Agassi had cortisone shot after match:
"Andre Agassi's first-round victory at the US Open was more painful than anyone realized."
This may well be Andre Agassi's last tournament but he is leaving us with so many years and hours of brilliant tennis...and he is nice with it!! As a package he is a good mix and apart form his tennis he has shown how to be poised and focussed as he has grown older in the sport. Something has to drive him out of it and it will be the pain. An ageing body does not recuperate so well and yet he has run that bosy hard and shown everyone that you can enjoy top levl sport for a lot longer than people say. He will be an inspiration and mentor for the rest of his life. He is the sort of person who has made a great sporting hero and a great example for people growing up. I wish him well in this touranment but no matter how it ends up he will be a winner because he is such a legend and his legendary status will not be diminished because he had the guts to keep himself at the top all these years and is a worthy match for those much younger. Great guy. Great tennis player. It was sooooo good, though , when he got rid of that "awesome" hairdo!!!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Norfolk's banana price
Norfolk's banana price most appealing :
"The locally grown produce is selling for just $2.05 a kilogram in the island's shops, while mainlanders are still forking out up to $15 a kilo for the fruit."
I can see Norfolk Island tourism booming. You have no idea. There is not a lunch box banana in sight and Adelaide is getting cranky. Vit B deficiency no doubt. No bananas for us. Bananas and petrol prices have made us make some interesting decisions, but it's outrageous we have not been able to live on bananas like we usually do. There still has been no real answer as to why we couldn't have imported some in the short term considering we export our fruit. So we have been eatings apples and ...yuuuuuuuuck...mandarines. I hate fresh mandarines. I have been the great pear eater. Our pears this year have been lovely!!
"The locally grown produce is selling for just $2.05 a kilogram in the island's shops, while mainlanders are still forking out up to $15 a kilo for the fruit."
I can see Norfolk Island tourism booming. You have no idea. There is not a lunch box banana in sight and Adelaide is getting cranky. Vit B deficiency no doubt. No bananas for us. Bananas and petrol prices have made us make some interesting decisions, but it's outrageous we have not been able to live on bananas like we usually do. There still has been no real answer as to why we couldn't have imported some in the short term considering we export our fruit. So we have been eatings apples and ...yuuuuuuuuck...mandarines. I hate fresh mandarines. I have been the great pear eater. Our pears this year have been lovely!!
Transport inquiry 'essential'
AdelaideNow... Transport inquiry 'essential':
"Opposition transport spokesman Martin Hamilton-Smith has moved for a select committee to hold the inquiry because 'there are so many problems' with bus, rail and tram services.
'There is a clear public call for improvement,' Mr Hamilton-Smith said."
There are things that need to be ironed out, but whether it's broken and requires fixing is debatable. In some respects we are teetering on the brink of plunging into a total upgrade of a new and modern approach to public transport because we seem to need it but we are not sure if people would use it and thereby justify the cost. Timing of buses seems to be the current and ongoing issue. Buses arrive and depart at times not listed and run late and then people arrive late but there is a gap of maybe an hour for the bus before. That kind of thing is untenable if you have to get to work or courses on time. It would be good to have modern trains. It would be good to get train lines extended given our housing has boomed north and south. It's not something which is a fault issue at teh moment. it's a planning issue which needs to be addressed based on figures to do with public transport use and then projected population figures. I normally drive a car. When I go to other cities I can get around on public transport or by foot far more easily than here, even when the cities are smaller. one thing we don't make enough use of is smaller buses and Adelaide is uphill and down dale in many areas so walking can be out of the question for routine activities and yet it's a good city to walk for fitness as many people do.
"Opposition transport spokesman Martin Hamilton-Smith has moved for a select committee to hold the inquiry because 'there are so many problems' with bus, rail and tram services.
'There is a clear public call for improvement,' Mr Hamilton-Smith said."
There are things that need to be ironed out, but whether it's broken and requires fixing is debatable. In some respects we are teetering on the brink of plunging into a total upgrade of a new and modern approach to public transport because we seem to need it but we are not sure if people would use it and thereby justify the cost. Timing of buses seems to be the current and ongoing issue. Buses arrive and depart at times not listed and run late and then people arrive late but there is a gap of maybe an hour for the bus before. That kind of thing is untenable if you have to get to work or courses on time. It would be good to have modern trains. It would be good to get train lines extended given our housing has boomed north and south. It's not something which is a fault issue at teh moment. it's a planning issue which needs to be addressed based on figures to do with public transport use and then projected population figures. I normally drive a car. When I go to other cities I can get around on public transport or by foot far more easily than here, even when the cities are smaller. one thing we don't make enough use of is smaller buses and Adelaide is uphill and down dale in many areas so walking can be out of the question for routine activities and yet it's a good city to walk for fitness as many people do.
Adelaide to become solar city
Adelaide to become solar city, says PM :
"He said Adelaide was a natural choice as a solar city given the demand on its electricity network from the growth of air-conditioning in homes and its abundant sunshine."
And the fact our electricity is supplied from interstate! What a farce that has been. I forget the exact arrangements of it, but on hot days we have plenty of black outs which wasn't the case when we supplied our own electricity. That aside, it makes sense to use a city our size to trial solar heating. We can work through some of the issues and installation details. We are big enough to look at how it affects costs. It's a great idea and we are ususally pretty enthusiatic about endorsing good technology and, given our size, communicating about new things works easily so there is usually an effective induction period for new ideas and gadgets. There is then an easier way of getting solar energy into place into the bigger cities without any time consuming logisticial problems and communcation break downs.
"He said Adelaide was a natural choice as a solar city given the demand on its electricity network from the growth of air-conditioning in homes and its abundant sunshine."
And the fact our electricity is supplied from interstate! What a farce that has been. I forget the exact arrangements of it, but on hot days we have plenty of black outs which wasn't the case when we supplied our own electricity. That aside, it makes sense to use a city our size to trial solar heating. We can work through some of the issues and installation details. We are big enough to look at how it affects costs. It's a great idea and we are ususally pretty enthusiatic about endorsing good technology and, given our size, communicating about new things works easily so there is usually an effective induction period for new ideas and gadgets. There is then an easier way of getting solar energy into place into the bigger cities without any time consuming logisticial problems and communcation break downs.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Hawke predicts end is near for Democrats.
Hawke predicts end is near for Democrats. :
"The Democrats' founder Don Chipp died yesterday after a long illness and his family has accepted the Prime Minister's offer of a state funeral."
I am glad he is going to have a state funeral because he was very unique, very special and very in touch with people. He was a ground breaker because he knew how to translate the ideas of people into action. He was independant, had integrity and was very experienced in managing people and their wishes. He wasn't frightened to talk about Australia, to establish an Australian perpective and echo the views of so many. He could start a party because he founded it on our truth. If the party has waivered and fallen apart it is because our political arena has a narrow focus, a bizarre agenda and is not representing our needs and wishes . There is no air to breathe and there is no discussion. We are told. Don Chipp liked to discuss things. He was neither right nor wrong. He held a point of view and argued it rationally and with a knowledge of his topic. It wasn't the empty throw away lines nor the character assassination we suffer on a daily basis in the media. It was 3D politics. Maybe his sad passing will remind us what we have accepted in place of people like Don Chipp and it may awaken in us a need to get back to some genuine debate and some real politics. I am sorry he has gone, but I would not want him to suffer any more. I hope we can draw inspiration from him and stop listening to people who want to extinguish political passion.
"The Democrats' founder Don Chipp died yesterday after a long illness and his family has accepted the Prime Minister's offer of a state funeral."
I am glad he is going to have a state funeral because he was very unique, very special and very in touch with people. He was a ground breaker because he knew how to translate the ideas of people into action. He was independant, had integrity and was very experienced in managing people and their wishes. He wasn't frightened to talk about Australia, to establish an Australian perpective and echo the views of so many. He could start a party because he founded it on our truth. If the party has waivered and fallen apart it is because our political arena has a narrow focus, a bizarre agenda and is not representing our needs and wishes . There is no air to breathe and there is no discussion. We are told. Don Chipp liked to discuss things. He was neither right nor wrong. He held a point of view and argued it rationally and with a knowledge of his topic. It wasn't the empty throw away lines nor the character assassination we suffer on a daily basis in the media. It was 3D politics. Maybe his sad passing will remind us what we have accepted in place of people like Don Chipp and it may awaken in us a need to get back to some genuine debate and some real politics. I am sorry he has gone, but I would not want him to suffer any more. I hope we can draw inspiration from him and stop listening to people who want to extinguish political passion.
Survey 'dispels myth' farming harms environment.
Survey 'dispels myth' farming harms environment. :
"A wildlife survey in the southern Riverina of New South Wales has found more than 300 unusual and endangered animals living on irrigation properties."
People have farmed for centuries without harming the environment. City dwellers have lost touch with the land . Farmers would know if the land is being damaged but I suppose it's good to have some scientific research to go by as well. We have come so far away from the land that I think we wouldn't have a clue what is right for the land. We need to talk with people and consult those who live there and know.
"A wildlife survey in the southern Riverina of New South Wales has found more than 300 unusual and endangered animals living on irrigation properties."
People have farmed for centuries without harming the environment. City dwellers have lost touch with the land . Farmers would know if the land is being damaged but I suppose it's good to have some scientific research to go by as well. We have come so far away from the land that I think we wouldn't have a clue what is right for the land. We need to talk with people and consult those who live there and know.
Coopers Pale Ale ice cream
AdelaideNow... Coopers Pale Ale ice cream: The recipe:"COOPERS Pale Ale Ice Cream - now that's a cold beer!"
Just right for the summer months. Coopers is our local brewery and the pale ale is one of its signature beers. This is a nice recipe for beer icecream. I cannot believe it but it'll get us through the summer months. As I said, we are getting very adventurous with our food!!
Fox on a run
AdelaideNow... Fox on a run:
"THE selection of Fox Creek's 2004 Reserve Shiraz as the Hyatt/Advertiser Wine of the Year continues an extraordinary season for the Willunga Basin sector of the McLaren Vale region."
Everyone who comes here thinks of going to the Barossa Valley for wine but the McLaren Vale region is a place which is not only arty and interesting, it also produces some really good wines. The area is becoming quite a hub for art, music , food and wine and I am really really glad because it's so close to here!! Willunga is just going from strength to strength and has re established itself as a focal point for the south. Well done Fox Creek.
"THE selection of Fox Creek's 2004 Reserve Shiraz as the Hyatt/Advertiser Wine of the Year continues an extraordinary season for the Willunga Basin sector of the McLaren Vale region."
Everyone who comes here thinks of going to the Barossa Valley for wine but the McLaren Vale region is a place which is not only arty and interesting, it also produces some really good wines. The area is becoming quite a hub for art, music , food and wine and I am really really glad because it's so close to here!! Willunga is just going from strength to strength and has re established itself as a focal point for the south. Well done Fox Creek.
Webcam foils burglary on different continent
Webcam foils burglary on different continent :
"He saw intruders apparently breaking into a sports store and alerted local police."
Far too often we hear of the down side of things and how bad everything is. This man in Dallas became a citizen of the world by reporting a break in to the police in England. We have Crimestoppers, we have neighbourhood watch...a really good use of the Net would be Internet Watch. There are people who can't get out; there are people who like to take a look at different web cams. Why not get world citizens united and organize a web watch. It would be helpful and a good way for some housebound people to serve their community and feel more useful. Fantastic news.
"He saw intruders apparently breaking into a sports store and alerted local police."
Far too often we hear of the down side of things and how bad everything is. This man in Dallas became a citizen of the world by reporting a break in to the police in England. We have Crimestoppers, we have neighbourhood watch...a really good use of the Net would be Internet Watch. There are people who can't get out; there are people who like to take a look at different web cams. Why not get world citizens united and organize a web watch. It would be helpful and a good way for some housebound people to serve their community and feel more useful. Fantastic news.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Optic Fibre Clothing
Smart fabrics are back in fashion:
"A company called Luminex has hit on the idea of weaving fibre-optics into fabric, so the wearer can really light up a room when they enter it."
Unbelievable. An idea from the town of Prato in Italy which is renowned for its cloth. I can see optic fibre clothing becoming really popular and what a great idea for celbrations and processions. So new age and new millennium!! But it's more than just optic fibre...and more than mere clothing. It could be used to keep us safe! About time we moved on and stopped repeating all the behaviour and lifestyle of previous centuries.
"A company called Luminex has hit on the idea of weaving fibre-optics into fabric, so the wearer can really light up a room when they enter it."
Unbelievable. An idea from the town of Prato in Italy which is renowned for its cloth. I can see optic fibre clothing becoming really popular and what a great idea for celbrations and processions. So new age and new millennium!! But it's more than just optic fibre...and more than mere clothing. It could be used to keep us safe! About time we moved on and stopped repeating all the behaviour and lifestyle of previous centuries.
Scythian mummy shown in Germany
BBC NEWS | Europe | Scythian mummy shown in Germany:
"Skin on the warrior's upper body was virtually intact, revealing tattoos."
The latest mummy find is 2,500 years old and seems to have been found with some interesting artefacts which will help piece another section of history together. Archeologiests turn up the most amzing finds sometimes. The items are being stored in Mongolia, where the mummy was found. It was a joint dig by Mongolians, Germans and Russians.
"Skin on the warrior's upper body was virtually intact, revealing tattoos."
The latest mummy find is 2,500 years old and seems to have been found with some interesting artefacts which will help piece another section of history together. Archeologiests turn up the most amzing finds sometimes. The items are being stored in Mongolia, where the mummy was found. It was a joint dig by Mongolians, Germans and Russians.
Pig rodeo
The Age:
: "Paramedics used lassos to round up a truckload of pigs running loose on England's M6 motorway after a road crash near Rugby. Amused motorists stuck on the road took snapshots of the impromptu pig rodeo."
I am amazed that the paprmedics thought to do this and then had the skills to implement the impromtu rodeo. If nothing else it would have made a seemingly difficult and unmanageable task a real community effort. I hope we get to see some of the photos which were taken. Trying to catch the pigs on a motorway would have saved the pigs and unsuspecting motorists. Well done.
: "Paramedics used lassos to round up a truckload of pigs running loose on England's M6 motorway after a road crash near Rugby. Amused motorists stuck on the road took snapshots of the impromptu pig rodeo."
I am amazed that the paprmedics thought to do this and then had the skills to implement the impromtu rodeo. If nothing else it would have made a seemingly difficult and unmanageable task a real community effort. I hope we get to see some of the photos which were taken. Trying to catch the pigs on a motorway would have saved the pigs and unsuspecting motorists. Well done.
Armed robber escapes by bike
Armed robber escapes by bike :
"The man escaped with an amount of cash on a turquoise bicycle."
Kind of does his street cred in, but he got away with it. I hope they catch him.
"The man escaped with an amount of cash on a turquoise bicycle."
Kind of does his street cred in, but he got away with it. I hope they catch him.
Teen clocked at 205 kmh
Teen clocked at 205 kmh :
"When he refused to pull over, a pursuit ensued that reached speeds up to 205 kmh, police said."
It's a pity with all our technology, we cannot find a way of stopping these teenagers from speeding. It would be good to have a device which would slow the car down or stop it but I guess those kind of speeds make it too difficult. We need to win on this one and we need to get inventive. Prevention is better than cure but they do not seem to want to learn about responsible driving. Why is that?
"When he refused to pull over, a pursuit ensued that reached speeds up to 205 kmh, police said."
It's a pity with all our technology, we cannot find a way of stopping these teenagers from speeding. It would be good to have a device which would slow the car down or stop it but I guess those kind of speeds make it too difficult. We need to win on this one and we need to get inventive. Prevention is better than cure but they do not seem to want to learn about responsible driving. Why is that?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Starwars baseball
Indulge me. I love Chewbacca. What a great idea to have Starwars baseball!! I nearly called it Starballs. Good job I didn't. Basewars?? I know the idea might be kitchy for dedicated fans, but for others it would be such a good change to see some "legends" out there pitching. Sometimes you just have to lighten up. Was the bat a light sabre?
Boomers are the biggest boozers
Boomers are the biggest boozers :
"In only 10 years, risky and highly risky drinking levels among baby boomers approaching retirement have soared, overtaking the level of abuse among young people."
Over drinking, excess drinking, alcoholism, irresponsible drinking are usually handed down from generation to generation. Whereas now, today's children, are likely to be the progeny of drug abusers, the baby boomers were brought up by heavy drinkers. The 6 o' clock swill. The men down the pub. The generation that went to war and came home and blotted it out with alcohol. Which is why baby boomers are all control freaks and like the authoritarian , cut and dried approach even though they pretend to be democratic. I can say I am amazed how much people are knocking back and how much people are using the old ploy of organising something so you have someone there to be drinking with. The amount of drinking is noticeably higher in my experience but the nastiness isn't there. They will damage themselves all these die hard anti smokers. The thing which has astounded me the most lately is how they guzzle the first drink. Very après WW2
"In only 10 years, risky and highly risky drinking levels among baby boomers approaching retirement have soared, overtaking the level of abuse among young people."
Over drinking, excess drinking, alcoholism, irresponsible drinking are usually handed down from generation to generation. Whereas now, today's children, are likely to be the progeny of drug abusers, the baby boomers were brought up by heavy drinkers. The 6 o' clock swill. The men down the pub. The generation that went to war and came home and blotted it out with alcohol. Which is why baby boomers are all control freaks and like the authoritarian , cut and dried approach even though they pretend to be democratic. I can say I am amazed how much people are knocking back and how much people are using the old ploy of organising something so you have someone there to be drinking with. The amount of drinking is noticeably higher in my experience but the nastiness isn't there. They will damage themselves all these die hard anti smokers. The thing which has astounded me the most lately is how they guzzle the first drink. Very après WW2
Heart of Orleans still broken
Scotsman.com Heart of Orleans still broken:
"The suicide rate has tripled since Katrina and doctors report an 'epidemic' of depression and anxiety-related illnesses. 'For the people of New Orleans, there's no 'post' in post-traumatic stress disorder,' says Father Jim Deshotels, a Jesuit priest and family nurse practitioner."
This is New Orleans and this is so sad. Sad , sad, sad. It's New Orleans and no one is rebuilding it and letting the phoenix rise up. A place which is legendary is left and people are still there in coffins and have not been identified. People have come back to work so they can meet the requirements of their retirement fund and then they will leave and people who have lived there forever don't recognise it. New Orleans is being allowed to desintegrate. Why would you do that to one of the most powerful cities in history? Why wouldn't you clean it up and fix it? Probably because the money and man power are elsewhere. It's a crying shame but I hope, I really hope, New Orleans has the spirit to survive. It is unbelievable it wouldn't be repaired and revitalised. Other countries rebuilt and refurbish their cities. They do not allow people to suffer the indignity of squalor and devastation. Why wouldn't the people of New Orleans be worthy of that? I cannot tell from a distance but I have never known this. Mumbai got picked up and dusted off. Napier was revitalised in the most amazing way. We are rebuilding Innisvale, Darwin was rebuilt. What is going on??
"That's 52 years I've been here and I don't know my own neighbourhood any more."
"The suicide rate has tripled since Katrina and doctors report an 'epidemic' of depression and anxiety-related illnesses. 'For the people of New Orleans, there's no 'post' in post-traumatic stress disorder,' says Father Jim Deshotels, a Jesuit priest and family nurse practitioner."
This is New Orleans and this is so sad. Sad , sad, sad. It's New Orleans and no one is rebuilding it and letting the phoenix rise up. A place which is legendary is left and people are still there in coffins and have not been identified. People have come back to work so they can meet the requirements of their retirement fund and then they will leave and people who have lived there forever don't recognise it. New Orleans is being allowed to desintegrate. Why would you do that to one of the most powerful cities in history? Why wouldn't you clean it up and fix it? Probably because the money and man power are elsewhere. It's a crying shame but I hope, I really hope, New Orleans has the spirit to survive. It is unbelievable it wouldn't be repaired and revitalised. Other countries rebuilt and refurbish their cities. They do not allow people to suffer the indignity of squalor and devastation. Why wouldn't the people of New Orleans be worthy of that? I cannot tell from a distance but I have never known this. Mumbai got picked up and dusted off. Napier was revitalised in the most amazing way. We are rebuilding Innisvale, Darwin was rebuilt. What is going on??
"That's 52 years I've been here and I don't know my own neighbourhood any more."
Bright minds don't choose teaching
Bright minds don't choose teaching: research. :
"'We, as a society, need to recognise that an important question is not just how many teachers we have, but also maintaining the best standards of those teachers,' he said."
This isn't a surprise. Look at all the youth statistics which have been around!!! I can't see that encouraging anyone. Anyway, ever since I was at school there has been the saying: " Those who can , do and those who can't , teach."
I don't particularly beieve it was true at the time as the majority of teachers I had were formidable scholars and had very interesting minds. The ordinary ones were limited and it was obvious. When my daughter was at school we had an interesting array of English teachers who had no linguitic control, French teachers who actually had no French and someone teaching geography who couldn't read maps. But we also had some extremely talented art teachers, some very knowledgeable science teachers,dedicated maths teachers and some excellent English teachers along the way...and one Indonesian teacher who was a complete legend!!
"'We, as a society, need to recognise that an important question is not just how many teachers we have, but also maintaining the best standards of those teachers,' he said."
This isn't a surprise. Look at all the youth statistics which have been around!!! I can't see that encouraging anyone. Anyway, ever since I was at school there has been the saying: " Those who can , do and those who can't , teach."
I don't particularly beieve it was true at the time as the majority of teachers I had were formidable scholars and had very interesting minds. The ordinary ones were limited and it was obvious. When my daughter was at school we had an interesting array of English teachers who had no linguitic control, French teachers who actually had no French and someone teaching geography who couldn't read maps. But we also had some extremely talented art teachers, some very knowledgeable science teachers,dedicated maths teachers and some excellent English teachers along the way...and one Indonesian teacher who was a complete legend!!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Australian Youth Facts and Stats
Australian Youth Facts and Stats:
"Young Australian drivers aged 17–25 years have double the risk of all-age drivers for being involved in a fatal road accident. This is despite a 42% reduction in the fatality rate over the last 20 years.
In Western Australia, drivers aged 17–24 years represent 13.6% of the state’s licensed drivers but account for 34% and 30.5% of driver deaths and hospitalisations respectively."
This site provides a wealth of information about young people and profiles them well. We constantly get news of speeding drivers and young deaths as a result of it. We are getting through to other age groups but we are currently powerless to stop the speeding behaviour which results in death. It must be traumatic for the police constantly dealing with these young deaths. It must traumatise the hospitals and then it must break the hearts of the parents. It has to be something we are doing that they are prepared to put their lives on the line in their risk taking behaviour. There has to be an approach we have which is making them so self destructive and oblivious to the harm they will cause others. Extreme hedonism and thrill seeking with a pretty high price and they do not seem to mind. Why not? Every one else values their life. What can be done? I am certain we are looking into it, but what can be done. It has to start with the birth of the child...because speed freaks tend to reoffend .
"Young Australian drivers aged 17–25 years have double the risk of all-age drivers for being involved in a fatal road accident. This is despite a 42% reduction in the fatality rate over the last 20 years.
In Western Australia, drivers aged 17–24 years represent 13.6% of the state’s licensed drivers but account for 34% and 30.5% of driver deaths and hospitalisations respectively."
This site provides a wealth of information about young people and profiles them well. We constantly get news of speeding drivers and young deaths as a result of it. We are getting through to other age groups but we are currently powerless to stop the speeding behaviour which results in death. It must be traumatic for the police constantly dealing with these young deaths. It must traumatise the hospitals and then it must break the hearts of the parents. It has to be something we are doing that they are prepared to put their lives on the line in their risk taking behaviour. There has to be an approach we have which is making them so self destructive and oblivious to the harm they will cause others. Extreme hedonism and thrill seeking with a pretty high price and they do not seem to mind. Why not? Every one else values their life. What can be done? I am certain we are looking into it, but what can be done. It has to start with the birth of the child...because speed freaks tend to reoffend .
Security system fines threat
AdelaideNow... Security system fines threat:
"AN interstate company contracted by the State Government to install hundreds of digital security cameras on the public transport system must have them switched on by the end of September or face $500-a-day fines."
And while we are at it , let's have a look at the companies installing Hot Spot technology for laptops and wi-fi access because it doesn;t seem to be working very effectively and the places where it is installed don't seem to be able to rectify the situation. So much for high tech. It gives really good technicians a bad name and it's something which need to be looked at as a whole.
"AN interstate company contracted by the State Government to install hundreds of digital security cameras on the public transport system must have them switched on by the end of September or face $500-a-day fines."
And while we are at it , let's have a look at the companies installing Hot Spot technology for laptops and wi-fi access because it doesn;t seem to be working very effectively and the places where it is installed don't seem to be able to rectify the situation. So much for high tech. It gives really good technicians a bad name and it's something which need to be looked at as a whole.
State's top produce snapped up abroad
AdelaideNow... State's top produce snapped up abroad:
"'We're at the quality end of the market rather than quantity, and exporting leads to wealth generation for the local communities involved in growing and producing it,' he said."
I know it's about profit and not people. I know it's about productivity and shareholders and I will keep saying ...people are everything. I know "market forces" are about managing the product so you get the best price. It's is bloomin' ridiculous, though, to have to go the New Caledonia to taste what our real apples taste like and get our best bottled water and see things I have never even seen here.It's embarrassing to buy great stuff in Bendigo that I find out is produced down the road from here and I didn't even know. This is OUR FOOD. Food. Nutrition. Health - and I tell you, there is NO comparison between our eggs and other eggs. Our eggs cook better, taste better and produce high quality food. You can tell when you haven't used our eggs. I still think we can eat our own food and supply overseas as well. We can only be making more jobs for people and building a healthier state. Come on, get onto it, will you? I have to confess, though, we can't compete with the Margaret River yoghurt!! Every place has its best and that's what we should be doing...actually thinking we deserve to feed ourselves on the best quality food and that we have the right to do so...and proper SA food is pretty good.
"'We're at the quality end of the market rather than quantity, and exporting leads to wealth generation for the local communities involved in growing and producing it,' he said."
I know it's about profit and not people. I know it's about productivity and shareholders and I will keep saying ...people are everything. I know "market forces" are about managing the product so you get the best price. It's is bloomin' ridiculous, though, to have to go the New Caledonia to taste what our real apples taste like and get our best bottled water and see things I have never even seen here.It's embarrassing to buy great stuff in Bendigo that I find out is produced down the road from here and I didn't even know. This is OUR FOOD. Food. Nutrition. Health - and I tell you, there is NO comparison between our eggs and other eggs. Our eggs cook better, taste better and produce high quality food. You can tell when you haven't used our eggs. I still think we can eat our own food and supply overseas as well. We can only be making more jobs for people and building a healthier state. Come on, get onto it, will you? I have to confess, though, we can't compete with the Margaret River yoghurt!! Every place has its best and that's what we should be doing...actually thinking we deserve to feed ourselves on the best quality food and that we have the right to do so...and proper SA food is pretty good.
Asthma
The West Australian:
"“We believe Western lifestyles are contributing — what we’re eating and the air we breathe inside our homes which have a lot of man-made chemicals in their building materials,” she said."
This is a massive study of 500,000 children in 56 countries. Jamie Oliver on his school dinners programme discovered children became healthier and breathed more easily if they ate proper, nutritious food. The parents reported that as an obvious difference. My own experience is visitors to SA always complain how hard it is to breathe here and how they suddenly get allergies. SA is notorious for hayfever. I also find I breathe far more easily when I am away than I do when I am here. I am not usually surrounded by gum trees and where I go, I am not eating supermarket food and the water is much, much better. You don't have the daily stresses and strains either. I think other places are less TV and radio reliant. The news is passed around by talking so there is a human buffer zone. I am certain that contributes to how well you breathe. SA is quite good at avoiding fright fests but we are a state of silent worriers. Takes a while but when you talk to people they have all sorts of things to worry about which don't affect others in other places. So yes, I can see that basic lack of personal safety as being one thing that creates breathing difficulties. Panicking is not conducive to relaxed breathing.
"“We believe Western lifestyles are contributing — what we’re eating and the air we breathe inside our homes which have a lot of man-made chemicals in their building materials,” she said."
This is a massive study of 500,000 children in 56 countries. Jamie Oliver on his school dinners programme discovered children became healthier and breathed more easily if they ate proper, nutritious food. The parents reported that as an obvious difference. My own experience is visitors to SA always complain how hard it is to breathe here and how they suddenly get allergies. SA is notorious for hayfever. I also find I breathe far more easily when I am away than I do when I am here. I am not usually surrounded by gum trees and where I go, I am not eating supermarket food and the water is much, much better. You don't have the daily stresses and strains either. I think other places are less TV and radio reliant. The news is passed around by talking so there is a human buffer zone. I am certain that contributes to how well you breathe. SA is quite good at avoiding fright fests but we are a state of silent worriers. Takes a while but when you talk to people they have all sorts of things to worry about which don't affect others in other places. So yes, I can see that basic lack of personal safety as being one thing that creates breathing difficulties. Panicking is not conducive to relaxed breathing.
Cervical Cancer Vaccine
The Gardasil:
"From Monday, Australian parents will have the option to buy the $460 Gardasil vaccine to help prevent their young daughters from developing cervical cancer later in life."
The vaccine was developed in Australia and is recommended for 9-26 year olds. Cervical Cancer kills. It kills so many women each year. To make it private prescription at 460 dollars a pop is unheard of and outrageous. What is the matter with us? We have been waiting for something like this. Breast screening is available for all. Other vaccines are available for all...but one to stop women dying of cervical cancer? No , we'll make a lot of money out of that one, thank you.
"From Monday, Australian parents will have the option to buy the $460 Gardasil vaccine to help prevent their young daughters from developing cervical cancer later in life."
The vaccine was developed in Australia and is recommended for 9-26 year olds. Cervical Cancer kills. It kills so many women each year. To make it private prescription at 460 dollars a pop is unheard of and outrageous. What is the matter with us? We have been waiting for something like this. Breast screening is available for all. Other vaccines are available for all...but one to stop women dying of cervical cancer? No , we'll make a lot of money out of that one, thank you.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Forecasters tip warmer spring
Forecasters tip warmer spring :
"SPRING is likely to be hotter than average though the rainfall outlook is mixed, forecasters said today."
Who knows . We are fed up with this broken weather machine and know full well the weather will be however it is on any given day and that no forecast is reliable any longer. The weather is broken and the rhythm of the seasons has been destroyed. We have all been dressing wrongly and forecasters tipped a hugely wet winter. Ours was dry . Normally the Adelaide soil can't take much more rain and then the sun comes out and it's spring. Until someone works out why our weather is suddenly completely stuffed everywhere, and it's affecting our livelihood and our lifestyle, we have been working it out ourselves...there will be weather.
"SPRING is likely to be hotter than average though the rainfall outlook is mixed, forecasters said today."
Who knows . We are fed up with this broken weather machine and know full well the weather will be however it is on any given day and that no forecast is reliable any longer. The weather is broken and the rhythm of the seasons has been destroyed. We have all been dressing wrongly and forecasters tipped a hugely wet winter. Ours was dry . Normally the Adelaide soil can't take much more rain and then the sun comes out and it's spring. Until someone works out why our weather is suddenly completely stuffed everywhere, and it's affecting our livelihood and our lifestyle, we have been working it out ourselves...there will be weather.
Gen Ys are money dummies
Gen Ys are money dummies :
"However, the desire for instant gratification has left them with big aspirations but no real plan to save or budget in order to achieve their dreams."
They are the haves. So someone else will supply it and they are very good at getting what they want. The younger ones are not much different. I was talking to a 13 year old a couple of months ago.
So what do you want to do when you leave school?
Shop.
There was quite a silence. I hadn't anticipated the response I got.
Shop?
Yes.
So how will you pay for the things you buy?
Mum and Dad.
Your Mum and Dad will keep you in a life of shopping when you grow up?
Yes.
I was too embarrassed to take it any further. A nice girl, with a good brain but a victim of the material world and the profit and not people model. Sad really. Adults have brought them up. This is what we have made them.
"However, the desire for instant gratification has left them with big aspirations but no real plan to save or budget in order to achieve their dreams."
They are the haves. So someone else will supply it and they are very good at getting what they want. The younger ones are not much different. I was talking to a 13 year old a couple of months ago.
So what do you want to do when you leave school?
Shop.
There was quite a silence. I hadn't anticipated the response I got.
Shop?
Yes.
So how will you pay for the things you buy?
Mum and Dad.
Your Mum and Dad will keep you in a life of shopping when you grow up?
Yes.
I was too embarrassed to take it any further. A nice girl, with a good brain but a victim of the material world and the profit and not people model. Sad really. Adults have brought them up. This is what we have made them.
Density living the answer
AdelaideNow... Density living the answer:
"'I look at the city and there is a bit of high density in the CBD but the moment you go beyond that, bam, everything goes flat. Why is that?' he asked. 'If affordability is suffering and the land isn't there, why not allow higher density developments?'"
What and get some of those hideous high rise things that block out the sky, are concrete muck, fire traps and can become container ghetto living?? No thank you. We actually like seeing Adelaide and going up will block our view as well as creating the concrete which drains other cities and areas of the sky and stops children from playing. I agree we need to look at the type of accomodation we offer. We don't have smaller affordable accomodation. Our units mainly suit older couples or older singles. I think we need to look at the sorts of accommodation we could offer at a cheaper price without having those hideous, massive concrete boxes for people to live in and trap their children and teenagers. We actually like to move and breathe. Our rental accomodation has largely been vandalised and so we need to think about how we can get people to be more responsible. We do play spot the rented house and that's a mentality we have developed and we need to rethink how we can promote good rental practice as well as different sizes of places to live. It's taken a while but the rented houses in my street now have some nice people in them who look after them. Before they were ruined and the neighbours would walk on the roof or shout and yell, leave their grass growing and have great rows out the front. It's why we had a push to sell many of our rental properties. Some were bulldozed and turned into units because they were beyond cleaning. Some of our double and triple storey inits work and are nicely placed. They have a good buzz about them without being out of control. Some are very quiet. I think the location tends to determine the atmosphere of those blocks of units.
"'I look at the city and there is a bit of high density in the CBD but the moment you go beyond that, bam, everything goes flat. Why is that?' he asked. 'If affordability is suffering and the land isn't there, why not allow higher density developments?'"
What and get some of those hideous high rise things that block out the sky, are concrete muck, fire traps and can become container ghetto living?? No thank you. We actually like seeing Adelaide and going up will block our view as well as creating the concrete which drains other cities and areas of the sky and stops children from playing. I agree we need to look at the type of accomodation we offer. We don't have smaller affordable accomodation. Our units mainly suit older couples or older singles. I think we need to look at the sorts of accommodation we could offer at a cheaper price without having those hideous, massive concrete boxes for people to live in and trap their children and teenagers. We actually like to move and breathe. Our rental accomodation has largely been vandalised and so we need to think about how we can get people to be more responsible. We do play spot the rented house and that's a mentality we have developed and we need to rethink how we can promote good rental practice as well as different sizes of places to live. It's taken a while but the rented houses in my street now have some nice people in them who look after them. Before they were ruined and the neighbours would walk on the roof or shout and yell, leave their grass growing and have great rows out the front. It's why we had a push to sell many of our rental properties. Some were bulldozed and turned into units because they were beyond cleaning. Some of our double and triple storey inits work and are nicely placed. They have a good buzz about them without being out of control. Some are very quiet. I think the location tends to determine the atmosphere of those blocks of units.
Eatery to revitalise the Mall
AdelaideNow... Eatery to revitalise the Mall:
"CONSTRUCTION began yesterday on a seven-day alfresco restaurant funded by Adelaide City Council 'to breathe new life into the city centre'."
Another place to eat?! Cool!! Adelaide is great for eating at whatever price you wish. You can always get something nice to eat no matter what your taste. Our cafes and restaurants have always been good, but now they are getting really quite adventurous and the old Adelaide spirit of breaking new ground in a civilised way is coming back. An outside eating venue will be excellent. I love the outside eating areas elsewhere so it'll be good to see that coming back into town in a better way.
"CONSTRUCTION began yesterday on a seven-day alfresco restaurant funded by Adelaide City Council 'to breathe new life into the city centre'."
Another place to eat?! Cool!! Adelaide is great for eating at whatever price you wish. You can always get something nice to eat no matter what your taste. Our cafes and restaurants have always been good, but now they are getting really quite adventurous and the old Adelaide spirit of breaking new ground in a civilised way is coming back. An outside eating venue will be excellent. I love the outside eating areas elsewhere so it'll be good to see that coming back into town in a better way.
Special clinic set up after whooping cough case.
Special clinic set up after whooping cough case.:
"The nurse had been fully vaccinated against whooping cough."
We were living in a whooping cough free zone. Things were lovely and then a while back we had a nasty outbreak of whooping cough and a number of people were struck. It didn't seem to matter whether you had been vaccinated or not. My daughter got it, as did many school children at the time. The worst thing was being accused of not having her vaccinated , so I sent her to school with a copy of her vaccination records. On the other hand, my vaccinations, which were years older didn't allow me to catch it. Nor anyone else in my family who helped to nurse her. It's terrible. Really horrible. So the nurse has been vaccinated too and yet she has caught it. I feel truly sorry for her because it is a very frightening ailment for those who have it and those who watch. I thoroughly applaud the hospital's quick action. You obviously try to prevent these things , but when you cannot, fast, effective action will be the best way of managing it.
"The nurse had been fully vaccinated against whooping cough."
We were living in a whooping cough free zone. Things were lovely and then a while back we had a nasty outbreak of whooping cough and a number of people were struck. It didn't seem to matter whether you had been vaccinated or not. My daughter got it, as did many school children at the time. The worst thing was being accused of not having her vaccinated , so I sent her to school with a copy of her vaccination records. On the other hand, my vaccinations, which were years older didn't allow me to catch it. Nor anyone else in my family who helped to nurse her. It's terrible. Really horrible. So the nurse has been vaccinated too and yet she has caught it. I feel truly sorry for her because it is a very frightening ailment for those who have it and those who watch. I thoroughly applaud the hospital's quick action. You obviously try to prevent these things , but when you cannot, fast, effective action will be the best way of managing it.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
FORTUNE's Global 500 2006
FORTUNE's Global 500 2006:
"1. Exxon Mobil
2. Wal-Mart Stores
3. Royal Dutch Shell
4. BP
5. General Motors
6. Chevron
7. DaimlerChrysler
8. Toyota Motor
9. Ford Motor
10. ConocoPhillips "
This site has a wealth of information!These are the top performing corporations in the world. BHP Billiton is Australia's top performing company followed by Coles-Myer ( so why are we selling it?), NAB, Woolworths and the Commonwealth Bank. Then comes Telstra and that is supposed to be struggling. No wonder we have no idea what is going on. We do not actually just get the facts. But who cares. It's only money.
"1. Exxon Mobil
2. Wal-Mart Stores
3. Royal Dutch Shell
4. BP
5. General Motors
6. Chevron
7. DaimlerChrysler
8. Toyota Motor
9. Ford Motor
10. ConocoPhillips "
This site has a wealth of information!These are the top performing corporations in the world. BHP Billiton is Australia's top performing company followed by Coles-Myer ( so why are we selling it?), NAB, Woolworths and the Commonwealth Bank. Then comes Telstra and that is supposed to be struggling. No wonder we have no idea what is going on. We do not actually just get the facts. But who cares. It's only money.
Exxon Mobil tops 4Q earnings forecast to cap record year
Exxon Mobil tops 4Q earnings forecast to cap record year:
"The nation's largest oil company reported net income in the fourth quarter of $10.7 billion, or $1.71 a share, compared to $8.4 billion, or $1.30 a share, a year earlier."
The shareholders will be happy.
"The nation's largest oil company reported net income in the fourth quarter of $10.7 billion, or $1.71 a share, compared to $8.4 billion, or $1.30 a share, a year earlier."
The shareholders will be happy.
Santos posts record profit.
Santos posts record profit. :
"Its half-year profit was up 28 per cent to $370 million on the back of record production and increased oil and gas prices."
The shareholders will be happy.
"Its half-year profit was up 28 per cent to $370 million on the back of record production and increased oil and gas prices."
The shareholders will be happy.
French speakers 'too stupid' to learn Dutch
French speakers 'too stupid' to learn Dutch :
"'But apparently, the francophones do not have the intellect to learn Dutch,' he told the French paper."
That's not very polite, is it?
"'But apparently, the francophones do not have the intellect to learn Dutch,' he told the French paper."
That's not very polite, is it?
Obesity project shrinks kids' weight
AdelaideNow... Obesity project shrinks kids' weight:
"The project, funded by the Victorian Government, is the first of several community-based obesity programs in Australia."
This programme in Colac has significantly impacted on the weight and size of the children in Colac. To operate locally makes sense because it's personal, community based and person to person. It is not a campaign as such but a way of life for a group of people who interact with each other on a daily basis. They develop a common approach. They encourage each other. It is real and it is personal. Fantastic news.
"The project, funded by the Victorian Government, is the first of several community-based obesity programs in Australia."
This programme in Colac has significantly impacted on the weight and size of the children in Colac. To operate locally makes sense because it's personal, community based and person to person. It is not a campaign as such but a way of life for a group of people who interact with each other on a daily basis. They develop a common approach. They encourage each other. It is real and it is personal. Fantastic news.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Adelaide genius wins top award
AdelaideNow... Adelaide genius wins top award:
"The Fields Medal, which is sometimes called the Nobel Prize of mathematics, was presented to Professor Tao, 31, by King Juan Carlos of Spain during the International Congress of Mathematicians in Madrid overnight."
Well, it's nice to know Mathematics is alive and well in Adelaide and I am genuinely pleased for Professor Tao because this sis such an honour and such a fitting reward to his dedication to mathematics. It is good to know that Australians can be mathematicians too . He is a very humble man, by the sounds of it. It is fantastic news.
"The Fields Medal, which is sometimes called the Nobel Prize of mathematics, was presented to Professor Tao, 31, by King Juan Carlos of Spain during the International Congress of Mathematicians in Madrid overnight."
Well, it's nice to know Mathematics is alive and well in Adelaide and I am genuinely pleased for Professor Tao because this sis such an honour and such a fitting reward to his dedication to mathematics. It is good to know that Australians can be mathematicians too . He is a very humble man, by the sounds of it. It is fantastic news.
'Feral' Democrats are dying
AdelaideNow... 'Feral' Democrats are dying:
"FOREIGN Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said the Democrats 'may be finished' after falling captive to the 'feral Left'."
The Democrats are fading away. Parties come and parties go. Some go on and on and on and on and become terribly harsh!! I am surprised with Mr. Downer's comments in this article. He is normally quite careful in his choice of words and is usually mild mannered. He must have eaten razor blades for breakfast. What would it matter to him how the Democrats are? He is cranky today.
"FOREIGN Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said the Democrats 'may be finished' after falling captive to the 'feral Left'."
The Democrats are fading away. Parties come and parties go. Some go on and on and on and on and become terribly harsh!! I am surprised with Mr. Downer's comments in this article. He is normally quite careful in his choice of words and is usually mild mannered. He must have eaten razor blades for breakfast. What would it matter to him how the Democrats are? He is cranky today.
Ugg boot battle over
Ugg boot battle over :"After years of controversy over the trademarking of the term ugg boots, the Federal Government has clarified the final details of a settlement finalised earlier this year."
We were wearing our uggies anyway and we were calling them that. Thoongs in summer, uggies in winter...that's how it is hear. We flip and flop in shorts and tank tops in summer and trundle in our uggies, trackies and hoodies in winter. Thongs and uggies. That's it...always was it and always will be it. People determine language. I was reading somewhere about some brand name which was not allowed to be used as a verb...but years ago people were hoovering and then it became vacuuming and then split off in to dustbusting . We now google whether we want to or not. Ah, maybe we are not allowed to google on another search engine but who's going to go googling on hotbot??? We could hoover with any brand. I do think we are getting too sensitive and pedantic. People develop language usage and we wouldn't have googled were it not for people googling and loving it. Same with uggies. Our uggies are a part of our winter. Sheepskin lined boots cum slippers is too much of a mouth full. It's the all purpose outdoors /indoors practicality which appeals to us. Same with thongs. We like one item of footwear that does it all. Why do it complicated when you can keep it simple??
Chasing the money: where to earn the most.
In The News: Chasing the money: where to earn the most.:
"1. Switzerland
2. Germany
3. Denmark
4. Japan
5. Norway
6. Austria
7. Belgium
8. Ireland
9. Netherlands
10. United Kingdom "
Does this list surprise you? It surprises me? I had always thought our wages in Austrlai were some of the best in the world. Evidently not. Would you have thought of Switzerland? This is a list from 2005 and covers all sorts of wages and salaries.
"1. Switzerland
2. Germany
3. Denmark
4. Japan
5. Norway
6. Austria
7. Belgium
8. Ireland
9. Netherlands
10. United Kingdom "
Does this list surprise you? It surprises me? I had always thought our wages in Austrlai were some of the best in the world. Evidently not. Would you have thought of Switzerland? This is a list from 2005 and covers all sorts of wages and salaries.
BHP Billiton posts record profit with 63pc jump.
BHP Billiton posts record profit with 63pc jump. :
"The company says strong oil and commodity prices led to the 63 per cent profit increase."
The shareholders will be so happy.
"The company says strong oil and commodity prices led to the 63 per cent profit increase."
The shareholders will be so happy.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Hoon jailed after videoing himself
Hoon jailed after videoing himself :
"He also filmed his escapade and the speedo of his V8 Commodore, showing he reached up to 180km/h, overtaking vehicles on the left and tailgating them."
So addicted to technology they give the police all the evidence they need! I cannot help but feel sorry for him ...not for what he did but because he didn't think to put his brain into gear and thought the video was the thing.
"He also filmed his escapade and the speedo of his V8 Commodore, showing he reached up to 180km/h, overtaking vehicles on the left and tailgating them."
So addicted to technology they give the police all the evidence they need! I cannot help but feel sorry for him ...not for what he did but because he didn't think to put his brain into gear and thought the video was the thing.
SA residents urged to drink more water
SA residents urged to drink more water :
"The SA Health Department released statistics today showing 12.8 per cent of children and 8.5 per cent of adults drink only one or two glasses of water a day."
I can't believe we are not drinking enough water. We are all water guzzlers and everyone carries their bottle of water around. The article suggests tap water. In Adelaide? Only the ultra hardy do that. Out water tastes foul and stinks of chlorine. It's horrible...but as I have said before, no one has trouble selling bottled water and water filters to us. I really do wish they could condition our water. It is so hard on hair and clothes so what would it do to our stomachs? I drink tap water in other countries and other states because it's softer. You go elsewhere and have nice soft clothes and shiny soft hair. I would never have thought we do not drink enough water.
"The SA Health Department released statistics today showing 12.8 per cent of children and 8.5 per cent of adults drink only one or two glasses of water a day."
I can't believe we are not drinking enough water. We are all water guzzlers and everyone carries their bottle of water around. The article suggests tap water. In Adelaide? Only the ultra hardy do that. Out water tastes foul and stinks of chlorine. It's horrible...but as I have said before, no one has trouble selling bottled water and water filters to us. I really do wish they could condition our water. It is so hard on hair and clothes so what would it do to our stomachs? I drink tap water in other countries and other states because it's softer. You go elsewhere and have nice soft clothes and shiny soft hair. I would never have thought we do not drink enough water.
Yes to common daylight saving
Yes to common daylight saving :
"The plan would extend daylight saving by 35 more days in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT and bring them in line with Tasmania."
Even though we are one country , we are a massive continent and even though most of us would probably like to be on the same time AT the same time the article explains why some people would be disadvantaged because of where they live. Certainly it would make telecasts and phonecalls simpler and you wouldn't have to mess around as you fly to different states. It would make phone calls to overseas countries in the vicinity easier. I personally like daylight saving but mainly when we do it for the summer months so we can make the most of the daylight after work. It makes such a difference to me. I do not think we should just decide. I think we should keep talking about it because we will find a solution which suits most. It can't be a self centred approach. It needs to be looked at from the point of view of how it would benefit us as a country and then which groups would be really put out. The time differences are geographically understandable but not really making sense in the daily routine of Australia.
"The plan would extend daylight saving by 35 more days in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT and bring them in line with Tasmania."
Even though we are one country , we are a massive continent and even though most of us would probably like to be on the same time AT the same time the article explains why some people would be disadvantaged because of where they live. Certainly it would make telecasts and phonecalls simpler and you wouldn't have to mess around as you fly to different states. It would make phone calls to overseas countries in the vicinity easier. I personally like daylight saving but mainly when we do it for the summer months so we can make the most of the daylight after work. It makes such a difference to me. I do not think we should just decide. I think we should keep talking about it because we will find a solution which suits most. It can't be a self centred approach. It needs to be looked at from the point of view of how it would benefit us as a country and then which groups would be really put out. The time differences are geographically understandable but not really making sense in the daily routine of Australia.
Boy's phone porn suspension 'excessive'.
Boy's phone porn suspension 'excessive'. :
"'While P&C Federation hates to criticise individual schools, it does seem a bit extreme given the situation,' Ms Canty said."
Okay so technology has replaced print texts. What would be reasonable were it a magazine at school? Are the year 5s entitled to remain innocent children in 2006? Are the parents who send their children to school and who are trying to guide them through all the unsolicited unseemliness which comes up in the media expecting their children can download porn at school or be invited to watch it? Is that why they are sending their children to school? What would a reasonable parent do? What is the school equivalent? We get what we are prepared to accept and I don't think 12 year olds should have mobiles to show off porn pictures at school. Where are our boundaries and how long do we have to put up with children being exploited? The school cannot be judged out of context. I sound like Mary Whitehouse, I know, but I am really tired that kids have no idea and the community has to keep explaining to them and in the meantime the damage is done. What would happen if I showed workmates porn pictures on a mobile phone or a computer? It means you can do what you want , suffer no consequences and be set straight...in theory. What about not doing it in the first place and knowing appropriate behaviour for different social situations? And what is wrong with repecting others and just letting them live in a world where they don't have dubious things foisted upon them? What if he were showing the pictures off on a bus?
"'While P&C Federation hates to criticise individual schools, it does seem a bit extreme given the situation,' Ms Canty said."
Okay so technology has replaced print texts. What would be reasonable were it a magazine at school? Are the year 5s entitled to remain innocent children in 2006? Are the parents who send their children to school and who are trying to guide them through all the unsolicited unseemliness which comes up in the media expecting their children can download porn at school or be invited to watch it? Is that why they are sending their children to school? What would a reasonable parent do? What is the school equivalent? We get what we are prepared to accept and I don't think 12 year olds should have mobiles to show off porn pictures at school. Where are our boundaries and how long do we have to put up with children being exploited? The school cannot be judged out of context. I sound like Mary Whitehouse, I know, but I am really tired that kids have no idea and the community has to keep explaining to them and in the meantime the damage is done. What would happen if I showed workmates porn pictures on a mobile phone or a computer? It means you can do what you want , suffer no consequences and be set straight...in theory. What about not doing it in the first place and knowing appropriate behaviour for different social situations? And what is wrong with repecting others and just letting them live in a world where they don't have dubious things foisted upon them? What if he were showing the pictures off on a bus?
Boys bailed to reappear over Woorabinda riot.
Boys bailed to reappear over Woorabinda riot. :
"'Look I saw the age of a number of those offenders and frankly there is a key role for parents to play,' he said."
Absolutely. If the rioters are between 11 and 15, what did the parents think they were doing and how come they were allowed to do it? We have seriously lost it.
"'Look I saw the age of a number of those offenders and frankly there is a key role for parents to play,' he said."
Absolutely. If the rioters are between 11 and 15, what did the parents think they were doing and how come they were allowed to do it? We have seriously lost it.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Cyclone 'could ruin' banana industry
Cyclone 'could ruin' banana industry :
"Growers in the Innisfail and Tully regions have voiced concern over the future of the industry should crops be destroyed by another vicious storm so soon after Cyclone Larry tore through the region."
True, but there are no guarantees from the weather machine so we shall just have to look at this pragmatically and that will be difficult for the ones who suffered the damage of the cyclone. Darwin has rebuilt and recovered but we do live in weirdo weather times so we are going to have to put emotions aside and take a long hard look at the problems. It is something everyone around the world is facing and so a global approach may well have to be put together. The weather has transformed areas and if the areas remain transformed then farmers will have to change crops, practices and venues. This is where global expertise could be a boon. We are used to harsh conditions and we could help those who are having to face that. Others are used to cyclones and we can look atwhat they have done. All very simple, I know. We are talking about real people, real families, real lives. I still think that's the answer though - talking about it...and it's not as if we can't connect easily across the planet.
"Growers in the Innisfail and Tully regions have voiced concern over the future of the industry should crops be destroyed by another vicious storm so soon after Cyclone Larry tore through the region."
True, but there are no guarantees from the weather machine so we shall just have to look at this pragmatically and that will be difficult for the ones who suffered the damage of the cyclone. Darwin has rebuilt and recovered but we do live in weirdo weather times so we are going to have to put emotions aside and take a long hard look at the problems. It is something everyone around the world is facing and so a global approach may well have to be put together. The weather has transformed areas and if the areas remain transformed then farmers will have to change crops, practices and venues. This is where global expertise could be a boon. We are used to harsh conditions and we could help those who are having to face that. Others are used to cyclones and we can look atwhat they have done. All very simple, I know. We are talking about real people, real families, real lives. I still think that's the answer though - talking about it...and it's not as if we can't connect easily across the planet.
Podcast lectures a hit with conscientious university students
Podcast lectures a hit with conscientious university students - :
"'[The US education thinker] David Thornburg said, 'Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer should be.'"
The students at the Queensland University of Technology are actually using the podcasts for back up and revision, but that thought is so valid. I can see a day where technology will replace the classroom and lecture theatre and we shall be duller and sadder for it. It is so important for teachers, at whatever level to teach. That interchange between the teacher and the young is critical in terms of inspiration and a teacher who can be replaced really should be. It's sounds like Nathan Moss is one of those inspirational teachers because he provides insight into how his area of expertise can be functional as well as notional. He practises what he preaches and he is not frightened to try something different in the belief it might not succeed. He must be so happy his students are so appreciative of his efforts and that they did, in fact, succeed.
"'[The US education thinker] David Thornburg said, 'Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer should be.'"
The students at the Queensland University of Technology are actually using the podcasts for back up and revision, but that thought is so valid. I can see a day where technology will replace the classroom and lecture theatre and we shall be duller and sadder for it. It is so important for teachers, at whatever level to teach. That interchange between the teacher and the young is critical in terms of inspiration and a teacher who can be replaced really should be. It's sounds like Nathan Moss is one of those inspirational teachers because he provides insight into how his area of expertise can be functional as well as notional. He practises what he preaches and he is not frightened to try something different in the belief it might not succeed. He must be so happy his students are so appreciative of his efforts and that they did, in fact, succeed.
Minister 'misinforming' public on stem cells
AdelaideNow... Minister 'misinforming' public on stem cells:
"HEALTH Minister Tony Abbott is deliberately misinforming the public to skew the debate about stem cell research, Labor has said."
Very difficult to be misinformed about stem cell research when all the politicians are doing is calling each other names. How old are they? Who do they work for? Who got them there? Some intelligent comment wouldn't go astray. So the information for stem cell research is coming from...the researchers!! They actually know what they are talking about. It's their job. If you want to know , you go to the experts.
"HEALTH Minister Tony Abbott is deliberately misinforming the public to skew the debate about stem cell research, Labor has said."
Very difficult to be misinformed about stem cell research when all the politicians are doing is calling each other names. How old are they? Who do they work for? Who got them there? Some intelligent comment wouldn't go astray. So the information for stem cell research is coming from...the researchers!! They actually know what they are talking about. It's their job. If you want to know , you go to the experts.
Cafe's free meal not good enough
AdelaideNow... Cafe's free meal not good enough:
"But Marie Ryan, 52, has sent a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission, saying she is still angry that she and her family were told by the manager they could only sit in a concreted outer section on August 11."
In a way, I am glad this has happened because I thought SA was right up there in the treatment and management of vision impaired people. I thought we all knew that guide dogs were allowed to be with their owners, full stop , end of story and I thought we all loved seeing the guide dogs around and about the place. A number of people here are a part of the programme to look after guide dogs or to care for puppies until they are ready to be trained. I truly feel embarrassed this has happened so I am not surprised Marie Ryan is angry and all businesses should be aware of special provisions for certain groups of people. In the end I think this will be a good lesson for us all but it's horrible Marie Ryan has had to be embarrassed like that. Most people don't know not to distract the dogs when they are in harness and how important it is to ask the owner whether to talk to the dog or not. I really did think we knew about them always being with the owner. I think we need to revisit a number of public knowledge things because I think we have hit the spot where we have taken some knowledge for granted.
"But Marie Ryan, 52, has sent a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission, saying she is still angry that she and her family were told by the manager they could only sit in a concreted outer section on August 11."
In a way, I am glad this has happened because I thought SA was right up there in the treatment and management of vision impaired people. I thought we all knew that guide dogs were allowed to be with their owners, full stop , end of story and I thought we all loved seeing the guide dogs around and about the place. A number of people here are a part of the programme to look after guide dogs or to care for puppies until they are ready to be trained. I truly feel embarrassed this has happened so I am not surprised Marie Ryan is angry and all businesses should be aware of special provisions for certain groups of people. In the end I think this will be a good lesson for us all but it's horrible Marie Ryan has had to be embarrassed like that. Most people don't know not to distract the dogs when they are in harness and how important it is to ask the owner whether to talk to the dog or not. I really did think we knew about them always being with the owner. I think we need to revisit a number of public knowledge things because I think we have hit the spot where we have taken some knowledge for granted.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
VoIP payphone ready to roll
VoIP payphone ready to roll :
"Customers using the WebPhone device will be able to check web-based email applications, perform online transactions, download music from online retailers, and transfer and email their photographs from digital cameras."
This WebPhone has everything and more and sounds too good to be true but I believe it will do what it says because you have no idea how much Australians get into trouble if they advertise something that is up the creek. They cop it for years. It is NEVER forgotten and we do not tolerate false advertising. There is absolutely no margin for error and we really go for it. If it is to replace payphones then it really is the next generation of phones, but I am not sure how the vandalism aspect of public phones will be dealt with. It would be a bonus for tourists to have access. Hotels and cafes could offer access to them and it would be fantastic when you are away from home. Mind you, I often go where I am cut off so the mobile, internet and everything else are hung up for a week while I swan around. It is sooooooooooooooooooooo relaxing.
"Customers using the WebPhone device will be able to check web-based email applications, perform online transactions, download music from online retailers, and transfer and email their photographs from digital cameras."
This WebPhone has everything and more and sounds too good to be true but I believe it will do what it says because you have no idea how much Australians get into trouble if they advertise something that is up the creek. They cop it for years. It is NEVER forgotten and we do not tolerate false advertising. There is absolutely no margin for error and we really go for it. If it is to replace payphones then it really is the next generation of phones, but I am not sure how the vandalism aspect of public phones will be dealt with. It would be a bonus for tourists to have access. Hotels and cafes could offer access to them and it would be fantastic when you are away from home. Mind you, I often go where I am cut off so the mobile, internet and everything else are hung up for a week while I swan around. It is sooooooooooooooooooooo relaxing.
There is no such thing as a good war
"There is no such thing as a good war and there is no such thing as a bad peace. :
"'There is no such thing as a good war and there is no such thing as a bad peace." -
-- Benjamin Franklin
PM: Blame States for house prices
AdelaideNow... PM: Blame States for house prices:
"Prime Minister John Howard has laid the blame for rising house prices over the last decade squarely at the feet of State Governments saying they had not released enough land to keep costs down."
There has been an interesting business model at work here to raise or lower the prices of property and business and it is all quite orchestrated. Our economy is being played so that businesses can be bought out and so that shareholders make the right kind of profit. It's pretty well documented. The property prices are tied to that model so that the property boom can benefit those who actually know how it works. We are coming into the final stages where the real money will take over our property and businesses. You see it all the time overseas and now it's come here and it's how you get the really rich and the really poor and then you blame them for being poor. Enough has been written about this economic approach for me to leave it here. It cannot be the states. It can be what they own but the whole thing is driven from elsewhere. The same is happening in all our South Pacific nations. The money makers are here.
"Prime Minister John Howard has laid the blame for rising house prices over the last decade squarely at the feet of State Governments saying they had not released enough land to keep costs down."
There has been an interesting business model at work here to raise or lower the prices of property and business and it is all quite orchestrated. Our economy is being played so that businesses can be bought out and so that shareholders make the right kind of profit. It's pretty well documented. The property prices are tied to that model so that the property boom can benefit those who actually know how it works. We are coming into the final stages where the real money will take over our property and businesses. You see it all the time overseas and now it's come here and it's how you get the really rich and the really poor and then you blame them for being poor. Enough has been written about this economic approach for me to leave it here. It cannot be the states. It can be what they own but the whole thing is driven from elsewhere. The same is happening in all our South Pacific nations. The money makers are here.
Frogs facing global extinction
AdelaideNow... Frogs facing global extinction:
"THANKS to our living habits, we may soon live in a world devoid of frogs and their amphibious friends."
This generation has a lot to answer for. The worst thing is we actually do not care what we are doing as long as we have lots of money now.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Organ Donation on Track for a New Record Low?
Scoop: Organ Donation on Track for a New Record Low?:
"The organ donor registry reports our donor rates are lower at this years' half year point than at our record breaking low last year."
At the rate of 7 for every one million of their population then NZ has hit an all time low in organ donation and at least they have kept a sense of humour about it. Is it that low in practice? Probably not. This article mentions other countries but doesn't actually mention what Australia's record is. I still think it's something the people who are left grieving need to decide at the time. They are the ones who have to live through it and most people would agree to it. I guess people do not want to think about it but wouldn't begrudge their organs giving life to others in the event of their death. Doctors want cards to speed up the process but I think there is a move away from that so that loved ones are still in our control. Systems can be very heartless and thoughtless at times, even when they do not mean to be. I have told people I do not mind. I have also said it's what they can bear at the time and I think we need to be more honest about it. It isn't one person's decision because some family members can become quite traumatised. In general people support it, of course they do. It's not being managed in a way we can accept.
"The organ donor registry reports our donor rates are lower at this years' half year point than at our record breaking low last year."
At the rate of 7 for every one million of their population then NZ has hit an all time low in organ donation and at least they have kept a sense of humour about it. Is it that low in practice? Probably not. This article mentions other countries but doesn't actually mention what Australia's record is. I still think it's something the people who are left grieving need to decide at the time. They are the ones who have to live through it and most people would agree to it. I guess people do not want to think about it but wouldn't begrudge their organs giving life to others in the event of their death. Doctors want cards to speed up the process but I think there is a move away from that so that loved ones are still in our control. Systems can be very heartless and thoughtless at times, even when they do not mean to be. I have told people I do not mind. I have also said it's what they can bear at the time and I think we need to be more honest about it. It isn't one person's decision because some family members can become quite traumatised. In general people support it, of course they do. It's not being managed in a way we can accept.
Three found alive after nine months adrift in the Pacific
Scotsman.com News - International - Three found alive after nine months adrift in the Pacific:
"Nourished only by fish, rainwater and the occasional raw seabird, the survivors were found emaciated and sunburnt but otherwise in good health, by the crew of a trawler from the remote Marshall Islands, more than 2,000 miles north-east of Australia."
I saw this on the French news last night. It's a wonderful story and the people are so touching. The men have been so lucky and obviously are very resilient. Their families were so moved. It's a great happy ending and it will be good to see them all happy and well again. I believe they are going to be flown home and that is great news too.
"Nourished only by fish, rainwater and the occasional raw seabird, the survivors were found emaciated and sunburnt but otherwise in good health, by the crew of a trawler from the remote Marshall Islands, more than 2,000 miles north-east of Australia."
I saw this on the French news last night. It's a wonderful story and the people are so touching. The men have been so lucky and obviously are very resilient. Their families were so moved. It's a great happy ending and it will be good to see them all happy and well again. I believe they are going to be flown home and that is great news too.
Fatal culture of overwork refuses to die
Scotsman.com News - International - Fatal culture of overwork refuses to die:
"'The fiscal year 2005 was the worst on record for karoshi, with 330 people recognised by the ministry as having killed themselves by working too hard,' says Mr Inage. The previous year's total was 294 deaths - and critics suggest the number of widows who win compensation from the government is a fraction of the true toll."
Japan is always the culture touted to be overworking its workers. Thinking in stereotypes means you never look at your own country and your own workplace practices. I'd say there are a lot of people in a lot of places working some extraordinarily long working weeks. I'd say "deepset depression " is becoming a way of life for the business model driven economy. I'd say a lot of people are suffering the bad effects of seamless integration between work and home. So let's be honest and have a look at our working hours and the way we are letting our health and social fabric go to pot because it's about productivity and profit. Human beings are a pretty cheap resource to replace in a business driven model.
"'The fiscal year 2005 was the worst on record for karoshi, with 330 people recognised by the ministry as having killed themselves by working too hard,' says Mr Inage. The previous year's total was 294 deaths - and critics suggest the number of widows who win compensation from the government is a fraction of the true toll."
Japan is always the culture touted to be overworking its workers. Thinking in stereotypes means you never look at your own country and your own workplace practices. I'd say there are a lot of people in a lot of places working some extraordinarily long working weeks. I'd say "deepset depression " is becoming a way of life for the business model driven economy. I'd say a lot of people are suffering the bad effects of seamless integration between work and home. So let's be honest and have a look at our working hours and the way we are letting our health and social fabric go to pot because it's about productivity and profit. Human beings are a pretty cheap resource to replace in a business driven model.
$1m sun-powered bus for city
AdelaideNow... $1m sun-powered bus for city:
"ADELAIDE City Council is paying nearly $1 million for a solar-powered bus, Lord Mayor Michael Harbison has revealed."
Not only solar powered, but fully electric too and built in NZ. This is exciting. New age transport. Well done!! Can't wait to see it in action and have a ride.
"ADELAIDE City Council is paying nearly $1 million for a solar-powered bus, Lord Mayor Michael Harbison has revealed."
Not only solar powered, but fully electric too and built in NZ. This is exciting. New age transport. Well done!! Can't wait to see it in action and have a ride.
Accidents prompt workplace safety warning.
Accidents prompt workplace safety warning. :
"A spate of workplace accidents has prompted SafeWork SA to urge all employers and staff to examine their safety procedures."
It's not just about hazard audits and risk assessment but they certainly help and that kind of logical thinking has really helped in the workplace. It's also about jobloads and the health and wellbeing of workers. Tired, frazzled, overworked people are not safe. The increase in workloads and working hours is also an issue. There are a number of things which need to be looked at.
"A spate of workplace accidents has prompted SafeWork SA to urge all employers and staff to examine their safety procedures."
It's not just about hazard audits and risk assessment but they certainly help and that kind of logical thinking has really helped in the workplace. It's also about jobloads and the health and wellbeing of workers. Tired, frazzled, overworked people are not safe. The increase in workloads and working hours is also an issue. There are a number of things which need to be looked at.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Email dubbed snail mail
AdelaideNow... Email dubbed snail mail in text-driven world:
"For many young people, it is about choosing the best communication tool for the situation."
Texting and instant messaging can be much more useful but the problem is we are not all set up for it. Email is about getting out information for people to consider. There has been a shift and people are also sick and tired of the spam mail. So mobiles and instant messaging can be very helpful. It would be good if we all had instant messaging. It works if you can collect it but be turned off when you want to ignore it and instant messaging actually interrupts concentration and absorption. It has its uses. When people start creating errors and danger because they aren't focussed is one thing as are people who are stressing because they have too much communication obligation. We have a young one at work who never answers her voicemail nor listens to the messages. We shift it to get to ours. So she has secretaries and we have to listen to all these frustrated people trying to contact her.Puts stress and work on us. I guess it's a good way to get someone else to do your work , some of this modern "wizardry". It's also a way to avoid work. Perspective. You always have to keep the perspective.
"For many young people, it is about choosing the best communication tool for the situation."
Texting and instant messaging can be much more useful but the problem is we are not all set up for it. Email is about getting out information for people to consider. There has been a shift and people are also sick and tired of the spam mail. So mobiles and instant messaging can be very helpful. It would be good if we all had instant messaging. It works if you can collect it but be turned off when you want to ignore it and instant messaging actually interrupts concentration and absorption. It has its uses. When people start creating errors and danger because they aren't focussed is one thing as are people who are stressing because they have too much communication obligation. We have a young one at work who never answers her voicemail nor listens to the messages. We shift it to get to ours. So she has secretaries and we have to listen to all these frustrated people trying to contact her.Puts stress and work on us. I guess it's a good way to get someone else to do your work , some of this modern "wizardry". It's also a way to avoid work. Perspective. You always have to keep the perspective.
Scam complaints on the rise
AdelaideNow... Scam complaints on the rise:
"'The number of shysters and con artists out in the community is disappointing and we know they are becoming more innovative and creative."
Scamming has certainly been a constant topic at work and there is a group of people out there who are just preying on us. We don't even have to be gullible and stupid. Before you know it, you have been ripped off and trying to get the situation rectified is taking time. Most places are co operative but there are some places which are not helping because they see it as our problem. It is. Everybody's problem. When people get ripped off they take some pretty strong measures to counteract it and that doesn't necessarily promote a situation for good trade. Our trade has always revolved around trust. But getting the information out there has wised us all up. Let's not hide the scams.
"'The number of shysters and con artists out in the community is disappointing and we know they are becoming more innovative and creative."
Scamming has certainly been a constant topic at work and there is a group of people out there who are just preying on us. We don't even have to be gullible and stupid. Before you know it, you have been ripped off and trying to get the situation rectified is taking time. Most places are co operative but there are some places which are not helping because they see it as our problem. It is. Everybody's problem. When people get ripped off they take some pretty strong measures to counteract it and that doesn't necessarily promote a situation for good trade. Our trade has always revolved around trust. But getting the information out there has wised us all up. Let's not hide the scams.
Bressington stands firm on teen tests
AdelaideNow... Bressington stands firm on teen tests:
"“This is not about punishment but about early detection."
The sort of stuff available now is worth big moeny and is highly addictive. It is so important to keep the young ones on track...especially if it really is true 1 in 5 Australians takes drugs at work. I still can't get over it. Dependency and addiction create such sad, tragic lives. Better to do what we can and operate as a community to get rid of harmful stuff. It really is harmful and the young ones don't get the chance to make good and right themselves once they get caught up in it. Didn't NZ trial drug testing in schools? I remember it was hotly debated and then went ahead in some areas while I was there a while back. I thought it was great how the whole nation picked it up and talked about it . Their bottom line was schools were there to teach and educate kids and this was part of their caring for kids. Drugs are costing us a lot... and too many of our young ones are getting into hot water because of them.
"“This is not about punishment but about early detection."
The sort of stuff available now is worth big moeny and is highly addictive. It is so important to keep the young ones on track...especially if it really is true 1 in 5 Australians takes drugs at work. I still can't get over it. Dependency and addiction create such sad, tragic lives. Better to do what we can and operate as a community to get rid of harmful stuff. It really is harmful and the young ones don't get the chance to make good and right themselves once they get caught up in it. Didn't NZ trial drug testing in schools? I remember it was hotly debated and then went ahead in some areas while I was there a while back. I thought it was great how the whole nation picked it up and talked about it . Their bottom line was schools were there to teach and educate kids and this was part of their caring for kids. Drugs are costing us a lot... and too many of our young ones are getting into hot water because of them.
Land supply shortages
Land supply shortages driving housing prices up, developers say. :"'If we want to be a global city, and if the other cities similarly want to enhance and retain their global competitiveness, the bottom line is we've got to find places for people to live in, to raise families, to grow new communities,' he said."
Well, we shall just have to start new cities. The suburbs are becoming very passé. Suburban living isn't particularly safe and it's just suburb! Concrete, bitumen and houses. Poeple don't want it any more because it's dull and univititng and you cannot walk safely. Cities are safer and more interesting form an activity point of view. Some of the appartments have stunning views. So you can see the appeal of a city. Then there are the rural people and the semi rural people. Some people like to be very close to rural areas but with the conveniences of public libraries, easy public transport and good shopping and yet the overall feel is rural. So we'll have to look at cities and yet the success of a city is not easy to come by. Some of our towns have almost doed and some have become revitalised. Urban planners need to take a good hard look at what we have and how we can provide places for real and viable living. The thing with Australia is you can fly over it for a couple of hours and see nothing. Rivers, land, a house and half an hour later another house. So we are not short of land. We loke the ocean though. Perhaps a chance to have some innovation in terms of planning. We have had failed urban development, but we have had some real success stories too and we need to look at those.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Good Manners Chart
Good Manners chart: "The 'Good Manners' chart was first issued to Queensland schools in 1898 by the Department of Public Instruction as part of the systematic teaching of conduct and manners. The chart was based on rules formulated by the Children's National Guild of Courtesy which had been founded in UK elementary schools in 1889."
I know it's not 1889 but we seem to have lost it again with the social graces and niceties and maybe we should revisit these things which essentially boil down to respecting others. Australians are getting too good at destroying any form of formality and common courtesy. The best one is the argument which broke out at a bus stop and was carried onto the bus. Everyone on the bus was forced to listen and was unable to speak freely. One black person and one white person had been having a full on row and the language was colourful. Out of context it's quite funny, but I hear the people on the bus felt really threatened. A cleaned up section goes as follows:
"If it weren't for us you wouldn't be able to use buses. Why don't you get back on your kangaroo?"
"Kangaroo. You gotta be joking mate. I'd use an emu . It's a lot faster."
Nothing wrong with a cross cultural exchange except everyone else on the bus had no rights whatsoever. Then there were the kids on the plane coming home from New Caledonia. The Australian kids got on a French speaking plane having spent a week in a country which speaks French and they had transfers of the Australian flag on their cheeks. Did the children of other nations put their flags on their cheeks? Do visitors to our country put a flag on their cheeks?
Then there was the lady abusing an old guy on a scooter because he was taking so long to drive across the driveway of a shopping centre. She was horrible. So nasty and rude. It is great when you see a culture treat their older people with respect and where they never think to barge past them.
Civility costs nothing and blurting is so uncalled for.
Bills to rise under greenhouse scheme
Bills to rise under greenhouse scheme :
"The plan outlined in a discussion paper by the National Emissions Trading Taskforce has met with the ringing support of environment groups but has been dismissed by the federal Government as being too expensive."
Bills to rise 14% by 2030?? Inflation should take care of that and more no matter what the energy and 2030 is 24 years away. Can you be that accurate in economic predictions? What did we predict in the 80s which is true now? Crystal ball gazing agian. What has the government got against green energy? Why wouldn't a government support green initiatives. I find this all very odd.
"The plan outlined in a discussion paper by the National Emissions Trading Taskforce has met with the ringing support of environment groups but has been dismissed by the federal Government as being too expensive."
Bills to rise 14% by 2030?? Inflation should take care of that and more no matter what the energy and 2030 is 24 years away. Can you be that accurate in economic predictions? What did we predict in the 80s which is true now? Crystal ball gazing agian. What has the government got against green energy? Why wouldn't a government support green initiatives. I find this all very odd.
Gates Urges AIDS Drug for Women
Wired News: Gates Urges AIDS Drug for Women:
"'We need to put the power to prevent HIV in the hands of women,' Gates said. 'We are determined to help medical science discover these new drugs and get them to the people who need them.'"
Bill and Melinda Gates are probably stating the obvious but it's a different approach. Focus on a drug/cream/gel which will kill off the virus in the body because the safe sex approach is breaking down and not working. They have set themselves quite a challenge to deal with this scourge and they are not lacking in energy and capacity to push. It's is interesting to watch the man who was soft on micros being hard on AIDS. It is interesting to watch the transfer of skills and knowledge to a problem which is crucial in terms of our whole planet. He got the world to take up Windows. He powered the company behind the research. He got the world to spread technology. Whether he can get the world to spread health is a far greater challenge, but I admire the fact he considers himself up to such a challenge. Most people in his position would probably just enjoy their riches. He obviously likes to pit his wits against some awesome odds.
"'We need to put the power to prevent HIV in the hands of women,' Gates said. 'We are determined to help medical science discover these new drugs and get them to the people who need them.'"
Bill and Melinda Gates are probably stating the obvious but it's a different approach. Focus on a drug/cream/gel which will kill off the virus in the body because the safe sex approach is breaking down and not working. They have set themselves quite a challenge to deal with this scourge and they are not lacking in energy and capacity to push. It's is interesting to watch the man who was soft on micros being hard on AIDS. It is interesting to watch the transfer of skills and knowledge to a problem which is crucial in terms of our whole planet. He got the world to take up Windows. He powered the company behind the research. He got the world to spread technology. Whether he can get the world to spread health is a far greater challenge, but I admire the fact he considers himself up to such a challenge. Most people in his position would probably just enjoy their riches. He obviously likes to pit his wits against some awesome odds.
Transportable topples off truck
House topples off truck : "'A truck has lost its load, which was a house,' a police spokeswoman said today. 'It has split in half.'"
I have seen transportable houses being transported around the state a couple of times. It's actually amazing how they get them on trucks and then take them down the highways and some of the houses are really quite big. It is something which is done carefully. They usually are built with a "seam". It would have caused quite a hold up and would be a difficult thing to manage. Thankfully no one was hurt and the truck seems to be in order too. What a calamity. I don't suppose the home owner is too happy!
I have seen transportable houses being transported around the state a couple of times. It's actually amazing how they get them on trucks and then take them down the highways and some of the houses are really quite big. It is something which is done carefully. They usually are built with a "seam". It would have caused quite a hold up and would be a difficult thing to manage. Thankfully no one was hurt and the truck seems to be in order too. What a calamity. I don't suppose the home owner is too happy!
Greenhouse Gas Plan
Greenhouse gas plan would cripple resources sector, PM warns. :
"Premiers and chief ministers have released a discussion paper on a scheme to set national emission targets for the three main greenhouse polluting gases - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide."
No use coming in with the heavy artillery when the states and territories have launched a DISCUSSION paper. Let's discuss. We are concerned about greenhouse emissions. We can do better. The excess greenhouse emissions are doing us and our planet harm. We do need to act. Act, not react. Australia can do better and we are not party to all the protocols which have been signed by other countries. Whatever we lose in greenhouse gases we shall replace with renewable or alternative energies so the jobs should be still available. If they are not, that will become clear as the discussion progresses. There is enough evidence to suggest we need to take action and we need to discuss the issue in its entirety. Global warming is something we neither want nor need. We shall lose more than jobs if we don't take action .
"Premiers and chief ministers have released a discussion paper on a scheme to set national emission targets for the three main greenhouse polluting gases - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide."
No use coming in with the heavy artillery when the states and territories have launched a DISCUSSION paper. Let's discuss. We are concerned about greenhouse emissions. We can do better. The excess greenhouse emissions are doing us and our planet harm. We do need to act. Act, not react. Australia can do better and we are not party to all the protocols which have been signed by other countries. Whatever we lose in greenhouse gases we shall replace with renewable or alternative energies so the jobs should be still available. If they are not, that will become clear as the discussion progresses. There is enough evidence to suggest we need to take action and we need to discuss the issue in its entirety. Global warming is something we neither want nor need. We shall lose more than jobs if we don't take action .
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Calling all ugly sheep
AdelaideNow... Calling all ugly sheep: "With spring lambing now on the way, SARDI has put out a call to the nation's farmers to be on the look out for 'very ugly' or unusual sheep."
According to their statistics there ought to be a hundred of them so they are looking for the other ninety. Poor sheep. They'll get low self esteem. The scientists want them to build up their gene library so there is a method in their madness.
Car crash stirs up bee swarm
Car crash stirs up bee swarm :
"A teenage driver in the US crashed a four-wheel drive into a hollow tree and stirred up tens of thousands of angry honey bees, creating a swarm that sent her and nine others to the hospital."
Teenagers crashing into trees are ususally dead, but this one stirred up millions of bees and landed herself and her helpers in hospital. That she is alive is something to be thankful for. As one of the policemen said, you can't actually train to deal with something like that. That the paramedics and police got that little lot under control is a real tribute to their on the spot thinking and their capacity to think laterally. What a crazy situation.
"A teenage driver in the US crashed a four-wheel drive into a hollow tree and stirred up tens of thousands of angry honey bees, creating a swarm that sent her and nine others to the hospital."
Teenagers crashing into trees are ususally dead, but this one stirred up millions of bees and landed herself and her helpers in hospital. That she is alive is something to be thankful for. As one of the policemen said, you can't actually train to deal with something like that. That the paramedics and police got that little lot under control is a real tribute to their on the spot thinking and their capacity to think laterally. What a crazy situation.
Osteoporosis 'not managed properly'
Osteoporosis 'not managed properly' :
"A study of 366 female sufferers aged over 60 admitted to WA hospitals with fractures between 1997 and 2002 found that less than half had been told they had the condition."
We are good at getting information out to the public. We are good at getting a sound knowledge of conditions and how to manage them, but this is another example of where we all know about it but we are not in a position to effectively treat and manage a condition. Inspite of a heightened awareness we are behaving in a very ignorant fashion and that really does not make sense. We all know about the importance of calcium and weight bearing exercise and building muscle. We all know about calcium loss as we get older. We actually need to get our knowledge into action. The sorts of information we have available to us is really top quality. I have changed my diet because of it, but somehow there is a learning gap we haven't cottoned onto and then this ridiculous implementation dip. What is going on?
"A study of 366 female sufferers aged over 60 admitted to WA hospitals with fractures between 1997 and 2002 found that less than half had been told they had the condition."
We are good at getting information out to the public. We are good at getting a sound knowledge of conditions and how to manage them, but this is another example of where we all know about it but we are not in a position to effectively treat and manage a condition. Inspite of a heightened awareness we are behaving in a very ignorant fashion and that really does not make sense. We all know about the importance of calcium and weight bearing exercise and building muscle. We all know about calcium loss as we get older. We actually need to get our knowledge into action. The sorts of information we have available to us is really top quality. I have changed my diet because of it, but somehow there is a learning gap we haven't cottoned onto and then this ridiculous implementation dip. What is going on?
Bus seat belts on every bus still years away: SA Govt.
Bus seat belts on every bus still years away: SA Govt. :
"The South Australian Government says it could be several years before every state school bus is fitted with seat belts."
When we spend so much money on military stuff and cannot find the money for seatbelts on kids' buses, then yes, I think we have our priorities wrong. It will cost a lot of money. We want the seat belts to keep our children safe. There is nothing wrong with that. It's why we wear seatbelts in cars. They save lives. That is all the argument you need. The cost is going to have to be a shared cost ,as far as I'm concerned. There has to be a way we can raise the money. We raise large sums for other initiatives and if we want seatbelts, then let's get a bit of togetherness going. The news said it would take 30 years to fit out all the buses. That is ludicrous and hopefully in 30 years we'll be doing more of a Jetsons than a bumpy ride on unsealed tracks. Come on...SA is great , isn't it?! Brilliant?! They were talking about kids not wearing them. Well, why not get the kids to be part of the solution so they own the problem. That's a common headset isn't it? Stop stalling and get fund raising.
"The South Australian Government says it could be several years before every state school bus is fitted with seat belts."
When we spend so much money on military stuff and cannot find the money for seatbelts on kids' buses, then yes, I think we have our priorities wrong. It will cost a lot of money. We want the seat belts to keep our children safe. There is nothing wrong with that. It's why we wear seatbelts in cars. They save lives. That is all the argument you need. The cost is going to have to be a shared cost ,as far as I'm concerned. There has to be a way we can raise the money. We raise large sums for other initiatives and if we want seatbelts, then let's get a bit of togetherness going. The news said it would take 30 years to fit out all the buses. That is ludicrous and hopefully in 30 years we'll be doing more of a Jetsons than a bumpy ride on unsealed tracks. Come on...SA is great , isn't it?! Brilliant?! They were talking about kids not wearing them. Well, why not get the kids to be part of the solution so they own the problem. That's a common headset isn't it? Stop stalling and get fund raising.
Hicks's father doubts trial near.
Hicks's father doubts trial near. :
"'If Mr Ruddock would come out and say, 'Look, Australia is asking America for David Hicks to be sent home', it would probably take only two to three months,' Terry Hicks said."
There isn't anyone who thinks David Hicks is going to have a fair trial. He has become a persona non grata and we know it. Hos lawyer has said it would need the government to take a stronger position. Our government, unlike other governemtns, does not seem to be able to do that. The rightness and wrongness is not the issue. Even Saddam Hussein is getting a trial, as bizarre as it is.
"'If Mr Ruddock would come out and say, 'Look, Australia is asking America for David Hicks to be sent home', it would probably take only two to three months,' Terry Hicks said."
There isn't anyone who thinks David Hicks is going to have a fair trial. He has become a persona non grata and we know it. Hos lawyer has said it would need the government to take a stronger position. Our government, unlike other governemtns, does not seem to be able to do that. The rightness and wrongness is not the issue. Even Saddam Hussein is getting a trial, as bizarre as it is.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Toppling crane just misses luxury boats
Toppling crane just misses luxury boats :
"Workplace health and safety officers are investigating the accident."
I bet they are. That is soooo bad.
"Workplace health and safety officers are investigating the accident."
I bet they are. That is soooo bad.
PM announces $1.6bn fuel package
AdelaideNow... PM announces $1.6bn fuel package:
"PRIME Minister John Howard has outlined a $1.6 billion, eight-year program to ease the pain of high petrol prices on motorists."
It's gone up! The last article I read said 1.6 billion. Yes, in a situation like this you have to lead from the top. People can activate lower down but the top is where the push and the incentives are and we need to change our headset because we can do better than we are. We need to act rather than react and we need to tackle the fuel problem in a rational way. It's called being flexible and not putting all your eggs in one basket!
"PRIME Minister John Howard has outlined a $1.6 billion, eight-year program to ease the pain of high petrol prices on motorists."
It's gone up! The last article I read said 1.6 billion. Yes, in a situation like this you have to lead from the top. People can activate lower down but the top is where the push and the incentives are and we need to change our headset because we can do better than we are. We need to act rather than react and we need to tackle the fuel problem in a rational way. It's called being flexible and not putting all your eggs in one basket!
Most read junk mail, survey claims
AdelaideNow... Most read junk mail, survey claims:
"Almost 90 per cent of respondents to a survey by Sweeney Research reported they were regular readers of junk mail delivered to their home."
The junk mail deliverers are the unsung heroes of all of this. They tramp the streets and deliver the mail they have folded for a pittance. I never hold them up but I am always friendly if I see them. I love my junk mail and have never seen it as a nuisance. I get to see what's on special, I get to compare proces and I get leads I can follow up online. I use my junk mail when I am looking to purchase and I like to see what's available where. I should prefer it as a once a week catalogue where all the items from all the stores are in one booklet. Maybe that is more expensive to produce. It then goes straight into the recycle bin. I often see people at the shops with the pictures of the things from the junk mail. So we use it and we follow it up. I just feel sorry for the deliverers and it is worse for them in unclement weather.
"Almost 90 per cent of respondents to a survey by Sweeney Research reported they were regular readers of junk mail delivered to their home."
The junk mail deliverers are the unsung heroes of all of this. They tramp the streets and deliver the mail they have folded for a pittance. I never hold them up but I am always friendly if I see them. I love my junk mail and have never seen it as a nuisance. I get to see what's on special, I get to compare proces and I get leads I can follow up online. I use my junk mail when I am looking to purchase and I like to see what's available where. I should prefer it as a once a week catalogue where all the items from all the stores are in one booklet. Maybe that is more expensive to produce. It then goes straight into the recycle bin. I often see people at the shops with the pictures of the things from the junk mail. So we use it and we follow it up. I just feel sorry for the deliverers and it is worse for them in unclement weather.
Professor pushes for junk food price increase.
Professor pushes for junk food price increase.:
"'We subsidise some things, we don't subsidise others. We regulate some items. So, for instance, if we charge money for every calorie of soft drink and fruit drink that was consumed, people would consume less of it,' Professor Popkin said."
Over here our GST is used to create a difference between healthy food option and those which aren't. It's a good idea and I guess it could be exploited more. I do think companies need to be forced to take responsibility for what they produce in the name of food. It is great when companies take a pride in what they offer and use wholesome , healthy ingredients. I do also think people need to be responsible for what they eat. This Nanny approach to society where we safe guard people from their own stupidity has to stop, really. People used to look after themselves. Now others are forced to look after them by the use of one form of sanction or another. It's not very civilised and it allows the blame game to occur.
"'We subsidise some things, we don't subsidise others. We regulate some items. So, for instance, if we charge money for every calorie of soft drink and fruit drink that was consumed, people would consume less of it,' Professor Popkin said."
Over here our GST is used to create a difference between healthy food option and those which aren't. It's a good idea and I guess it could be exploited more. I do think companies need to be forced to take responsibility for what they produce in the name of food. It is great when companies take a pride in what they offer and use wholesome , healthy ingredients. I do also think people need to be responsible for what they eat. This Nanny approach to society where we safe guard people from their own stupidity has to stop, really. People used to look after themselves. Now others are forced to look after them by the use of one form of sanction or another. It's not very civilised and it allows the blame game to occur.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Woman rescued from fire then arrested
Woman rescued from fire then arrested :
"'Police believe the woman deliberately started the fire as a result of a domestic dispute with the man who occupies the house,' a police spokesman said today."
People seem to take very extreme problem resolution management to the table these days. Why would you set your home on fire even if you are having a row? It's self destructive as well as other people destructive. I really do not get it. She sounds so desperate.
"'Police believe the woman deliberately started the fire as a result of a domestic dispute with the man who occupies the house,' a police spokesman said today."
People seem to take very extreme problem resolution management to the table these days. Why would you set your home on fire even if you are having a row? It's self destructive as well as other people destructive. I really do not get it. She sounds so desperate.
Now the barks are getting counted
Now the barks are getting counted :
"Local councils in South Australia are introducing new technology – the Bark Counting Collar – which has been hailed a canine controversy peacemaker."
Fantastic. Takes all the guesswork out of it. Clear cut information. I am now on my secod neighbour with barking dogs and it really gets you down when they go all day and all night. I have always had dogs. I love them. I try to make friends with barking dogs but when they are left for hours or days then they are just too frantic. The current ones are two lovely dogs but they just get left and at night they bark and bark and bark. Luckily it's not my side of the house. It's exhausting for the dogs, I am sure. So this device can settle the matter easily. Great use of technology. The owners are not always aware of how much their dogs bark because they never bark when they are there!
"Local councils in South Australia are introducing new technology – the Bark Counting Collar – which has been hailed a canine controversy peacemaker."
Fantastic. Takes all the guesswork out of it. Clear cut information. I am now on my secod neighbour with barking dogs and it really gets you down when they go all day and all night. I have always had dogs. I love them. I try to make friends with barking dogs but when they are left for hours or days then they are just too frantic. The current ones are two lovely dogs but they just get left and at night they bark and bark and bark. Luckily it's not my side of the house. It's exhausting for the dogs, I am sure. So this device can settle the matter easily. Great use of technology. The owners are not always aware of how much their dogs bark because they never bark when they are there!
Biofuels the key to investment
Biofuels the key to investment | Science & nature | The Australian:
"The US, where using biofuels is considered a patriotic act, will produce more than 24 billion litres of ethanol this year. Australia will produce only 125 million litres of ethanol (made from sugar cane, wheat or corn) and another 200 million litres to 230 million litres of biodiesel (made from vegetable oils or animal fat)."
If our farmers can grow canola for their own fuel uses then we need to look at commercial productions because the petrol prices are silly and we are constantly held to ransom. We need alternatives and if that means we have to do some straight talking, some decent bargaining and some sensible thinking to create the logistics for bio fuel to fuel our economy , well, let's get to it. Seriously, this is 2006. Get something cutting edge and space agey going.
"The US, where using biofuels is considered a patriotic act, will produce more than 24 billion litres of ethanol this year. Australia will produce only 125 million litres of ethanol (made from sugar cane, wheat or corn) and another 200 million litres to 230 million litres of biodiesel (made from vegetable oils or animal fat)."
If our farmers can grow canola for their own fuel uses then we need to look at commercial productions because the petrol prices are silly and we are constantly held to ransom. We need alternatives and if that means we have to do some straight talking, some decent bargaining and some sensible thinking to create the logistics for bio fuel to fuel our economy , well, let's get to it. Seriously, this is 2006. Get something cutting edge and space agey going.
No lunch and no money
AdelaideNow... No lunch and no money:
"And frustrated principals say parents are taking advantage of their generosity by not repaying the canteen bill.
More and more children are going without because mums and dads can't afford to fill their lunchboxes, according to Australian Education Union state president Andrew Gohl."
I think we actually need to document this and get it into the public arena. It seems awful Adelaide can't feed its children. Ther appear to be some odd reasons as to why. Why would your mortgage come before the welfare of your children? Why would children think it's okay to throw out lunches and why would parents thinks schools can foot the bills for lunces. I think a clearer picture needs to be drawn so that we can see exactly how many children genuinely need to be fed because their parents genuinely cannot afford it. This article has some trends and drifts but we need the facts because it just isn't right. Not for schools and not for kids and some parents might be embarrassed to discover what their children are doing. Then when we find out how many children just don't have enough food, then that's a different story.
"And frustrated principals say parents are taking advantage of their generosity by not repaying the canteen bill.
More and more children are going without because mums and dads can't afford to fill their lunchboxes, according to Australian Education Union state president Andrew Gohl."
I think we actually need to document this and get it into the public arena. It seems awful Adelaide can't feed its children. Ther appear to be some odd reasons as to why. Why would your mortgage come before the welfare of your children? Why would children think it's okay to throw out lunches and why would parents thinks schools can foot the bills for lunces. I think a clearer picture needs to be drawn so that we can see exactly how many children genuinely need to be fed because their parents genuinely cannot afford it. This article has some trends and drifts but we need the facts because it just isn't right. Not for schools and not for kids and some parents might be embarrassed to discover what their children are doing. Then when we find out how many children just don't have enough food, then that's a different story.
Tuvalu
The World Today - Tuvalu at Risk of Rising Sea Levels:
"JULIE BAYER: A lot of people are very concerned and they do believe that they are at risk of being the world's first environmental refugees. At the same time they don't want to really believe it because they love their island and they don't want to leave it."
It is a shame to see that we now have environmental refugees and the peoples who seem to be hardest hit by environmental damage are the islanders around the world and the tribal nations. Why is that? It seems sad our world risks losing such rich cultures and when you read this article you can see how much it hurts those people. New Zealand seems to be doing a very great deal in the South Pacific to spearhead ways and means of preserving these people and their cultures. Are we? What are we doing? Global changes will affect us all. You have only to look at old maps to see the world has changed and land masses have changed. Living through it is not the same as seeing a papaer map. We are all on this planet together. We need to take some community responibility for environmental refugees but it also means we need to look at how we, as so called civilised nations, are affecting the lives of others because we take no responsibilty for our own behaviour and lifestyle.
"JULIE BAYER: A lot of people are very concerned and they do believe that they are at risk of being the world's first environmental refugees. At the same time they don't want to really believe it because they love their island and they don't want to leave it."
It is a shame to see that we now have environmental refugees and the peoples who seem to be hardest hit by environmental damage are the islanders around the world and the tribal nations. Why is that? It seems sad our world risks losing such rich cultures and when you read this article you can see how much it hurts those people. New Zealand seems to be doing a very great deal in the South Pacific to spearhead ways and means of preserving these people and their cultures. Are we? What are we doing? Global changes will affect us all. You have only to look at old maps to see the world has changed and land masses have changed. Living through it is not the same as seeing a papaer map. We are all on this planet together. We need to take some community responibility for environmental refugees but it also means we need to look at how we, as so called civilised nations, are affecting the lives of others because we take no responsibilty for our own behaviour and lifestyle.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Water use down
AdelaideNow... But water use down:
"Adelaide used 173 gigalitres between July 2005 and June 2006, compared to 192 gigalitres in the preceding 12 months."
See? We are good at saving water and we haven't watered because it's been too damn cold. We have been too busy freezing our bottoms off and refusing to wear our hats and mufflers. We manage the odd scarf when we remember. Some of the hardy types have insisted on the shorts and short sleeved shirts even in this winter...much to our dismay. Just looking at them makes us feel colder.
"Adelaide used 173 gigalitres between July 2005 and June 2006, compared to 192 gigalitres in the preceding 12 months."
See? We are good at saving water and we haven't watered because it's been too damn cold. We have been too busy freezing our bottoms off and refusing to wear our hats and mufflers. We manage the odd scarf when we remember. Some of the hardy types have insisted on the shorts and short sleeved shirts even in this winter...much to our dismay. Just looking at them makes us feel colder.
A soft touch for high fashion
AdelaideNow... A soft touch for high fashion:
"The parade, at the National Wine Centre, will start the biennial Australian Alpaca Association National Conference, themed From Here to Wear."
I love Alpaca wool and anything I have knitted from alpaca has attracted attention because it is so soft and it has a fluid movement which you do not get with sheep's wool. Sheep's wool has its place too, son't get me wrong! My alpaca things are a cut above and they are so warm and cuddly! So I can imagine the fabric made from alpaca will be really special. It's great to hear alpaca wool will be used in garments. I love alpacas too. We get to see them a fair bit around here.
"The parade, at the National Wine Centre, will start the biennial Australian Alpaca Association National Conference, themed From Here to Wear."
I love Alpaca wool and anything I have knitted from alpaca has attracted attention because it is so soft and it has a fluid movement which you do not get with sheep's wool. Sheep's wool has its place too, son't get me wrong! My alpaca things are a cut above and they are so warm and cuddly! So I can imagine the fabric made from alpaca will be really special. It's great to hear alpaca wool will be used in garments. I love alpacas too. We get to see them a fair bit around here.
Yoga-inspired calendar
AdelaideNow... Yoga-inspired calendar:
"The project features painted models in yoga poses, bringing to life the traditions and sacred practices of the now-trendy exercise and relaxation tool."
This calendar is an idea by an Adelaide based artist. I normally don't much care about things like this but this calendar seems to be different. The body art, really is beautiful and it brings back the notion that bodies are beautiful. Artists have, for centuries, painted the body because it was beautiful. Tribes have adorned bodies to make them walking, living works of art. It is a move away from the gratuitous exploitation and a return to art. I like the picture which is shown.
"The project features painted models in yoga poses, bringing to life the traditions and sacred practices of the now-trendy exercise and relaxation tool."
This calendar is an idea by an Adelaide based artist. I normally don't much care about things like this but this calendar seems to be different. The body art, really is beautiful and it brings back the notion that bodies are beautiful. Artists have, for centuries, painted the body because it was beautiful. Tribes have adorned bodies to make them walking, living works of art. It is a move away from the gratuitous exploitation and a return to art. I like the picture which is shown.
Beazley caught out in minister mix-up
Beazley caught out in minister mix-up :
"'The governor of the Reserve Bank is Ian Macfarlane, he is doing his job and for Mr Beazley to go out and gratuitously insult him because he does not even know his name is just another indication Mr Beazley understands precious little about economics,' Mr Costello said."
Yes, it is very difficult, when one is so perfect, to be forced to live in the same space as those less worthy. Mr. Costello, like the rest of us, is a paragon of perfection who never confuses anything, never forgets anything and never misunderstands context. We are truly fortunate to be such a wonderful nation.
"'The governor of the Reserve Bank is Ian Macfarlane, he is doing his job and for Mr Beazley to go out and gratuitously insult him because he does not even know his name is just another indication Mr Beazley understands precious little about economics,' Mr Costello said."
Yes, it is very difficult, when one is so perfect, to be forced to live in the same space as those less worthy. Mr. Costello, like the rest of us, is a paragon of perfection who never confuses anything, never forgets anything and never misunderstands context. We are truly fortunate to be such a wonderful nation.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thieving lobster apprehended
Thieving lobster apprehended :
"The wallet was recovered by a diver who caught the crustacean red-handed on the sea bed."
This is a wonderful story. Naughty lobster. The driver who caught the losbster red clawed has done a wonderful thing but has remained the good samaritan. The penalty, though ,was a bit harsh...the lobster has been eaten! Poor lobster.
"The wallet was recovered by a diver who caught the crustacean red-handed on the sea bed."
This is a wonderful story. Naughty lobster. The driver who caught the losbster red clawed has done a wonderful thing but has remained the good samaritan. The penalty, though ,was a bit harsh...the lobster has been eaten! Poor lobster.
Stress link to eating disorders
AdelaideNow... Stress link to eating disorders:
"Stress is thought to be an important precursor of eating disorders."
Really?
"Stress is thought to be an important precursor of eating disorders."
Really?
Security beefed up at airport
AdelaideNow... Security beefed up at airport:
"PERTH'S airport has tightened security in the wake of the foiled bomb plot in Britain."
In my recent travels I was really impressed with how everyone in any airport could co ordinate efficiently and effectively without scaring the living daylights out of everyone. I felt a lot safer because the people working in airports and on planes were calm, efficient and obviously well trained and effective. At any give stage in an airport or on a plane there might be an alert but the capacity for the employees to communicate without aggression, hysteria, or an overbearing manner was really impressive. Australians had quite a different style from the New Caledonians but they were all effective. If it is furtheur tightened I cannot see a problem. It will make us feel better. I was expecting to be freaked out by my travels but it was the opposite. Our airline and airport people in the South Pacific are great and I thank them.
"PERTH'S airport has tightened security in the wake of the foiled bomb plot in Britain."
In my recent travels I was really impressed with how everyone in any airport could co ordinate efficiently and effectively without scaring the living daylights out of everyone. I felt a lot safer because the people working in airports and on planes were calm, efficient and obviously well trained and effective. At any give stage in an airport or on a plane there might be an alert but the capacity for the employees to communicate without aggression, hysteria, or an overbearing manner was really impressive. Australians had quite a different style from the New Caledonians but they were all effective. If it is furtheur tightened I cannot see a problem. It will make us feel better. I was expecting to be freaked out by my travels but it was the opposite. Our airline and airport people in the South Pacific are great and I thank them.
Santos sets drug rules
AdelaideNow... Santos sets drug rules:
"The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, however, has warned substance testing at work was not effective in deterring alcohol or drug use."
You get what you are prepared to accept. We haven't been prepared to accept smoking at work and things have changed. I'd say for the better. I do not think I have the right to run someone else's life and I think there has to be a bit of give and take, but smoking at work is not tolerated. Why should drugs and alchohol be tolerated? They too lead to unpleasant and unsafe practices. We have allowed drugs and alcohol to become part of the mainstream if it is true that 1 in 5 Australians is using drugs or alcohol at work. I agree with the article that Santos is setting a reasonable corporate example. There is education, there is outside consultation and there is a clear but non judgemental position. There isn't a place for drugs and alcohol at work. If it doesn't stem the use of drugs and alcohol then we need to look at that in a different arena as we have with the smoking. All these things are doing us harm when they are out of hand and we can show that. I think we have lost our boundaries and I think we have lost the balance. It is up to all of us to put it right. If people are engaging in things at home which are not hurting the workplace and other human beings then that is okay. We keep forgetting in Australia that drugs are illegal and I think we need to rethink that position. Smoking has virtually become illegal by consensus and most people have a drink or happy hours at work. It's a sociable thing. It's about balance and a clearer picture.
"The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, however, has warned substance testing at work was not effective in deterring alcohol or drug use."
You get what you are prepared to accept. We haven't been prepared to accept smoking at work and things have changed. I'd say for the better. I do not think I have the right to run someone else's life and I think there has to be a bit of give and take, but smoking at work is not tolerated. Why should drugs and alchohol be tolerated? They too lead to unpleasant and unsafe practices. We have allowed drugs and alcohol to become part of the mainstream if it is true that 1 in 5 Australians is using drugs or alcohol at work. I agree with the article that Santos is setting a reasonable corporate example. There is education, there is outside consultation and there is a clear but non judgemental position. There isn't a place for drugs and alcohol at work. If it doesn't stem the use of drugs and alcohol then we need to look at that in a different arena as we have with the smoking. All these things are doing us harm when they are out of hand and we can show that. I think we have lost our boundaries and I think we have lost the balance. It is up to all of us to put it right. If people are engaging in things at home which are not hurting the workplace and other human beings then that is okay. We keep forgetting in Australia that drugs are illegal and I think we need to rethink that position. Smoking has virtually become illegal by consensus and most people have a drink or happy hours at work. It's a sociable thing. It's about balance and a clearer picture.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Half of Aussie adults have been attacked
Half of Aussie adults have been attacked - :
"The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the results of the first national Personal Safety Survey on Thursday, which also found one in 10 men and one in 20 women had experienced physical violence or been threatened in the past year."
If you look at some of the statistics coming out, our country has become nastier and nastier and less and less safe. Why? It's been really noticeable how destructive we have become over the last 10 years and the last 3 have brought up some really harsh statistics, but still we insist we are okay and Australia is all right. Our kids aren't safe. We can't walk . In some places you can't park cars and people help themselves to your home contents. There have been horrible murders and nasty attacks and we think we are okay. WAKE UP. And do what this article is doing, break it down into age groups...It's not good enough. The respect and boundaries are lacking. We have to shift our cultural approach and create a society where we can move freely as we could...and you are wondering why Austrlians are going overseas and are staying there.
"The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the results of the first national Personal Safety Survey on Thursday, which also found one in 10 men and one in 20 women had experienced physical violence or been threatened in the past year."
If you look at some of the statistics coming out, our country has become nastier and nastier and less and less safe. Why? It's been really noticeable how destructive we have become over the last 10 years and the last 3 have brought up some really harsh statistics, but still we insist we are okay and Australia is all right. Our kids aren't safe. We can't walk . In some places you can't park cars and people help themselves to your home contents. There have been horrible murders and nasty attacks and we think we are okay. WAKE UP. And do what this article is doing, break it down into age groups...It's not good enough. The respect and boundaries are lacking. We have to shift our cultural approach and create a society where we can move freely as we could...and you are wondering why Austrlians are going overseas and are staying there.
Scientists gather for ant boot camp
Scientists gather for ant boot camp :
"The Ant Course is held in a different city in the world every year to teach entomologists to describe and classify ants and to further their knowledge of the insect's part in ecological biodiversity."
Well, Dr. Fisher who is the ant course organiser will be coming to SA to try and find the ant icon...the dinosau ant. Didn't even know we had them but htey are supposed to be around Streaky Bay. I suspect he likes lovely coastal places!! Spot of fishing...beautiful sunsets. Only kidding. I think the ant course is an essential. We seem to have a lot of ants and even though they are mostly harmless, they are certainly fascinating as well as annoying!! I look forward to hearing their news.
"The Ant Course is held in a different city in the world every year to teach entomologists to describe and classify ants and to further their knowledge of the insect's part in ecological biodiversity."
Well, Dr. Fisher who is the ant course organiser will be coming to SA to try and find the ant icon...the dinosau ant. Didn't even know we had them but htey are supposed to be around Streaky Bay. I suspect he likes lovely coastal places!! Spot of fishing...beautiful sunsets. Only kidding. I think the ant course is an essential. We seem to have a lot of ants and even though they are mostly harmless, they are certainly fascinating as well as annoying!! I look forward to hearing their news.
Lawyers help the homeless
AdelaideNow... Lawyers help the homeless:
"'It means so much. When you're homeless and unemployed you can be made to feel very small,' he said."
I think this is so fantastic. So heart warming and so nice. It is great to hear about people caring about people and about a community apporach to living. It is fantastic to see that there is a level playing field. Homelessness stories abound. I know some people just drop out and do not want to be a part of the system for philosphical reasons, but that is not most poeple. I know there are some kids who are just wayward and just leave home and then find themselves on the street. Most homeless people do not want to be homeless and they want to lead a normal, happy life. I have heard of families sleeping in cars and sending their children to school from cars. They have to park in different places so they are not picked up and charged with something. Once you get to that stage, you do need a helping hand. I also believe if you give a helping hand it will come back to you. I not only believe it , I know it. We've got over 7000 homeless people on our streets in Adelaide. It's ridiculous. We need a clear public picture of this so we can start addressing the issues and preventing the fall into undesired homelessness.
"'It means so much. When you're homeless and unemployed you can be made to feel very small,' he said."
I think this is so fantastic. So heart warming and so nice. It is great to hear about people caring about people and about a community apporach to living. It is fantastic to see that there is a level playing field. Homelessness stories abound. I know some people just drop out and do not want to be a part of the system for philosphical reasons, but that is not most poeple. I know there are some kids who are just wayward and just leave home and then find themselves on the street. Most homeless people do not want to be homeless and they want to lead a normal, happy life. I have heard of families sleeping in cars and sending their children to school from cars. They have to park in different places so they are not picked up and charged with something. Once you get to that stage, you do need a helping hand. I also believe if you give a helping hand it will come back to you. I not only believe it , I know it. We've got over 7000 homeless people on our streets in Adelaide. It's ridiculous. We need a clear public picture of this so we can start addressing the issues and preventing the fall into undesired homelessness.
Classrooms of decay
AdelaideNow... Classrooms of decay:
"'It's an indictment against South Australia's aspiration to be a progressive and modern state when it is failing to provide appropriate facilities and safe environments for children in public schools,' he said."
As you drive around these days there is certainly a widening divide in the look of public and private schools. A while back many state schools were closed and I often wonder if this is the plan again because why else would you let schools become run down? Many of them are location, location, location and some which were closed have been turned into plush accommodation of one sort or another. I believe though we have to solve the problem of constant theft and arson which is always on the news and in the papers. State schools have been bearing the brunt of the ills of our state. Why is that? Only last week there was another account of a school having its windows smashed for the umpteenth time. I sometimes think we need to make them safer and better protected. The kids must get tired of losing their work or coming into a mess and rubble. It might make them resilient but it does seem very unfair. Maybe this is all incentive to get parents to shift children to private schools so there is no state funded education. Would save money.
"'It's an indictment against South Australia's aspiration to be a progressive and modern state when it is failing to provide appropriate facilities and safe environments for children in public schools,' he said."
As you drive around these days there is certainly a widening divide in the look of public and private schools. A while back many state schools were closed and I often wonder if this is the plan again because why else would you let schools become run down? Many of them are location, location, location and some which were closed have been turned into plush accommodation of one sort or another. I believe though we have to solve the problem of constant theft and arson which is always on the news and in the papers. State schools have been bearing the brunt of the ills of our state. Why is that? Only last week there was another account of a school having its windows smashed for the umpteenth time. I sometimes think we need to make them safer and better protected. The kids must get tired of losing their work or coming into a mess and rubble. It might make them resilient but it does seem very unfair. Maybe this is all incentive to get parents to shift children to private schools so there is no state funded education. Would save money.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Dust off those golden oldies
AdelaideNow... Dust off those golden oldies:
"TEAC Australia has gone back to the future with a turntable that's also a CD recorder and radio."
A bridging gadget. What a great idea because I have a stack of vinyly and even some 78s I could get onto modern technological devices. Given you have a radio and you can record CDs , it's actually a really good piece of equipment for those of us with vinyl to burn!!
"TEAC Australia has gone back to the future with a turntable that's also a CD recorder and radio."
A bridging gadget. What a great idea because I have a stack of vinyly and even some 78s I could get onto modern technological devices. Given you have a radio and you can record CDs , it's actually a really good piece of equipment for those of us with vinyl to burn!!
600,000 Aussies do census online
600,000 Aussies do census online :
"ALMOST 600,000 Australians have completed their census online."
If more went online in Canberra and the fewest in the Northern Territory then I think it comes down to equity issues. Some get more access than others and some have stable homes to live in. There are 20 million of us. How many adults to go online? I guess 600,000 is a start and the onliners were happy with the process from what I can tell. The census deliverers and collectors have made a big impression and have clearly been as asset to the successful implementation of this census.
"ALMOST 600,000 Australians have completed their census online."
If more went online in Canberra and the fewest in the Northern Territory then I think it comes down to equity issues. Some get more access than others and some have stable homes to live in. There are 20 million of us. How many adults to go online? I guess 600,000 is a start and the onliners were happy with the process from what I can tell. The census deliverers and collectors have made a big impression and have clearly been as asset to the successful implementation of this census.
Desalination plant to go ahead
"'Water supply remains the priority for south-east Queensland and we will continue to investigate every avenue to ensure the sustainability of our water resources,' Mr Beattie said."
I am looking forward to hear how this goes because I think desalination plants are a good idea and want to know how they operate and what impact they have. I am also curious to know whether all our bottled water exports are draining our land? If sea levels are rising then maybe recycling sea water will help us all and our dry, dry country. Certainly a better solution than drinking our waste.
Diabetes sufferer numbers on the rise
Diabetes sufferer numbers on the rise. :
"A report released by the Institute of Health and Welfare shows the number of diabetes cases continues to rise.
The report says a growing number of Australians are having to rely on insulin and blood glucose-lowering medicines."
I do not understand this at all. Most Australians try to be healthy eaters and make the healthy eating a habit. It has to be what is going into our mouths. Maybe our healthy food isn't so healthy after all. Some testing and research needs to be done because this is truly odd.
"A report released by the Institute of Health and Welfare shows the number of diabetes cases continues to rise.
The report says a growing number of Australians are having to rely on insulin and blood glucose-lowering medicines."
I do not understand this at all. Most Australians try to be healthy eaters and make the healthy eating a habit. It has to be what is going into our mouths. Maybe our healthy food isn't so healthy after all. Some testing and research needs to be done because this is truly odd.
Labor petitions for onshore blood processing.
Labor petitions for onshore blood processing. :
"The Federal Opposition has launched a petition in an attempt to prevent Australian blood donations being sent overseas for processing."
It's amazing how many things are escaping our attention unless someone is alert enough to consider what current practice might be. Yes, we assume our blood would be processed here and yes, we want it like that. This government, for all it's whittering on about security, has amply demonstrated its lack of capacity to keep us safe and secure because it doesn't endorse the protocols which will ensure that.
"The Federal Opposition has launched a petition in an attempt to prevent Australian blood donations being sent overseas for processing."
It's amazing how many things are escaping our attention unless someone is alert enough to consider what current practice might be. Yes, we assume our blood would be processed here and yes, we want it like that. This government, for all it's whittering on about security, has amply demonstrated its lack of capacity to keep us safe and secure because it doesn't endorse the protocols which will ensure that.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Less food, less fat, but a pity about the exercise
AdelaideNow... Less food, less fat, but a pity about the exercise:
"'The research shows that children were eating much larger quantities of food in the past; for example, very large amounts of bread and potatoes,' he said."
It's always very tempting to come up with an easy answer and less exercise is probably why we are fatter in "civilised" nations. We need to look at the nations where people are not getting fatter. We spend long hours at work. We spend long hours in front of a technological device which was supposed to make our life easier. Do our children sit as well? How do we get to and from work? People are less apt to walk. Our suburbs are not built for walking as some areas are in Australia and the rest of the world. We walk less incase we are attacked. Great!! I so love it when I go away and I can walk around. We need more people out walking. More people on their front verandahs. We were talking about how when we used to walk to school how we always had oldies who grumbled at us or talked to us cheerily to and from school. Good for them and safer for us. We also eat food which is processed and manufactured. Real food is quite, quite different so we have to look at what we are indigesting because nations on processed food are getting fatter. Is that the connection? Get our food back to normal. Real bread, real vegetables, real food! Look at what we eat! We eat crap so we look and feel like crap. But I also remember my mum washing for the five of us...towels and sheets without a washing machine . She did that for years and was thin. Then she got a washing machine and put on weight! Was she glad to get rid of all that drudgery? Yes!! I try and strike a balance. I probably do more things myself than most people. Not many women mow the lawn. I love it and it's great exercise and not hard. I cook a lot of things and hand mix rather than machine mix...but I still have and use plenty of gadgets. Not many of us are out chopping wood for the fire and if we are we are in trouble for polluting...so we are going to have to remodel ourselves. I am sure there are more things we could do and changing the workplace would be a great start. Computers have tied us all up and down.
"'The research shows that children were eating much larger quantities of food in the past; for example, very large amounts of bread and potatoes,' he said."
It's always very tempting to come up with an easy answer and less exercise is probably why we are fatter in "civilised" nations. We need to look at the nations where people are not getting fatter. We spend long hours at work. We spend long hours in front of a technological device which was supposed to make our life easier. Do our children sit as well? How do we get to and from work? People are less apt to walk. Our suburbs are not built for walking as some areas are in Australia and the rest of the world. We walk less incase we are attacked. Great!! I so love it when I go away and I can walk around. We need more people out walking. More people on their front verandahs. We were talking about how when we used to walk to school how we always had oldies who grumbled at us or talked to us cheerily to and from school. Good for them and safer for us. We also eat food which is processed and manufactured. Real food is quite, quite different so we have to look at what we are indigesting because nations on processed food are getting fatter. Is that the connection? Get our food back to normal. Real bread, real vegetables, real food! Look at what we eat! We eat crap so we look and feel like crap. But I also remember my mum washing for the five of us...towels and sheets without a washing machine . She did that for years and was thin. Then she got a washing machine and put on weight! Was she glad to get rid of all that drudgery? Yes!! I try and strike a balance. I probably do more things myself than most people. Not many women mow the lawn. I love it and it's great exercise and not hard. I cook a lot of things and hand mix rather than machine mix...but I still have and use plenty of gadgets. Not many of us are out chopping wood for the fire and if we are we are in trouble for polluting...so we are going to have to remodel ourselves. I am sure there are more things we could do and changing the workplace would be a great start. Computers have tied us all up and down.
Australians step up to be counted.
Australians step up to be counted. :
"Australia's 15th census takes place tonight, with one key difference: this year householders can be counted via the Internet."
Oh yes, we are so excited about the census! The questions are far more personal for women than they are for men and at least they have separated Scotland and Englad whereas they just had England last time. Who knows how the Irish and Welsh decendants will feel. A friend of mine has been helping train those with limited English so they will do a good job tonight. We were discussing whether to do it online or on paper. Mine is on paper. If they want it on computer they can pay someone. I seem to be doing a lot of things someone could be paid for and it's all adding to my workload. The housewife syndrome is alive and well here. We used to have census parties but that kind of fervour appears to have gone. It's all pretty ho-hum these days.
"Australia's 15th census takes place tonight, with one key difference: this year householders can be counted via the Internet."
Oh yes, we are so excited about the census! The questions are far more personal for women than they are for men and at least they have separated Scotland and Englad whereas they just had England last time. Who knows how the Irish and Welsh decendants will feel. A friend of mine has been helping train those with limited English so they will do a good job tonight. We were discussing whether to do it online or on paper. Mine is on paper. If they want it on computer they can pay someone. I seem to be doing a lot of things someone could be paid for and it's all adding to my workload. The housewife syndrome is alive and well here. We used to have census parties but that kind of fervour appears to have gone. It's all pretty ho-hum these days.
Genetic databank to catalogue WA residents.
Genetic databank to catalogue WA residents.:
"'We'll be doing things like full body scans on everyone, full respiratory and cardiovascular work-ups, we'll be taking pictures of everyone's retina, [doing] hearing assessments, we'll be scanning thousands of brains."
In theory , this sounds like a good idea to do genetic profiling on a significant current population. It will produce a lot of modern data and given we have such good technology, then I think it will be effective. I do wonder though whether it is a good idea to have all this data stored on computers? I wonder what bad it could be used for? 60, 000 people minimum gives and excellent sample to profile and it means we shall have a databank of current Australians. We all knoe how our privacy is safe guarded. I still wonder how I get random marketing calls on a phone number which I pay to be silent. Callers are always silenced when I ask how they got the number. I think they will need to do better than say they will safeguard privacy. The leaks from computers are widely known.
"'We'll be doing things like full body scans on everyone, full respiratory and cardiovascular work-ups, we'll be taking pictures of everyone's retina, [doing] hearing assessments, we'll be scanning thousands of brains."
In theory , this sounds like a good idea to do genetic profiling on a significant current population. It will produce a lot of modern data and given we have such good technology, then I think it will be effective. I do wonder though whether it is a good idea to have all this data stored on computers? I wonder what bad it could be used for? 60, 000 people minimum gives and excellent sample to profile and it means we shall have a databank of current Australians. We all knoe how our privacy is safe guarded. I still wonder how I get random marketing calls on a phone number which I pay to be silent. Callers are always silenced when I ask how they got the number. I think they will need to do better than say they will safeguard privacy. The leaks from computers are widely known.
Federal funds to aid chlamydia fight.
Federal funds to aid chlamydia fight. :
"'Young people aged between 16 and 25 represent the bulk of people with chlamydia,' she said."
And they have been for at least the last 10 years. About time we acted. We worked on the koalas to save them from the disease...why have we waited this long to help our own young?
"'Young people aged between 16 and 25 represent the bulk of people with chlamydia,' she said."
And they have been for at least the last 10 years. About time we acted. We worked on the koalas to save them from the disease...why have we waited this long to help our own young?
Monday, August 07, 2006
Woman survives after driving car off Glenelg jetty
AdelaideNow... Woman survives after driving car off Glenelg jetty:
"The woman was able to negotiate her way through walkways, council works and a grassed area before driving the length of the jetty, crashing through railings and into the water."
Glenelg Jetty is normally very busy. How was it possible for her to negotiate all that way in a car. Presumably people were on their mobiles. She sounds like she is so desperate. That is so sad that she couldn't be helped before being so disorientated . I hope they can find a way to stop cars from driving along the Jetty.
"The woman was able to negotiate her way through walkways, council works and a grassed area before driving the length of the jetty, crashing through railings and into the water."
Glenelg Jetty is normally very busy. How was it possible for her to negotiate all that way in a car. Presumably people were on their mobiles. She sounds like she is so desperate. That is so sad that she couldn't be helped before being so disorientated . I hope they can find a way to stop cars from driving along the Jetty.
Most Japanese whale kills in Aussie haven
Most Japanese whale kills in Aussie haven :
"Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell said a report by the Japanese Whale Research Program confirmed 50 humpback whales would be killed next summer, as well as 850 Antarctic minkes and 50 fin whales. He said maps in the report showed 90 per cent of kills last summer were in the Australian sanctuary."
I like the way Senator Campbell gets hold of the facts and then constructs a position. What kind of sanctuary for whales do we have? This is shocking. The killing of pregnant whales is so unacceptable. I really think it's a crying shame we are not protecting our planet but I thank Senator Campbell for getting the facts to us.
"Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell said a report by the Japanese Whale Research Program confirmed 50 humpback whales would be killed next summer, as well as 850 Antarctic minkes and 50 fin whales. He said maps in the report showed 90 per cent of kills last summer were in the Australian sanctuary."
I like the way Senator Campbell gets hold of the facts and then constructs a position. What kind of sanctuary for whales do we have? This is shocking. The killing of pregnant whales is so unacceptable. I really think it's a crying shame we are not protecting our planet but I thank Senator Campbell for getting the facts to us.
US wheat sales to Iraq soar
US wheat sales to Iraq soar :
"THE United States has 'reclaimed' the Iraq wheat market, securing three quarters of the country's imports while Australia's grain trade with Baghdad flounders."
Silly us. I hope we have learned the lesson well.
"THE United States has 'reclaimed' the Iraq wheat market, securing three quarters of the country's imports while Australia's grain trade with Baghdad flounders."
Silly us. I hope we have learned the lesson well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)