boas do it...go for it.
They are being punished. They are not on the outside and they are with men all the time. People become criminals for all sorts of reasons and as horrible as their crimes might be you can usually see why they ended up like that. It is very complex. To undo that kind of damage you have to deal with it in a complex way. If you do not humanise people and bring out their gentler, kinder side, if you do not try and get them in touch with their emotions and self, how can you get them to be people who will succeed in the community when they are released? Maybe because their treatment is harsh they become even harder and are then beyond help.Of course the messages to them need to be strong...but they also need to engage in normal behaviour. So who's the expert? Who spends time with these prisoners? Who is there day in day out? What are our objectives? If we don't want to better them, then why have we imprisoned them? Might as well just get rid of them. You do not learn to be human by being treated harshly. There are plenty of examples of that around to know it's true. Di Cooper is with the prisoners and she has a duty of care to them , her colleagues and eventually to us as a community. She is trying to create some positive change. It may well be a waste of time, but at least she is doing something. Quite frankly, I want people to come out of prison and no longer be a threat to me. I say, so what it takes...and if feathers and boas do it...go for it.
'Living library' offers up people for borrowing instead of books.
'Living library' offers up people for borrowing instead of books. : "'But the only difference is that these books in the 'living library' are human beings.'"
Presumably the people are vetted? How do you know who is borrowing you and how do you know whom you have borrowed? It sounds like a great idea? If it's onsite then it would be a really sociable, enjoyable occasion and it would make use of our accumulated knowledge in a dynamic way. So, who can you borrow?
Presumably the people are vetted? How do you know who is borrowing you and how do you know whom you have borrowed? It sounds like a great idea? If it's onsite then it would be a really sociable, enjoyable occasion and it would make use of our accumulated knowledge in a dynamic way. So, who can you borrow?
Police seize Geelong sex attack mobile.
Police seize Geelong sex attack mobile. : "Today five men who were wanted for questioning turned themselves in to police after video footage was released by the media."
This case hasn't been heard so the guilt and details are not as yet established. That is for the law. This is not the first time we have read about people filming acts of violence on mobile phones. Why would you? What would you do with it? Once it's on a phone it is damning evidence , isn't it? Or am I wrong? So why would you want to drop yourself right in it? Is it important for people to see themselves do things these days no matter how bad? Are they removed from their actions? I just do not understand how their minds operate. If they are caught then obviously the images can be broadcast to help catch them? In this instance the men who were wanted for questioning went to the police so there is some sense of responsibility there.I don't understand why you'd do something bad, put it on film which can be broadcast and thereby be totally accountable for what you do. Why do it? The films can keep people honest, I can see that...but that's after the event. I just do not get it.
This case hasn't been heard so the guilt and details are not as yet established. That is for the law. This is not the first time we have read about people filming acts of violence on mobile phones. Why would you? What would you do with it? Once it's on a phone it is damning evidence , isn't it? Or am I wrong? So why would you want to drop yourself right in it? Is it important for people to see themselves do things these days no matter how bad? Are they removed from their actions? I just do not understand how their minds operate. If they are caught then obviously the images can be broadcast to help catch them? In this instance the men who were wanted for questioning went to the police so there is some sense of responsibility there.I don't understand why you'd do something bad, put it on film which can be broadcast and thereby be totally accountable for what you do. Why do it? The films can keep people honest, I can see that...but that's after the event. I just do not get it.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Carbon chance ignored: survey
Carbon chance ignored: survey : "Many of the companies had adopted energy-saving plans into their business. More than a third had already reduced their air travel or planned to do so, while 44 per cent used low-emission vehicles or planned to introduce them by 2010."
This is about leadership and some of the carbon conscious companies are finding it is adding to their profit because they are dealing with global warming issues. We are all in need of a revamp. It's about pooling our ideas and resources. It's about undoing what we have done and it's about using our brains to get it right. There will be a way to do it and we have to have a conscious effort. It's really good to hear so many business executives have it on their agenda and in their practice. If we all think about it , we'll all change and we will then deal with it. We are past the talking phase. We need action.
This is about leadership and some of the carbon conscious companies are finding it is adding to their profit because they are dealing with global warming issues. We are all in need of a revamp. It's about pooling our ideas and resources. It's about undoing what we have done and it's about using our brains to get it right. There will be a way to do it and we have to have a conscious effort. It's really good to hear so many business executives have it on their agenda and in their practice. If we all think about it , we'll all change and we will then deal with it. We are past the talking phase. We need action.
Passengers told to get out and push
Passengers told to get out and push : "'In so many years of service in the railways, I have never come across such a bizarre incident,' said Deepak Kumar Jha, a spokesman for Indian Railways"
Pity there is no picture because this is a bit bizarre, but it says a lot about the down to earth and co operative spirit of Indian people. No, with all our flashy equipment and modern technology we don't expect to have to push our own public transport to get it working. It was a logical solution to the problem and it was about a can do attitude.Pretty incredible , really.
Pity there is no picture because this is a bit bizarre, but it says a lot about the down to earth and co operative spirit of Indian people. No, with all our flashy equipment and modern technology we don't expect to have to push our own public transport to get it working. It was a logical solution to the problem and it was about a can do attitude.Pretty incredible , really.
Mice point to cure for baldness
AdelaideNow... Mice point to cure for baldness: "The study, published in the British journal Nature, is all the more surprising because it reproduces results observed 50 years ago in rabbits, mice and humans that were widely dismissed at the time and have been ignored ever since."
This recent study which has revived the approach of an older study is really very good news and it's nice to know that scientists haven't given up on baldness. It sounds as though it could be relatively easily repaired. I remember visiting my mother on the day all her hair was falling out because of her chemotherapy treatment. She said she didn't know what to do with it and how to feel. Then she said she thought of all those men who lose their hair and no one actually cared about how they felt, so she just got on with it. It was a very pointed statement. We just expect men to get on with it and there are other diseases where people lose their hair and this could be very welcome news which would bring them such relief.
This recent study which has revived the approach of an older study is really very good news and it's nice to know that scientists haven't given up on baldness. It sounds as though it could be relatively easily repaired. I remember visiting my mother on the day all her hair was falling out because of her chemotherapy treatment. She said she didn't know what to do with it and how to feel. Then she said she thought of all those men who lose their hair and no one actually cared about how they felt, so she just got on with it. It was a very pointed statement. We just expect men to get on with it and there are other diseases where people lose their hair and this could be very welcome news which would bring them such relief.
Banks snatch $10bn in fees
AdelaideNow... Banks snatch $10bn in fees: "AUSTRALIAN banks pulled in a whopping $9.8 billion in fees in the 2005-06 year, with households accounting for $4 billion with many more Australians paying penalty fees on credit cards."
There is something fundamentally wrong when this much profit is made by banks. Will they consider us? Doubt it. We really are being taken for a very expensive ride.
There is something fundamentally wrong when this much profit is made by banks. Will they consider us? Doubt it. We really are being taken for a very expensive ride.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Microsoft's Vista sales power up
BBC NEWS | Business | Microsoft's Vista sales power up: "Microsoft has sold nearly 40 million copies of Vista, its new operating system replacing Windows XP."
I am not surprised it's starting to take off. Vista is cruisier than XP and XP is pretty cruisy. I got Vista with my new lap top and as I blogged, when I first used it I found it to be a real control freak. I have since worked out it is trying to stop you doing dumb things and it is stopping people from interfering with your computer. If you are aware of this, the feature can be really annoying to triple and double check actions and then find you cannot do something. There are work arounds and I confess now I'm into my third week I actually quite like Vista. I had to change to the classic interface as I said but it is more grown up and adult in its approach than XP. My only shock was when I turned on my laptop last weekend and it told me my copy was illegal. I could have blown a gasket but I realised Windows would get me to the right thing to do eventually. It has a weird assortment of oddball messages as Windows always does but what I had to do was ring and get it registered. Pity that didn't happen at the time I was setting the laptop up. It came 2 weeks later and so I'd forgotten about the phone registration. I actually find that annoying and ridiculous, but who am I to be listened to? I have no objection to online registration. Having passed that obstacle I have been quite happily puttering away with Vista and find the way it operates quite helpful. Patience is always a virtue with Windows. Sometimes you think it's out to get you but it just has a weird way of trying to be helpful. I have had absouely no problems at all with any software I have loaded and all peripherals have settled in quickly. I set my desktop up really quickly too. No, as yet, I have nothing to complain about and think it is a better than XP and runs media stuff well.
I am not surprised it's starting to take off. Vista is cruisier than XP and XP is pretty cruisy. I got Vista with my new lap top and as I blogged, when I first used it I found it to be a real control freak. I have since worked out it is trying to stop you doing dumb things and it is stopping people from interfering with your computer. If you are aware of this, the feature can be really annoying to triple and double check actions and then find you cannot do something. There are work arounds and I confess now I'm into my third week I actually quite like Vista. I had to change to the classic interface as I said but it is more grown up and adult in its approach than XP. My only shock was when I turned on my laptop last weekend and it told me my copy was illegal. I could have blown a gasket but I realised Windows would get me to the right thing to do eventually. It has a weird assortment of oddball messages as Windows always does but what I had to do was ring and get it registered. Pity that didn't happen at the time I was setting the laptop up. It came 2 weeks later and so I'd forgotten about the phone registration. I actually find that annoying and ridiculous, but who am I to be listened to? I have no objection to online registration. Having passed that obstacle I have been quite happily puttering away with Vista and find the way it operates quite helpful. Patience is always a virtue with Windows. Sometimes you think it's out to get you but it just has a weird way of trying to be helpful. I have had absouely no problems at all with any software I have loaded and all peripherals have settled in quickly. I set my desktop up really quickly too. No, as yet, I have nothing to complain about and think it is a better than XP and runs media stuff well.
Shock findings for Victorians
Climate change: shock findings for Victorians: "AN ALARMING new report on the impact of climate change in Victoria has warned of risks to some of our most basic services and necessities — including water, electricity, transport, telecommunications and buildings."
Alarming. Yes, it's alarming what we are hearing about climate change. We are being played for suckers and we are truly being ignored because there is little affirmative action from where it really counts. Today I received a letter from my insurance company to tell me I am no longer covered for flood damage and lightning strikes. Wonder why and who gets to benefit and who is left high and dry?? Sucked in. So no one really wants to do much about climate change because there is a financial killing to be made if anything happens to us. So we get the reports, we get he information ,we are told this is how it will be...but who is actually doing anything to create a change back to safer conditons and why have they become horrendously out of whack? Why is there no real concern about taking responsibility for it?
Alarming. Yes, it's alarming what we are hearing about climate change. We are being played for suckers and we are truly being ignored because there is little affirmative action from where it really counts. Today I received a letter from my insurance company to tell me I am no longer covered for flood damage and lightning strikes. Wonder why and who gets to benefit and who is left high and dry?? Sucked in. So no one really wants to do much about climate change because there is a financial killing to be made if anything happens to us. So we get the reports, we get he information ,we are told this is how it will be...but who is actually doing anything to create a change back to safer conditons and why have they become horrendously out of whack? Why is there no real concern about taking responsibility for it?
Rudd may meet Dalai Lama Dalai - National - theage.com.au
Rudd may meet Dalai Lama : "Labor leader Kevin Rudd may meet the Dalai Lama after all."
How could you not meet the Dalai Lama? He's the Dalai Lama. Of course you would meet him.
How could you not meet the Dalai Lama? He's the Dalai Lama. Of course you would meet him.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Hard work best way to oil the brain
Hard work best way to oil the brain : "As more baby boomers enter their 60s and others witness their elderly parents descend into senility, say experts, they're chasing after cognitive fitness with the same vigour they've had while pursuing wrinkle-free skin and erectile function."
Move it or lose it. Use it or lose it. Why not? Why not pursue all the ways and means of getting benefit from yourself and your life no matter how old you are? Why not pick up on the drive of this generation to conquer ageing frontiers and age old problems. Why not use technology to move us forward and keep us mentally fit? Why shouldn't we pioneer the ways and means to keep older people happy and active instead of consecrating them to homes where their knowledge, expertise and a lifetime of learning means we cannot access their skills and lessons. It's a terrible waste and a lot of it is attitude. I saw a 92 year old woman at the weekend and I thought she was 70 something. She was bright, happy , articulate and had such a good view on life and living...maybe that's why she was so young.
Move it or lose it. Use it or lose it. Why not? Why not pursue all the ways and means of getting benefit from yourself and your life no matter how old you are? Why not pick up on the drive of this generation to conquer ageing frontiers and age old problems. Why not use technology to move us forward and keep us mentally fit? Why shouldn't we pioneer the ways and means to keep older people happy and active instead of consecrating them to homes where their knowledge, expertise and a lifetime of learning means we cannot access their skills and lessons. It's a terrible waste and a lot of it is attitude. I saw a 92 year old woman at the weekend and I thought she was 70 something. She was bright, happy , articulate and had such a good view on life and living...maybe that's why she was so young.
Deskbound should have workstation treadmill
Deskbound should have workstation treadmill : "Obesity is a constant peril of the deskbound. The answer, according to an American experiment, is this: while your hands are tip-tapping on the computer keyboard, with minimum energy burn, your feet should be pedalling a treadmill."
Yep, just hook us up to the computer and kill two birds with one stone. Keep us fit and generate energy to power the computer and peripherals. That'll save carbon and costs. Personally, I find you have to get up and walk around and go and see people and have a break to get your body moving and your eyes looking without staring! It's about variety. No one should be stationery for more than 20 minutes. Ask my physio!
Yep, just hook us up to the computer and kill two birds with one stone. Keep us fit and generate energy to power the computer and peripherals. That'll save carbon and costs. Personally, I find you have to get up and walk around and go and see people and have a break to get your body moving and your eyes looking without staring! It's about variety. No one should be stationery for more than 20 minutes. Ask my physio!
Storms cause statewide blackouts
Storms cause statewide blackouts : "As well as strong winds and rain the storms caused an estimated 43,000 lightning strikes across the state in the 12 hours to 9am (CST) this morning, ETSA said."
43,000 lightning strikes? Where is the lightning counter? How do you get the count going? 43,000? That is a LOT of lightning strikes or am I wrong? The Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas had blackouts and we well and truly had storms last night. No one complained because we need the rain. We so need the rain. Our gardens are starting to recover and the hills are green all of a sudden. I hate it when the Adelaide Hills are all brown and crispy.The storms went on for quite a while and disturbed our sleep...partly because we are not used to having rain and partly because the thunder was so loud!
43,000 lightning strikes? Where is the lightning counter? How do you get the count going? 43,000? That is a LOT of lightning strikes or am I wrong? The Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas had blackouts and we well and truly had storms last night. No one complained because we need the rain. We so need the rain. Our gardens are starting to recover and the hills are green all of a sudden. I hate it when the Adelaide Hills are all brown and crispy.The storms went on for quite a while and disturbed our sleep...partly because we are not used to having rain and partly because the thunder was so loud!
Research finds boys will be boys
AdelaideNow... Research finds boys will be boys: "BOYS should be allowed 'rough and tumble' play in classrooms with large flexible spaces, research shows."
Should they? What about if it is construed as bullying because rough to one person is unaccetable to another? Tumbling to one person is aggression to another? In the light of other news I think teachers might find it hard to put it all together. This article certainly suggests there is some real effort being made into getting our students into a more positive frame of mind at school. The picture is a delight.
Should they? What about if it is construed as bullying because rough to one person is unaccetable to another? Tumbling to one person is aggression to another? In the light of other news I think teachers might find it hard to put it all together. This article certainly suggests there is some real effort being made into getting our students into a more positive frame of mind at school. The picture is a delight.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Serbia's 'Prayer' wins Eurovision Song Contest.
Serbia's 'Prayer' wins Eurovision Song Contest.: "Serbia has won the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, with Marija Serifovic beating 23 rivals to clinch victory in a three-hour televised mishmash of power ballads, ethnic rhythms and bubble-gum pop."
We often groan with emabarrassment at the Eurovision song contest. Last night a lot of people watched the Eurovision song contest and were really delighted with the Serbian win. I have never known so many people to be so pleased about a Eurovision win. They thought it was good and well deserved and were very animated in their conversations...so well done, Serbia.
We often groan with emabarrassment at the Eurovision song contest. Last night a lot of people watched the Eurovision song contest and were really delighted with the Serbian win. I have never known so many people to be so pleased about a Eurovision win. They thought it was good and well deserved and were very animated in their conversations...so well done, Serbia.
Hoon drivers nabbed
AdelaideNow... Hoon drivers nabbed: "She was stopped as she drove down Brighton Rd, Glenelg, seemingly oblivious to the fact that her front tyre had blown."
She was blotto! She was just having fun. What is your problem??
She was blotto! She was just having fun. What is your problem??
Stop shooting the mentally ill, police told
AdelaideNow... Stop shooting the mentally ill, police told: "'You have to give them more skills than just using Taser guns and shooting people - and the police would want that themselves,' Dr Redden said."
I think this is the point. There is no use pointing the finger at the police when they are out there in the midst of it and have difficult people and situations to deal with and have to make decisions about keeping others safe. I believe we have plenty of information about how mentally ill people end up on the wrong side of the law and how they end up in prison, so yes, it is something we need to address. It's partly what the Mental First Aid initiative is about because we do not have a straight forward way of dealing with mental illness like we have with basic casualty care and first aid. It's something we all need to come to grips with at various levels. There are plenty of experts out there. It is about supplying skills and training. It is about sharing knowledge and management of difficult personalities. Police are not social owkers nor are they psychiatrists, but hey are often the ones who have to go in first because that is how mental illness is brought to the attention of the system. Often the mentally ill person becomes quite desperate and cannot get help until they have "blown out". So it's important to put some steps in before it ever reaches that dreadful state and then giving people help in dealing with erratic personalities.
I think this is the point. There is no use pointing the finger at the police when they are out there in the midst of it and have difficult people and situations to deal with and have to make decisions about keeping others safe. I believe we have plenty of information about how mentally ill people end up on the wrong side of the law and how they end up in prison, so yes, it is something we need to address. It's partly what the Mental First Aid initiative is about because we do not have a straight forward way of dealing with mental illness like we have with basic casualty care and first aid. It's something we all need to come to grips with at various levels. There are plenty of experts out there. It is about supplying skills and training. It is about sharing knowledge and management of difficult personalities. Police are not social owkers nor are they psychiatrists, but hey are often the ones who have to go in first because that is how mental illness is brought to the attention of the system. Often the mentally ill person becomes quite desperate and cannot get help until they have "blown out". So it's important to put some steps in before it ever reaches that dreadful state and then giving people help in dealing with erratic personalities.
Cancer finally claims life of piano prodigy
AdelaideNow... Cancer finally claims life of piano prodigy: "Dr Houston Dunleavy, of the University of Wollongong, said of his friend: 'He was one of the greatest characters I've ever met – articulate and superbly musical with immense drive and immense imagination.
'His was a short but packed life and he gave us an example of how to lead a life that had to burn very brightly and very quickly.'"
Oh dear. I am crying. This story is so profoundly moving and touching. That Aaron McMillan and all his talent and courage should be removed from this earth is so very sad. I have not heard of him before but it is quite clear from the article that he was not only immensely talented, he was inspirational in his capacity to bring beauty and courage to others. The people who knew him obviously cared enough about him not to let him slip from this world without knowing how much he was honoured and that is so touching. I can never understand why people who do so much good have to suffer and be taken from us.
'His was a short but packed life and he gave us an example of how to lead a life that had to burn very brightly and very quickly.'"
Oh dear. I am crying. This story is so profoundly moving and touching. That Aaron McMillan and all his talent and courage should be removed from this earth is so very sad. I have not heard of him before but it is quite clear from the article that he was not only immensely talented, he was inspirational in his capacity to bring beauty and courage to others. The people who knew him obviously cared enough about him not to let him slip from this world without knowing how much he was honoured and that is so touching. I can never understand why people who do so much good have to suffer and be taken from us.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Families are forced onto skid row
Families are forced onto skid row : "FAMILIES are being forced to live out of cars and in motels as a rental crisis and a lack of affordable housing creates a new breed of desperate and homeless Australians."
We cannot call ourselves civilised and have this. I have blogged about it before. Thre is enough food and money in Australia for everyone. Everyone. No one should have to go without and we can still have those entitled rich people. I hate this. I know there are problems with drugs, gambling etc etc but there are people who just don't have any money to house and feed their children and rental prices have become ridiulous. There is not a range of housing. It's wrong. We need to clean up our act and our consciences.It's not as if you wouldn't get community support to help people in dire need.
We cannot call ourselves civilised and have this. I have blogged about it before. Thre is enough food and money in Australia for everyone. Everyone. No one should have to go without and we can still have those entitled rich people. I hate this. I know there are problems with drugs, gambling etc etc but there are people who just don't have any money to house and feed their children and rental prices have become ridiulous. There is not a range of housing. It's wrong. We need to clean up our act and our consciences.It's not as if you wouldn't get community support to help people in dire need.
Passengers help as bus driver attacked
Passengers help as bus driver attacked : "Police said a number of passengers leapt to the driver's aid and subdued the man until police arrived."
More than they do in Adelaide. They just let an old lady with a Zimmer frame slide off her bus seat and just left her lying there. My sister tried to help her and get help so a really old man with a walking stick got up to help her. These Queensland passengers show a wondersul sense of community and look like they have some good crisis management skills. Adelaide needs to show some compassion.
More than they do in Adelaide. They just let an old lady with a Zimmer frame slide off her bus seat and just left her lying there. My sister tried to help her and get help so a really old man with a walking stick got up to help her. These Queensland passengers show a wondersul sense of community and look like they have some good crisis management skills. Adelaide needs to show some compassion.
'Miracle' needed to unseat PM
'Miracle' needed to unseat PM : "DESPITE a shock poll which shows John Howard trailing Labor candidate Maxine McKew in his Bennelong electorate, she says she needs 'a miracle' to beat him."
Come on , Maxine. You can do it. Just think positively and be your own competent self. Don't you think you have what it takes? Look upon it as a challenge!!
Come on , Maxine. You can do it. Just think positively and be your own competent self. Don't you think you have what it takes? Look upon it as a challenge!!
Ponting 'comfortable' not touring
Ponting 'comfortable' not touring : "Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting says he supports the federal government's decision to cancel this year's planned tour of Zimbabwe, but added it was important that cricket be promoted in the country."
it has nothing to do with cricket. It has everything to do with safety. I am glad the decision has been made. Our players won't like the thought of not playing Zimbabwe, but the conditions for any international game there do not appear to be very secure. Our players have been everywhere and they promote good cricketing standards. I am really sorry that we don't get to see Zimbabwe play but the truth is, their country isn't in a position to offer international events at this point in time. The news from Zimbabawe makes it seem very, very risky to go there. I hope the international sports authorities can work this out because it's not fair Zimbabwe cricketers cannot play our team either. Would they could put the game in a safer venue . These sorts of issues need to be confromted and resolved. I am glad John Howard took the decision. It's not one you can make easily and we are not happy we have had to decide this but we cannot put our plaers at risk. There are places where you just don't go sometimes until they have sorted out their issues at home.
it has nothing to do with cricket. It has everything to do with safety. I am glad the decision has been made. Our players won't like the thought of not playing Zimbabwe, but the conditions for any international game there do not appear to be very secure. Our players have been everywhere and they promote good cricketing standards. I am really sorry that we don't get to see Zimbabwe play but the truth is, their country isn't in a position to offer international events at this point in time. The news from Zimbabawe makes it seem very, very risky to go there. I hope the international sports authorities can work this out because it's not fair Zimbabwe cricketers cannot play our team either. Would they could put the game in a safer venue . These sorts of issues need to be confromted and resolved. I am glad John Howard took the decision. It's not one you can make easily and we are not happy we have had to decide this but we cannot put our plaers at risk. There are places where you just don't go sometimes until they have sorted out their issues at home.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Too-fat dogs being dumped
AdelaideNow... Too-fat dogs being dumped: "The Animal Welfare League has recorded a 25 per cent increase so far this year in the number of dogs being surrendered to its shelter because the owner does not have time for it."It's symptomatic of a stressed and strained owner and stressed and strained families. It's pretty sad. You do not actually have to do a lot to keep a dog healthy. My time is taken up with all sorts of things but one of the best things is being able to spend time with my dog. She keeps me grounded and sane. Caring about her means I am caring about myself. Generally if she is looking not so good, neither am I. I have always had a dog since I left home and it became obvious to me that their health and wellbeing relate to my own. Just recently my dog got a bit fatter than usual , but then my daughter was really ill and had to go to hospital and we just hadn't had time to put into the dog because my daughter needed full time care for several weeks until she was better. That done, we looked at the dog and realised we needed to look after her and us. It meant we got back to healthy , happy living too. I have this dog because she was maltreated and starved. I got her from the RSPCA. I don't understand why people get animals and then don't care about them. I understand it's not always perfect...but neither is human life. The caring is the thing. A fat dog has eaten too much and hasn't been moving. It doesn't really take much time to get them back in shape and it's good medicine for you, the owner.
Living tribute to mum
AdelaideNow... Living tribute to mum: "Planting a tree is free but donations are encouraged. All proceeds go to the not for profit organisation Good Grief which helps people dealing with grief."
This is a nice gesture which helps if you miss your mother on Mother's Day. It will help our environment too. It's the sort of thing which Adelaide comes up with. You get the tree free. Personally, I plant bulbs to remember my mum. She was a great lover of bulbs. Her tree encounters tended to be fraught with disaster but have been great yarns to tell. So tomorrow, I shall participate in whatever is sent my way as a mother and I planted my bulbs in today's lovely sunny weather. I am lucky that my mum taught me to really enjoy the good things that other people have in their lives and to share in that. That was such a strong message from her. So I won't miss her or feel bad tomorrow, I'll enjoy seeing other people being treated on Mother's Day, I'll have my own treats no doubt and it'll be good to hear on Monday what everyone did . I know a lot of mums are going to get Haigh's chocolates. It was absolutely jam packed. We tend to make it a real family thing here and it's not so much about gifts, but about a nice family day...so the tree planting really fits in.
This is a nice gesture which helps if you miss your mother on Mother's Day. It will help our environment too. It's the sort of thing which Adelaide comes up with. You get the tree free. Personally, I plant bulbs to remember my mum. She was a great lover of bulbs. Her tree encounters tended to be fraught with disaster but have been great yarns to tell. So tomorrow, I shall participate in whatever is sent my way as a mother and I planted my bulbs in today's lovely sunny weather. I am lucky that my mum taught me to really enjoy the good things that other people have in their lives and to share in that. That was such a strong message from her. So I won't miss her or feel bad tomorrow, I'll enjoy seeing other people being treated on Mother's Day, I'll have my own treats no doubt and it'll be good to hear on Monday what everyone did . I know a lot of mums are going to get Haigh's chocolates. It was absolutely jam packed. We tend to make it a real family thing here and it's not so much about gifts, but about a nice family day...so the tree planting really fits in.
Royal won't stand for Parliament
AdelaideNow... Royal won't stand for Parliament: "Ms Royal tried to shunt France's hidebound Socialist party towards the centre of the political spectrum during her election campaign in a desperate effort to overtake Sarkozy."
I can see we're at it again. No, she didn't win the election and the French people chose Mr. Sarkosy, but, she was just extraordinary in her capacity to bring herself and her party as far as she did. There was no shunting and no desperation. She is an intelligent, competent politician and it was just incredible for us to be able to watch such dynamism in politics. The election for the French president was a truly interesting and hard fought affair.We were even talking about it enthusiastically at work and around the place here. That is fantastic politics. To say that Mme. Royal was in anyway lacking is just not true. To get to that last round and then to watch the two of them engage in such strong and powerful debating made this election for the new president one of the gripping news stories of its time. This is so unusual and it cannot happen if anyone is weak. The walkover with the clear winner is not an election. The French people really had to listen carefully, they really had to do their research and then they really had to think hard because here were two very worthy candidates. I am sorry that Ms. Royal did not win because I 'd like to have seen how that would have worked out. Ms. Royal is a very powerful and articulate candidate and so, for M. Sarkosy to have won the election means he really had to come up with the goods. The win was not assured because both candidates brought the best out in each other and were demanding,rigorous opponents. I'd like to congratulate both of them for actually making politics interesting!!
I can see we're at it again. No, she didn't win the election and the French people chose Mr. Sarkosy, but, she was just extraordinary in her capacity to bring herself and her party as far as she did. There was no shunting and no desperation. She is an intelligent, competent politician and it was just incredible for us to be able to watch such dynamism in politics. The election for the French president was a truly interesting and hard fought affair.We were even talking about it enthusiastically at work and around the place here. That is fantastic politics. To say that Mme. Royal was in anyway lacking is just not true. To get to that last round and then to watch the two of them engage in such strong and powerful debating made this election for the new president one of the gripping news stories of its time. This is so unusual and it cannot happen if anyone is weak. The walkover with the clear winner is not an election. The French people really had to listen carefully, they really had to do their research and then they really had to think hard because here were two very worthy candidates. I am sorry that Ms. Royal did not win because I 'd like to have seen how that would have worked out. Ms. Royal is a very powerful and articulate candidate and so, for M. Sarkosy to have won the election means he really had to come up with the goods. The win was not assured because both candidates brought the best out in each other and were demanding,rigorous opponents. I'd like to congratulate both of them for actually making politics interesting!!
Combustion fears spark feet warmer recall.
Combustion fears spark feet warmer recall. : "The product is designed as a foot warmer and contains a heat pack, to be warmed in the microwave before it is placed on the feet."
Ah, yes, the let's just warm it in the microwave!! That is so fraught with disaster. It depends on the microwave, I think. Those sorts of heat them up things are a hazard and it's unfortunate. Some microwaves seem to be more sensitive than others and some microwaves seem to be very particular. I came home with a lovely microwave slice recipe from my friend. I made it and before I knew it there was smoke pouring out of my microwave and I had baked a sculpture, not a slice. I rang my friend and I had got all the ingredients and weights right. My microwave just didn't like the slice! I also tried those wheat bags in my other microwave. It's my other microwave because one of the bags caught on fire...lovely!! We've also melted containers which are not supposed to melt and wrapping which is supposed to be microwave safe. I don't think we have shared our experiences enough on microwaves. It doesn't happen with everything and it doesn't happen all the time and it doesn't happen to all microwaves, well, we need to share all of this and get to the bottom of it.
Ah, yes, the let's just warm it in the microwave!! That is so fraught with disaster. It depends on the microwave, I think. Those sorts of heat them up things are a hazard and it's unfortunate. Some microwaves seem to be more sensitive than others and some microwaves seem to be very particular. I came home with a lovely microwave slice recipe from my friend. I made it and before I knew it there was smoke pouring out of my microwave and I had baked a sculpture, not a slice. I rang my friend and I had got all the ingredients and weights right. My microwave just didn't like the slice! I also tried those wheat bags in my other microwave. It's my other microwave because one of the bags caught on fire...lovely!! We've also melted containers which are not supposed to melt and wrapping which is supposed to be microwave safe. I don't think we have shared our experiences enough on microwaves. It doesn't happen with everything and it doesn't happen all the time and it doesn't happen to all microwaves, well, we need to share all of this and get to the bottom of it.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Nasa unveils Hubble's successor
Nasa unveils Hubble's successor: "The US space agency Nasa has unveiled a model of a space telescope that scientists say will be able to see to the farthest reaches of the universe."Poor Hubble. How could they? Think I'm interested in some fancy, schmancy young whipper snapper to replace good ole Hubble? No way.
Pisces
The Age: Horoscope: "Pisces:
Today's prevailing influence touches you strongly and you will need to handle it carefully and with great thought if you dont want to fall foul of its negative aspects. In relationships your desire to feel free to come and go as you please could hamper you, especially in your professional life, where you have to abide by the 'rules'. Be careful today, going overboard or taking anything to excess will not have positive consequences."
I so wish I had read my stars this morning instead of now. I fell foul of the prevailing influences all right. I did get influenced by the negative and I did go to excess. Hat trick. Had I read this I could have kept myself under control and just shrugged my shoulders. I would have not been influenced by the negativity of one chaotic person in particular and I would have been more charitable. As it stands I said what I thought...and I do not mince my words. Now I feel a bit churlish and realise I could have been far more mature...but Adelaide is cranky and stupid at the moment. Don't ask me why but we are all up to the gills with it. What? Who knows? My be it's because we've been snap frozen by the weather which has suddenly gone cold on us. Maybe we resent not being able to wander around in our T Shirts in the warm sunshine. Who knows...Adelaide is cranky and I'm as cranky as the next one.
Today's prevailing influence touches you strongly and you will need to handle it carefully and with great thought if you dont want to fall foul of its negative aspects. In relationships your desire to feel free to come and go as you please could hamper you, especially in your professional life, where you have to abide by the 'rules'. Be careful today, going overboard or taking anything to excess will not have positive consequences."
I so wish I had read my stars this morning instead of now. I fell foul of the prevailing influences all right. I did get influenced by the negative and I did go to excess. Hat trick. Had I read this I could have kept myself under control and just shrugged my shoulders. I would have not been influenced by the negativity of one chaotic person in particular and I would have been more charitable. As it stands I said what I thought...and I do not mince my words. Now I feel a bit churlish and realise I could have been far more mature...but Adelaide is cranky and stupid at the moment. Don't ask me why but we are all up to the gills with it. What? Who knows? My be it's because we've been snap frozen by the weather which has suddenly gone cold on us. Maybe we resent not being able to wander around in our T Shirts in the warm sunshine. Who knows...Adelaide is cranky and I'm as cranky as the next one.
Howard calls on ICC to act on Mugabe
Howard calls on ICC to act on Mugabe : "Prime Minister John Howard has vowed to take whatever legitimate action he can to stop Australia's cricket team touring Zimbabwe."
I actually am with the Prime Minister on this one. I blogged before about the situation in Zimbabwe and our cricketers. We were getting a lot of news from Zimbabwe and it was sounding really very serious over there. Our cricket team has been very conscientious about keeping sport and politics separate. Our Prime Minister is a complete cricket fan as we all know. If nothing else , he is very passionate about, and dedicated to, this sport of ours! We have the footage to prove it. I have the same feeling that this time it isn't as easy as bringing the cricket match to those in Zimbabwe who are as enthusiastic about cricket as we are. Australian cricketers are neither foolhardy nor stupid. I know they are quite clear that the game is more important and that followers of the game need to be rewarded and considered. The difficulty I have is that the situation in Zimbabwe seems to be very volatile and the safety of the team and the spectators is the thing which is really bothering me. I hate this sort of stuff where political instability then determines the daily menu for a country. Any country ought to be safe enough that its inhabitants can participate in normal life. Political wrangles should not put people at risk in their daily living not should it stop sports events from occurring. It's a bit rich if we would not be safe there that we would have to pay because we do not go. It ought to be obvious that you have to have safe and reasonable conditions for international events. It ought to be obligatory. I cannot believe it is not. The sporting bodies need to resolve this one so that politicians can get on with politics and sports people can continue to dazzle us with their talent. Safety is crucial, surely. How can it be a forfeit if the venue is too risky? I hope this can be resolved in a logical fashion and that everyone's concerns can be put to rest. Our cricketers will hate becoming subject to a political decision. They'll just hate it...but I am really concerned for their safety. I think we have to look at the safety issues. Using the team as political leverage is not on.
I actually am with the Prime Minister on this one. I blogged before about the situation in Zimbabwe and our cricketers. We were getting a lot of news from Zimbabwe and it was sounding really very serious over there. Our cricket team has been very conscientious about keeping sport and politics separate. Our Prime Minister is a complete cricket fan as we all know. If nothing else , he is very passionate about, and dedicated to, this sport of ours! We have the footage to prove it. I have the same feeling that this time it isn't as easy as bringing the cricket match to those in Zimbabwe who are as enthusiastic about cricket as we are. Australian cricketers are neither foolhardy nor stupid. I know they are quite clear that the game is more important and that followers of the game need to be rewarded and considered. The difficulty I have is that the situation in Zimbabwe seems to be very volatile and the safety of the team and the spectators is the thing which is really bothering me. I hate this sort of stuff where political instability then determines the daily menu for a country. Any country ought to be safe enough that its inhabitants can participate in normal life. Political wrangles should not put people at risk in their daily living not should it stop sports events from occurring. It's a bit rich if we would not be safe there that we would have to pay because we do not go. It ought to be obvious that you have to have safe and reasonable conditions for international events. It ought to be obligatory. I cannot believe it is not. The sporting bodies need to resolve this one so that politicians can get on with politics and sports people can continue to dazzle us with their talent. Safety is crucial, surely. How can it be a forfeit if the venue is too risky? I hope this can be resolved in a logical fashion and that everyone's concerns can be put to rest. Our cricketers will hate becoming subject to a political decision. They'll just hate it...but I am really concerned for their safety. I think we have to look at the safety issues. Using the team as political leverage is not on.
Rudd too weak to confront unions.
Rudd too weak to confront unions: Howard. : "Prime Minister John Howard says Kevin Rudd is a weak Labor leader because he has not confronted the unions, as outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair did."
Weak? Tony Blair?? Oh dear. I do think we have an election coming.
Weak? Tony Blair?? Oh dear. I do think we have an election coming.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Paris Hilton
The Paris Hilton.: "Angry cyber citizens who want notorious party girl Paris Hilton to do jail time for drink driving are urging California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to ignore demands to pardon the spoilt socialite."
Paris Hilton has been turned into a circus. She has some problems which are not being dealt with because too much money is to be made out of them. Were she not a media magnet there would be no online petitions, no online voting as to whether she should go to jail or not. I am certain there are plenty of people who would want their court cases tried online and through polls, especially if they are popular. Is this the new trend...we, the cyber citizens can now try anyone we want to? Let us decide whether we have laws or not. If we have laws do we all abide by them or do some of us have exemption? What are the criteria for exemption? Why don't our laws apply to everyone? The same with treatment. If this were someone else, they'd probably get help and support. If she gets off, so should anyone else who is picked up for DUI.
Paris Hilton has been turned into a circus. She has some problems which are not being dealt with because too much money is to be made out of them. Were she not a media magnet there would be no online petitions, no online voting as to whether she should go to jail or not. I am certain there are plenty of people who would want their court cases tried online and through polls, especially if they are popular. Is this the new trend...we, the cyber citizens can now try anyone we want to? Let us decide whether we have laws or not. If we have laws do we all abide by them or do some of us have exemption? What are the criteria for exemption? Why don't our laws apply to everyone? The same with treatment. If this were someone else, they'd probably get help and support. If she gets off, so should anyone else who is picked up for DUI.
Tony Blair
What he did for the world - with a belief that might was right: "TONY Blair came to the premiership with no direct experience of foreign policy. He leaves the job knowing it will be for his foreign policies that history will primarily remember him: the Prime Minister who took Britain to war in Iraq."
I don't know that he will be remembered. I have said it before on this blog. What has happened to Tony Blair is very sad indeed. When he first took office , everyone was excited and jubilant. Here was a man with vision, energy and a capacity to resolve long standing conflict. He set about his business in a very impressive way. He began and sustained a number of initiatives which helped Britain adopt a positive, stronger stance.This was a leader. He seemed as though he had a good capacity to forge long term stability both within the country and with its neighbours. Then came some very odd behaviour and he started to use his power to ends other than that of stabilising himself and leading his country. He didn't appear to put his country first and started to create divisions and lost the support he had so ably attained. People viewed him differently because what he said and did just didn't seem to match up. He has paid for that because he could have been great , not because he is great, but because he was able to build teams and create co operation where none had existed. He was a mediator and he was someone who could pour oil on troubled waters. He appears to have lost that knack and with it the faith that people had in him.
I don't know that he will be remembered. I have said it before on this blog. What has happened to Tony Blair is very sad indeed. When he first took office , everyone was excited and jubilant. Here was a man with vision, energy and a capacity to resolve long standing conflict. He set about his business in a very impressive way. He began and sustained a number of initiatives which helped Britain adopt a positive, stronger stance.This was a leader. He seemed as though he had a good capacity to forge long term stability both within the country and with its neighbours. Then came some very odd behaviour and he started to use his power to ends other than that of stabilising himself and leading his country. He didn't appear to put his country first and started to create divisions and lost the support he had so ably attained. People viewed him differently because what he said and did just didn't seem to match up. He has paid for that because he could have been great , not because he is great, but because he was able to build teams and create co operation where none had existed. He was a mediator and he was someone who could pour oil on troubled waters. He appears to have lost that knack and with it the faith that people had in him.
Mobile TV predicted to be a hit
Mobile TV predicted to be a hit: "Services in Japan, South Korea and Italy are attracting millions, confounding critics who said people would not watch TV on a small device."
I am not a critic but I am confounded. I cannot believe when real TVs are becoming ginormous that the mobile phone screens would be a popular, perhaps even more popular alternative. Why would you watch TV on such a small screen? Are the programmes designed for mobile or just normal services in miniature? I can see it as a way of keeping up with the cricket or some news item you wish to pursue. Why subscribe to mobile TV when you have your own TV at home? I had actually thought we were moving on from TV. Obviously not. A lot of people I know watch very little TV. So what do these millions of people watch on TV , why and where? I suppose it would pass travelling time, but it means we are constantly distracted form the real world and maybe virtual worlds mean more to us. I'd like more inofrmation on htis one.
I am not a critic but I am confounded. I cannot believe when real TVs are becoming ginormous that the mobile phone screens would be a popular, perhaps even more popular alternative. Why would you watch TV on such a small screen? Are the programmes designed for mobile or just normal services in miniature? I can see it as a way of keeping up with the cricket or some news item you wish to pursue. Why subscribe to mobile TV when you have your own TV at home? I had actually thought we were moving on from TV. Obviously not. A lot of people I know watch very little TV. So what do these millions of people watch on TV , why and where? I suppose it would pass travelling time, but it means we are constantly distracted form the real world and maybe virtual worlds mean more to us. I'd like more inofrmation on htis one.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Pay-as-you-go power meters
AdelaideNow... Pay-as-you-go power meters: "Customers will be able to buy electricity credits, and then swipe the card on the meter, enabling them to monitor consumption and cost."
I can see this becoming popular for 3 reasons. Firstly pay as you go puts you in control. A lot of people use the other pay as you go facilities and offers for other household expenses. It means you do not get sudden, big, unexpected bills. It also means you can see the household consumption. To me, that is a big plus. If you give people feedback, they will monitor and change their behaviours. It means people are not victims and just recipients of bills. They can adjust their household behaviour and finances according to their own wishes. I can see this company being a big competitor...just needs to get a bit more green!
I can see this becoming popular for 3 reasons. Firstly pay as you go puts you in control. A lot of people use the other pay as you go facilities and offers for other household expenses. It means you do not get sudden, big, unexpected bills. It also means you can see the household consumption. To me, that is a big plus. If you give people feedback, they will monitor and change their behaviours. It means people are not victims and just recipients of bills. They can adjust their household behaviour and finances according to their own wishes. I can see this company being a big competitor...just needs to get a bit more green!
Car buyers pay for new forest.
Car buyers pay for new forest. : "'Some people will offset for maybe four years, 60,000 kilometres, some can only afford to do it for one, so we wanted to make it available for everybody who wanted to do it,' he said."
I like this version of carbon trading and carbon footprint erasing. I understand this and I think it's something we can benefit from. It means if I purchase a car from this company I can contribute to the scheme within my means and so at least make some effort. It also means I know where the scheme is so I can see it grow and I can offer to help when I am in a better position to do so financially. It means if I am flush with funds, I can do it all in one hit. The main thing is , is that it is local and within grasp. Great idea. We need more of them.
I like this version of carbon trading and carbon footprint erasing. I understand this and I think it's something we can benefit from. It means if I purchase a car from this company I can contribute to the scheme within my means and so at least make some effort. It also means I know where the scheme is so I can see it grow and I can offer to help when I am in a better position to do so financially. It means if I am flush with funds, I can do it all in one hit. The main thing is , is that it is local and within grasp. Great idea. We need more of them.
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