Passengers vent fury on trams: "Dr McFetridge said the Government must fix the service's airconditioning after The Advertiser revealed that a number of passengers fainted yesterday morning because of the stifling conditions inside the peak-hour trams."
Enough of us have travelled elsewhere to know you can have good public transport and we have reached our limit. The roadworks all around Adelaide are slowing us down and driving us crazy in cars. The buses have been arriving late, early or driving straight past us. The trains aren't up to scratch...well they are...we are fed up with great views and scratched windows...and the trams are insufficient for our needs. We want to save carbon. We want to save energy and we want to avoid the ongoing constant mess of roadworks and rebuilding. We have reached that point where things had better change for the better. Enough is enough. We are getting more people here and we just don't have the systems to cope and the rebuilding is just adding to the pressure.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Man fronts court over superglue prank
Man fronts court over superglue prank : "The recipient of the glue prank was deaf for up to 12 weeks and had to undergo $8,000 worth of medical treatment."
Prank? I don't think so. I think the poor man needs to be given a lot of support and help to be able to recover from being treated like that. Why don't people think? That is just awful and I don't understand why the person thought this was a joke/prank whatever he thought it was. Clearly he needs a lot of help too.
Prank? I don't think so. I think the poor man needs to be given a lot of support and help to be able to recover from being treated like that. Why don't people think? That is just awful and I don't understand why the person thought this was a joke/prank whatever he thought it was. Clearly he needs a lot of help too.
Public service struggling to fill vacancies
Public service struggling to fill vacancies : "While graduate recruitment programs remain strong, 88 per cent of agencies surveyed by the Australian National Audit Office reported having difficulties filling vacancies"
Perhaps because they do group interviews. Perhaps because they do not look at what really is on offer. Perhaps they will not give people with degrees and accolades a chance because they haven't worked before because they have been busy acquiring knowledge and skills which could be used at a high level were they to be given a chance. Two potentials I know are working at KFC with a first class law degree and the other has university prizes and two degrees and a diploma and is at Coles because they were the companies prepared to encourage them and take them on.
Perhaps because they do group interviews. Perhaps because they do not look at what really is on offer. Perhaps they will not give people with degrees and accolades a chance because they haven't worked before because they have been busy acquiring knowledge and skills which could be used at a high level were they to be given a chance. Two potentials I know are working at KFC with a first class law degree and the other has university prizes and two degrees and a diploma and is at Coles because they were the companies prepared to encourage them and take them on.
Protesting taxi drivers block Melbourne street
Protesting taxi drivers block Melbourne street after stabbing: "Earlier Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said a trial of the security screens was underway, but not all drivers were happy with them."
Well, maybe at this stage, something is better than nothing and maybe the taxi drivers can be the ones to decide whether they want what is on offer at this stage or not. If it were you, what would you decide? We do have some extreme behaviour and it is violent. It is not most of us. It is a few of us but the damage these few people can cause: the fear, the terror and ultimately the cost to us as a community is far too high. I think we deal with is as best we can because obviously the taxi drivers are really on edge and pushed to their limit. Let's get in behind them ...and be safe passengers!
Well, maybe at this stage, something is better than nothing and maybe the taxi drivers can be the ones to decide whether they want what is on offer at this stage or not. If it were you, what would you decide? We do have some extreme behaviour and it is violent. It is not most of us. It is a few of us but the damage these few people can cause: the fear, the terror and ultimately the cost to us as a community is far too high. I think we deal with is as best we can because obviously the taxi drivers are really on edge and pushed to their limit. Let's get in behind them ...and be safe passengers!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wanted: A stranger to save this boy’s life
Wanted: A stranger to save this boy’s life : "Mrs Lilburne said she was now appealing for more West Australians to register. “We are relying on the goodness of a stranger to offer their bone marrow to save our son’s life,” she said. “Ultimately we might not be able to help Ryan but we might be able to help someone else (who needs a transplant).”"
This boy has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. They do not have a match. He's 15. So how easy is it to register as a bone marrow donor? What does that mean and how is it done? We know how to give blood and we have been reluctant to do that. Do we have an easy way of giving bone marrow? He will not be the only one who is in need of a bone marrow transplant. The article has contact details for Perth if you want to help.
This boy has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. They do not have a match. He's 15. So how easy is it to register as a bone marrow donor? What does that mean and how is it done? We know how to give blood and we have been reluctant to do that. Do we have an easy way of giving bone marrow? He will not be the only one who is in need of a bone marrow transplant. The article has contact details for Perth if you want to help.
New laws to target predatory pricing
New laws to target predatory pricing : "'The devil will be in the detail, but on the face of it, it would seem reasonably sound,' he said."
True enough, but it is a start and hopefully a good one. Monopolies do cut competition. Death of competition means you do not get the best products and services. You get what is there. I'd like to think a product has the right to survive if it is a good product. Then there is the more serious issue of livelihoods lost. I know we have to change. I know life is about changes. We don't really want to be living in th last millennium and lots of different things drive change. monopolies can bring about fast and sudden change and it isn't always for the better. The changes in the laws ought to bring out information which we can use to benefit customers, producers and businesses.We do have to see what happens and we do need to see if these changes are helpful or unhelpful. We are at least looking at an issue which affects us all.
True enough, but it is a start and hopefully a good one. Monopolies do cut competition. Death of competition means you do not get the best products and services. You get what is there. I'd like to think a product has the right to survive if it is a good product. Then there is the more serious issue of livelihoods lost. I know we have to change. I know life is about changes. We don't really want to be living in th last millennium and lots of different things drive change. monopolies can bring about fast and sudden change and it isn't always for the better. The changes in the laws ought to bring out information which we can use to benefit customers, producers and businesses.We do have to see what happens and we do need to see if these changes are helpful or unhelpful. We are at least looking at an issue which affects us all.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather is here to stay: "'I've been in this game for 20 years, and I can't recall a longer period of sustained weather patterns, of various kinds.'"
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! We want our seasons back. We want proper weather back. We have been drenched and frozen. One minute boiled to pieces and the next one shivering and shaking. Oh yes, we need the rain. The article is right...we get long weather attacks. It's not just nice and the rain just falls out of the heaven. It's not raining. It's either precipitation or it's this bloomin' deluge. The sun is like a microwave and is far too hot and biting. The winds are too strong , quite often come from the wrong direction and whip. So we have these pressure zones which can just hold things at bay and we have a day like today which was wet and then warm and then bloomin' freezing. We keep all our clothes out because one minute you are too hot and then you are too cold. We want proper weather.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! We want our seasons back. We want proper weather back. We have been drenched and frozen. One minute boiled to pieces and the next one shivering and shaking. Oh yes, we need the rain. The article is right...we get long weather attacks. It's not just nice and the rain just falls out of the heaven. It's not raining. It's either precipitation or it's this bloomin' deluge. The sun is like a microwave and is far too hot and biting. The winds are too strong , quite often come from the wrong direction and whip. So we have these pressure zones which can just hold things at bay and we have a day like today which was wet and then warm and then bloomin' freezing. We keep all our clothes out because one minute you are too hot and then you are too cold. We want proper weather.
The mobile future is calling
The mobile future is calling: "'The mobile web is not just about accessing the web from your phone,' he said 'Mobile phones that are location aware, temporarily situated and socially connected will transform our experience of the web, the world and ourselves.'"
Can't wait. If it is all about time and place and we are talking easy web access...I am sure workplaces and schools are in for a lot of fun...not to mention the innocent commuter. Who knows what people will be accessing and where and what they will divert themselves into while they are supposed to be learning, working or merely travelling. Mobile phones are already a source of way too much information verbally. Add the visual too much information and I just cannot wait.
Can't wait. If it is all about time and place and we are talking easy web access...I am sure workplaces and schools are in for a lot of fun...not to mention the innocent commuter. Who knows what people will be accessing and where and what they will divert themselves into while they are supposed to be learning, working or merely travelling. Mobile phones are already a source of way too much information verbally. Add the visual too much information and I just cannot wait.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The oil situation is bad
If you think the oil situation is bad, worse is to come : "'This is the market signalling there is a problem, that there is a growing difficulty to meet demand with new supplies,' said UBS global oil economist Jan Stuart."
Isn't oil a limited resource? I know they have been saying that for quite some time with no sign of a real alternative and in the meantime we pay at the pump and the bank accounts swell. The biofuels have caused consternation because they are affecting food supply. One way not to have biofuels because we didn't think that one through properly and we haven't come up with a solution. Bleating is not going to work. We need a new millennium fuel and we need new millennium cars. Oil is so last millennium and the price is making it a mug's choice.
Isn't oil a limited resource? I know they have been saying that for quite some time with no sign of a real alternative and in the meantime we pay at the pump and the bank accounts swell. The biofuels have caused consternation because they are affecting food supply. One way not to have biofuels because we didn't think that one through properly and we haven't come up with a solution. Bleating is not going to work. We need a new millennium fuel and we need new millennium cars. Oil is so last millennium and the price is making it a mug's choice.
The way the world can feed itself
The way the world can feed itself : "“Large swathes of Africa could be used far more productively if properly managed by large companies. To contain the rise in food prices we need more globalisation, not less.”"
This article points out a different way of dealing with
the food shortages. It suggests looking into the global market and fixing it on a global level. It looks also at our unchecked population growth . This is something we haven't factored into the food costs and prices. We have a lot more people and we are going to have a lot more people but they will not be eating if we don't solve this problem. I still say local because you are in control of it. Global companies which collapse, go bust or go into implementation dips...like supplying Hong Kong with Vegemite, will be risky in my opinion. We need to talk and we need to think...and we need to keep coming up with the ideas.
This article points out a different way of dealing with
the food shortages. It suggests looking into the global market and fixing it on a global level. It looks also at our unchecked population growth . This is something we haven't factored into the food costs and prices. We have a lot more people and we are going to have a lot more people but they will not be eating if we don't solve this problem. I still say local because you are in control of it. Global companies which collapse, go bust or go into implementation dips...like supplying Hong Kong with Vegemite, will be risky in my opinion. We need to talk and we need to think...and we need to keep coming up with the ideas.
Food bills set to soar 50pc
Food bills set to soar 50pc: "On top of that, soaring fuel and energy prices will push up the cost of food production, transportation and distribution."
Good argument for local. Good argument for creating smaller concerns which can come up with the goods and a good argument for remaining flexible in our thinking and diet. In terms of global warming or icing ,whatever they want it to be called, then local produce costs less in terms of carbon and carrying. We used to have local shops which gave us local food and it was like that FOREVA. So then we got the supermarket monopolies as we got the paddle steamer monopolies and suddenly local wasn't good enough and the bottom line? Local was stamped out. It has happened time and time again and we just don't learn. Monopolies get rid of the competition, but the competition is local and can provide you with what you need....and they are sustainable if you get rid of the monopoly competition! We are going to have to have a long hard think and we are going to have to think about looking after ourselves and we might even have to think about keeping it simple.
Good argument for local. Good argument for creating smaller concerns which can come up with the goods and a good argument for remaining flexible in our thinking and diet. In terms of global warming or icing ,whatever they want it to be called, then local produce costs less in terms of carbon and carrying. We used to have local shops which gave us local food and it was like that FOREVA. So then we got the supermarket monopolies as we got the paddle steamer monopolies and suddenly local wasn't good enough and the bottom line? Local was stamped out. It has happened time and time again and we just don't learn. Monopolies get rid of the competition, but the competition is local and can provide you with what you need....and they are sustainable if you get rid of the monopoly competition! We are going to have to have a long hard think and we are going to have to think about looking after ourselves and we might even have to think about keeping it simple.
City's long dry spell broken
City's long dry spell broken : "A BOM spokesman said the last time the city received any 'significant'' rain such as this was last December."I know , it's wet out there and cold! It has rained quite a bit over the last two days and it's rather a novel experience. It hasn't sent us running indoors. It means we can plant, we can get rid of the rest of the burnt up gardens and we can dig!! I have been digging! The rain has not penetrated far but the plants are so happy and the birds are back chirping away. My little honey eater is back at the window again ( bottom left). It's so cute. It has made us race for the cooking pots though to brew up soups, pasta sauces and casseroles and bread and sausages have been marching out the shops. It's all good. Luckily we had had a chance to recuperate from the heat and then prepare the houses for winter. So we are set to go now! May the reservoirs fill and the rivers run...poor Goolwa.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Australian links in honour killing of Pela Atroshi
Australian links in honour killing of Pela Atroshi : "The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Yakin Erturk, in a report last year to the Human Rights Council, said she had been told that a 'family council of male relatives living in Sweden and Australia decided that Pela had to die to cleanse the family honour'."
Another woman dead for no good reason. This is something we can do something about. The incredible international networking to solve this crime didn't help the girl but incredible international networking to stop this sort of behaviour because we are in 2008 will work. Originally the behaviour may have been to do with some kind of tribal survival technique. A lot of intolerable behaviour does have a historical sense about it when put in context. This girl was part of this millennium. We can change this. We can publicise, talk, look, open our eyes and do something about it...so it doesn't turn into balcony suicides as in Sweden.
Another woman dead for no good reason. This is something we can do something about. The incredible international networking to solve this crime didn't help the girl but incredible international networking to stop this sort of behaviour because we are in 2008 will work. Originally the behaviour may have been to do with some kind of tribal survival technique. A lot of intolerable behaviour does have a historical sense about it when put in context. This girl was part of this millennium. We can change this. We can publicise, talk, look, open our eyes and do something about it...so it doesn't turn into balcony suicides as in Sweden.
Tim Winton draws breath from a reckless youth
Tim Winton draws breath from a reckless youth : "TIM WINTON will not be holding his breath for the publication next week of his first novel for seven years. That is probably because there are enough people in the book doing it for him."
It'll take off. Just as Dirt Music did. Tim Winton has grown into one of our best authors because he understands our pain, he understands the malaise which is running through us and he understands how Australia can make you strong and weak all at once. I have just finished a book of short stories,The Turning. There is one on domestic violence which pulls no punches ( pardon the pun) and it cuts right to the quick because you understand how easily it happens, how messed up everyone is and then how brutal and relentless it is in its impact. Some of his stories are not for the faint hearted because he really does get inside people's skin and it's not always pleasant there but it does help you realise that these are people you recognise. The depression in Australia has to do with our land and us. There's uplifting stuff too. Tim Winton grabs us and takes us on a journey of self discovery and I cannot believe this is the guy of Lockie Leonard fame. He is such a great writer now and as a keeper of australiana we couldn't have any one better. No,he won't be bothered about his new book. He'll know he needs a rest now and the book will sink or swim according to our whim...but I think it'll go great guns.
It'll take off. Just as Dirt Music did. Tim Winton has grown into one of our best authors because he understands our pain, he understands the malaise which is running through us and he understands how Australia can make you strong and weak all at once. I have just finished a book of short stories,The Turning. There is one on domestic violence which pulls no punches ( pardon the pun) and it cuts right to the quick because you understand how easily it happens, how messed up everyone is and then how brutal and relentless it is in its impact. Some of his stories are not for the faint hearted because he really does get inside people's skin and it's not always pleasant there but it does help you realise that these are people you recognise. The depression in Australia has to do with our land and us. There's uplifting stuff too. Tim Winton grabs us and takes us on a journey of self discovery and I cannot believe this is the guy of Lockie Leonard fame. He is such a great writer now and as a keeper of australiana we couldn't have any one better. No,he won't be bothered about his new book. He'll know he needs a rest now and the book will sink or swim according to our whim...but I think it'll go great guns.
So you think you can dance?
Final steps in show for nice guys finalists - the funk/hip-hop dancer Jack Chambers, 19; the contemporary jazz dancer Rhys Bobridge, 26; the jazz dancer Kate Wormald, 29; and the street/hip-hop dancer Demi Sorono, 28 - is expected to attract close to 2 million viewers."
It's a show that got me in. It was so wonderful to see such talent and then to hear people who ought to know taking the time and effort to strengthen and build this talent into something which is now quite spectacular. I have no idea who will win. They are all clever in their own ways and all capable of going such a long way. They have listened and learned. They have taken the challenges seriously and given their best and for these 4 , they will grow beyond this I should think. The judges have been direct, enthusiastic and honest. They have encouraged, been cut to pieces, fronted up to the tough and awful decisions which have had to come and the compère has been a part of that too. She has softened the blow and been so positive and encouraging. I don't want to see people knocked down and I don't want to see more crap when the world has currently plenty on offer. Dancing is the stuff of dreams. Young ones will be watching it so transported and oldies will be watching it taken back to the glitter and glam of their youth. The rest of us are having a grand time because the show makes you work as a viewer. You have to embrace different styles and you have to look at what the contestants are being asked to do...and in the end, you are in thrall because it is just such a good thing to see young people being picked up and shown how to be better...and better...and better because the talent which surrounds them is prepared to stop for a while and give them a hand.
It's a show that got me in. It was so wonderful to see such talent and then to hear people who ought to know taking the time and effort to strengthen and build this talent into something which is now quite spectacular. I have no idea who will win. They are all clever in their own ways and all capable of going such a long way. They have listened and learned. They have taken the challenges seriously and given their best and for these 4 , they will grow beyond this I should think. The judges have been direct, enthusiastic and honest. They have encouraged, been cut to pieces, fronted up to the tough and awful decisions which have had to come and the compère has been a part of that too. She has softened the blow and been so positive and encouraging. I don't want to see people knocked down and I don't want to see more crap when the world has currently plenty on offer. Dancing is the stuff of dreams. Young ones will be watching it so transported and oldies will be watching it taken back to the glitter and glam of their youth. The rest of us are having a grand time because the show makes you work as a viewer. You have to embrace different styles and you have to look at what the contestants are being asked to do...and in the end, you are in thrall because it is just such a good thing to see young people being picked up and shown how to be better...and better...and better because the talent which surrounds them is prepared to stop for a while and give them a hand.
Magazine for super-rich has real Snob
Magazine for super-rich has real Snob appeal : "But Andrei Shmarov, who will run the Snob operation, said it had a different meaning in Russia. 'Snob to us means a person who is a self-made man, a person who has gained a right to snobbishness,' he said."
Yes, it's funny how one word can change in meaning from one social context to another and one language to another. No way would we be making and buying a magazine called Snob. Besides, we'd just be beside ourselves with mirth if something like that came onto the market. We just should not be able to contain ourselves at all.That is not to say we don't have different magazines for different social and financial groups and even so we laugh at what some of them have...or we drool. All depends how it's done.
Yes, it's funny how one word can change in meaning from one social context to another and one language to another. No way would we be making and buying a magazine called Snob. Besides, we'd just be beside ourselves with mirth if something like that came onto the market. We just should not be able to contain ourselves at all.That is not to say we don't have different magazines for different social and financial groups and even so we laugh at what some of them have...or we drool. All depends how it's done.
Beijing's hopeful smoking ban
Beijing's hopeful smoking ban : "New regulations ban smoking in sports venues, parks, on public transport and in schools but restaurants and hotels are exempted."
It's not hard really. You do ban it in cinemas, public transport, restaurants , cafes and bars. You then can create outside smoking areas or designated smoking areas. The smoke is then not dominating recreational and public areas but smokers can smoke. It works well and when people are clear what the rules are then there is no unhappiness or unpleasantness about it.
It's not hard really. You do ban it in cinemas, public transport, restaurants , cafes and bars. You then can create outside smoking areas or designated smoking areas. The smoke is then not dominating recreational and public areas but smokers can smoke. It works well and when people are clear what the rules are then there is no unhappiness or unpleasantness about it.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Zoo plea after hoax
Zoo plea after hoax: Stop calling our animals : "'It might be kind of funny the first few times but we have lost our sense of humour now with calls coming in at a rate of about 13 a minute. The system is pretty much choked,' she said."
Yes, I can see how people might think it is funny but they wouldn't be thinking about how many calls are likely to be made. It's very wearing and destructive. You'd think in this day and age that Telcos and IT people could come to the party to work out a filtering programme which would send those kinds of unwanted calls to a dead end...especially since the Telcos are making money out of them. There are days when you wonder why we have the "benefits" of technology.
Yes, I can see how people might think it is funny but they wouldn't be thinking about how many calls are likely to be made. It's very wearing and destructive. You'd think in this day and age that Telcos and IT people could come to the party to work out a filtering programme which would send those kinds of unwanted calls to a dead end...especially since the Telcos are making money out of them. There are days when you wonder why we have the "benefits" of technology.
Man with hashish in stomach dies
Man with hashish in stomach dies : "No decision had been made on the return of Jones' body to Australia, with the DFAT spokesman saying it was 'a matter for his family to decide'."
I am glad they said that. I am glad they have let the family take control of this sad situation. Why would a 50 year old be smuggling so much hashish inside himself? It was never going to turn out well. I hate stories like this because drugs have such an allure and they promise so much but the reality is you get sad stories like this. The only good part is the authorities have been big enough to let the family decide how to come to grips with their loss.
I am glad they said that. I am glad they have let the family take control of this sad situation. Why would a 50 year old be smuggling so much hashish inside himself? It was never going to turn out well. I hate stories like this because drugs have such an allure and they promise so much but the reality is you get sad stories like this. The only good part is the authorities have been big enough to let the family decide how to come to grips with their loss.
Gordon Ramsay sued for £500,000
Gordon Ramsay sued for £500,000 by restaurant manager : "And of course, the fabulously foul-mouthed chef doesn't mince his words."
Nor does he need to. Every week we look at those unhygienic kitchens and food which is so off. Our stomachs are turning. Gordon Ramsay doesn't need to make anything up but he does have to take quick action and get a reaction so he can save businesses losing thousands of dollars a week. It has wised us up to what is coming out on our plates, it has made us think twice about the sorts of pressures restauranteurs and their staff are under. Gordon Ramsay gets in there and helps, is immensely practical, can troubleshoot very quickly and moves most people on. He creates happy work places and spaces and I cannot believe the trouble he goes to to try and get through to people and to save their livelihood. He cares about food. He cares about chefs and business owners being proud of what they do and being happy about their job. He takes the misery and pain out of their lives. We watch who and what he is dealing with. He says less than we do.There is a great deal of compassion and a cleverness. He is bright, intelligent, flexible and cares so much about food an people. A lot of us have changed our approach to food because of him and that's a good thing. I am sure this will all be sorted out one way or another but it serves no useful purpose to destroy a chef who has given so much to the industry and the public.
Nor does he need to. Every week we look at those unhygienic kitchens and food which is so off. Our stomachs are turning. Gordon Ramsay doesn't need to make anything up but he does have to take quick action and get a reaction so he can save businesses losing thousands of dollars a week. It has wised us up to what is coming out on our plates, it has made us think twice about the sorts of pressures restauranteurs and their staff are under. Gordon Ramsay gets in there and helps, is immensely practical, can troubleshoot very quickly and moves most people on. He creates happy work places and spaces and I cannot believe the trouble he goes to to try and get through to people and to save their livelihood. He cares about food. He cares about chefs and business owners being proud of what they do and being happy about their job. He takes the misery and pain out of their lives. We watch who and what he is dealing with. He says less than we do.There is a great deal of compassion and a cleverness. He is bright, intelligent, flexible and cares so much about food an people. A lot of us have changed our approach to food because of him and that's a good thing. I am sure this will all be sorted out one way or another but it serves no useful purpose to destroy a chef who has given so much to the industry and the public.
Sarkozy admits 'mistakes'
Sarkozy admits 'mistakes' during first year in power : "'France has been asleep for the past 25 years... We have a difficult international context, all the more reason to accelerate reforms,' Mr Sarkozy said."
Oh yes, it is their fault, they are not up to it and yes, there is such a difficult international context...we can see what people are doing now. If we are looking at M. Sarkozy du bout du monde and we are wondering what on earth is going on in France c'est pas de la petite bière! Truly, he seems to be spending a lot of time on himself and his image and very little on what it means to be the president of France and they are giving him a chance. He doesn't appear to be able to operate at that level even though he has been very competent in the past. The Peter Principal? The French have been working their derrières off to get into the international scene and be part of the international community. Their contributions are not insignificant. Should their current President be blissfully unaware of his country's capacity to involve itself globally then that tends to suggest it is not the French who have been sleeping. Unfortunately they voted for him.
Oh yes, it is their fault, they are not up to it and yes, there is such a difficult international context...we can see what people are doing now. If we are looking at M. Sarkozy du bout du monde and we are wondering what on earth is going on in France c'est pas de la petite bière! Truly, he seems to be spending a lot of time on himself and his image and very little on what it means to be the president of France and they are giving him a chance. He doesn't appear to be able to operate at that level even though he has been very competent in the past. The Peter Principal? The French have been working their derrières off to get into the international scene and be part of the international community. Their contributions are not insignificant. Should their current President be blissfully unaware of his country's capacity to involve itself globally then that tends to suggest it is not the French who have been sleeping. Unfortunately they voted for him.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Prince William gets knighthood
Prince William gets knighthood nod ahead of ex-Oz PM: "The news has ended year-long speculations of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard being the Queen's frontrunner for the honour."
Hm...tough decision that one. Prince William? John Howard? Prince William.....John Howard??? Oh, I don't know. I just think I'll pick Prince William!!
So who on earth did the speculating? I thought I might be made a knight. I really did. I speculated and speculated...didn't put it in the paper, though. Fantasy is not reality. Vague notions are not fact.
Hm...tough decision that one. Prince William? John Howard? Prince William.....John Howard??? Oh, I don't know. I just think I'll pick Prince William!!
So who on earth did the speculating? I thought I might be made a knight. I really did. I speculated and speculated...didn't put it in the paper, though. Fantasy is not reality. Vague notions are not fact.
Does Obama have a white problem?
Does Obama have a white problem?: "Some Democrats are reportedly now starting to wonder whether or not Senator Obama has a 'white problem'."
No, he doesn't have a white problem. He is black. The whites might have a black problem . Surely not? It's 2008. I am sure we have moved on and can just accept people for who they are, can't we?I'm embarrassed. This is 2008. I've got a red problem. My face is just way too red.
No, he doesn't have a white problem. He is black. The whites might have a black problem . Surely not? It's 2008. I am sure we have moved on and can just accept people for who they are, can't we?I'm embarrassed. This is 2008. I've got a red problem. My face is just way too red.
Five-star hotel infested with cockroaches
Five-star hotel infested with cockroaches : "A LEADING luxury Adelaide hotel, investigated for a gastroenteritis outbreak which is believed to have affected 50 people, had cockroach-infested kitchens."
You know from watching chefs on TV that we are not the only place to have squalid kitchen conditions and that it is a sorry and poor state of affairs when it occurs. You know the establishment is finding it hard to keep its people and act together because health and hygiene come top in the food and hospitality industry. These programmes have made us more aware that we need to look out for ourselves and have confidence in kitchens. I go to places where I can see the kitchen. It's not only fascinating to watch the chefs in action, it is important in terms of reassurance that the place is clean and well run. I do think it's the best way to do things because everyone is happy then. You can see the chefs feel better by hearing he public and will respond to the compliments. They do get rewards because we can be in awe of their food preparation. Cleanliness is time and habit. Some places are flat to the floorboards so yes, they need to think about the cleanliness aspect under those conditions. It means we have to help them establish workable routines and we have to help them find easy ways of keeping on top of everything...and oh dear, maybe they'll have to cut into their profit margins. This may not be easy for some places, but if we want to keep our great food label as a city we need to look after our establishments and the Stamford has served us well for many years. Maybe they need a bit of a hand to get back on top of it all and maybe it's good they have been sprung because it'll liven everyone up. The blame game is pointless. Let's sort it out.
You know from watching chefs on TV that we are not the only place to have squalid kitchen conditions and that it is a sorry and poor state of affairs when it occurs. You know the establishment is finding it hard to keep its people and act together because health and hygiene come top in the food and hospitality industry. These programmes have made us more aware that we need to look out for ourselves and have confidence in kitchens. I go to places where I can see the kitchen. It's not only fascinating to watch the chefs in action, it is important in terms of reassurance that the place is clean and well run. I do think it's the best way to do things because everyone is happy then. You can see the chefs feel better by hearing he public and will respond to the compliments. They do get rewards because we can be in awe of their food preparation. Cleanliness is time and habit. Some places are flat to the floorboards so yes, they need to think about the cleanliness aspect under those conditions. It means we have to help them establish workable routines and we have to help them find easy ways of keeping on top of everything...and oh dear, maybe they'll have to cut into their profit margins. This may not be easy for some places, but if we want to keep our great food label as a city we need to look after our establishments and the Stamford has served us well for many years. Maybe they need a bit of a hand to get back on top of it all and maybe it's good they have been sprung because it'll liven everyone up. The blame game is pointless. Let's sort it out.
Formaldehyde is the next asbestos
Formaldehyde is the next asbestos: "'There's also a long-term health effect for ordinary householders - particularly when you think of a kitchen, kitchen cupboards, that's where you store food, and tests have indicated that the formaldehyde cures out of the product into the air for up to 20 years after it's been installed.'"
What is the matter with us? We seem to be totally incapable of looking after ourselves in even the most basic sense. I get the asbestos. It was a new product. It did wonderful things and people wouldn't have thought of how harmful and dangerous it can be. They were just being creative and ingenious and human history is littered with a whole list of these ill informed creations...and great discoveries as well. But formaldehyde? I figure if I, Mrs. Average, am aware this stuff is potently toxic then it has to be common knowledge. I am not a specialist but you just know that formaldehyde is not something you want in your home, your garden, your life. You just do not want it. So liven up industrial people and get your social responsibility into gear. I feel a whole heap of class actions coming on. It would be far better if there were some responsibility in place just because it's the right thing to do!
What is the matter with us? We seem to be totally incapable of looking after ourselves in even the most basic sense. I get the asbestos. It was a new product. It did wonderful things and people wouldn't have thought of how harmful and dangerous it can be. They were just being creative and ingenious and human history is littered with a whole list of these ill informed creations...and great discoveries as well. But formaldehyde? I figure if I, Mrs. Average, am aware this stuff is potently toxic then it has to be common knowledge. I am not a specialist but you just know that formaldehyde is not something you want in your home, your garden, your life. You just do not want it. So liven up industrial people and get your social responsibility into gear. I feel a whole heap of class actions coming on. It would be far better if there were some responsibility in place just because it's the right thing to do!
Skills shortage leaves no room for innovation: study
Skills shortage leaves no room for innovation: study : "'Sixty-eight per cent of the firms surveyed said the skills shortages had affected their business over the past year; of those, 60 per cent found it was limiting their ability to be innovative.'"
It's not just a shortage of skills. It's a shortage of people who actually are dependable and who are prepared to get up in the morning, go to work and stay there...and then come back the next day. We have raised a whole heap of kids who have no work ethic, who have not valued education, are oblivious to the fact they are in a country with so much opportunity...because they don't want to be at school and they don't want to work either.We have also raised a number of dynamos who are capable of very great and far reaching achievements at a young age. The indulged expect to be kept. They are the entitled. We haven't forced them to stand on their own two feet and now the older are getting older, the Xers are starting to feel the strain and companies are realising they maybe should have thought before they got sucked into downsizing and offloading workers. There is no sense of loyalty and there is no sense of being there. Well, it just means we have lots of opportunities for people who want to be independent , earn a good living and live in a nice country. Our local supermarkets can't get and keep staff and the guy who was restoring my roof had been through 34 young lads before he got the one who was helping him at my place. 34. The work was straight forward and the wages were fantastic for a young person...even an older person. It is a well paid job and if you don't mind clambering over roofs, you can do quite well for yourself. Same as our super markets. They are helping staff by matching hours with lifestyle and family commitments but still they have people who just plain don't turn up or who are such liabilities because of their temperament. We really need a good shake up and our kids need to know they have to be there ...at school, at their desk and on their own two feet. We are paying the price of not taking action and being too indulgent.
It's not just a shortage of skills. It's a shortage of people who actually are dependable and who are prepared to get up in the morning, go to work and stay there...and then come back the next day. We have raised a whole heap of kids who have no work ethic, who have not valued education, are oblivious to the fact they are in a country with so much opportunity...because they don't want to be at school and they don't want to work either.We have also raised a number of dynamos who are capable of very great and far reaching achievements at a young age. The indulged expect to be kept. They are the entitled. We haven't forced them to stand on their own two feet and now the older are getting older, the Xers are starting to feel the strain and companies are realising they maybe should have thought before they got sucked into downsizing and offloading workers. There is no sense of loyalty and there is no sense of being there. Well, it just means we have lots of opportunities for people who want to be independent , earn a good living and live in a nice country. Our local supermarkets can't get and keep staff and the guy who was restoring my roof had been through 34 young lads before he got the one who was helping him at my place. 34. The work was straight forward and the wages were fantastic for a young person...even an older person. It is a well paid job and if you don't mind clambering over roofs, you can do quite well for yourself. Same as our super markets. They are helping staff by matching hours with lifestyle and family commitments but still they have people who just plain don't turn up or who are such liabilities because of their temperament. We really need a good shake up and our kids need to know they have to be there ...at school, at their desk and on their own two feet. We are paying the price of not taking action and being too indulgent.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Plastic bag ban divides ministers
Plastic bag ban divides ministers : "VICTORIAN shoppers will pay up to 25c for plastic bags and South Australians will be banned from using them as the two states go it alone after the nation's environment ministers yesterday failed to agree on a national approach."
It is time to bag the bags and we lived without them before and we shall live without them again and the environment will be a lot happier and healthier because we have given up our dependency on plastic bags. We are so dependent on them. Around the shops you hear people saying "before they take them off us"...." before we have to do without..." It's a real deprivation model and it's astounding people cannot seem to see a path that is plastic bag free. We live in a state which lobbied hard to get rid of them and even here we have people so attached to them. They are plastic bags for crying out loud. Bring back the string bag. Get a little light weight bag. I made my Mum a couple she could just roll up in her bag. They were colourful , durable and easy to carry. She could even put them in her coat pocket. I was over at Bunnings yesterday where I seem to be living at the moment and they are quick with the offer of boxes if you need something to carry plants or bits and pieces. You can also pay 10 cents for a bag. I have never actually seen one being used at our Bunnings which is hugely busy. Bottom line? Bunnnings donates all the 10 cent levies to an environmental fund and has collected about 180 000 dollars for the environmental cause they espouse. Now that is good business, good sense and good customer relations.
It is time to bag the bags and we lived without them before and we shall live without them again and the environment will be a lot happier and healthier because we have given up our dependency on plastic bags. We are so dependent on them. Around the shops you hear people saying "before they take them off us"...." before we have to do without..." It's a real deprivation model and it's astounding people cannot seem to see a path that is plastic bag free. We live in a state which lobbied hard to get rid of them and even here we have people so attached to them. They are plastic bags for crying out loud. Bring back the string bag. Get a little light weight bag. I made my Mum a couple she could just roll up in her bag. They were colourful , durable and easy to carry. She could even put them in her coat pocket. I was over at Bunnings yesterday where I seem to be living at the moment and they are quick with the offer of boxes if you need something to carry plants or bits and pieces. You can also pay 10 cents for a bag. I have never actually seen one being used at our Bunnings which is hugely busy. Bottom line? Bunnnings donates all the 10 cent levies to an environmental fund and has collected about 180 000 dollars for the environmental cause they espouse. Now that is good business, good sense and good customer relations.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff : "'He's fine, he had something removed, he's coming out tonight,' Judy Katz told The Associated Press, but declined to elaborate on what was removed."David Hasselhoff is a bit of a legend here. He is a kind of legend in his own right but it centres around his name and Baywatch character but more because he was the Knight Rider and that was such a cool character and series which we loved to bits here. There is only one Knight Rider and only one Hoff. The Hoff is like Spiderman or Superman. He is a persona and he brings us much joy. We pun on his name and whenever he comes over here David Hasselhoff is always warmly welcomed and loves to find out about our Hoffmania. It would seem he has a few issues and it would be great if he could feel the same peace of mind and happiness as he gives to us. I guess he is a destressor here. We are hoffing he is all right and hoffully he will be home and hosed and feeling much better after his unfortunate trip to hoffpital. Get well, Hoff!
Motorist jailed for 203kmh in 70kmh zone
Motorist jailed for 203kmh in 70kmh zone : "A speeding motorist caught doing 203kmh in a 70-zone has been jailed for six months."
Bleeping heck!! 70 zones around here are usually built up areas but with a clear run. Don't know about WA. They are usually roads which carry a fair amount of traffic too, so a car going at 203 would certainly stand out in the crowd and scare the living daylights out of people. If he wanted to show off his car maybe he could have taken it off the beaten track somewhere. He did it because he could but then he didn't think about where the best place to run a car at full tilt might be. The worst thing is whether the driver can keep control of a car at that speed and in a suburban area...well, there is a reason why we have speed limits.
Bleeping heck!! 70 zones around here are usually built up areas but with a clear run. Don't know about WA. They are usually roads which carry a fair amount of traffic too, so a car going at 203 would certainly stand out in the crowd and scare the living daylights out of people. If he wanted to show off his car maybe he could have taken it off the beaten track somewhere. He did it because he could but then he didn't think about where the best place to run a car at full tilt might be. The worst thing is whether the driver can keep control of a car at that speed and in a suburban area...well, there is a reason why we have speed limits.
Hot Pink Buckwheat
Hot pink Tas crop brightens Japanese landscapes: "Farmer, Brenton Heazelwood says Japanese farmers will plant paddocks of it to purely brighten up the landscape."
Buckwheat is a wonderfully nutritious thing! Protein, B vits,minerals, flavonoids. Our legendary Pancake Parlour gives a good run down on it. I have known it as a pancake base and breakfast fare. It normally blooms white but this crop in Tasmania is destined to be decorative fields in japan. It would appear we like and appreciate it too as a visual diversion. Is it a hybrid? How does it get to be hot pink? This buckwheat appears to be an ornamental. I wonder if it gors well in the drought? Might liven up the crispy brown landscape? Can it be used as a food source? Mulch? I think we should have hot pink fields too.
Buckwheat is a wonderfully nutritious thing! Protein, B vits,minerals, flavonoids. Our legendary Pancake Parlour gives a good run down on it. I have known it as a pancake base and breakfast fare. It normally blooms white but this crop in Tasmania is destined to be decorative fields in japan. It would appear we like and appreciate it too as a visual diversion. Is it a hybrid? How does it get to be hot pink? This buckwheat appears to be an ornamental. I wonder if it gors well in the drought? Might liven up the crispy brown landscape? Can it be used as a food source? Mulch? I think we should have hot pink fields too.
Brendon Nelson
Reader's Comments: Libs play at follow the leader : "PETER Costello has shrugged off suggestions he’s the “dream” leader of the Coalition - but his support for Brendan Nelson today sounded more dutiful than effusive."
Shrug away. Shrug as often as you feel the need. Brendon Nelson has been left out there alone. The ex government has been behaving in a very offhand, half hearted rather odd fashion. They have provided no support for their current leader, no direction for their party and yet they claim to be able to do better. Brendon Nelson was a team player. He still is but his team seems to have seriously lost it and it is not his fault. He has not been supported by the ex's at all who only seem to be doing what they did before...blow out hot air. We actually don't feel badly towards Brendon Nelson. We can see he is in an invidious position and yet he continues to behave in an impeccable manner and truly, the party needs to get with the program and needs to line itself up with our country. They demonstrate constantly that they are so out of step with the rest of us.
Shrug away. Shrug as often as you feel the need. Brendon Nelson has been left out there alone. The ex government has been behaving in a very offhand, half hearted rather odd fashion. They have provided no support for their current leader, no direction for their party and yet they claim to be able to do better. Brendon Nelson was a team player. He still is but his team seems to have seriously lost it and it is not his fault. He has not been supported by the ex's at all who only seem to be doing what they did before...blow out hot air. We actually don't feel badly towards Brendon Nelson. We can see he is in an invidious position and yet he continues to behave in an impeccable manner and truly, the party needs to get with the program and needs to line itself up with our country. They demonstrate constantly that they are so out of step with the rest of us.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Self-serve check outs are here
Checkout chicks beware - self-serve is here : "GROCERY shoppers will be able to scan, bag and pay for their shopping thanks to a revolutionary roll-out of self-serve checkouts by a major supermarket chain."
Check out chicks? We have a lot of guys on the check outs here. Hm. Anyway, I can't wait to see customers drive themselves crazy when the wrong price comes up and they don't have a bar code...or it doesn't scan or it doesn't have a price. Good luck. There'll be no one to talk to and no one to help. Get rid of staff and increase profits...again??? We are actually waking up to this ploy.I'll be going to a check out with a person. I'm not scanning a trolley load of goods. More and more we are being asked to do everything ourselves. That ad about us pulling out our own teeth wasn't far off the mark.
Check out chicks? We have a lot of guys on the check outs here. Hm. Anyway, I can't wait to see customers drive themselves crazy when the wrong price comes up and they don't have a bar code...or it doesn't scan or it doesn't have a price. Good luck. There'll be no one to talk to and no one to help. Get rid of staff and increase profits...again??? We are actually waking up to this ploy.I'll be going to a check out with a person. I'm not scanning a trolley load of goods. More and more we are being asked to do everything ourselves. That ad about us pulling out our own teeth wasn't far off the mark.
Aussie gamblers betting on Obama
Aussie gamblers betting on Obama : "AUSTRALIAN punters are backing US Democratic front-runner Barack Obama as hot favourite to win his party's nomination as presidential candidate and to go on and win the November election, Sportingbet Australia says."
A significant number of people are behind Mr. Obama. A number of nations feel good about him and maybe it is for America to show us why he shouldn't be their next president. Even though I still would like to see a woman in the Whitehouse and I'd like America be able to do that for itself, it would appear that Barack Obama has captured more than American hearts. I had even heard that John Clease had offered to be his speech writer. There is something about him. I guess he represents a real break with the past and a belief that America could recreate itself from all the good it has in it so that the bad will subside and disappear into oblivion. Barack Obama is more new wave, new world, new beginnings and he seems to be awfully likeable and that would be such a good thing for America . It would be sad for Hillary Clinton because I do believe she would make a good woman president.
A significant number of people are behind Mr. Obama. A number of nations feel good about him and maybe it is for America to show us why he shouldn't be their next president. Even though I still would like to see a woman in the Whitehouse and I'd like America be able to do that for itself, it would appear that Barack Obama has captured more than American hearts. I had even heard that John Clease had offered to be his speech writer. There is something about him. I guess he represents a real break with the past and a belief that America could recreate itself from all the good it has in it so that the bad will subside and disappear into oblivion. Barack Obama is more new wave, new world, new beginnings and he seems to be awfully likeable and that would be such a good thing for America . It would be sad for Hillary Clinton because I do believe she would make a good woman president.
Parents donate organs of baby girl hit by car
Parents donate organs of baby girl hit by car : "THE parents of an 11-month-old girl who died after a car driven by an alleged drunk driver hit her pram have donated her organs and thanked police, neighbours and paramedics for trying to save their daughter."
They need to be left alone to deal with their terrible loss and grief.The mother needs time to recover from her injuries and we can only hope the parents will find a way to manage all of this pain. This life was lost for no good reason and yet the parents have shown such humanity, such consideration and such care at a time when they are most at need. I hope their gratitude at a time when they have every reason to be angry and mean spirited will be rewarded some way in life. I am so glad this story was reported and I really do hope these parents will be able to recover in time. Such a sad story but hey have made their own goodness out of it and have risen above it.
They need to be left alone to deal with their terrible loss and grief.The mother needs time to recover from her injuries and we can only hope the parents will find a way to manage all of this pain. This life was lost for no good reason and yet the parents have shown such humanity, such consideration and such care at a time when they are most at need. I hope their gratitude at a time when they have every reason to be angry and mean spirited will be rewarded some way in life. I am so glad this story was reported and I really do hope these parents will be able to recover in time. Such a sad story but hey have made their own goodness out of it and have risen above it.
Testosterone pumps up the profits
Testosterone pumps up the profits (: "The study of male traders in the City of London financial district shows they make bigger profits on days when their testosterone levels are already high."
Well, there you go, testosterone is about making profit not babies!! If only men had known before. Please read the whole article. The research is fascinating and a little more complex than it sounds. Great news!!
Well, there you go, testosterone is about making profit not babies!! If only men had known before. Please read the whole article. The research is fascinating and a little more complex than it sounds. Great news!!
Cheap and cheerful gadgets
I have just bought some gadgets and for less that $250 dollars I have really brightened up my life. I know if you want to go bigger and better you can. I know there is suave and sophisticated out there. That’s not the point. I am not ready for major changes but I am interested in seeing what I can do to improve things without busting my bank account which is currently going on my home renovations!! So I have a big television set which is fast getting so passé even if it does work well. The reception has been driving me bonkers for a while and I do not want an outside antenna. I just don’t. I have bought a cheap SD set top box because I thought it would improve things even though everyone is saying no no no! Go HD. I am not ready for an HD TV even though I love them and I can’t use an HD set top box with this set. So 50 bucks and I have a brilliant picture, can access digital channels , but not HD channels and just had to fiddle with sound quality to get it perfect. It has made such a difference. Second new toy is my phone. Again, not a big outlay as phones go but great for me because it’s a flip phone, it downloads heaps faster, it connects to the Bluetooth on my laptop which makes managing it easy and it is just slicker and easier to use than my other phone ,especially the keys. Love it. Made my mobile life easier. Last toy is a USB gadget to connect to HDTV on my computer. Well, how different and fun is that. The picture is brilliant. I just use my little antenna which was lying around and now I can use my laptop to watch TV wherever I go. The picture is crystal clear and it’s a whole new viewing experience. I am so impressed. I can see how computers and TVs are just going to blend into one and frankly, now I have seen this I am much more interested in running TV from a computer onto a big screen. What a bonus and roll on the future! So my bag of toys has served me well, kept me within my learning curve and shown me how I can benefit from new technology . I have to keep within my depth or I just go right off it all. This way it’s fun, easy and has let me use my money for other major costs around my life!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Closing session of 2020 summit commences
Closing session of 2020 summit commences : "The Australia 2020 summit has reported its first official idea - and it's Kevin Rudd's."
Well, actually, we seem to be reporting quite a few ideas in this article and the summit sounds like it was very productive, very positive and just what we needed. We have been forced into a rut for years and our thinking has been repressed because we were being told what was good for us. A nation has millions of minds. Free them up and utilise that energy and brain power, the creativity and complexity of thought and you have to be putting yourself in a strong position as a country because people are full of good ideas. Everyone thinks differently and if people are thinking in ruts then it's because they have been conditioned to do that and then been knocked back for having a different idea. All ideas are worthwhile because they trigger other ideas. Then people will consider whether they are feasible and workable and even the most outlandish ideas will create something productive and useful because outlandish frees up the thought processes. I like this idea we can work together as a country on our future. I like the idea we can all contribute to the development of a nation. I like the idea we are not put in the position of being gagged and stifled because it means we dry up and become husks. A dog cooped up in a pen is nowhere near as happy and well as a dog which can run free but is being looked after and guided. I like what I have read of this and I am sure some people will feel like they didn't get heard. There is only so much you can do in a short time frame. I am hoping this is a start and that it will occur on a regular basis.
Well, actually, we seem to be reporting quite a few ideas in this article and the summit sounds like it was very productive, very positive and just what we needed. We have been forced into a rut for years and our thinking has been repressed because we were being told what was good for us. A nation has millions of minds. Free them up and utilise that energy and brain power, the creativity and complexity of thought and you have to be putting yourself in a strong position as a country because people are full of good ideas. Everyone thinks differently and if people are thinking in ruts then it's because they have been conditioned to do that and then been knocked back for having a different idea. All ideas are worthwhile because they trigger other ideas. Then people will consider whether they are feasible and workable and even the most outlandish ideas will create something productive and useful because outlandish frees up the thought processes. I like this idea we can work together as a country on our future. I like the idea we can all contribute to the development of a nation. I like the idea we are not put in the position of being gagged and stifled because it means we dry up and become husks. A dog cooped up in a pen is nowhere near as happy and well as a dog which can run free but is being looked after and guided. I like what I have read of this and I am sure some people will feel like they didn't get heard. There is only so much you can do in a short time frame. I am hoping this is a start and that it will occur on a regular basis.
Street Lights
The Age: "Local tests of the low-energy lights, which are already used in parts of NSW and South Australia, have shown they consume about a third of the energy for the same output as the current 80-watt mercury vapour lamps."
I am really surprised we haven't dealt with this one. The lights became noticeably dimmer on the streets to the extent they are of no help in terms of seeing street names and turn offs. We used to have a habit in Australia of leaving our front porch light on. It was a neighbourhood friendly thing to do and then we stopped doing it. The cost and we became more insular and then house break ins were a worry so people installed flood lights. The street lights are costing money and carbon. Lower energy globes would save us money and carbon...but I should have thought solar lights would be the way to go. They are used in quite a few buildings and, to me, unless someone can point out why, they seem to be a logical choice for street lights in Australia. This is something we can fix and relatively easily....and maybe we should get the porch lights going again too for safety's sake and friendliness. We need to make people connections again.
I am really surprised we haven't dealt with this one. The lights became noticeably dimmer on the streets to the extent they are of no help in terms of seeing street names and turn offs. We used to have a habit in Australia of leaving our front porch light on. It was a neighbourhood friendly thing to do and then we stopped doing it. The cost and we became more insular and then house break ins were a worry so people installed flood lights. The street lights are costing money and carbon. Lower energy globes would save us money and carbon...but I should have thought solar lights would be the way to go. They are used in quite a few buildings and, to me, unless someone can point out why, they seem to be a logical choice for street lights in Australia. This is something we can fix and relatively easily....and maybe we should get the porch lights going again too for safety's sake and friendliness. We need to make people connections again.
Soldier and waitress find true love 40 years on
Soldier and waitress find true love 40 years on : "He and Sinh have now been married about three years. They've made a happy family with his three girls and Sinh's youngest boy. Says Sinh: 'We all get along with loving each other. These are good times.'"
You couldn't write a novel like this. This is real life and it is so touching, so remarkable and has a happy ending! it's a fantastic story of a Vietnam vet who wins in the end and of a Vietnamese lady who has unexpectedly found love in Australia. The pain, the heartache, the trauma. They are all there. The stuff that life is made of...and then the twists are just so remarkable. great story. I wish them both much happiness now.
You couldn't write a novel like this. This is real life and it is so touching, so remarkable and has a happy ending! it's a fantastic story of a Vietnam vet who wins in the end and of a Vietnamese lady who has unexpectedly found love in Australia. The pain, the heartache, the trauma. They are all there. The stuff that life is made of...and then the twists are just so remarkable. great story. I wish them both much happiness now.
Delegate gatecrashes summit telecast
Delegate gatecrashes summit telecast: "AAP understands Mr Houston, a delegate on the future directions for rural industries and communities stream, was upset his ideas were not properly heard during yesterday's sessions."
It's all going well, then? Bodes well for our future if the model is it's all about us and we are sitting down on the job!
It's all going well, then? Bodes well for our future if the model is it's all about us and we are sitting down on the job!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Wave of bipolar over-diagnosis
Wave of bipolar over-diagnosis : "Psychiatrist Louise Newman said the US trend for diagnosing 'quite young children' was highly controversial but was starting to be repeated in Australia. 'I had a child referred to me, who had been diagnosed by someone else with bipolar disorder, who was four,' Professor Newman said."
It sounds mad and before yesterday I would have dismissed it. I was talking to someone who treats disturbed children During the conversation it was mentioned that some of these children between the ages of 8-12 years were hearing voices. Normally this would come at the ages of 16-25 or so. I am not the expert. We had no reason to disbelieve the information. So then, as a group , we tried to think of how that might be occurring. We were thinking by now, there have to be more and more children born to drug addicts. Information is starting to come out about foetal alcohol effects and that would affect previous generations, but now we have to be dealing with drug effects. Some of these substances would be affecting receptors and transmitters in the brain and so the behaviours we normally associate with psychiatric disorders of older people may now be presenting themselves in children. Just a thought. We need to actually think about this and what it might mean. I know some parents loved to have particular diseases for their children, but I think we are so over that now.
It sounds mad and before yesterday I would have dismissed it. I was talking to someone who treats disturbed children During the conversation it was mentioned that some of these children between the ages of 8-12 years were hearing voices. Normally this would come at the ages of 16-25 or so. I am not the expert. We had no reason to disbelieve the information. So then, as a group , we tried to think of how that might be occurring. We were thinking by now, there have to be more and more children born to drug addicts. Information is starting to come out about foetal alcohol effects and that would affect previous generations, but now we have to be dealing with drug effects. Some of these substances would be affecting receptors and transmitters in the brain and so the behaviours we normally associate with psychiatric disorders of older people may now be presenting themselves in children. Just a thought. We need to actually think about this and what it might mean. I know some parents loved to have particular diseases for their children, but I think we are so over that now.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Recycling rubbish may do more harm than good
Recycling rubbish may do more harm than good: "'There's water, waste avoidance, greenhouse gas emissions, photo-chemicals, smog. You can calculate if you are going to be better off by going to a recycling system,' he said."
Now they tell us!! make up your minds. We are out here recycling like mad and we have goodness knows how many bins doing the right thing and now you say it might not be worthwhile? So why have European countries been doing this a lot longer than us? I cannot believe it is not a good thing because a lot of businesses have been built on recycling products. I do believe we can do better in keeping the materials cleaner before we recycle. I have automatically cleaned things before I recycle them and I do wash them after my dishes as it suggested in the article. My sister, by contrast, just puts the stuff in her recycle bin. That's a matter of getting the ideas and information out to us. So many products are being made form recycled materials. It has to be helping. Don't tell me it's not!!I don't want to know! I accept we can make it more efficient and make some changes, but I'd say it has to be better for us and the planet. As for e-waste. I am still waiting for someone to bite the bullet on that one and get a manageable, accessible, routine e-waste recycling programme into place because the monitors and printers are just piling up around people's homes and we still do not have an easy way of safely disposing of them. My current plan is to get all the family stuff relocated to one person's home and we'll try and get it shifted somehow from the one spot. We all have bits and pieces taking up space.
Now they tell us!! make up your minds. We are out here recycling like mad and we have goodness knows how many bins doing the right thing and now you say it might not be worthwhile? So why have European countries been doing this a lot longer than us? I cannot believe it is not a good thing because a lot of businesses have been built on recycling products. I do believe we can do better in keeping the materials cleaner before we recycle. I have automatically cleaned things before I recycle them and I do wash them after my dishes as it suggested in the article. My sister, by contrast, just puts the stuff in her recycle bin. That's a matter of getting the ideas and information out to us. So many products are being made form recycled materials. It has to be helping. Don't tell me it's not!!I don't want to know! I accept we can make it more efficient and make some changes, but I'd say it has to be better for us and the planet. As for e-waste. I am still waiting for someone to bite the bullet on that one and get a manageable, accessible, routine e-waste recycling programme into place because the monitors and printers are just piling up around people's homes and we still do not have an easy way of safely disposing of them. My current plan is to get all the family stuff relocated to one person's home and we'll try and get it shifted somehow from the one spot. We all have bits and pieces taking up space.
Emails crushing productivity at work
Emails crushing productivity at work: "THE average employee is productive at work for just four hours a day due to a flood of disruptive emails and phone calls, according to a new study."
Yes, technology can really invade our space and slow us down. Tell me about it. The best calls are the ones about the person sending you an email which you haven't replied to. People are very NOW and want everything done NOW. No conception of what your job might actually be and emails and phonecalls are often very self indulgent and an attempt to bypass the system. It will have to be dealt with because we can't deal with it all. That is a fact. There should be a pleasure factor in work but basically it's about routine garbage generated by technology. If you are getting up in the morning and groaning and thinking you hate work...consider the reason and it is abound to be about this garbage which just stops you from doing the job for which you are skilled and which you enjoy.
Yes, technology can really invade our space and slow us down. Tell me about it. The best calls are the ones about the person sending you an email which you haven't replied to. People are very NOW and want everything done NOW. No conception of what your job might actually be and emails and phonecalls are often very self indulgent and an attempt to bypass the system. It will have to be dealt with because we can't deal with it all. That is a fact. There should be a pleasure factor in work but basically it's about routine garbage generated by technology. If you are getting up in the morning and groaning and thinking you hate work...consider the reason and it is abound to be about this garbage which just stops you from doing the job for which you are skilled and which you enjoy.
South Australia's plastic bag ban plan divides readers
South Australia's plastic bag ban plan divides readers: "THE State Government's decision to ban plastic bags by January has infuriated many AdelaideNow readers and sparked heated debate on the merits of the plan."
We had actually put pressure on the government and lobbied them so we could get rid of the plastic bags and the day we got an agreement this would become reality...we were happy. Now it is going to be a reality, suddenly the environmental and damage to fauna are no longer valid. Environmental groups are still quite clear that getting rid of plastic bags in supermarkets would stop damage. We don't have them littering everywhere but they still get inside our wild life and that is not good. I have never bought the green ones. We shall have to think of how we shall dispose of them when they wear out and probably a return to supermarket bin is the best way. They need to be dealt with properly. They are durable and will last for quite some time. I mostly have cloth bags and then some bags which were given away free to help us on the road to a plastic bag free zone. We did live without them. The NSW idea of a bit of a rebate for using recyclable bags is a good one. We do need optional packaging for those who forget. Bunnings has been good like that. They have reuseable bags at a good price and always have boxes on standby . There firm policy has helped us change and no one seems to mind. I think we just need to put out the ideas of how we shall manage. Team effort, people. At the supermarkets where I shop , everyone trots in with their pile of bags. Old habits die hard, but we are able to adapt.
We had actually put pressure on the government and lobbied them so we could get rid of the plastic bags and the day we got an agreement this would become reality...we were happy. Now it is going to be a reality, suddenly the environmental and damage to fauna are no longer valid. Environmental groups are still quite clear that getting rid of plastic bags in supermarkets would stop damage. We don't have them littering everywhere but they still get inside our wild life and that is not good. I have never bought the green ones. We shall have to think of how we shall dispose of them when they wear out and probably a return to supermarket bin is the best way. They need to be dealt with properly. They are durable and will last for quite some time. I mostly have cloth bags and then some bags which were given away free to help us on the road to a plastic bag free zone. We did live without them. The NSW idea of a bit of a rebate for using recyclable bags is a good one. We do need optional packaging for those who forget. Bunnings has been good like that. They have reuseable bags at a good price and always have boxes on standby . There firm policy has helped us change and no one seems to mind. I think we just need to put out the ideas of how we shall manage. Team effort, people. At the supermarkets where I shop , everyone trots in with their pile of bags. Old habits die hard, but we are able to adapt.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Poll measures the climate of public opinion -
Poll measures the climate of public opinion : "'The environment swamps everything else. It's the No1 issue for Australians,' he said.
About one in five people believed the environment including global warming and sustainability was the most important problem facing the country."
We are surrounded by our environment. We are watching it being destroyed and defaced by building. We are watching vast tracts of land being bulldozed and we are suffocating in the dust. We are watching our green turn into concrete and desert. You cannot live in a desert and we don't want concrete. We are watching waterways dry up and gardens go brown and crispy. We see lightning start bush fires and our friends suffer in floods or excessive heat. We are fed up with dumb planning and dumb weather patterns which rob us of fresh food, jobs, livelihood and our plants and animals. We are sick of distressed kangaroos and koalas and we are sick of people killing our species because they are in the way of yet more development. We want proper weather because we have a relaxed lifestyle and we are becoming very anxious.We can't go out because of skin cancer and dust. We love our environment and we are being deprived of what makes us well. Our environment is killing us. Why wouldn't we want change?
About one in five people believed the environment including global warming and sustainability was the most important problem facing the country."
We are surrounded by our environment. We are watching it being destroyed and defaced by building. We are watching vast tracts of land being bulldozed and we are suffocating in the dust. We are watching our green turn into concrete and desert. You cannot live in a desert and we don't want concrete. We are watching waterways dry up and gardens go brown and crispy. We see lightning start bush fires and our friends suffer in floods or excessive heat. We are fed up with dumb planning and dumb weather patterns which rob us of fresh food, jobs, livelihood and our plants and animals. We are sick of distressed kangaroos and koalas and we are sick of people killing our species because they are in the way of yet more development. We want proper weather because we have a relaxed lifestyle and we are becoming very anxious.We can't go out because of skin cancer and dust. We love our environment and we are being deprived of what makes us well. Our environment is killing us. Why wouldn't we want change?
Aussie richer, but there's more assault
Aussie richer, but there's more assault: "The number of bird and mammal species considered extinct, endangered or vulnerable increased 14 per cent to 174 between 2000 and last year, the report said."
Nothing to be proud of there and nothing to be proud of with our greenhouse gas emissions. We need a better team effort, I think. Get really serious. We are good when we are really serious and stop faffing around.
Nothing to be proud of there and nothing to be proud of with our greenhouse gas emissions. We need a better team effort, I think. Get really serious. We are good when we are really serious and stop faffing around.
Removal 'better than contraception'
AdelaideNow... Removal 'better than contraception': "State Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the director of nursing at Woorabinda Multipurpose Health Service confirmed that all of the implants were performed at the request of, or in consultation with, a child's mother and a doctor."
This is Australia in 2008. Would you want your daughter of 12 fitted with a contraceptive device? I wouldn't. I wouldn't want her to be taken away either. I realise social mores are different in different places and that we cannot change practices overnight. It doesn't make sense to make the young girls bear the weight of adult behaviour which could be changed. It would mean people within that community would have to support the changes and be used as the ones who can create and bring about that change. Either put them on contraceptives at a young age or take them away form their families? That's not a choice for the girls nor on behalf of girls living in Australia in 2008.
This is Australia in 2008. Would you want your daughter of 12 fitted with a contraceptive device? I wouldn't. I wouldn't want her to be taken away either. I realise social mores are different in different places and that we cannot change practices overnight. It doesn't make sense to make the young girls bear the weight of adult behaviour which could be changed. It would mean people within that community would have to support the changes and be used as the ones who can create and bring about that change. Either put them on contraceptives at a young age or take them away form their families? That's not a choice for the girls nor on behalf of girls living in Australia in 2008.
Melbourne raid nets ecstasy, cocaine, guns
Melbourne raid nets ecstasy, cocaine, guns : "Eighteen people have been charged with drug offences after a police operation in Melbourne's northern suburbs."
Drugs are a great leveller. They are running through all facets of society. They earn fame , fortune and a lot of pain and heartache for those involved. Once in, you cannot opt out. We have to continue supporting the police because this is not an easy task for them. They have to bust some pretty tough people, some pretty sad cases and some people who have fallen from grace. They have riddled our society and made families and neighbourhoods suffer. Their impact is far reaching and the amount of money which can be earned from the misery of others is enough to keep people involved. We'll probably never get the really big people involved in the trade. Are they too big for us? When you see happy, healthy people go down the tubes , it's awful. When you are the police in there trying to do your best to get rid of all this stuff, then you are putting yourself at risk. They have been doing well and the networks around the world are being targeted through international co operation. We just have to keep on keeping on to restore the balance.
Drugs are a great leveller. They are running through all facets of society. They earn fame , fortune and a lot of pain and heartache for those involved. Once in, you cannot opt out. We have to continue supporting the police because this is not an easy task for them. They have to bust some pretty tough people, some pretty sad cases and some people who have fallen from grace. They have riddled our society and made families and neighbourhoods suffer. Their impact is far reaching and the amount of money which can be earned from the misery of others is enough to keep people involved. We'll probably never get the really big people involved in the trade. Are they too big for us? When you see happy, healthy people go down the tubes , it's awful. When you are the police in there trying to do your best to get rid of all this stuff, then you are putting yourself at risk. They have been doing well and the networks around the world are being targeted through international co operation. We just have to keep on keeping on to restore the balance.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Accused disqualified driver admits he's an idiot
Accused disqualified driver admits he's an idiot : "The Courier-Mail yesterday revealed astounded police could not believe Allingham had allegedly committed the offence while his Holden Commodore was impounded at the time under the repeat vehicle offenders law."
Indeed. you have to wonder what goes on in some people's heads. I think kids are brought up without boundaries and so it takes them longer to work out what is reasonable behaviour. People used to be told or lectured. Now it seems they have to find out for themselves because they literally have no brakes on their personal behaviour...so yes, they crash time and time again in life. I do have hope, though. I had a lovely conversation with a 22 year old lad today who had been on the wrong side of the law for hooning, speeding, driving without a licence. I really liked him. He had a great personality and I was really surprised he had been so daft. So then we talked some more and the respect he had for the police and the courts was heart warming. We worked out that it really wasn't worth it and that he had finally woken up to himself and was NOW being a mentor to his mates!!! That was the best bit. All his "idiocy" that I'd heard about ( and tried not to do the cat's bottom face over) meant he realised the police had worked hard to get him some sense in his head because he'd driven his parents to desperation. He finally had got it and was getting the message out there. That's what we need...the young who get it need to fast track it to their mates.
Indeed. you have to wonder what goes on in some people's heads. I think kids are brought up without boundaries and so it takes them longer to work out what is reasonable behaviour. People used to be told or lectured. Now it seems they have to find out for themselves because they literally have no brakes on their personal behaviour...so yes, they crash time and time again in life. I do have hope, though. I had a lovely conversation with a 22 year old lad today who had been on the wrong side of the law for hooning, speeding, driving without a licence. I really liked him. He had a great personality and I was really surprised he had been so daft. So then we talked some more and the respect he had for the police and the courts was heart warming. We worked out that it really wasn't worth it and that he had finally woken up to himself and was NOW being a mentor to his mates!!! That was the best bit. All his "idiocy" that I'd heard about ( and tried not to do the cat's bottom face over) meant he realised the police had worked hard to get him some sense in his head because he'd driven his parents to desperation. He finally had got it and was getting the message out there. That's what we need...the young who get it need to fast track it to their mates.
Vista ReadyBoost option
Go for it! I say go for it. If you are a techno noddy like me and you don't have the capacity to fiddle with caches , swap files and anything else which might be needing a tweak...use the ReadyBoost option in Vista. It is a piece of cake! I have just made myself a ram stick in 30 seconds and I feel so clever. Get a 2GB ram stick. Mine happens to be a SanDisk because I use another brand for my other USB flash drives for personal use. This way I can pick up my ReadyBoost without wondering which one. Plug it into the USB. Let the drivers load. Then pick the option "Speed up my computer." Check the "use this device" and "Apply" and bingo!!! I tell you what, you notice a difference straight away. Things load faster and with a little less effort. Smooth. It tells me we'll be all cruisy soon if we can do things like this. Besides...it's fun! Everybody thrives on tips and tricks.
Lawyer under scrutiny after questioning teen rape victim
Lawyer under scrutiny after questioning teen rape victim: "'Why should anyone have to relive one night's experience over three days? It doesn't make sense,' said Ms Wagner, who was questioned by three barristers over three days after being raped by three brothers."
The legal and psychological professionals of our country need to do better than this. Oh, I know. She might be lying. We have to be sure. I don't know the details of this case and nor should I . I just need to know people are treated humanely and with respect in our system whether they have given others respect or not. If the rape case is clear then I think there needs to be a better way of questioning the victim without them having to go over and over and over it. They at least need to be in a supportive environment. You can see why people don't report rape and that means we are allowing it to continue. Then where there is doubt, we still need to be looking at a better method for ascertaining critical facts and information. Interrogation under duress isn't going to work, really. I think we need to consider all of this and get some input from people who ought to be able to offer help in devising better strategies.
The legal and psychological professionals of our country need to do better than this. Oh, I know. She might be lying. We have to be sure. I don't know the details of this case and nor should I . I just need to know people are treated humanely and with respect in our system whether they have given others respect or not. If the rape case is clear then I think there needs to be a better way of questioning the victim without them having to go over and over and over it. They at least need to be in a supportive environment. You can see why people don't report rape and that means we are allowing it to continue. Then where there is doubt, we still need to be looking at a better method for ascertaining critical facts and information. Interrogation under duress isn't going to work, really. I think we need to consider all of this and get some input from people who ought to be able to offer help in devising better strategies.
Firebug caused $2.4m damage to school
Firebug caused $2.4m damage to school : "The boy's lawyer told the court alcohol was involved to a minor degree in the his actions and it was an impulsive act with no great degree of premeditation."
2.4 million dollars wowrth of damage ...and not something he really thought about. Sounds awful. He just did it because he felt like it? 16 and he thought setting a fire in a school might be a good idea. Bit of fun maybe? The heartache to the primary children , their parents and their teachers won't have a cost. They have lost so much in this and will be the ones doing the clean up.They will rally and recover but it will make them feel sick and it will hurt them deeply. Someone always has a good character until they do something awful. You only have to murder someone once, explode something once, set fire to a building or the bush once. That's the whole point. You don't have a good character if you are going to heap this much damage and misery onto people. This boy probably didn't mean to do this much harm. he probably doesn't know how the school and its population will feel. he probably didn't intend for it to get this much out of hand. He will now know what a random thought, idea can do and he will be thinking about it. At this stage he doesn't seem to be safe, but setting fires and exploding things seems to be a stage kids can go through. they like the bigness of it. He needs to be in the army or down in the mines. A lot of city kids still have a pioneer mentality so to speak and that can be channelled into working on oil rigs, ship building. They like loud, noisy and extreme. I am sure the courts will determine whether he can be channelled into the right future from this point because the community is likely to be pretty angry with him.
2.4 million dollars wowrth of damage ...and not something he really thought about. Sounds awful. He just did it because he felt like it? 16 and he thought setting a fire in a school might be a good idea. Bit of fun maybe? The heartache to the primary children , their parents and their teachers won't have a cost. They have lost so much in this and will be the ones doing the clean up.They will rally and recover but it will make them feel sick and it will hurt them deeply. Someone always has a good character until they do something awful. You only have to murder someone once, explode something once, set fire to a building or the bush once. That's the whole point. You don't have a good character if you are going to heap this much damage and misery onto people. This boy probably didn't mean to do this much harm. he probably doesn't know how the school and its population will feel. he probably didn't intend for it to get this much out of hand. He will now know what a random thought, idea can do and he will be thinking about it. At this stage he doesn't seem to be safe, but setting fires and exploding things seems to be a stage kids can go through. they like the bigness of it. He needs to be in the army or down in the mines. A lot of city kids still have a pioneer mentality so to speak and that can be channelled into working on oil rigs, ship building. They like loud, noisy and extreme. I am sure the courts will determine whether he can be channelled into the right future from this point because the community is likely to be pretty angry with him.
Passengers stranded on train for 13hrs
Passengers stranded on train for 13hrs : "About 200 people were on the train, waiting for work to be completed on rail tracks in Broken Hill, in far western New South Wales."
An ounce of prevention. Keeping everyone informed. Planning. All the basics seem to have gone adrift. If there were works on the rail track which would delay the train for that long that needed to be factored into the train trip and people needed to know. The Indian Pacific has been trouble free. It doesn't normally carry on like this. You cannot lock people up in a carriage for hours and hours on end. No, it does not bode well for us or tourists and it is a bit disappointing to here the human consideration has run adrift along with the rail tracks.
An ounce of prevention. Keeping everyone informed. Planning. All the basics seem to have gone adrift. If there were works on the rail track which would delay the train for that long that needed to be factored into the train trip and people needed to know. The Indian Pacific has been trouble free. It doesn't normally carry on like this. You cannot lock people up in a carriage for hours and hours on end. No, it does not bode well for us or tourists and it is a bit disappointing to here the human consideration has run adrift along with the rail tracks.
Govt investigates Stolen Generations leprosy allegations
Govt investigates Stolen Generations leprosy allegations : "'I don't know what the files will show us but what I want to do is make sure that we quickly find out anything that is on the Commonwealth's Health Department records,' she said."
We do at least have an atmosphere whereby we can look at getting to the truth and it probably isn't going to be pretty. There is no use listening to rumours but it is important to access the facts and establish the facts.The truth will come out and we shall put the picture together because we now have the courage to do so. It will no doubt be upsetting for everyone but at least we have had the decency to talk about it and look at the picture clearly. From that point onwards it is up to all of us to set it straight.
We do at least have an atmosphere whereby we can look at getting to the truth and it probably isn't going to be pretty. There is no use listening to rumours but it is important to access the facts and establish the facts.The truth will come out and we shall put the picture together because we now have the courage to do so. It will no doubt be upsetting for everyone but at least we have had the decency to talk about it and look at the picture clearly. From that point onwards it is up to all of us to set it straight.
Lack of space in Earth's orbit
Lack of space in Earth's orbit : "The majority of those, about 11,500 pieces,are in low Earth orbit, which is at an altitude of between 800 and 1500km, where most commercial, military, scientific and navigational satellites operate."I was staggered when I saw this picture! What you don't know doesn't hurt you, heh? I am mind boggled!! I thank NASA for letting me see all of that, but seriously, do we need 12,000 satellites and trackable objects? When did they all get up there?? I am almost speechless. It's bonkers to have that much stuff drifting around in our atmosphere. Don't we ever think? Do we never clean up after ourselves?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Cadbury chocolate factory tours stopped
Cadbury chocolate factory tours stopped : "A spokeswoman for Cadbury says a review of standards globally has found the Claremont factory lacking, and public tours will cease."
If the factory is not up to scratch for tours...does that mean the chocolate is not what we should be buying? The Cadbury tours are very popular for visitors to Tasmania. I can see they might what to update or change and stop the tours for a bit while they do that...but it says the new health and safety standards have stopped the tours. maybe it is not safe? If nothing else it would be good for people to have a chocolate experience and perhaps it could be along the lines of wineries! They have become expert at combining a foodie/entertainment experience with their products.
If the factory is not up to scratch for tours...does that mean the chocolate is not what we should be buying? The Cadbury tours are very popular for visitors to Tasmania. I can see they might what to update or change and stop the tours for a bit while they do that...but it says the new health and safety standards have stopped the tours. maybe it is not safe? If nothing else it would be good for people to have a chocolate experience and perhaps it could be along the lines of wineries! They have become expert at combining a foodie/entertainment experience with their products.
Govt to soften Centrelink regulations
Govt to soften Centrelink regulations : "The Government's move comes in response to complaints from several welfare groups that the number of people who have had their benefits cut has doubled since mid-way through 2007."
There are 3 things which could be changed to make life easier for those on Centrelink payments. Firstly, if they have found some work, there needs to be a downsizing and negotiation of the 10 jobs a fortnight the person has to apply for. They can't necessarily do the work they are doing and then apply for jobs which might bring up job interviews when they are trying to make themselves look like a good worker. Secondly, they could find a far better way to get those booklets delivered and assessed if the person does have some work and can't get to a Centrelink office. I know they let someone else take it in...but maybe they are working too or maybe there is no one else. It puts a lot of pressure on someone who has to say " Can I have time off on Monday to deliver my Centrelink book?" There is no viable alternative for someone who has to manage this alone. Thirdly, Centrelink should not assume everyone is a plonker. There are people who have degrees and lots of training who need to be better encouraged to find suitable positions. Centrelink really needs to get their job networks to make connections with places which might be willing to consider graduates, qualified workers and those who have some good skills. If we have a skills shortage it's because people coming onto the market are treated like twits and then companies won't take you on unless you have experience! Centrelink needs a better filtering system so that they can get people on their feet quickly and then channel high maintenance people into the right places to get the support and skills they need to launch themselves onto the job market in some way shape or form.
There are 3 things which could be changed to make life easier for those on Centrelink payments. Firstly, if they have found some work, there needs to be a downsizing and negotiation of the 10 jobs a fortnight the person has to apply for. They can't necessarily do the work they are doing and then apply for jobs which might bring up job interviews when they are trying to make themselves look like a good worker. Secondly, they could find a far better way to get those booklets delivered and assessed if the person does have some work and can't get to a Centrelink office. I know they let someone else take it in...but maybe they are working too or maybe there is no one else. It puts a lot of pressure on someone who has to say " Can I have time off on Monday to deliver my Centrelink book?" There is no viable alternative for someone who has to manage this alone. Thirdly, Centrelink should not assume everyone is a plonker. There are people who have degrees and lots of training who need to be better encouraged to find suitable positions. Centrelink really needs to get their job networks to make connections with places which might be willing to consider graduates, qualified workers and those who have some good skills. If we have a skills shortage it's because people coming onto the market are treated like twits and then companies won't take you on unless you have experience! Centrelink needs a better filtering system so that they can get people on their feet quickly and then channel high maintenance people into the right places to get the support and skills they need to launch themselves onto the job market in some way shape or form.
Lightning strike kills boy, 14
Lightning strike kills boy, 14, as storm hits city suburb: "The 14-year-old was injured during a freak thunder- storm in a south-west Dublin suburb."
Yes, the storms are freakish and lethal and this man made weather has to stop. Lightning is damaging so much but when it starts striking people, like young boys ,it needs to be taken seriously. Freak storms, but they are damaging the land, taking out power, creating floods and bush fires which are devastating and then taking people out of our lives. What can we do about it? It's both odd and hideous what we are doing to ourselves. Time to get to the bottom of it and change so our weather goes back to normal.
Yes, the storms are freakish and lethal and this man made weather has to stop. Lightning is damaging so much but when it starts striking people, like young boys ,it needs to be taken seriously. Freak storms, but they are damaging the land, taking out power, creating floods and bush fires which are devastating and then taking people out of our lives. What can we do about it? It's both odd and hideous what we are doing to ourselves. Time to get to the bottom of it and change so our weather goes back to normal.
World Bank calls for urgent action on food prices
World Bank calls for urgent action on food prices - World : "One of the main factors behind the surge in prices is the increased use of crops for biofuels as an alternative energy source. Almost all of the rise in global corn production from 2004 to 2007 went to biofuels in the United States."
You wouldn't want people going hungry as a side effect of our efforts to do something about global warming , and yes, there was a lot of hype about biofuels and then a lot of pressure to produce them. The economic situation in Asia and then the drought in Australia have driven up food prices. Our drought has affected our food and our capacity to produce food in large quantities.It is yet another thing we need to resolve and negotiate as a planet.
You wouldn't want people going hungry as a side effect of our efforts to do something about global warming , and yes, there was a lot of hype about biofuels and then a lot of pressure to produce them. The economic situation in Asia and then the drought in Australia have driven up food prices. Our drought has affected our food and our capacity to produce food in large quantities.It is yet another thing we need to resolve and negotiate as a planet.
Bosses to snoop on emails
Bosses to snoop on emails - and you would never know: "'At least 90 per cent of networks exist outside government but there's no powers for corporate network supervisors to intercept such communications unless they have specific authority from the employee,' Mr McClelland said."
You'd have to be bonkers to plan evil deeds by using work email. Seriously. I assume my emails are being read no matter when and where I write them and which client I use. I assume that is the world we live in. To protect us from the few, the rest of us have sacrificed individual freedoms. It used to be quite illegal for a letter to be opened by anyone other than the addressee. It was guaranteed it was your mail. Emails belong to everyone and no one seems to bother whether your privacy is being compromised or not. It is for your own good!! I don't actually use my word address. I never go there and I have the emails forwarded elsewhere. Work emails are just work emails. Everything else is just chat or business and I keep it simple. I am just saddened that we, as individuals, really are no longer respected and it is because there are some dumbclucks out there who would wreak havoc. That is not most of us.
You'd have to be bonkers to plan evil deeds by using work email. Seriously. I assume my emails are being read no matter when and where I write them and which client I use. I assume that is the world we live in. To protect us from the few, the rest of us have sacrificed individual freedoms. It used to be quite illegal for a letter to be opened by anyone other than the addressee. It was guaranteed it was your mail. Emails belong to everyone and no one seems to bother whether your privacy is being compromised or not. It is for your own good!! I don't actually use my word address. I never go there and I have the emails forwarded elsewhere. Work emails are just work emails. Everything else is just chat or business and I keep it simple. I am just saddened that we, as individuals, really are no longer respected and it is because there are some dumbclucks out there who would wreak havoc. That is not most of us.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Dogs and pups operated on, then killed
Dogs and pups operated on, then killed : "The dogs are anaesthetised before students carry out surgical procedures, then put down before they are likely to regain consciousness."
I feel a public backlash coming on.
I feel a public backlash coming on.
SA man charged over eBay fraud
SA man charged over eBay fraud : "A 20-year-old Adelaide man has been charged over a series of allegedly fraudulent transactions using the internet retail site eBay."
This Adelaide man appears to have ripped people off to the tune of 28 000 dollars. He's 20. Can't he work for a living? I don't use E Bay but everyone else I know does and it appears to be a site which is both helpful and useful. Some of my friends and family are very enthusiastic about it. They have bought some good bargains and sold some unwanted items easily. So the site has a good purpose in life. Then you get people like this man who stuff things up and make people wary. Always looking over their shoulder. It's horrible. You get sick of checking all the time whether you are being scammed or not.
This Adelaide man appears to have ripped people off to the tune of 28 000 dollars. He's 20. Can't he work for a living? I don't use E Bay but everyone else I know does and it appears to be a site which is both helpful and useful. Some of my friends and family are very enthusiastic about it. They have bought some good bargains and sold some unwanted items easily. So the site has a good purpose in life. Then you get people like this man who stuff things up and make people wary. Always looking over their shoulder. It's horrible. You get sick of checking all the time whether you are being scammed or not.
Bligh calls for national curriculum
Bligh calls for national curriculum : "'A national curriculum authority would provide not only consistency of learning across the country but sufficient flexibility for teachers in our classrooms to be providing local resources to meet that curriculum,' she said."
Given the number of families who have to move around to find work, or avoid hazardous weather conditions, then I'd say this idea of a national curriculum would be good. It would hopefully mean that teachers could move around too if they wanted too. It would create flexibility in that sense. I should think it would also be easier to streamline resources and improve online delivery of support, help and curriculum so that those who need to be online could have the same resources as everyone else. It would have to be negotiated so that the best from each state is incorporated into the national curriculum and then the anomaly of the Eastern Sates starting high school a year earlier needs to be addressed. We are one country. We need to hear what the disadvantages would be.
Given the number of families who have to move around to find work, or avoid hazardous weather conditions, then I'd say this idea of a national curriculum would be good. It would hopefully mean that teachers could move around too if they wanted too. It would create flexibility in that sense. I should think it would also be easier to streamline resources and improve online delivery of support, help and curriculum so that those who need to be online could have the same resources as everyone else. It would have to be negotiated so that the best from each state is incorporated into the national curriculum and then the anomaly of the Eastern Sates starting high school a year earlier needs to be addressed. We are one country. We need to hear what the disadvantages would be.
Rudd names Bryce as new G-G
Rudd names Bryce as new G-G : "Ms Bryce is the current Queensland Governor, a former Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner and the founding chair of the National Childcare Accreditation Council."
Dame Roma Mitchell , who was our Governor of South Australia , was a distinguished, well liked woman who brought a lot to the job and was well liked. She pioneered so many positions. Ms Bryce sounds like is is very competent and will bring a lot to our position of Governor General. I dare say between now and September, when she takes up the position, we'll find out a lot more about her. This sounds like it is going to be really good.
Dame Roma Mitchell , who was our Governor of South Australia , was a distinguished, well liked woman who brought a lot to the job and was well liked. She pioneered so many positions. Ms Bryce sounds like is is very competent and will bring a lot to our position of Governor General. I dare say between now and September, when she takes up the position, we'll find out a lot more about her. This sounds like it is going to be really good.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
$5000 to find best visual artist
AdelaideNow... $5000 to find best visual artist: "The public will also be asked to donate broken mobile phones to create a giant sculpture during the SALA Festival."
Oddly enough I am just doing an old phone collection to recycle them! maybe I'll get them turned itno art instead. What a great idea and I can't wait to see what teh artists come up with for this competition to win $5000, because we have some fantastic artists here.
Download entry and registration forms at www.salafestival.com
Oddly enough I am just doing an old phone collection to recycle them! maybe I'll get them turned itno art instead. What a great idea and I can't wait to see what teh artists come up with for this competition to win $5000, because we have some fantastic artists here.
Download entry and registration forms at www.salafestival.com
Pants padlocked to stop prostitution
Pants padlocked to stop prostitution : "'It is not the right way to prevent promiscuity. It insults women as if they are the ones in the wrong,' Ms Hatta said."
Well, honestly...all you need is a pair of scissors or a Stanley knife and Bob's your uncle. You have to look at the causes and the reasons why girls go into prostitution and try and solve those problems first. It is a community issue, that's for sure.
Well, honestly...all you need is a pair of scissors or a Stanley knife and Bob's your uncle. You have to look at the causes and the reasons why girls go into prostitution and try and solve those problems first. It is a community issue, that's for sure.
First day of Youth Summit wraps up
First day of Youth Summit wraps up : "The 100 delegates, aged between 18 and 24, focused on 10 key areas including the economy, education, climate change, health, and the future of Australian governance."
I am curious to see whether the young people found this to be a challenging and exciting day. It would be a good thing to continue so that the young people grow into citizens who take an interest in their country. They would certainly be more involved if they felt their contributions were meaningful and viable. I don't think you listen just for the sake of listening nor do you implement just for the sake of implementing. If the ideas from this can truly be used then it should be further developed and encouraged. It is great to actually have some good news about young people who are being productive and positive. It's a great pity we don't focus on this more because I bet there are more positive , active young people than the extreme few we constantly hear about. It's about balance and focus and where we want to put our time and energies.
I am curious to see whether the young people found this to be a challenging and exciting day. It would be a good thing to continue so that the young people grow into citizens who take an interest in their country. They would certainly be more involved if they felt their contributions were meaningful and viable. I don't think you listen just for the sake of listening nor do you implement just for the sake of implementing. If the ideas from this can truly be used then it should be further developed and encouraged. It is great to actually have some good news about young people who are being productive and positive. It's a great pity we don't focus on this more because I bet there are more positive , active young people than the extreme few we constantly hear about. It's about balance and focus and where we want to put our time and energies.
Gambling
Queenslanders losing $5m a day on pokies : "There are more than 40,000 poker machines in Queensland with punters losing about $34 million a week."
I'll give you 10 to 1 the profiteers are laughing all the way to the bank. Who cares? There's plenty of money to be made on the pokies. The misery is just a bugga.
I'll give you 10 to 1 the profiteers are laughing all the way to the bank. Who cares? There's plenty of money to be made on the pokies. The misery is just a bugga.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Japan rejects China's torch guards
Japan rejects China's torch guards : "The muscular guards have come under fire for brusquely pushing aside demonstrators, who are using the torch relay to protest over China's human rights record and its controversial rule in Tibet."
The torch is the rallying point for the protests about Tibet. Rightly or wrongly it is a fact. World citizens have been unanimous in their condemnation of what is going on in Tibet . We do not like that kind of treatment of others. Even if we belong to nations which are visiting that kind of misery on others, we , as citizens of Planet Earth do not like it. So then we have to try and cross the governmental divide and then the cultural divide. We, at least, have a Prime Minister now who is on the same page as us, corny as it sounds. He is representing our views and if they are his views too, then so much the better. The difficulty for China is that its government is doing what it is doing in Tibet and then it its people and government are holding the Olympic games. On the plus side they have provided protection for the torch. Added protection in a time when the torch has represented something other than the great achievements to come of our world's athletes. They have at least done that and it should be acknowledged. Then people behave how they are used to behaving. If their guards are too rough or whatever we want to say, then that is culturally determined behaviour. It's a matter of talking and negotiating and getting the behaviours and boundaries clear.We have all learned that lesson of having to change ourselves if we travel, but when we are performing particular roles there are usually debriefing sessions to help us behave appropriately for that public role.There has been talk of stopping the world torch relay altogether. I'd see that as a loss, because it has been an honour for the torch bearers and a mission of goodwill, but I can see why people are thinking it is just not worth it because it comes at a high personal cost for each country under these circumstances and then deflects from the achievements of the athletes. Something we need to discuss at length, I feel.
The torch is the rallying point for the protests about Tibet. Rightly or wrongly it is a fact. World citizens have been unanimous in their condemnation of what is going on in Tibet . We do not like that kind of treatment of others. Even if we belong to nations which are visiting that kind of misery on others, we , as citizens of Planet Earth do not like it. So then we have to try and cross the governmental divide and then the cultural divide. We, at least, have a Prime Minister now who is on the same page as us, corny as it sounds. He is representing our views and if they are his views too, then so much the better. The difficulty for China is that its government is doing what it is doing in Tibet and then it its people and government are holding the Olympic games. On the plus side they have provided protection for the torch. Added protection in a time when the torch has represented something other than the great achievements to come of our world's athletes. They have at least done that and it should be acknowledged. Then people behave how they are used to behaving. If their guards are too rough or whatever we want to say, then that is culturally determined behaviour. It's a matter of talking and negotiating and getting the behaviours and boundaries clear.We have all learned that lesson of having to change ourselves if we travel, but when we are performing particular roles there are usually debriefing sessions to help us behave appropriately for that public role.There has been talk of stopping the world torch relay altogether. I'd see that as a loss, because it has been an honour for the torch bearers and a mission of goodwill, but I can see why people are thinking it is just not worth it because it comes at a high personal cost for each country under these circumstances and then deflects from the achievements of the athletes. Something we need to discuss at length, I feel.
Nelson attacks Rudd over Rein's business
Nelson attacks Rudd over Rein's business : "'Why is it Mr Rudd is diligent enough to disclose the fact that he received a pen or a bottle of grange hermitage wine, but for some reason he's forgotten the fact that his wife still has a company that earned $160,000 over the last four years,' he said."
If I knew Therese Rein was winding that business up, well, it's hardly a secret. That came out at the time Mr. Rudd was thinking about running for Prime Minister. His wife is hugely successful and one of the richest Australian business women we have. She has been lauded for that and is acknowledged publicly as a great role model because of it. At the time there was a lot of debate about whether she should give up her business interests and play the lovely Prime Minister's wife because it seemed so arcane and old fashioned...downright mothballed in its approach. She is a hugely successful business woman in her own right and it was she who decided how that was going to be managed and then it was in the news what what happening and how it was going to go and her Australian interests were shut down by her . When you work at that level of business it is not easy to just close everything but it was done and it was reported in the news. She was earning money here because she had Australian businesses which were thriving. Of course she was earning money from them! So were other Australians. Bottom line? It is still pathetic she was put in the position of having to give up her career while her husband is our Prime Minister. We have achieved nothing for women at the top and it's disgraceful.
If I knew Therese Rein was winding that business up, well, it's hardly a secret. That came out at the time Mr. Rudd was thinking about running for Prime Minister. His wife is hugely successful and one of the richest Australian business women we have. She has been lauded for that and is acknowledged publicly as a great role model because of it. At the time there was a lot of debate about whether she should give up her business interests and play the lovely Prime Minister's wife because it seemed so arcane and old fashioned...downright mothballed in its approach. She is a hugely successful business woman in her own right and it was she who decided how that was going to be managed and then it was in the news what what happening and how it was going to go and her Australian interests were shut down by her . When you work at that level of business it is not easy to just close everything but it was done and it was reported in the news. She was earning money here because she had Australian businesses which were thriving. Of course she was earning money from them! So were other Australians. Bottom line? It is still pathetic she was put in the position of having to give up her career while her husband is our Prime Minister. We have achieved nothing for women at the top and it's disgraceful.
Coffee fan in hot water for alleged bar code scam - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Coffee fan in hot water for alleged bar code scam : "Police say they raided his caravan at West Beach in Adelaide and found dozens of items, including televisions, other appliances and fishing rods."
I am embarrassed. Adelaide people are looking like complete plonkers. We don't really think we are the entitled and we don't really try to scam like this. What on earth was he thinking? A coffee machine for 30 bucks? I don't think so.
I am embarrassed. Adelaide people are looking like complete plonkers. We don't really think we are the entitled and we don't really try to scam like this. What on earth was he thinking? A coffee machine for 30 bucks? I don't think so.
Girl, woman 'punch policeman in face'
Girl, woman 'punch policeman in face' : "Police say the girls punched the constable, from the Commuter Crime Unit, knocking his filling out and bruising his head and face."
Don't know about you, but I have reached saturation point on boundary testing. It wastes time , energy, money and does a lot of damage. So if they are boundary testing, let them see just how good our boundaries are. Enough is enough. Been there, done that. We are over it now.
Don't know about you, but I have reached saturation point on boundary testing. It wastes time , energy, money and does a lot of damage. So if they are boundary testing, let them see just how good our boundaries are. Enough is enough. Been there, done that. We are over it now.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Hemp crops help save the Murray?
AdelaideNow... Can legal cannabis crops help save the Murray?: "Mr Macdonald said the soft texture of hemp means it can be used for insulation or as an alternative to fibreglass, while hemp seed oil can be used as a base for skin care products and paints."
We had hemp jeans and clothes at one stage and they were hugely popular and then they vanished and we were so annoyed. Hemp makes lovely jeans and very durable clothes. It makes a good, organic cloth which has a really nice texture. If other products can be produced and we can also save water ..then go for it...we might even get hemp twine back. We would be so happy.
We had hemp jeans and clothes at one stage and they were hugely popular and then they vanished and we were so annoyed. Hemp makes lovely jeans and very durable clothes. It makes a good, organic cloth which has a really nice texture. If other products can be produced and we can also save water ..then go for it...we might even get hemp twine back. We would be so happy.
Aussies should 'live in glass houses'
Aussies should 'live in glass houses' : "AUSTRALIANS could soon be living in solar-powered glass houses as part of the battle against climate change, a researcher predicts."
Architecturally and scientifically there are some interesting possibilities in terms of house design and creating houses which match our mad climate. Nature's not mad, we are. We created this mess but maybe those of us not responsible can rise to the occasion and create ourselves something which redeem those of us who are hell bent on stuffing up the planet. I have long thought solar cells should be built into our houses, but we have to match the glass areas against the fact in our heat, we'll make hot houses! That balance has to be achieved. Then we have to deal with security issues because we accept we have people who are entitled to break into our homes. There are quite a few who just think they can break in and do as they please. It's not something we teach people not to do. So sitting in a glass house through excess heat, won't have high appeal. Generating energy from the heat will be a great breakthrough. There are bound to be other ideas too...It is an opportunity for creativity and invention.
Architecturally and scientifically there are some interesting possibilities in terms of house design and creating houses which match our mad climate. Nature's not mad, we are. We created this mess but maybe those of us not responsible can rise to the occasion and create ourselves something which redeem those of us who are hell bent on stuffing up the planet. I have long thought solar cells should be built into our houses, but we have to match the glass areas against the fact in our heat, we'll make hot houses! That balance has to be achieved. Then we have to deal with security issues because we accept we have people who are entitled to break into our homes. There are quite a few who just think they can break in and do as they please. It's not something we teach people not to do. So sitting in a glass house through excess heat, won't have high appeal. Generating energy from the heat will be a great breakthrough. There are bound to be other ideas too...It is an opportunity for creativity and invention.
Rudd repeats Tibet human rights concerns
Rudd repeats Tibet human rights concerns : "'The current situation in Tibet is of concern to Australians. We recognise the need for all parties to avoid silence and find a solution through dialogue.'"
World leaders are talking loudly and convincingly. People all around the world are voicing their concerns and opinions. We live in an international society now and we can voice the concerns we have about issues as a whole planet. We can even work together as a whole planet. It is important when everyone is saying the same thing that you listen...and it is about dialogue. It's not an us and them. It's about resolving things which are bringing about human misery and suffering and we are all talking to each other about Iraq, about global warming , about the situation in Africa and Afghanistan...and now we are all talking about Tibet. We need to keep talking. It is how you create change....one conversation at a time.
World leaders are talking loudly and convincingly. People all around the world are voicing their concerns and opinions. We live in an international society now and we can voice the concerns we have about issues as a whole planet. We can even work together as a whole planet. It is important when everyone is saying the same thing that you listen...and it is about dialogue. It's not an us and them. It's about resolving things which are bringing about human misery and suffering and we are all talking to each other about Iraq, about global warming , about the situation in Africa and Afghanistan...and now we are all talking about Tibet. We need to keep talking. It is how you create change....one conversation at a time.
'Senior cocaine ring members' arrested
'Senior cocaine ring members' arrested : "Police say they have arrested two senior members of a multi-million-dollar Sydney cocaine syndicate as part of their 'golden gun' investigation."
Good, the more we get the better. We need to reach that level of critical mass where we start to restore the balance in our society. Sure, drugs make huge amounts of money for people. That's why it is so hard to tackle them. Money talks. But drugs have interfered with sports and sporting heroes, they have brought misery to families, they have put kids on the street because parents don't want the violence and criminality associated with drug use nor do they want to watch their child die a slow and painful death. They have affected work places, shopping centres, social gatherings. They affect your neighbourhood and mine and make us frightened to go out and worry about who might be on the street. We need to get rid of them and restore the harmony and the lives of all of us. The police and customs can lead the charge but we have to then get in there and support them.
Good, the more we get the better. We need to reach that level of critical mass where we start to restore the balance in our society. Sure, drugs make huge amounts of money for people. That's why it is so hard to tackle them. Money talks. But drugs have interfered with sports and sporting heroes, they have brought misery to families, they have put kids on the street because parents don't want the violence and criminality associated with drug use nor do they want to watch their child die a slow and painful death. They have affected work places, shopping centres, social gatherings. They affect your neighbourhood and mine and make us frightened to go out and worry about who might be on the street. We need to get rid of them and restore the harmony and the lives of all of us. The police and customs can lead the charge but we have to then get in there and support them.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Artificial sperm could make men redundant
Artificial sperm could make men redundant : "Artificial sperm could also make males totally redundant, permitting women to give birth without a biological male mate."
Hm. I don't think this'll make men redundant , somehow. Oh ye of little faith. Besides, this is for mice and they think if it works in mice it'll work in men...of mice and men...it just gets better and better. There's more to men than sperm. Not sure about mice.
Hm. I don't think this'll make men redundant , somehow. Oh ye of little faith. Besides, this is for mice and they think if it works in mice it'll work in men...of mice and men...it just gets better and better. There's more to men than sperm. Not sure about mice.
Superfast internet may replace world wide web
Superfast internet may replace world wide web :: "The internet could soon be made obsolete by a new “grid” system which is 10,000 times faster than broadband connections."
can't wait!! Hope the Swiss are really onto this and will have it ready to roll out by Christmas!! It would be fantastic!! All thanks to the physicists and particle accelerators. Sounds like magic and will feel like heaven.
can't wait!! Hope the Swiss are really onto this and will have it ready to roll out by Christmas!! It would be fantastic!! All thanks to the physicists and particle accelerators. Sounds like magic and will feel like heaven.
Rudd faces Olympic hurdle
Rudd faces Olympic hurdle : "When the world community decided to give Beijing the Games, there were human rights abuses in China and Tibet at that time. 'Now these recent events, of course, have involved violence and we urge restraint on the part of all parties. We urge that the Chinese authorities deal with the Dalai Lama's representatives to work out a better outcome for the Tibetan people."
We all have an opinion on this. We certainly do not like or support what is happening in Tibet. It is not how you should be treating people these days. While we are criticising , we are still in Iraq and we have been part of the coalition which has brought about such human misery. This is why we didn't support it in the first place. The Olympics were awarded to China inspite of people talking about human rights abuses. We need to be clear that China is a nation which is changing. We need to be aware of what has been pointed out, that change occurs over time. We need to keep reminding people we do not like to live like this any more. There are other ways of dealing with it. My personal point of view is that we have so many athletes who give up hours of their days and whole sections of their lives to be Olympians. The games are a celebration of their training and sporting achievement. There are many Chinese people and people from all around the world who are working so hard and in such a dedicated way to bring us another Olympic games. The Chinese government has made certain decisions the same as the coalition has done. We have changed that by working together to get a better set of arguments and values going. Sport is not politics and I believe they need to be separated. I think it is far better to let people go there and express their views directly to those responsible for the situation in Tibet. This is not the Olympic committee and to use the Olympians as a political football to pursue those human rights issues is not right unless the athletes find the whole situation so untenable they cannot be there. In this case it is a matter for the athletes to decide. Talking about it openly and honestly will get a far better outcome than avoiding conversations. If I disagree with someone I do not avoid them and if I think their behaviour is out of line I deal with that because I want to see change. That is action. I really think the people involved in the Olympics need a chance to have a clear run up to the Olympics because we haven't been putting in those relentless hours of preparation and organisation. The politics of the behaviour of the Chinese government needs to be dealt with in a political arena.
We all have an opinion on this. We certainly do not like or support what is happening in Tibet. It is not how you should be treating people these days. While we are criticising , we are still in Iraq and we have been part of the coalition which has brought about such human misery. This is why we didn't support it in the first place. The Olympics were awarded to China inspite of people talking about human rights abuses. We need to be clear that China is a nation which is changing. We need to be aware of what has been pointed out, that change occurs over time. We need to keep reminding people we do not like to live like this any more. There are other ways of dealing with it. My personal point of view is that we have so many athletes who give up hours of their days and whole sections of their lives to be Olympians. The games are a celebration of their training and sporting achievement. There are many Chinese people and people from all around the world who are working so hard and in such a dedicated way to bring us another Olympic games. The Chinese government has made certain decisions the same as the coalition has done. We have changed that by working together to get a better set of arguments and values going. Sport is not politics and I believe they need to be separated. I think it is far better to let people go there and express their views directly to those responsible for the situation in Tibet. This is not the Olympic committee and to use the Olympians as a political football to pursue those human rights issues is not right unless the athletes find the whole situation so untenable they cannot be there. In this case it is a matter for the athletes to decide. Talking about it openly and honestly will get a far better outcome than avoiding conversations. If I disagree with someone I do not avoid them and if I think their behaviour is out of line I deal with that because I want to see change. That is action. I really think the people involved in the Olympics need a chance to have a clear run up to the Olympics because we haven't been putting in those relentless hours of preparation and organisation. The politics of the behaviour of the Chinese government needs to be dealt with in a political arena.
Mining giant to preserve ancient dwelling site
Mining giant to preserve ancient dwelling site - : "'We immediately stopped work and are in continual dialogue with the traditional owners.
'My understanding is we have already agreed to alter the mine plan sufficiently to accommodate the shelter.'"
How responsible is that for a mining company?? They are actually listening and negotiating with traditional owners of the site. The archaeologists involved have dated the site to be at least 35 000 years old, and yes, even though we all live on the spoils form mining, we cannot afford to lose such remarkable sites of geological, historical and cultural value. Thank heavens Rio Tinto has shown remarkable consideration for the land and people.
'My understanding is we have already agreed to alter the mine plan sufficiently to accommodate the shelter.'"
How responsible is that for a mining company?? They are actually listening and negotiating with traditional owners of the site. The archaeologists involved have dated the site to be at least 35 000 years old, and yes, even though we all live on the spoils form mining, we cannot afford to lose such remarkable sites of geological, historical and cultural value. Thank heavens Rio Tinto has shown remarkable consideration for the land and people.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Aussies crying out for Vegemite
HK Aussies crying out for Vegemite : "A spokeswoman for one of Hong Kong's two main supermarket chains Wellcome said suppliers had blamed the shortage on a change of the company that packages Vegemite for export in Australia."
This is a crisis! You can't let Australians go without Vegemite! Unthinkable. They will have the screaming heebie jeebies in Hong Kong if they don't get their Vegemite. Okay, so those who have rellies visiting will be able to get supplies. Honestly...swapping companies for packaging holds up production?? How weak. That is not advertising you are good at trouble shooting, preparation and planning. Transitioning to a new packaging company should not hold up production and airlifting much needed supplies to expat Australians in Hong Kong. Hm...poor little Vegemites.
This is a crisis! You can't let Australians go without Vegemite! Unthinkable. They will have the screaming heebie jeebies in Hong Kong if they don't get their Vegemite. Okay, so those who have rellies visiting will be able to get supplies. Honestly...swapping companies for packaging holds up production?? How weak. That is not advertising you are good at trouble shooting, preparation and planning. Transitioning to a new packaging company should not hold up production and airlifting much needed supplies to expat Australians in Hong Kong. Hm...poor little Vegemites.
SA uses less water
SA uses less water: "'All South Australians are doing a fantastic job in saving water,' Ms Maywald said."
We are. We have been careful and we are using buckets in the shower and recycling the washing machine rinse water...but our poor gardens have been hammered through summer and we are having a bit of a rethink. We have been out this weekend cleaning up storm and heat damage. We have popped into the sustainability expo...what a great idea!! And then we have been to get bits and pieces to renovate our gardens. Luckily the weather has been pleasant and warm so we have had a chance to potter out in the sunshine and encourage each other just to get on with it and start preparing for winter. It has been a great feeling.
We are. We have been careful and we are using buckets in the shower and recycling the washing machine rinse water...but our poor gardens have been hammered through summer and we are having a bit of a rethink. We have been out this weekend cleaning up storm and heat damage. We have popped into the sustainability expo...what a great idea!! And then we have been to get bits and pieces to renovate our gardens. Luckily the weather has been pleasant and warm so we have had a chance to potter out in the sunshine and encourage each other just to get on with it and start preparing for winter. It has been a great feeling.
Treaty looms large in 2020 vision
Treaty looms large in 2020 vision Summit leads to 'bold ideas' : "'It's certainly been the first ever very large Canberra conversation,' she said."
It's what we need. We need big conversations where we are all involved. We need to talk about the things that concern us and we need to be looking at ways and means of addressing our problems and concerns. It means we shall all have a vested interest in our country and we shall all be shaping our future. Already the ideas are popping out. We have been starved of opportunities to contribute to our nation, so we'll respond to these summits very enthusiastically.
It's what we need. We need big conversations where we are all involved. We need to talk about the things that concern us and we need to be looking at ways and means of addressing our problems and concerns. It means we shall all have a vested interest in our country and we shall all be shaping our future. Already the ideas are popping out. We have been starved of opportunities to contribute to our nation, so we'll respond to these summits very enthusiastically.
Teen assaulted with hedgehog
Teen assaulted with hedgehog : "It is not known whether the hedgehog. was dead or alive at the time, but it was dead after the incident when it was collected as evidence, the paper said."
The case needs to go before the court and be judged, but why would you throw a hedgehog at a teenager? A hedgehog and the poor thing is dead. So if there are going to be assault charges, there also need to be charges of cruelty to animals. You just can't pick living things up and hurl them. It's wrong. Poor hedgehog.
The case needs to go before the court and be judged, but why would you throw a hedgehog at a teenager? A hedgehog and the poor thing is dead. So if there are going to be assault charges, there also need to be charges of cruelty to animals. You just can't pick living things up and hurl them. It's wrong. Poor hedgehog.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Daylight saving
AdelaideNow... Daylight saving - more confusion looms: "The confusion is set to continue when daylight saving ends in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT this Sunday, when clocks are turned back one hour at 3am."
It really is this weekend. My daughter's computer played up. neither of mine did , nor my phone. So PUT THE CLOCK BACK TONIGHT!!! You beauty, I finally get my hour back.
It really is this weekend. My daughter's computer played up. neither of mine did , nor my phone. So PUT THE CLOCK BACK TONIGHT!!! You beauty, I finally get my hour back.
Cow-human cross embryo lives three days
Cow-human cross embryo lives three days : "'No one knows exactly what would grow from these embryos.
'If this is approved in the UK, there will be renewed pressure to permit it here, and we will travel further down the slippery slope of allowing just about anything.'"
I am sure they will find out what comes of these embryos. I doubt they'll stick with the 14 day rule...the rules are there are no rules these days and we can do what we want and it's all okay. So we'll get more cow humans and I know a few of those already.
'If this is approved in the UK, there will be renewed pressure to permit it here, and we will travel further down the slippery slope of allowing just about anything.'"
I am sure they will find out what comes of these embryos. I doubt they'll stick with the 14 day rule...the rules are there are no rules these days and we can do what we want and it's all okay. So we'll get more cow humans and I know a few of those already.
Teens detained for chocolate killing
Teens detained for chocolate killing : "Evren Anil, 23, died from serious head injuries after being punched to the ground after confronting the pair, who had thrown a half-eaten Lion Bar through the window of his sister Elif's car in Crystal Palace, south London, last year."
What? WHAT??? Oh for pity's sake. I am so sorry for this man's family and friends. We really need to change.We have to stop creating creatures like this.
What? WHAT??? Oh for pity's sake. I am so sorry for this man's family and friends. We really need to change.We have to stop creating creatures like this.
Caution urged in Vic storm clean-up
Caution urged in Vic storm clean-up : "'Worksafe says take extreme care, be careful and make sure you've got the right gear and protective gear, like goggles and gloves.'"
Yes, cleaning up after a storm is something which needs to be thought about and planned. people want to get back to normal and may not consider safety. It's good this article has appeared. We had damage around the traps in Adelaide too but not as bad as Victoria nor Tasmania. That one day did a lot of damage. I was driving around fallen tree branches all the way to work. Neighbours have lost a big front tree which has fallen on their front garden and house. The rest of us have been out there picking up bits of gum tree and branches and the broken bits of dead tree branches. It has taken me a few hours but the weather has improved so it's not unpleasant work and it means we are all being out there operating as a community. The new neighbours across the road are putting us to shame because what was a nice house is now as clean as a new pin and totally tidy! We've cleaned up after the storm and now we have to lift our game and get out there to polish the dustbowl of summer.
Yes, cleaning up after a storm is something which needs to be thought about and planned. people want to get back to normal and may not consider safety. It's good this article has appeared. We had damage around the traps in Adelaide too but not as bad as Victoria nor Tasmania. That one day did a lot of damage. I was driving around fallen tree branches all the way to work. Neighbours have lost a big front tree which has fallen on their front garden and house. The rest of us have been out there picking up bits of gum tree and branches and the broken bits of dead tree branches. It has taken me a few hours but the weather has improved so it's not unpleasant work and it means we are all being out there operating as a community. The new neighbours across the road are putting us to shame because what was a nice house is now as clean as a new pin and totally tidy! We've cleaned up after the storm and now we have to lift our game and get out there to polish the dustbowl of summer.
Google sued for invasion of privacy
Google sued for invasion of privacy : "A couple in the US state of Pennyslvania are suing internet company Google for invading their privacy by showing pictures of their home on the 'Street View' website."
I can see the value of street level views if you are going to a place for the first time or you cannot get an idea in your head where exactly something is and what it looks like. It would make that kind of thing easier. It would also make it easier for snoopers, stalkers and the undesirables. I don't think we need to be broadcast 24/7. Unfortunately we have to be on the ball all the time when it comes to our privacy and our rights because nothing appears to be sacred. I hate the notion we have to keep getting involved in litigation lunacy. I hate the notion we have to sue but we have become a society which pays little or no attention to people's needs and so I am right behind this couple. Yes, we can ask for images to be removed but maybe they should be asking if we want them there in the first place. Same with cold callers...don't ring me up on what is supposed to be a silent number and don't ring me up even if it isn't. This is my home.
I can see the value of street level views if you are going to a place for the first time or you cannot get an idea in your head where exactly something is and what it looks like. It would make that kind of thing easier. It would also make it easier for snoopers, stalkers and the undesirables. I don't think we need to be broadcast 24/7. Unfortunately we have to be on the ball all the time when it comes to our privacy and our rights because nothing appears to be sacred. I hate the notion we have to keep getting involved in litigation lunacy. I hate the notion we have to sue but we have become a society which pays little or no attention to people's needs and so I am right behind this couple. Yes, we can ask for images to be removed but maybe they should be asking if we want them there in the first place. Same with cold callers...don't ring me up on what is supposed to be a silent number and don't ring me up even if it isn't. This is my home.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
'No time for fear' says croc-attack rescuer
'No time for fear' says croc-attack rescuer : "Norm Moreen, 39, has been praised for his heroism for leaping on to the 2.5 metre saltwater crocodile after it yesterday seized his wife, Wendy Petherick, from a river bank at Litchfield National Park, southwest of Darwin."
This husband and wife team form NT are a force to be reckoned with! The husband got the better of the crocodile to save his wife...but his wife was no wilting wallflower either when it came to saving herself from the jaws of a crocodile. They are fantastic. They would be calm...they were in shock. It'll hit home...but in the mean time we need to celebrate the fact we have two such living legends still alive!!
This husband and wife team form NT are a force to be reckoned with! The husband got the better of the crocodile to save his wife...but his wife was no wilting wallflower either when it came to saving herself from the jaws of a crocodile. They are fantastic. They would be calm...they were in shock. It'll hit home...but in the mean time we need to celebrate the fact we have two such living legends still alive!!
GM crops | Greenpeace UK
GM crops | Greenpeace UK: "Yesterday, EU farm ministers voted on whether to approve the use of new GM crops including a variety of potato developed by chemical giant BASF."
This is another site where you can get current and up to date information about GM crops. We really are not clear about their impact and to go ahead in such an ill advised fashion is foolish because we have a whole planet to feed. Trials have not been positive and yet there are some positives we can claim. There hasn't been sufficient public research into this...just a lot of jockeying for position and power bargaining. Bit of a sloppy approach when we are talking world food.
This is another site where you can get current and up to date information about GM crops. We really are not clear about their impact and to go ahead in such an ill advised fashion is foolish because we have a whole planet to feed. Trials have not been positive and yet there are some positives we can claim. There hasn't been sufficient public research into this...just a lot of jockeying for position and power bargaining. Bit of a sloppy approach when we are talking world food.
Lifting the GM Ban
Lifting the GM Ban « GreensBlog - the official blog of the Australian Greens Senators: "There are environmental, health and economics problems with lifting this ban."
This blog the Greens' senators have bothered to put together for us gives some useful and interesting information about GM crops. There are some excellent links to be had here too.
This blog the Greens' senators have bothered to put together for us gives some useful and interesting information about GM crops. There are some excellent links to be had here too.
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