Vista to drive Microsoft sales: "'If I was an IT manager and I valued my job, I wouldn't move to Vista or migrate my people to Vista for 12 months. I'd sit and wait,' said Andy Walker, a technology columnist and author of an upcoming help book on Windows Vista."
Me too!! I'll wait. It bothers me when my computer is working fine and then a new OS comes out and I have to change again because programmes and the net don't work so well. I still run a laptop on 98 and it is so "light" compared to what I drag around on my other PCs. You lug around so many files and apps it's ridiulous so I go on 98 when I want the simple life and once I get the little laptop cranked up , it goes and goes and goes. I used ME for AGES and when everyone swapped to XP I couldn't work out why. Then I had to get a new box and it came with XP and it was a bit round and bouncy and very infantile till I switched it to the classic mode and I have since come to respect it and I haven't had any problems with it at all...and swapped my other computer over to different versions of it and that's been good. So I'll wait. By that time everyone will feel at home on Vista and we'll no doubt get it at work...and I'll just slide over then.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Car slams into lounge
Car slams into lounge: "'I had only just gone outside to get some tools from my van when I saw a car mount the kerb, drive through the bushes and then into the house and then a big bang,' Mr Guerin said."
This is so lucky because no one was hurt and there was actually someone who saw it and could clarify the situation. The guy watching tele must have been dumbfounded. It makes a helluva noise and it is so bizarre when a car ploughs through gardens and houses...like with my neighbour next door. It is also so scary being the first one on the scene because you just don't know what you can encounter. I had gone next door after a massive bang and had no idea what I'd have to deal with. It is just so unbelievable and once you verify that no one is hurt, the next thing you worry about is structural damage. It amazed me we actually thought of it. People's minds can adapt so quickly to weird circumstances. This is the second serious incident with an older driver who has suffered a physical shutdown while driving. I think we need to look at the licencing of older people because it is becoming difficult and people seem to be driving for longer. I am glad no one was hurt, but it takes a while to repair the damage.
This is so lucky because no one was hurt and there was actually someone who saw it and could clarify the situation. The guy watching tele must have been dumbfounded. It makes a helluva noise and it is so bizarre when a car ploughs through gardens and houses...like with my neighbour next door. It is also so scary being the first one on the scene because you just don't know what you can encounter. I had gone next door after a massive bang and had no idea what I'd have to deal with. It is just so unbelievable and once you verify that no one is hurt, the next thing you worry about is structural damage. It amazed me we actually thought of it. People's minds can adapt so quickly to weird circumstances. This is the second serious incident with an older driver who has suffered a physical shutdown while driving. I think we need to look at the licencing of older people because it is becoming difficult and people seem to be driving for longer. I am glad no one was hurt, but it takes a while to repair the damage.
One in ten has tried speed, 'ice'
One in ten has tried speed, 'ice': "Australia has become a lucrative export market for high-purity c made in Asia and the region's capacity for large-scale manufacturing plants threatens to outstrip local demand, according to the Australian National Council on Drugs report."
Well, if we are dumb enough to buy it, dumb enough to try it, dumb enough to use it and dumb enough to abuse it...we deserve to win all the prizes.
Well, if we are dumb enough to buy it, dumb enough to try it, dumb enough to use it and dumb enough to abuse it...we deserve to win all the prizes.
Hicks making things difficult
Hicks making things difficult, says Howard : "DAVID Hicks's refusal to speak to Australian consular officials was making it it difficult to verify his claims of mistreatment at Guantanamo Bay, Prime Minister John Howard said today."
I think Mr. Howard needs to live under the same conditions for 6 years and see how he would be. David Hicks is clearly in no position to actually be let alone think. His lawyers have given a pretty accurate account of his deterioration. He is in no position to be tried. He has just been kept there and is proof we have no way of dealing with people in a civilised way. What he did at the time was not wrong. The world changed and now he is thought to be wrong but he has just been left and to treat anyone like that is not a sign of strength. The words are empty and are now rattling around because David Hicks needs care and he needs to be made well and then we need to hear his case. Treating him like this is not managing the situation at all.
I think Mr. Howard needs to live under the same conditions for 6 years and see how he would be. David Hicks is clearly in no position to actually be let alone think. His lawyers have given a pretty accurate account of his deterioration. He is in no position to be tried. He has just been kept there and is proof we have no way of dealing with people in a civilised way. What he did at the time was not wrong. The world changed and now he is thought to be wrong but he has just been left and to treat anyone like that is not a sign of strength. The words are empty and are now rattling around because David Hicks needs care and he needs to be made well and then we need to hear his case. Treating him like this is not managing the situation at all.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Police chase ends in fatality
Police chase ends in fatality: "It was along Halsbury Ave when one of the rear passengers in the Commodore tried to jump from the car before becoming entangled and was dragged along the road for about 300m."
That car was going through built up areas, 2am or not. It might even have gone into town. Burnouts, the speed, one passenger being dragged and the other escaping and cannot be found. The passengers appear to have wanted to get out and leave the car. This stuff is terrifying and the police must be heartily sick of dealing with cars slamming into trees, mangled and wrecked people buildings and vehicles .These cars are just time bombs because they can slam into others and their houses. The driver was obvioulsy mad at the time for whatever reason and the police are then put into the position where they have to manage maniacs, potential serious and or deadly outcomes and keep their cool all at once. I have nothing but admiration for them . It was described as traumatic for everyone and that's what this speeding is about. Recklessness and high impact trauma. So where is it all coming from? I feel really sorry for the passengers because they were probably suddenly in a terrifying position and had to be reckless themselves. The guy who vanished will probably re appear but he is most likely in a terrible state of shock. I hope they find him because he will need to be talked down out of this. We really need to work out how we can manage this . Truly. It's gone on for too long and the police are in danger too or they are in the position where they will be accused of doing something wrong when they are trying to contain such lethal behaviour. It pushes them to the limit too. We need something to freeze the action of the car/driver.
That car was going through built up areas, 2am or not. It might even have gone into town. Burnouts, the speed, one passenger being dragged and the other escaping and cannot be found. The passengers appear to have wanted to get out and leave the car. This stuff is terrifying and the police must be heartily sick of dealing with cars slamming into trees, mangled and wrecked people buildings and vehicles .These cars are just time bombs because they can slam into others and their houses. The driver was obvioulsy mad at the time for whatever reason and the police are then put into the position where they have to manage maniacs, potential serious and or deadly outcomes and keep their cool all at once. I have nothing but admiration for them . It was described as traumatic for everyone and that's what this speeding is about. Recklessness and high impact trauma. So where is it all coming from? I feel really sorry for the passengers because they were probably suddenly in a terrifying position and had to be reckless themselves. The guy who vanished will probably re appear but he is most likely in a terrible state of shock. I hope they find him because he will need to be talked down out of this. We really need to work out how we can manage this . Truly. It's gone on for too long and the police are in danger too or they are in the position where they will be accused of doing something wrong when they are trying to contain such lethal behaviour. It pushes them to the limit too. We need something to freeze the action of the car/driver.
Mathematician turns chaos into crochet.
Mathematician turns chaos into crochet. : "Dr Osinga and colleague Professor Bernd Krauskopf have been working on visualising the Lorenz equations, which is how Dr Osinga ended up with a crochet model."
I think I've lost it tonight. I have read all of this and nowhere does it say how crochet is actually helping and if it's the crochet I love and adore or if it's mathematical crochet or a special crochet. A crochet model? Where do the leaves and particles come up in this? Are they crocheted leaves and particles? I don't think so?! Creative as that might be I don't think this will help them predict where the leaves will flow in relation to the rock. Now, is that a crocheted rock? If the equations are simplifying the system ( dare I ask what system?) then why is crochet mentioned? And if you have to wait and see what path the leaves take, fair enough, crochet while you are waiting and then you can do what others do and watch the leaves twirl and float and make yourself a nice hat at the same time. Either this article is obtuse or I am and I am actually good at crochet! The scientist is obviously good at crochet because she has drawn the praise of artists...and clearly that is the value of her crochet. It's art. This article has really lost something in the translation! (Or I need a long, long holiday.)
I think I've lost it tonight. I have read all of this and nowhere does it say how crochet is actually helping and if it's the crochet I love and adore or if it's mathematical crochet or a special crochet. A crochet model? Where do the leaves and particles come up in this? Are they crocheted leaves and particles? I don't think so?! Creative as that might be I don't think this will help them predict where the leaves will flow in relation to the rock. Now, is that a crocheted rock? If the equations are simplifying the system ( dare I ask what system?) then why is crochet mentioned? And if you have to wait and see what path the leaves take, fair enough, crochet while you are waiting and then you can do what others do and watch the leaves twirl and float and make yourself a nice hat at the same time. Either this article is obtuse or I am and I am actually good at crochet! The scientist is obviously good at crochet because she has drawn the praise of artists...and clearly that is the value of her crochet. It's art. This article has really lost something in the translation! (Or I need a long, long holiday.)
Mining produces high income for water used.
CSIRO says mining produces high income for water used. : "The study has found that on average, the mining sector gets $80 of income for every cubic metre of water used, compared to an average of $5 for the agriculture industry."
Okay, we'll start eating copper and lead and we'll wash ourselves in gold and we'll start drinking uranium. As long as the economy is okay. I can't believe they actually think we have to THINK about allocating water to food and comparing that use with the mining sector's bigger bang for the water buck is actually something we need to consider. Is it me or is it them?
Okay, we'll start eating copper and lead and we'll wash ourselves in gold and we'll start drinking uranium. As long as the economy is okay. I can't believe they actually think we have to THINK about allocating water to food and comparing that use with the mining sector's bigger bang for the water buck is actually something we need to consider. Is it me or is it them?
Calling all Cat Lovers
If you are a feline fancier, a cat lover , a cat blogger or you just want to share the wonderful world of cat people, then go over to Cat Bloggers and sign yourself and/or your blog up or just take a peek at the lovely cat blogs over there.
If you are looking for some good pictures , especially for homework assignments and educational purposes, then go to Pics4Learning
as they have quite a wide selection only a click away and this is where I found Amy, the cat.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Rudd rejects inexperience claim
AdelaideNow... Rudd rejects inexperience claim: "In his speech to the federal Young Liberals conference on Saturday, Mr Loughnane pointed out that Mr Rudd had never been a minister and had been in Parliament for less than nine years."Yes, quite right, quite right. The Liberals really are the only party which can govern Australia. Everyone else is too stupid, too inexperienced, too loud, too big, too fat, too hostile, too incapable, too inadequate, too reckless,too illogical, too untrustworthy...do we have an election coming? Obviously not.
High Speed Chase
10-year-old charged over high-speed chase: "A 10-year-old boy has been charged after allegedly leading WA police on a 75km-long chase at speeds of up to 170km/h in a stolen car with passengers aged eight and nine."
The car had been stolen and had 3 passengers - one of 15 and the other two 8 and 9. So, what time of day was this? The roads were dark.Do you get the impression our young kids have no adrenalin rush activitites to engage in safely and so they choose high risk behaviour which threatens their safety and the safety of others? We have so many kids who like what we call reckless, and it is, but what do we offer them that they would enjoy and could participate in and get that same kind of kick? Who has kids who think of stealing a car and then racing it at high speed? Were the young ones there by choice or because they were int he care of the older one? I think we need to think of some activities which kids can engage in without scaring us all to death....and maybe bedtime at night time is not too bad an idea.
The car had been stolen and had 3 passengers - one of 15 and the other two 8 and 9. So, what time of day was this? The roads were dark.Do you get the impression our young kids have no adrenalin rush activitites to engage in safely and so they choose high risk behaviour which threatens their safety and the safety of others? We have so many kids who like what we call reckless, and it is, but what do we offer them that they would enjoy and could participate in and get that same kind of kick? Who has kids who think of stealing a car and then racing it at high speed? Were the young ones there by choice or because they were int he care of the older one? I think we need to think of some activities which kids can engage in without scaring us all to death....and maybe bedtime at night time is not too bad an idea.
Bells toll for Domenica
Bells toll for Domenica: "'I am a big girl now and I'm going to school,' Domenica said yesterday. She will attend St Pius X Catholic School, Windsor Gardens."
This is such a great story inspite of the headline. Domenica's first cochlear implant failed but the one in 2003 was a success so now she can hear and there is no reason she cannot attend a normal school. She is normal...technology has made her that way and she is such a cutie. Her family must be so excited for her and it's good for us to hear the good news stories because otherwise we'd think the world had come unglued. Townsend House has been training her and her skills will now be put to the test, but I am confident she will do well because SA is very good at letting vision and hearing impaired people just become part of the community. Our support agencies appear to be very good at helping people to adapt and training the community to just be alongside these people. These people? We actually make them quite normal here and that is something I am very proud of in SA...so I think Domenica's future will be as bright as she is.
This is such a great story inspite of the headline. Domenica's first cochlear implant failed but the one in 2003 was a success so now she can hear and there is no reason she cannot attend a normal school. She is normal...technology has made her that way and she is such a cutie. Her family must be so excited for her and it's good for us to hear the good news stories because otherwise we'd think the world had come unglued. Townsend House has been training her and her skills will now be put to the test, but I am confident she will do well because SA is very good at letting vision and hearing impaired people just become part of the community. Our support agencies appear to be very good at helping people to adapt and training the community to just be alongside these people. These people? We actually make them quite normal here and that is something I am very proud of in SA...so I think Domenica's future will be as bright as she is.
Australia No.2 for lifestyle
Australia No.2 for lifestyle : "'Australia is an attractive option, especially if you're young,' the magazine reported. 'The climate is good ... the lifestyle is easygoing and there are plenty of ways to spend your days living in the great outdoors.'"
Second to France , eh? Climate, economy and cost of living? I don't know that it's just for the young because a lot of our oldies have taken off into the sunset and cruise around Australia enjoying all the sights and sounds. I guess there is that kind of freedom here too that you can go off into the land and you can work your way around Australia so it's not just about the city and the suburbs. We don't always have the level of social activities to be found elsewhere but we have a good social structure which enables people to follow their dreams if they want to. You can join the rat race or not. The tests come through our environment and that can be character building to say the least, but which country doesn't have environmental challenges these days? The kids like it because they have room to spread out and can engage in some challenging sporting activities which mosr of them enjoy, but we also have good access to technology so we can keep up with the rest of the world and that has changed our opportunities enormously. Our capacity to be international has only enhanced living here. So, I wonder what we lost out on that France beat us on??!
Second to France , eh? Climate, economy and cost of living? I don't know that it's just for the young because a lot of our oldies have taken off into the sunset and cruise around Australia enjoying all the sights and sounds. I guess there is that kind of freedom here too that you can go off into the land and you can work your way around Australia so it's not just about the city and the suburbs. We don't always have the level of social activities to be found elsewhere but we have a good social structure which enables people to follow their dreams if they want to. You can join the rat race or not. The tests come through our environment and that can be character building to say the least, but which country doesn't have environmental challenges these days? The kids like it because they have room to spread out and can engage in some challenging sporting activities which mosr of them enjoy, but we also have good access to technology so we can keep up with the rest of the world and that has changed our opportunities enormously. Our capacity to be international has only enhanced living here. So, I wonder what we lost out on that France beat us on??!
UN dossier 'ends all climate-change doubt'
Scotsman.com News -UN dossier 'ends all climate-change doubt': "The draft also predicts more droughts, rains and shrinking Arctic ice and glaciers, and rising sea levels to a foreseeable 2100, but cautions that the effects of a build-up of greenhouse gases will last far longer."
The report was compiled by 2,500 scientists and indicates that there is a 90% chance that humans are responsible for global warming. We cannot argue with that many scientists and we have to stop pretending we have it under control or on the way to being under control. It's global warming which the globe needs to work on co operatively. In that sense it's a good way for countries to be able to use their expertise and come up with some ways of combatting our behviours which are having such a devastating effect on us all. We've known a lot of this and most of us are ready to act on it. It won't be easy and it means we shall have to think and co operate...so let's do it!
The report was compiled by 2,500 scientists and indicates that there is a 90% chance that humans are responsible for global warming. We cannot argue with that many scientists and we have to stop pretending we have it under control or on the way to being under control. It's global warming which the globe needs to work on co operatively. In that sense it's a good way for countries to be able to use their expertise and come up with some ways of combatting our behviours which are having such a devastating effect on us all. We've known a lot of this and most of us are ready to act on it. It won't be easy and it means we shall have to think and co operate...so let's do it!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
New Blogger
I did it!!! I have to confess I got railroaded into it very nicely. Well, I had checked and checked before and there was something about my blogs...so I figured I would just get on with my blogging. So here I am in the New Blogger and I thought I was going to die when they were moving my blogs. How attached can you get?!? It all happened very quickly and the promised emails arrived in my inbox like clockwork. That's what I like...service, information, help, support, care, expertise...this is so neat!! Thank you , Blogger.
Blog Shares
Now is a good time to get over to Blog Shares and sign up. They are making changes to the site and the good thing is they always consult with their members. It's a site where you can contribute a great deal if you want to. You aren't compelled to, but sharing is part of the Blog Shares experience. It's about sharing skills, knowledge, expertise. It revolves around those with energy creating opportunities and stimulation for those who are feeling a bit flat or uninspired. In that sense it's a very organic site because different people are feeling fired up at different times and different things motivate people to get involved or contribute more, so there is always the feeling things are moving, changing, growing. At the moment they want to make some improvements and find some other things for members to do. You can be serious and build stockpiles of virtual cash, create corporations and generally hone your empire building skills and pit your wits against others as you do this.It keeps you very alert! You can volunteer to help on the site, work for charity, help others get used to Blog Shares. You can have fun with the Chances and lotteries and gamble your chips and money away. You find your niche and just go for it . Along the way you'll discover you are active , learning all the time and having a lot of laughs and the occasional dummy spit because it's not all about you!
How to defeat the time bandits
How to defeat the time bandits : "Scottish sci-fi writer Charlie Stross recently claimed that he reads more while scanning his morning bookmarks than most 18th-century readers would have got through in a year. And time-management expert Hugh Kearns, a mental health lecturer who heads the Flinders University staff development unit, says technology is making us work harder, not smarter."
Yes, we were reluctant to go back to work. It is about organisation, planning, filing, documenting, accounting. It is not abpout people and no amount of organising is going to make it better. Who wants to fit MORE crap into their life? We've woken up. Computers can be great but we have to have back up to the back ups of the back ups. Files have to be carried in various formats to ensure one will work. Each machine is different. You can work at home and then find the workplace stuff is down or wouldn't accept the stuff you emailed so then it's all done differently. We spend much of our time duplicating because files are lost, mangled, won't work. Then the system is down or cannot be accessed. Emails stack up, you are forced to look at stuff you don't want to because the spam starts coming through again. Then there is the constant need to be flashier and flashier on a computer and each type of software takes time to learn but you are still expected to be good at video, imaging, text, spreadsheet. The expectations increase. We HAVE woken up. The overcommitment has to go. It's ruining our lives , making us stressed and forcing us to work all the time.
Yes, we were reluctant to go back to work. It is about organisation, planning, filing, documenting, accounting. It is not abpout people and no amount of organising is going to make it better. Who wants to fit MORE crap into their life? We've woken up. Computers can be great but we have to have back up to the back ups of the back ups. Files have to be carried in various formats to ensure one will work. Each machine is different. You can work at home and then find the workplace stuff is down or wouldn't accept the stuff you emailed so then it's all done differently. We spend much of our time duplicating because files are lost, mangled, won't work. Then the system is down or cannot be accessed. Emails stack up, you are forced to look at stuff you don't want to because the spam starts coming through again. Then there is the constant need to be flashier and flashier on a computer and each type of software takes time to learn but you are still expected to be good at video, imaging, text, spreadsheet. The expectations increase. We HAVE woken up. The overcommitment has to go. It's ruining our lives , making us stressed and forcing us to work all the time.
US bid to block sun to stop warming
US bid to block sun to stop warming : "It says research into techniques such as giant mirrors in space or reflective dust pumped into the atmosphere would be 'important insurance' against rising emissions."
So why not work on stopping the emissions from rising??? The world'd top climate scientists are meeting in Paris tomorrow and they will come out with their information on climate science. Their findings are something we all need to listen to carefully...and act upon. It may well be that we need to use science to help us overcome some of the problems while we put our common sense back into place and start to address issues which cause global warming. We still need to act on pollution. We do need to cut carbon emissions. The climate scientists will draw the picture for us and leaders are going to have to be more active in their positions when it comes to global warming because we are creating some serious problems in terms of weather, crops , sustainability and species survival. It's past the talking phase. We need to get the information and use these experts to create a decent plan to undo the damage we have done.
So why not work on stopping the emissions from rising??? The world'd top climate scientists are meeting in Paris tomorrow and they will come out with their information on climate science. Their findings are something we all need to listen to carefully...and act upon. It may well be that we need to use science to help us overcome some of the problems while we put our common sense back into place and start to address issues which cause global warming. We still need to act on pollution. We do need to cut carbon emissions. The climate scientists will draw the picture for us and leaders are going to have to be more active in their positions when it comes to global warming because we are creating some serious problems in terms of weather, crops , sustainability and species survival. It's past the talking phase. We need to get the information and use these experts to create a decent plan to undo the damage we have done.
SA, NSW reject recycled water.
SA, NSW reject recycled water. : "'Apparently part of the plan is to allow the cotton growers and rice growers upstream to use pristine river water, but at the same time saying that treated sewage effluent water should be used for drinking water in our capital cities, well, I can veto that in South Australia,' he said"
Thank you. I know we have a water problem but there is no guarantee that recycled sewage is 100% totally safe all the time. We have an awful lot of blow outs these days so in the interests of health and safety, use the recycled sewage for other things. If we could separate pipes toilets and washing machines then there is a possible use there but it could be used for other water needs...like our food!
Thank you. I know we have a water problem but there is no guarantee that recycled sewage is 100% totally safe all the time. We have an awful lot of blow outs these days so in the interests of health and safety, use the recycled sewage for other things. If we could separate pipes toilets and washing machines then there is a possible use there but it could be used for other water needs...like our food!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Lush gardens an oasis for koalas
AdelaideNow... Lush gardens an oasis for koalas: "When the weather is dry, emus lay fewer eggs and at Monarto Zoological Park there have been no chicks for the past three seasons.But this season the zoo has seen about 100 chicks burst out of their shells."
This article is about us seeing koalas in the suburbs because of the drought. They come to get water and most suburbs have big gum trees too so they can get food because we can water at night. It has been a bit of a surprise but it's also a bit hazardous as well since koalas have very sharp claws and are very strong. The emus are hatching their young up at Monarto Zoo though and that's a god sign. Emus don't tend to hatch their littlies unless their will be enough food and water, so apart from the cuteness of it all, it's a good omen in terms of the drought. Not time to stop the water restrictions yet though!
Abbott attacks Rudd on religion
AdelaideNow... Abbott attacks Rudd on religion: "“That's why there is not a single, authoritative Christian position on the Iraq war, climate change or border protection.”"
How about, Thou shalt not kill, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house nor anything that is thy neighbour's?
Exodus 20
How about, Thou shalt not kill, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house nor anything that is thy neighbour's?
Exodus 20
Snakes help sooth aching joints.
Snakes help sooth aching joints. : "For 300 shekels ($A91), clients at Ada Barak's spa in northern Israel can add a wild twist to their treatment by having six non-venomous but very lively serpents slither and hiss a path across their aching muscles and stiff joints."Oooh, yuuuuuuck! I don't mind snakes...but in nature or neatly folded up on the tree branch. Slithering over me? No, I wouldn't find that relaxing at all. I'd be a bundle of nerves. I like to know where the snakes are. Next they'll be telling me spider pitter patter is good for me.
Brawl mars Adelaide Australia Day celebrations.
Brawl mars Adelaide Australia Day celebrations. : "'It's a swell that's developing,' she said.
'It's wanton destruction, it's don't care about anybody else. I think they feel they're above the law.
'Over the last three years I've probably spent $3,000 in bits and pieces repairing and it's money you just can't get back and it's soul destroying.'"
Julie Sellick has got it right. The law is for other people, not them because they are just having fun, so what's your problem, who cares...meh!!
Perhaps they might spend however long it takes cleaning, fixing and repairing. We get what we are prepared to accept.
'It's wanton destruction, it's don't care about anybody else. I think they feel they're above the law.
'Over the last three years I've probably spent $3,000 in bits and pieces repairing and it's money you just can't get back and it's soul destroying.'"
Julie Sellick has got it right. The law is for other people, not them because they are just having fun, so what's your problem, who cares...meh!!
Perhaps they might spend however long it takes cleaning, fixing and repairing. We get what we are prepared to accept.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Mental arithmetic to combat too much TV
Mental arithmetic to combat too much TV : "A daily dose of mental arithmetic has been placed on the curriculum for French children under a government scheme to sharpen young minds dulled by television."
I remember that and my daughter did it too. Mental tests were exactly that! Mental!!! I did it for the last 4 years of primary school and all through my junior secondary years. It was one of those things we loved to hate. It was a big adrenalin rush every morning trying to get the answers and then there was the tallying and looking whether it was better or worse than the day before. It was a really bonding experience because we always felt sorry for those who stuffed up and we would really encourage them and we were so proud of those who did well. It wasn't just about mental powers...it was about excitement, panic, cameraderie. I didn't become a great maths student but I did become very good at mental arithmetic so that carried me through until it all became too hard for my numerically oppressed brain. I have no fondness for maths but seeing this reminds me of the fun and horror of mental arithmetic every morning. I started to like it because there was an edge to it and it was a short burst of intensity. Most lessons are fairly even so short bursts which get you hyped up and create a real atmosphere are good.
I remember that and my daughter did it too. Mental tests were exactly that! Mental!!! I did it for the last 4 years of primary school and all through my junior secondary years. It was one of those things we loved to hate. It was a big adrenalin rush every morning trying to get the answers and then there was the tallying and looking whether it was better or worse than the day before. It was a really bonding experience because we always felt sorry for those who stuffed up and we would really encourage them and we were so proud of those who did well. It wasn't just about mental powers...it was about excitement, panic, cameraderie. I didn't become a great maths student but I did become very good at mental arithmetic so that carried me through until it all became too hard for my numerically oppressed brain. I have no fondness for maths but seeing this reminds me of the fun and horror of mental arithmetic every morning. I started to like it because there was an edge to it and it was a short burst of intensity. Most lessons are fairly even so short bursts which get you hyped up and create a real atmosphere are good.
Boys died because of heat
Boys died because of heat, police say : "The boys had been seen playing in the broken-down vehicle at the Yarunga Street home about three hours before the boot was opened."
They were so little. It seems so very sad. No one heard any cries for help. I expect it will all make sense in time. I was wondering if they accidentally clicked the lock on the boot which allows or disallows opening from inside the car. I did it by accidnet the other week and couldn't work out why my boot wouldn't open. They were probably too little to work out how to get out through the back seat and it may not have been possible anyway. Little children in cars on a hot day would be very vulnerable. It is hard to breath when you get into a hot car. It is just so sad. Little kids and cars like little kids and pools just do not mix over here and we need to keep reminding ourselves of that. I cannot imagine how the parents must be feeling.
They were so little. It seems so very sad. No one heard any cries for help. I expect it will all make sense in time. I was wondering if they accidentally clicked the lock on the boot which allows or disallows opening from inside the car. I did it by accidnet the other week and couldn't work out why my boot wouldn't open. They were probably too little to work out how to get out through the back seat and it may not have been possible anyway. Little children in cars on a hot day would be very vulnerable. It is hard to breath when you get into a hot car. It is just so sad. Little kids and cars like little kids and pools just do not mix over here and we need to keep reminding ourselves of that. I cannot imagine how the parents must be feeling.
Woman 'bites police officer'
Woman 'bites police officer' : "During her arrest, she allegedly struggled with police and bit a male officer on the hand and arm."
I hope he's had his rabies shot.
I hope he's had his rabies shot.
Caffe Primo is numero uno
AdelaideNow... Caffe Primo is numero uno: "'Adelaide (patrons) are fussy about their food and pricing.
'It doesn't matter how cheap it is, if it's not hitting the mark they are not coming back again.'"
Doesn't surprise me to hear this. Even though I haven't been there for a while , Caffe Primo is one of the places I really like. Each one is slightly different. My local one has great food, a real friendly, warm atmosphere and it's a plce you can go and know the food will be delicious, a good price and you will feel right at home. All the food is good and the salads are really beautifully fresh. I like watching the chefs at work. It's just relaxing, so relaxing but also very convivial so you always come ut of there feeling happy and well. I guess I tend to use it more in winter or on colder days.
'It doesn't matter how cheap it is, if it's not hitting the mark they are not coming back again.'"
Doesn't surprise me to hear this. Even though I haven't been there for a while , Caffe Primo is one of the places I really like. Each one is slightly different. My local one has great food, a real friendly, warm atmosphere and it's a plce you can go and know the food will be delicious, a good price and you will feel right at home. All the food is good and the salads are really beautifully fresh. I like watching the chefs at work. It's just relaxing, so relaxing but also very convivial so you always come ut of there feeling happy and well. I guess I tend to use it more in winter or on colder days.
Australia Day
Adelaide turned on one of its brilliant days...warm, sunny and just so beautiful. So it's been a lovely day outside to connect in a very relaxed way with friends and family. Brilliant, just brilliant.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Anger over 'Gnomesville Massacre'
Anger over 'Gnomesville Massacre' : "'We are incensed by the damage done to the gnomes and willing to pay a reward to catch the culprits,' State Emergency Service Volunteer Association President Phillip Petersen said."We really are going to have to liven up and look out. There have been a number of senseless incidents lately and they are galling because you just can't be. We have a pocket of destructos and we need to shut them down. Eyes and ears, folks.
Gnomesville, Western Australia
Afghanistan
Afghanistan: History, Geography, Government, and Culture — Infoplease.com: "The Taliban continued to attack U.S. troops throughout 2005 and 2006—the latter becoming the deadliest year for U.S. troops since the war ended in 2001. In 2004 and 2005, American troop levels in Afghanistan had gradually increased to nearly 18,000 from a low of 10,000. Throughout the spring of 2006, Taliban militants—by then a force of several thousand—infiltrated southern Afghanistan, terrorizing local villagers and attacking Afghan and U.S. troops. In May and June, Operation Mount Thrust was launched, deploying more than 10,000 Afghan and coalition forces in the south. About 700 people, most of whom were Taliban, were killed. In Aug. 2006, NATO troops took over military operations in southern Afghanistan from the U.S.-led coalition. NATO's Afghanistan mission is considered the most dangerous undertaken in its 57-year history."
You have to wonder about Afghanistan. It is a tiny, poor nation with low literacy levels and living in a state of perpetual upheaval and still the big nations can't seem to bring resolution to the situation and you do understand why they want to. It had 15 years of war and 10 years of Soviet occupation and still Afghanistan lived on. In the last decade 3 million Afghans have had to leave to Pakistan, 3 million have left to Iran and there are disenfranchised Afghans in many countries including here. Do they get compassion? They have nowhere to live because there own country is constantly in conflict and occupied and other countries don't accept them because they have no papers. What would you do? How long would you stand up to this kind of living? And yet that country still goes on. There are some interesting sites on Afghanistan on the Net and the reason I started looking is because America has extended their troop stay and wants 8 billion dollars to put into Afghanistan. 8 billion. That is such a lot of money and when you see Afghanistan has a GDP of 21.5 billion that's nearly a third of their GDP!! Infact it's the GDP plus their imports. They only import nearly 4 billion dollars worth of goods. They even have a growing economy. So it's a very curious country Afghanistan and yet it remains a treacherous place for nations which go in there. I do not know if money can fix this. I don't think money is the answer.
You have to wonder about Afghanistan. It is a tiny, poor nation with low literacy levels and living in a state of perpetual upheaval and still the big nations can't seem to bring resolution to the situation and you do understand why they want to. It had 15 years of war and 10 years of Soviet occupation and still Afghanistan lived on. In the last decade 3 million Afghans have had to leave to Pakistan, 3 million have left to Iran and there are disenfranchised Afghans in many countries including here. Do they get compassion? They have nowhere to live because there own country is constantly in conflict and occupied and other countries don't accept them because they have no papers. What would you do? How long would you stand up to this kind of living? And yet that country still goes on. There are some interesting sites on Afghanistan on the Net and the reason I started looking is because America has extended their troop stay and wants 8 billion dollars to put into Afghanistan. 8 billion. That is such a lot of money and when you see Afghanistan has a GDP of 21.5 billion that's nearly a third of their GDP!! Infact it's the GDP plus their imports. They only import nearly 4 billion dollars worth of goods. They even have a growing economy. So it's a very curious country Afghanistan and yet it remains a treacherous place for nations which go in there. I do not know if money can fix this. I don't think money is the answer.
Collie Murder
Girls accused of friend's murder delay plea : "A state prosecutor said the delay was of concern to the family of Eliza Davis, who had come to court to see the girls enter their plea."
I blogged about this Western Australian case of the two young girls who have been accused of murdering their friend and leaving her under the house. It was a very disturbing case and yes, people want to know what is happening. I can understand the difficulty of it because we have two 16 year olds who have been accused of a pretty grim murder and Eliza's family have had to try and come to terms with it all and the loss of their young daughter. There is still a delay in the hearing because one of the accused girls' reports cannot yet be completed. Tricky , tricky stuff and we are going to have to consult well with experts. If the girls did do this, how will we be able to rehabilitate them? If they didn't do it, why are they covering up for someone? I suppose the delay will help the parents become a little bit stronger but it must be horribly hard for Eliza's family and it will be even more difficult to listen to the story. They are going to need a lot of help just to withstand this. The girls will be appearing in court on March 9th.
I blogged about this Western Australian case of the two young girls who have been accused of murdering their friend and leaving her under the house. It was a very disturbing case and yes, people want to know what is happening. I can understand the difficulty of it because we have two 16 year olds who have been accused of a pretty grim murder and Eliza's family have had to try and come to terms with it all and the loss of their young daughter. There is still a delay in the hearing because one of the accused girls' reports cannot yet be completed. Tricky , tricky stuff and we are going to have to consult well with experts. If the girls did do this, how will we be able to rehabilitate them? If they didn't do it, why are they covering up for someone? I suppose the delay will help the parents become a little bit stronger but it must be horribly hard for Eliza's family and it will be even more difficult to listen to the story. They are going to need a lot of help just to withstand this. The girls will be appearing in court on March 9th.
Doctor gets 10 years for raping wife
AdelaideNow... Doctor gets 10 years for raping wife: "A doctor who repeatedly raped and photographed his unconscious wife breached her trust 'as a doctor, a husband and a human being', the District Court has ruled."
This case is unprecedented in Australian law. I have thought about whether to blog about it, but I have come back to when someone killed my cat and my daughter, 12 at the time, found it on our driveway when we were going out to visit my mother who was dying of cancer. I said then that people just do not think. They just do not know what is going on behind closed doors, because I had looked after my mother for 8 weeks at home and it was really , really hard and then someone killed our cat and that was so cruel and so overwhelmingly painful. That closed door image has stayed with me and I am mindful that people can appear to be one thing when they are living in hell behind closed doors. In smaller communities it is hard to behave like that, but in the suburbs and city...who knows? The wife found the photos on the computer hard drive in 2003 and she had been raped and photographed from 2002. She had been medicated. She put up with all of that and did not say a word. She must have been terrified but she must also have felt so powerless because what happened to her was something she obviously couldn't talk about to anyone. I guess that's why I want to blog it. I cannot bear the thought she put up with that and didn't act until she found the photos...and the moment she found the photos, how lonely and in despair must she have felt? Her husband didn't even hide them. So, that was her reality and presumably she had kept up a front. It is so sad she had no one to turn to and felt she had to keep quiet about it. That really is abuse and very successful abuse.
The doctor appears to have been quite normal and of good character until this occurred and the judge believes he is unlikely to reoffend. Is that because he would target no one else but his wife? What will happen to him after 10 years in gaol? Isn't his wife at risk again? If he is judged to be of good character, then who has made this judgement? People don't do things like this out of nowhere. It's a state of mind which develops and grows. Why would he do this? It really is a horrible thing to do to someone and it is not normal. He is very , very sick. How did he get sick? What has affected him to turn him into this type of man? He believes the acts were consensual. Well, a sick mind thinks all sorts of things and in his altered state he probably did believe that. I do not see how 10 years in gaol will help him, because he badly needs treatment, but he cannot be free in his present state because he is very dangerous. I should like to think he will get proper psychiatric treatment and his state of mind will be identified. I also hope the wife has proper care and help...but most of all I hope that we , as a community, can make it possible for people, who are living in acutely abject circumstances, to be able to tell us, so they do not have to continue living behind closed doors like that. We hate hearing things like this...but we are not living them. We need to stop living them which is one reason to find out why that doctor lost his mind and his capacity to respect his own wife.
This case is unprecedented in Australian law. I have thought about whether to blog about it, but I have come back to when someone killed my cat and my daughter, 12 at the time, found it on our driveway when we were going out to visit my mother who was dying of cancer. I said then that people just do not think. They just do not know what is going on behind closed doors, because I had looked after my mother for 8 weeks at home and it was really , really hard and then someone killed our cat and that was so cruel and so overwhelmingly painful. That closed door image has stayed with me and I am mindful that people can appear to be one thing when they are living in hell behind closed doors. In smaller communities it is hard to behave like that, but in the suburbs and city...who knows? The wife found the photos on the computer hard drive in 2003 and she had been raped and photographed from 2002. She had been medicated. She put up with all of that and did not say a word. She must have been terrified but she must also have felt so powerless because what happened to her was something she obviously couldn't talk about to anyone. I guess that's why I want to blog it. I cannot bear the thought she put up with that and didn't act until she found the photos...and the moment she found the photos, how lonely and in despair must she have felt? Her husband didn't even hide them. So, that was her reality and presumably she had kept up a front. It is so sad she had no one to turn to and felt she had to keep quiet about it. That really is abuse and very successful abuse.
The doctor appears to have been quite normal and of good character until this occurred and the judge believes he is unlikely to reoffend. Is that because he would target no one else but his wife? What will happen to him after 10 years in gaol? Isn't his wife at risk again? If he is judged to be of good character, then who has made this judgement? People don't do things like this out of nowhere. It's a state of mind which develops and grows. Why would he do this? It really is a horrible thing to do to someone and it is not normal. He is very , very sick. How did he get sick? What has affected him to turn him into this type of man? He believes the acts were consensual. Well, a sick mind thinks all sorts of things and in his altered state he probably did believe that. I do not see how 10 years in gaol will help him, because he badly needs treatment, but he cannot be free in his present state because he is very dangerous. I should like to think he will get proper psychiatric treatment and his state of mind will be identified. I also hope the wife has proper care and help...but most of all I hope that we , as a community, can make it possible for people, who are living in acutely abject circumstances, to be able to tell us, so they do not have to continue living behind closed doors like that. We hate hearing things like this...but we are not living them. We need to stop living them which is one reason to find out why that doctor lost his mind and his capacity to respect his own wife.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Burst water mains
Burst water mains plague South Australia : "The opposition said the SA Government should be embarrassed over how many mains had burst in the last few months, especially when water restrictions were tougher than ever."Well, yes, it is annoying when we are on restrictions and the mains are bursting. But an increase of 40%? That's even more worrying.It's not just an Adelaide problem. It has been happening interstate as well. All of a sudden we are water fixated. They say drought and heat are the problem. Like we've never had drought and heat before? 214 burst or leaking mains in a month. It seems really very odd, so I think we need to get to the bottom of this. Our water is beng wasted but I cannot believe our mains are that useless when we have been there, done that and we have rarely had burst mains. It has been a real rarity and all of a sudden...bang goes another one. This is sheer and utter nonsense and it needs to be looked into carefully. We are going to have to start Water Watch. I want to see a map with the burst mains. I want to know how this compares to elsewhere. I had a problem in my last house when we had heavy rains and the pressure was on the pipes because they were not at the correct depth. When it rained heavily the water came through 4 houses and overflowed through the toilets...because water goes downhill. No, the experts need to get onto this. I look forward to hearing the news.
Kyoto follow-up meeting starts
Kyoto follow-up meeting starts | NEWS.com.au: "The 20 countries taking part in the “informal” two-day conference, including the United States, China and India, account for about 70 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said. The conference is being chaired by Japan and Brazil."
So, are we there? We didn't sign up to it again, but neither did the US and they are there.It's very important for the world to work together on greenhouse emissions and we need to talk about it together and help each other.This meeting is looking at the sorts of international negotiations we can make and it's about setting rules for combating climate change. Why wouldn't we want to be alongside other nations on this issue? Climate change is really affecting us.
So, are we there? We didn't sign up to it again, but neither did the US and they are there.It's very important for the world to work together on greenhouse emissions and we need to talk about it together and help each other.This meeting is looking at the sorts of international negotiations we can make and it's about setting rules for combating climate change. Why wouldn't we want to be alongside other nations on this issue? Climate change is really affecting us.
Dim-witted thieves steal GPS
Dim-witted thieves steal GPS : "Fourteen GPS were stolen last week from a warehouse in Babylon, New York. The town had planned to use them to track its municipal fleet of vehicles."What did they think GPS were for? This is so hilarious and I bet the police had such a lovely time getting the GPS systems back!! Crime really doesn't pay, but I think we are going to have to start a collection of police humour...there have been a few of these lately and they are all very funny.
Detailed GPS information and help can be found here at the GPS Resource Centre
Cardboard cops fool Kiwi drivers
Cardboard cops fool Kiwi drivers : "Roading contractor Fulton Hogan began using the two-dimensional law enforcer after behaviour it said was endangering the life of its workers at a site in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, the Nelson Mail newspaper said."
I don't know about simple. No one else has thought of it in all their cleverness. It cut speeding cars by 75% and so it is a very effective means of changing behaviour. What else have we come up with? Of course the police do not want others to follow the tactic, but maybe Fulton Hogan needs to be used and paid to create these speed busters. It won't put police out of a job because the New Zealanders obviously have a healthy respect for their police or the cardboard car would not have modified their behaviour. Psychologically it's very interesting and it gives a big clue as to how we can manage one of the banes of our existence. Visual is obviously the way to go and signifiers are the thing to use.
I don't know about simple. No one else has thought of it in all their cleverness. It cut speeding cars by 75% and so it is a very effective means of changing behaviour. What else have we come up with? Of course the police do not want others to follow the tactic, but maybe Fulton Hogan needs to be used and paid to create these speed busters. It won't put police out of a job because the New Zealanders obviously have a healthy respect for their police or the cardboard car would not have modified their behaviour. Psychologically it's very interesting and it gives a big clue as to how we can manage one of the banes of our existence. Visual is obviously the way to go and signifiers are the thing to use.
Australians live longer
Australians live longer, ABS figures show.: "Australians are living longer on average than the residents of most other nations and men can expect to live to at least 78."
Well, that's heartening news so we must be getting something right and we need to get it better. Hong Kong is the place to live a long life. Females and males live longer in HongKong. Iceland neates us on the male age and Japan beats us on the female age , which for us is 83 and Japan 85. We seem to be moving to Western Australia, Queensland, ACT and Northern Territory. Sunshine and work must be playing a role. It would be interesting to know exactly why we are moving. In Australia you can move to suit yourself to wether needs and that does play a big part in our decision making when it comes to where we live, but we are also looking at where the work is in terms of mining, tourism and IT. I'd like to see some proper figures on this, to see if my hunches are correct.
Well, that's heartening news so we must be getting something right and we need to get it better. Hong Kong is the place to live a long life. Females and males live longer in HongKong. Iceland neates us on the male age and Japan beats us on the female age , which for us is 83 and Japan 85. We seem to be moving to Western Australia, Queensland, ACT and Northern Territory. Sunshine and work must be playing a role. It would be interesting to know exactly why we are moving. In Australia you can move to suit yourself to wether needs and that does play a big part in our decision making when it comes to where we live, but we are also looking at where the work is in terms of mining, tourism and IT. I'd like to see some proper figures on this, to see if my hunches are correct.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Diver escapes from shark's throat
Diver escapes from shark's throat : "The shark grabbed Mr Nerhus by the head, crushing his face mask inwards and breaking his nose, said friend and fellow diver Dennis Luobikis."
Some people are incredible. Some people can keep thinking even when the circumstances are dire. This man was being eaten by the shark but he thought to poke it in the eye and he managed to escape. The people around him were quick to rescue him and give him first aid, so their capacity to act efficiently under dire circumstances is also praiseworthy. We have had a lot of sharks on our coast this summer. That's when they come and most divers are aware of it and the shark patrols let you know where they are, but a 3m white pointer can appear out of nowhere. They are so powereful and strong. Mr. Nerhus is recovering and obviously has a long way to go before he is healed. You never want these things to happen but I have nothing but admiration for how people cope so brilliantly under really terrifying conditions. I am sure Mr. Nerhus will have a good tale to tell when he is better.
Some people are incredible. Some people can keep thinking even when the circumstances are dire. This man was being eaten by the shark but he thought to poke it in the eye and he managed to escape. The people around him were quick to rescue him and give him first aid, so their capacity to act efficiently under dire circumstances is also praiseworthy. We have had a lot of sharks on our coast this summer. That's when they come and most divers are aware of it and the shark patrols let you know where they are, but a 3m white pointer can appear out of nowhere. They are so powereful and strong. Mr. Nerhus is recovering and obviously has a long way to go before he is healed. You never want these things to happen but I have nothing but admiration for how people cope so brilliantly under really terrifying conditions. I am sure Mr. Nerhus will have a good tale to tell when he is better.
Drugs, alcohol top health spending list
AdelaideNow... Drugs, alcohol top health spending list: "The prevention of hazardous and harmful drug use accounted for $17.2 million - or 21.2 per cent of spending - up from $14.6 million in 2003-04. It was dedicated to programs for illicit and other drug control and anti-smoking campaigns."
I rest my case. 17 million on something which we need to get rid of. 17 million which could be spent on other health issues. 17 million on how many people? What percentage of the population? So what health issues received less or no funding because we have to deal with drug issues. How much police time? How much school time? How much justice system time? Hospital time? Add that all up because I am useless with numbers and how much money do we actually spend on drugs? And how much of the population is it? They cost us dearly.
I rest my case. 17 million on something which we need to get rid of. 17 million which could be spent on other health issues. 17 million on how many people? What percentage of the population? So what health issues received less or no funding because we have to deal with drug issues. How much police time? How much school time? How much justice system time? Hospital time? Add that all up because I am useless with numbers and how much money do we actually spend on drugs? And how much of the population is it? They cost us dearly.
3000 ice deals off the streets
AdelaideNow... 3000 ice deals off the streets: "Detective Inspector Peter Johns yesterday outlined a weeks-long investigation that resulted in three arrests and the seizure of ice, ecstasy, weapons and $36,610 in cash.
Det Insp Johns said investigations were ongoing and it was possible there might be more further arrests."
Well done !! We have to keep motivating and encouraging ourselves to rid ourselves of this problem. The old water on the stone trick ...one deal and one druggie at a time. It does so much harm, brings about so much misery and spreads nastiness and difficulty everywhere. The money keeps people doing it and is the motivator , so we have to take courage in both our hands and just keep pushing until we turn it around. The police have been pretty good on this lately and we just need to keep focussed.
Det Insp Johns said investigations were ongoing and it was possible there might be more further arrests."
Well done !! We have to keep motivating and encouraging ourselves to rid ourselves of this problem. The old water on the stone trick ...one deal and one druggie at a time. It does so much harm, brings about so much misery and spreads nastiness and difficulty everywhere. The money keeps people doing it and is the motivator , so we have to take courage in both our hands and just keep pushing until we turn it around. The police have been pretty good on this lately and we just need to keep focussed.
More money than sense
Table-sized apartment for sale in London. : "Despite its tiny size, it is still expected to fetch 170,000 pounds - more than $425,000."
There is a saying over here...never give a sucker an even break. We really are played for fools.
There is a saying over here...never give a sucker an even break. We really are played for fools.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Snowboarders protest
The Age: Snowboarders protest lack of snow.: "Romanian snowboarders blocked traffic in front of the national weather institute in Bucharest to complain about the lack of snow. The sit-down protest ended only when weathermen told them their complaint 'would be passed on to a higher authority'."Oh it is so lovely to see that the self absorbed nature of youth is a world wide phenomenon. What are we doing as parents???!!! I love the response from the weathermen. Love it!!!
City welcomes drought-breaking rain
City welcomes drought-breaking rain : "Emergency services received around 20 calls for minor flood damage in the metro area, saying they're frustrated by blocked gutters and down pipes and urge residents to clean up their act."
As I said yesterday, I had to run out inbetween downpours to unblock a downpipe, and that was one I had previously cleaned not long ago.It was the dry leaves and bits which had blown onto the roof from the hot, dry winds. The water restrictions have banned us from cleaning our gutters with high pressure hose attachments. For me , that was the quickest way to clean gutters and it didn't take long. The water coming off went straight onto the garden. Without that, hand scraping and ladders are all too fraught with problems and so time consuming. I have built myself a gutter cleaning gadget which works quite well, but the quick, brisk jet of water was so easy and efficient. We are not all able to cavort around at height.
As I said yesterday, I had to run out inbetween downpours to unblock a downpipe, and that was one I had previously cleaned not long ago.It was the dry leaves and bits which had blown onto the roof from the hot, dry winds. The water restrictions have banned us from cleaning our gutters with high pressure hose attachments. For me , that was the quickest way to clean gutters and it didn't take long. The water coming off went straight onto the garden. Without that, hand scraping and ladders are all too fraught with problems and so time consuming. I have built myself a gutter cleaning gadget which works quite well, but the quick, brisk jet of water was so easy and efficient. We are not all able to cavort around at height.
Preservation plan for Tree of Knowledge
AdelaideNow... Preservation plan for Tree of Knowledge: "The 200-year-old ghost gum, at Barcaldine in the state's central west, was declared dead last October after being poisoned."
So who poinsoned it? It is a hideous act. It is our history. That was and is so outrageous and whoever it was appears to be living in guilt free splendour. Who cares, whatever!
So who poinsoned it? It is a hideous act. It is our history. That was and is so outrageous and whoever it was appears to be living in guilt free splendour. Who cares, whatever!
Hillary Clinton on the Issues
Hillary Clinton on the Issues: "We need a uniquely American solution to health care."
For me, it's a fairly exciting prospect that there might be a woman president in the United States. Not a woman for the sake of having a woman, nor a woman because she happens to be there, but a woman who could really do the job. So when Hillary Clinton finally put her hand up, then I felt motivated to find out more about her. The whole world seems to be dominated by men at the moment and I have blogged before that we cannot seem to get women to last. Some great women just seem incapable, for whatever reason, of hacking the pace. What are they lacking? What is going on that they can't stand up to it? Are women not able to do the big jobs? Surely not. It's something we need to look at and work on because the world is there for everyone and there ought to be a balance because then I think everyone feels like their point of view is represented and they don't get anxious. As I looked for things on Hillary Clinton, I was amazed to find this site OntheIssuesand there before me were all the headings and all the things she had said. Granted, I thought it a bit harsh for anyone to have to front up and be held accountable for something they said in 1999, but there are so many things, you do get the overall picture and this site does the same for all the major candidates. Amazing research and fantastic organisation. It would also mean that people would be careful about what they said incase it was put on here...that might not be a good thing. Nevertheless, to have this kind of information gives you great insight into a politician and how they are developing.
For me, it's a fairly exciting prospect that there might be a woman president in the United States. Not a woman for the sake of having a woman, nor a woman because she happens to be there, but a woman who could really do the job. So when Hillary Clinton finally put her hand up, then I felt motivated to find out more about her. The whole world seems to be dominated by men at the moment and I have blogged before that we cannot seem to get women to last. Some great women just seem incapable, for whatever reason, of hacking the pace. What are they lacking? What is going on that they can't stand up to it? Are women not able to do the big jobs? Surely not. It's something we need to look at and work on because the world is there for everyone and there ought to be a balance because then I think everyone feels like their point of view is represented and they don't get anxious. As I looked for things on Hillary Clinton, I was amazed to find this site OntheIssuesand there before me were all the headings and all the things she had said. Granted, I thought it a bit harsh for anyone to have to front up and be held accountable for something they said in 1999, but there are so many things, you do get the overall picture and this site does the same for all the major candidates. Amazing research and fantastic organisation. It would also mean that people would be careful about what they said incase it was put on here...that might not be a good thing. Nevertheless, to have this kind of information gives you great insight into a politician and how they are developing.
Cannabis, alcohol proves popular mix
Cannabis, alcohol proves popular mix with students. : "'The mixes are often very unpredictable so we can't give very strong messages about the possible consequences of mixing.
'We do tend to talk about drugs in isolation, which is not necessarily a good thing to do.'"
Okay, so the young ones are mixing it all up and then we think we have to target them with messages. Why? If they want to push the envelope like that then we need to go further back and deal with the littlies. Prevention is better than cure. As for the older ones who are mixing it all up...we do not have to tolerate it. The best message is probably visual. There health will suffer. Their behaviour under the influence of a mix probably won't be pretty. Who needs friends and family like that and who will want class or uni friends who can't keep their act together? Who is going employ spomeone who mixes stuff up. They will become a complete liability.We have to fix our sites on the good and the positive. So who will foot the bill for these kids? Who is going to put up with it? We get what we are prepared to accept.
'We do tend to talk about drugs in isolation, which is not necessarily a good thing to do.'"
Okay, so the young ones are mixing it all up and then we think we have to target them with messages. Why? If they want to push the envelope like that then we need to go further back and deal with the littlies. Prevention is better than cure. As for the older ones who are mixing it all up...we do not have to tolerate it. The best message is probably visual. There health will suffer. Their behaviour under the influence of a mix probably won't be pretty. Who needs friends and family like that and who will want class or uni friends who can't keep their act together? Who is going employ spomeone who mixes stuff up. They will become a complete liability.We have to fix our sites on the good and the positive. So who will foot the bill for these kids? Who is going to put up with it? We get what we are prepared to accept.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Floods swamp South Australia
Floods swamp South Australia : "'It was bone dry a couple of days ago,' a local said. 'The damn backs up to the hotel and water is running into the kitchen area.'"
Australia can be a land of extremes and surprises. If the photo of the two little boys splashing in the red, torrential Todd River has gone around the wrold, people will wonder what on earth is the matter with us. The are places where it doesn't rain for years and then when the rains come everyone and everything is so relieved and joyous. Some kids grow up and don't see rain and then it rains and the water is so magical no matter how much red earth is in it. It can be as it has been here...so dry, so dusty, so relentless and then the rains come and everyone is chirping. The birds get so excited. The domestic pets are so confused. The spiders are out, the snakes are away hiding and it's ...Australia. The drought, the fires and then the huge, humungous rains and you go from one extreme to the other. The poor guys fishing down at Kingston have lost their 4WDs in the king tide which hit there. They wouldn't have been thinking about fishing for their vehicles. Kingston is a beautiful spot on our coast for fishing. The police and SES are out there checking they have all the men and will account for all the vehicles and then they will have to haul them off the beach. It's not what you want, it's not what you plan but it brings out the community spirit. It means you can live the life of adventure at times. Some people love all that rescue type work. It means so much to them and we are grateful for it. They can really pit their wits and skills against this country and that is very much us. The flooding will have to be dealt with. The damage will be heart breaking but everyone will haul together. Hopefully we have learnt the lesson of asking city people to help out and organising rally points if the country folk need anything.
Australia can be a land of extremes and surprises. If the photo of the two little boys splashing in the red, torrential Todd River has gone around the wrold, people will wonder what on earth is the matter with us. The are places where it doesn't rain for years and then when the rains come everyone and everything is so relieved and joyous. Some kids grow up and don't see rain and then it rains and the water is so magical no matter how much red earth is in it. It can be as it has been here...so dry, so dusty, so relentless and then the rains come and everyone is chirping. The birds get so excited. The domestic pets are so confused. The spiders are out, the snakes are away hiding and it's ...Australia. The drought, the fires and then the huge, humungous rains and you go from one extreme to the other. The poor guys fishing down at Kingston have lost their 4WDs in the king tide which hit there. They wouldn't have been thinking about fishing for their vehicles. Kingston is a beautiful spot on our coast for fishing. The police and SES are out there checking they have all the men and will account for all the vehicles and then they will have to haul them off the beach. It's not what you want, it's not what you plan but it brings out the community spirit. It means you can live the life of adventure at times. Some people love all that rescue type work. It means so much to them and we are grateful for it. They can really pit their wits and skills against this country and that is very much us. The flooding will have to be dealt with. The damage will be heart breaking but everyone will haul together. Hopefully we have learnt the lesson of asking city people to help out and organising rally points if the country folk need anything.
Fight to save jet ski girl
AdelaideNow... Fight to save jet ski girl: "'A boat drove past but they didn't stop and they never came back. That's when I started crying.
'I didn't think anyone was coming to help and I was worried Dani would die.'"
That little Amber is made of tough stuff. So who was in the boat that ignored the two girls? I guess it wasn't about them so it wasn't their problem. Amber faced so many challenges and proved again knowing some basic first aid helps keep you in control because you have something to do...and it works. I have never regretted doing my senior first aid certificate and even though you think you'll be hopeless, you never are. The courage Amber showed in using her brains to help her friend who had lost her pulse and to keep her friend conscious is remarkable. Dani sounds like a character too. She was on the news and said she just wanted to go back to school!! I think she'll be over that in 5 weeks. I guess she just wanted to be normal again. With friends like Amber you can feel safe and with young girls like that around the community can feel safe too. The parents must be so relieved but so enormously proud as well. They've done a good job.
'I didn't think anyone was coming to help and I was worried Dani would die.'"
That little Amber is made of tough stuff. So who was in the boat that ignored the two girls? I guess it wasn't about them so it wasn't their problem. Amber faced so many challenges and proved again knowing some basic first aid helps keep you in control because you have something to do...and it works. I have never regretted doing my senior first aid certificate and even though you think you'll be hopeless, you never are. The courage Amber showed in using her brains to help her friend who had lost her pulse and to keep her friend conscious is remarkable. Dani sounds like a character too. She was on the news and said she just wanted to go back to school!! I think she'll be over that in 5 weeks. I guess she just wanted to be normal again. With friends like Amber you can feel safe and with young girls like that around the community can feel safe too. The parents must be so relieved but so enormously proud as well. They've done a good job.
Wild SA weather postpones nude festival.
Wild SA weather postpones nude festival. : "The so-called Nude Olympics were to have kicked off today, but an organiser says the event has been postponed for a fortnight."
It's not suprising!!! I am sitting here in winter woollies and the other day I was sitting in shorts and tank top...we've been though dry, not, windy, dry, bit of rain...but this last couple of days it has rained!! I had to go out and clean the down pipes because the dry leaves had clogged the gutters and that's after I had just cleaned them!! It's been blustery, wet...very wet and we are all loving it...but no way would you run around naked on the beach to be an Olympic hero!! As it turns out there is no beach as Maslin's at the moment...the water is right up to the cliffs...so they'd freeze all right.
It's not suprising!!! I am sitting here in winter woollies and the other day I was sitting in shorts and tank top...we've been though dry, not, windy, dry, bit of rain...but this last couple of days it has rained!! I had to go out and clean the down pipes because the dry leaves had clogged the gutters and that's after I had just cleaned them!! It's been blustery, wet...very wet and we are all loving it...but no way would you run around naked on the beach to be an Olympic hero!! As it turns out there is no beach as Maslin's at the moment...the water is right up to the cliffs...so they'd freeze all right.
US chopper crash kills 13 in Iraq.
US chopper crash kills 13 in Iraq. : "A US military helicopter has gone down in Iraq, killing all 13 people on board."
This is such a waste, such a waste. Such a terrible waste. Everyday. More and more. I do not know how the Iraqi people are managing to manage this on a daily basis in their country. I have no idea how America can afford to lose so much military equipment. I know it's the richest nation, but how much richer would it be if they kept their money at home? The schools? The hospitals? All that pioneering and research they do? And the people? How do they cope losing their loved ones like this? It must be having a devastating effect on them because so many Americans have lost their lives now, and okay, they have been involved in this for their country, but it is just such a waste. Everyone keeps dying. Everything keeps being destroyed. There has to be a better way. We have to be able to think ourselves out of this because this isn't working, it's obvious it isn't working and we need to turn it around. I know it's not something we can just fix in a week because the damage done is enormous. It will take time, but the military approach is not working. Thinking, thinking...we need to do some serious, high level, high powered thinking.
This is such a waste, such a waste. Such a terrible waste. Everyday. More and more. I do not know how the Iraqi people are managing to manage this on a daily basis in their country. I have no idea how America can afford to lose so much military equipment. I know it's the richest nation, but how much richer would it be if they kept their money at home? The schools? The hospitals? All that pioneering and research they do? And the people? How do they cope losing their loved ones like this? It must be having a devastating effect on them because so many Americans have lost their lives now, and okay, they have been involved in this for their country, but it is just such a waste. Everyone keeps dying. Everything keeps being destroyed. There has to be a better way. We have to be able to think ourselves out of this because this isn't working, it's obvious it isn't working and we need to turn it around. I know it's not something we can just fix in a week because the damage done is enormous. It will take time, but the military approach is not working. Thinking, thinking...we need to do some serious, high level, high powered thinking.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Think inside the square
AdelaideNow... Think inside the square: "Adelaide's centre has reached the point where our busiest streets are urban gulches. New waves of residents, empty nesters, international students and young apartment owners have arrived, widening the city's uses."
This has been the talk of the town for a while. Quite a few people are leaving the suburbs and moving into town and really liking it. Lots of us have travelled and understand that Adelaide City living offers something very unique because it is picturesque, manageable, has absolutely everything you need and is actually a place where you can live your own life . You can stay fit, you can buy fresh food, you can find good places to eat. There is plenty going on, you can get a good cup of coffee...and it just looks so nice wherever you look. My city living friends are looking so much more relaxed and have become very enthusiastic. It doesn't come cheaply, but neither did their big houses in the suburbs. The changes in Adelaide are starting to come together and I must say the planners appear to be getting it right. I really like what I see in town these days.
Law clerk in $4.5m fraud
AdelaideNow... Law clerk in $4.5m fraud: "The fraud was discovered in July, 2005, prompting the firm's partners to call in the Law Society of SA, which assumed control of the firm before auditing its trust funds and freezing its bank accounts."
It's not just Adelaide. Enron was out there way before this and Enron has not been the only big company to fall foul of fraud. It seems to be a lifestyle choice because it is coming up over and over again. Do these people actually think they will get away with it? Do they really think no one will notice millions going missing? Companies and businesses are getting on to it and individuals are being traced, but why do we have so many people like this? Cause and effect. Why do they think it will not be noticed and why do they embark upon it? All of this is spread out through the wider community and it impacts on a lot of people....not to mention companies which have been busting their gut to do well and then find themselves in chaos, unable to function and then maybe having to collapse. One person's decision to behave like this has a far reaching impact, so we have to find a reason they are doing this and cannot seem to see that common sense dictates it is a really, really bad move.
It's not just Adelaide. Enron was out there way before this and Enron has not been the only big company to fall foul of fraud. It seems to be a lifestyle choice because it is coming up over and over again. Do these people actually think they will get away with it? Do they really think no one will notice millions going missing? Companies and businesses are getting on to it and individuals are being traced, but why do we have so many people like this? Cause and effect. Why do they think it will not be noticed and why do they embark upon it? All of this is spread out through the wider community and it impacts on a lot of people....not to mention companies which have been busting their gut to do well and then find themselves in chaos, unable to function and then maybe having to collapse. One person's decision to behave like this has a far reaching impact, so we have to find a reason they are doing this and cannot seem to see that common sense dictates it is a really, really bad move.
Smoke worse than fire for the afflicted
Smoke worse than fire: "If that's the case, there are steps you can take to minimise harm. Probably the most essential is to stay out of the fire zone if your asthma is not stable – for example, if you require reliever medication more than three times a week, you become short of breath when you exercise, or you find yourself waking through the night because of breathing difficulties."
I have a friend in Melbourne whose family is really being affected by the smoke from the bushfires. I realise, in the scheme of things, this is not top priority but if you are the one dealing with people who cannot breathe and who are having more asthma attacks, then it puts on the pressure. Because we are in the position of having to deal with severe fire, risk to property, life and the damage that can cause to our environment, our fire fighters and ourselves, then the smoke fallout across other areas is not being adressed. We have a good history of management techniques. Australians are good at getting a plan together to help alleviate "conditions". Some people will be panicking, some will be affected by the frequent inhalation of smoke and others will be ill and the smoke will irritate them more. I t's a matter of getting together some good approaches and letting people know. This article has some ideas, but we need to get more together and publicise them.
I have a friend in Melbourne whose family is really being affected by the smoke from the bushfires. I realise, in the scheme of things, this is not top priority but if you are the one dealing with people who cannot breathe and who are having more asthma attacks, then it puts on the pressure. Because we are in the position of having to deal with severe fire, risk to property, life and the damage that can cause to our environment, our fire fighters and ourselves, then the smoke fallout across other areas is not being adressed. We have a good history of management techniques. Australians are good at getting a plan together to help alleviate "conditions". Some people will be panicking, some will be affected by the frequent inhalation of smoke and others will be ill and the smoke will irritate them more. I t's a matter of getting together some good approaches and letting people know. This article has some ideas, but we need to get more together and publicise them.
Water...water
False economy | SA | The Australian: "Contrary to the impression created by the states, water is not scarce. In a study last September, the Business Council called this 'one of Australia's greatest myths'. It explains: 'The perceived shortages are due to artificial limits on supply to our cities and an inability to allocate water to its highest value use in rural areas. If we allocated water for environmental purposes for example, to restore river health and allowed market pricing and the laws of demand and supply to operate as they do in every other market, there would be no talk of shortages or the need to curb economic growth.'"
So are we short of water or not? As usual there is a marked increase in varying opinions so that your average person is confused. Right where they want us? Or do they actually know what they are talking about? That's the thing. You never know whether the powers that be are doing all this dancing to keep prices up and the general public in the dark, or if there is genuine mismanagement which we can allow for but we need to address. No one actually seems to know what they are talking about. If we have got water restrictions and reservoirs drying up...and then we watch buckets loads and torrents of water going down streets, drains, blocking roads, then no, we are not short of water. They are talking of cutting the pressure. Can they really justify that? Is it a reasonable solution? Will it put some buildings and areas at risk? What I do like is people are coming out and giving us their opinions and knowledge. There are a lot of people who are familiar both with the delivery of water to our systems and the management of biodiversity of issues for us to be able to hear some good opinions. What is happening is they contradict each other, so there needs to be some real clarification here. I am not surprised we are having trouble communicating because I think we are just waking up out of the brain numbing slumber of no-speak and no-think where three sentences of jingoistic nonsense were enough to solve any speaking need. We are dealing with complex issues here , so I would expect it to take time to get those rusty old cogs moving now we've decided to front up and think our way out of our problems. Let the debate continue, let us continue to consider all the ideas...and then let's get to work on it in a clear way so that we haul as a team.
So are we short of water or not? As usual there is a marked increase in varying opinions so that your average person is confused. Right where they want us? Or do they actually know what they are talking about? That's the thing. You never know whether the powers that be are doing all this dancing to keep prices up and the general public in the dark, or if there is genuine mismanagement which we can allow for but we need to address. No one actually seems to know what they are talking about. If we have got water restrictions and reservoirs drying up...and then we watch buckets loads and torrents of water going down streets, drains, blocking roads, then no, we are not short of water. They are talking of cutting the pressure. Can they really justify that? Is it a reasonable solution? Will it put some buildings and areas at risk? What I do like is people are coming out and giving us their opinions and knowledge. There are a lot of people who are familiar both with the delivery of water to our systems and the management of biodiversity of issues for us to be able to hear some good opinions. What is happening is they contradict each other, so there needs to be some real clarification here. I am not surprised we are having trouble communicating because I think we are just waking up out of the brain numbing slumber of no-speak and no-think where three sentences of jingoistic nonsense were enough to solve any speaking need. We are dealing with complex issues here , so I would expect it to take time to get those rusty old cogs moving now we've decided to front up and think our way out of our problems. Let the debate continue, let us continue to consider all the ideas...and then let's get to work on it in a clear way so that we haul as a team.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Dog killer stalking city's suburbs
Dog killer stalking city's suburbs : "'The attacks are quite malicious and deliberate - people are jumping fences to get to animals and they seem to know exactly where they are, it's very sick,' she said."
About 10 years ago it was cat killers. I do not understand people who hate animals so much they would kill them. They never get caught...or maybe the webcams will be out. Security cameras these days have made a difference. To have that thought you will kill someone's pet is very sick. Very sick. My cat was killed by the group going around at the time and I found it on the day I was going up to hospital to see my mother who was dying of cancer. That person will never know how much damage they did that day. People's pets are so important. Why would you kill dogs?
About 10 years ago it was cat killers. I do not understand people who hate animals so much they would kill them. They never get caught...or maybe the webcams will be out. Security cameras these days have made a difference. To have that thought you will kill someone's pet is very sick. Very sick. My cat was killed by the group going around at the time and I found it on the day I was going up to hospital to see my mother who was dying of cancer. That person will never know how much damage they did that day. People's pets are so important. Why would you kill dogs?
Laura Bush to visit France January 14-17
Laura Bush to visit France January 14-17 : "'Mrs. Bush will lead a delegation of US government officials involved in successful efforts here in the US aimed at preventing the exploitation of women and children and prosecuting offenders,' said Johndroe."
Explain to me why I have just spent 10 minutes on the Net in 4 different countries trying to find any reference to this meeting of the first women of several nations who are doing something positive for children’s rights and Laura Bush, in addition has been working on literacy issues for children? This is an article about the intended trip but on the French news last night I saw the account of their meeting. It was a big deal. It was important. Some of it was driven by Belgium trying to put to rest their awful Marc Dutroux case, and, given we have just had another little boy molested in the toilets at the Open Tennis and we are embarrassed about it…then we need to report this meeting and we need to acknowledge who was there. Had I known it was not going to be openly reported I’d’ve sat there with my pen and taken the names down myself. Obviously Laura Bush and Mme Chirac, but representatives from Brazil, Belgium and other countries. These women of import are getting off their bottoms to do something about the things happening to our children and we cannot even spare a bit of space in amongst all of the hot air and destructive stuff. Like these women, we have got to stop being embarrassed about it, get it out on the table in front of us, and rummage through it so we can make some better decisions with regard to our children’s safety and wellbeing. Then we can put the global literacy plans in place.
Explain to me why I have just spent 10 minutes on the Net in 4 different countries trying to find any reference to this meeting of the first women of several nations who are doing something positive for children’s rights and Laura Bush, in addition has been working on literacy issues for children? This is an article about the intended trip but on the French news last night I saw the account of their meeting. It was a big deal. It was important. Some of it was driven by Belgium trying to put to rest their awful Marc Dutroux case, and, given we have just had another little boy molested in the toilets at the Open Tennis and we are embarrassed about it…then we need to report this meeting and we need to acknowledge who was there. Had I known it was not going to be openly reported I’d’ve sat there with my pen and taken the names down myself. Obviously Laura Bush and Mme Chirac, but representatives from Brazil, Belgium and other countries. These women of import are getting off their bottoms to do something about the things happening to our children and we cannot even spare a bit of space in amongst all of the hot air and destructive stuff. Like these women, we have got to stop being embarrassed about it, get it out on the table in front of us, and rummage through it so we can make some better decisions with regard to our children’s safety and wellbeing. Then we can put the global literacy plans in place.
Floodbound town lacking medical supplies
Floodbound town lacking medical supplies : "A rare monsoon rain system passed through central Australia on Thursday with the bureau of meteorology reporting falls of 60mm in and around Coober Pedy."
Rare weather conditions have cut off Oodnadatta and Coober Pedy ( where the opals come from and the underground houses are).With upwards of 60mm of rain in the area since yesterday , it's great for the farmers but not at all easy for road transport. Planes can only fly when it's safe and the planes cannot carry as much as a big truck. This is why the isolated towns are so much more in need of internet and mobile connections and cable. They are so dependent on thing like that to get their messages heard so we have some way of meeting their needs. They will manage because our isolated communities are very resourceful, but we need to be more mindful that they are there under considerable stress when we can do things so much more easily in the city. We'll learn and we'll get better and this but it cannot be soon enough.
Rare weather conditions have cut off Oodnadatta and Coober Pedy ( where the opals come from and the underground houses are).With upwards of 60mm of rain in the area since yesterday , it's great for the farmers but not at all easy for road transport. Planes can only fly when it's safe and the planes cannot carry as much as a big truck. This is why the isolated towns are so much more in need of internet and mobile connections and cable. They are so dependent on thing like that to get their messages heard so we have some way of meeting their needs. They will manage because our isolated communities are very resourceful, but we need to be more mindful that they are there under considerable stress when we can do things so much more easily in the city. We'll learn and we'll get better and this but it cannot be soon enough.
Unexpected rain causes havoc in NT
Unexpected rain causes havoc in NT : "Police on Thursday pulled two children from the swollen Todd River in Alice Springs after they slipped while playing on the Palm Circuit causeway."
The breakdown of the family unit, the constant working and the extreme weather conditions which we are not used to are making things dangerous for everyone all over the world. People seem to have forgotten or they are oblivious to safety first. We seem to be so used to doing what we want and have to when we want and have to do it that we have forgotten the hazards of weather. Dealing with the weather aberrations is something which should be on every country's agenda, but we as citizens, need to look out for ourselves and others. Remind each other of safe behaviour. Be ready to step out and help if it is safe for us. Driving seems to be a real hazard in our extreme weather all over the world. We need to get some sensible agreements about how people should behave because part of the problem is they are pressured by commitments to be somewhere and yet common sense dictates they should take shelter inside. Then there is the problem with us and the rain. We have always rejoiced in rain after a long, hot dry spell. It does make us behave like little kids, but we need to remember it's easy to slip and slide in wet conditions, that the flow of the rivers might be too strong for us. Safety first and strategies to change this mad weather are things which we need to act on now.
The breakdown of the family unit, the constant working and the extreme weather conditions which we are not used to are making things dangerous for everyone all over the world. People seem to have forgotten or they are oblivious to safety first. We seem to be so used to doing what we want and have to when we want and have to do it that we have forgotten the hazards of weather. Dealing with the weather aberrations is something which should be on every country's agenda, but we as citizens, need to look out for ourselves and others. Remind each other of safe behaviour. Be ready to step out and help if it is safe for us. Driving seems to be a real hazard in our extreme weather all over the world. We need to get some sensible agreements about how people should behave because part of the problem is they are pressured by commitments to be somewhere and yet common sense dictates they should take shelter inside. Then there is the problem with us and the rain. We have always rejoiced in rain after a long, hot dry spell. It does make us behave like little kids, but we need to remember it's easy to slip and slide in wet conditions, that the flow of the rivers might be too strong for us. Safety first and strategies to change this mad weather are things which we need to act on now.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Police trio help deliver baby at roadside
Police trio help deliver baby at roadside : "'The father was ... still in a panic because all this water started coming out, and he was worried about the car and I said: 'No, worry about the kid' and then the head popped out and the father caught the baby.'"
What a great story and the new Dad is never going to live this comment down. It's clear from the story that the woman was given over to nature who was guiding her and the 4 men assisting her took a little while to rally themselves but, in the end, turned in a great team effort so that the baby was born happily and safely. Much better than breathalizing and a greater gift than that of human spirit in a time of need I cannot think of. Police have to be so adaptable and all credit to them. It's why they should be kept away from paperwork as I blogged yesterday. Let them do their job because this is an opportunity where they get to get some real positives. Hats off to Constable Hadfield for leading the team through a successful al fresco birth .
What a great story and the new Dad is never going to live this comment down. It's clear from the story that the woman was given over to nature who was guiding her and the 4 men assisting her took a little while to rally themselves but, in the end, turned in a great team effort so that the baby was born happily and safely. Much better than breathalizing and a greater gift than that of human spirit in a time of need I cannot think of. Police have to be so adaptable and all credit to them. It's why they should be kept away from paperwork as I blogged yesterday. Let them do their job because this is an opportunity where they get to get some real positives. Hats off to Constable Hadfield for leading the team through a successful al fresco birth .
Traffic chaos after tunnel closure
Traffic chaos after tunnel closure : "The driver, carrying a load that was too high for the 3.5-kilometre tunnel, damaged 14 overhead safety signs as he drove through shortly after 6am (AEDT) today, a CityLink spokesman said."
Do people actually understand cause and effect these days? Did he really have no idea about the height of his load? Why not?
Do people actually understand cause and effect these days? Did he really have no idea about the height of his load? Why not?
Health minister defends dial-a-nurse
AdelaideNow... Health minister defends dial-a-nurse: "'(The system) always recommends if anyone's condition deteriorates or changes in any way, they immediately seek emergency help and that's what happened in this case.'"
This is where video phones are going to be worth their weight in gold. Ambulance officers could see and speak to the person. In the end it is always going to be you who calls the shots and determines how to proceed. It is awful the lady who died had no one to advocate for her and take over when clearly she was so very ill. One voice to another is always going to be lacking. My daughter is a classic. She will always understate her condition and you have to really look at her to know she is in a lot of pain or seriously ill. Twice she has caught me out and I know her really well! I think these kinds of services will improve as we get used to them. It is afterall, a filtering approach and some people are just too ill before medical help gets to them. That happens no matter what the system and it's soemthing we feel bad and guilty about and hindsight is 20/20 vision. It's a blow. It's horrible and it should not happen. We'll build in some form of monitoring and better questioning but I think video phones will really help.
This is where video phones are going to be worth their weight in gold. Ambulance officers could see and speak to the person. In the end it is always going to be you who calls the shots and determines how to proceed. It is awful the lady who died had no one to advocate for her and take over when clearly she was so very ill. One voice to another is always going to be lacking. My daughter is a classic. She will always understate her condition and you have to really look at her to know she is in a lot of pain or seriously ill. Twice she has caught me out and I know her really well! I think these kinds of services will improve as we get used to them. It is afterall, a filtering approach and some people are just too ill before medical help gets to them. That happens no matter what the system and it's soemthing we feel bad and guilty about and hindsight is 20/20 vision. It's a blow. It's horrible and it should not happen. We'll build in some form of monitoring and better questioning but I think video phones will really help.
AWB salary payouts criticised
AdelaideNow... AWB salary payouts criticised: "The sum included almost $1 million paid to former chief financial officer Paul Ingleby - the man who claimed as a tax deduction the $290 million in illicit payments AWB made to Baghdad under the UN's corruption-plagued oil-for-food program."
There is no alternate moral universe here as the article claims. There are no morals. This is not the first time executives and CEOs of organisations which have committed dastardly deeds have reaped handsomely from doing the wrong thing. So who cares? Who's going to do anything about it? Whatever. Never mind, that was so bad. We do not set things straight and we just go along with it. So who pays? The wheat farmers. The people in Iraq. The other people who have worked for the wheat board. Us. We have AWB in our country and it's stuffed up our wheat trade. AWB has to explain these payouts to its shareholders. So? What will happen then? Nothing. These men are allowed to get away with it and this is the real damage the AWB story has done to us. We now know this is how our country operates. Great message for us and the kids growing up.
There is no alternate moral universe here as the article claims. There are no morals. This is not the first time executives and CEOs of organisations which have committed dastardly deeds have reaped handsomely from doing the wrong thing. So who cares? Who's going to do anything about it? Whatever. Never mind, that was so bad. We do not set things straight and we just go along with it. So who pays? The wheat farmers. The people in Iraq. The other people who have worked for the wheat board. Us. We have AWB in our country and it's stuffed up our wheat trade. AWB has to explain these payouts to its shareholders. So? What will happen then? Nothing. These men are allowed to get away with it and this is the real damage the AWB story has done to us. We now know this is how our country operates. Great message for us and the kids growing up.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Casino Royale
How many films has it taken to get it right? 20? More? At last, they have it right. James Bond in Casino Royale is an agent, a man, a killer, a lover, a brain and he is flesh and blood. I loved the thinking in the film. The split second decisions. He wasn’t perfect but he was as good at it gets. Daniel Craig has brought so much to the role because he takes the rough and tumble, he is slick when he wants to be and he scrubs up very well indeed. I really appreciated the opening black and white sequences. They set an artistic level and created something imaginative which could have been made more of. Then we cut to the construction scene and I was thinking…how much more can these guys jump? Boing, boing, boing! That, the long running around everywhere scenes, the smash and grab and explosions around the airport tarmac-aren’t we over that yet? I guess the boys would like it still and James Bond is a bit of a boy as well. The film had something for everyone and they are getting better at the women but they still haven’t got the mix right. Bond films don’t need tough women but they need gutsier women and they need neither be flat chested nor overly voluptuous. They could be credible as lots of women are today….and they almost got it right. Films are having trouble portraying modern women at their best. I was surprised how easily I sat there and took it all in. I have seen all the Bond films and enjoyed them but this one is in a league of its own. It’s finally got James Bond into the new millennium and as this guy he can live on because he is credible and bloomin’ good. Loved the camera shots. Loved Montenegro. I sat there thinking…oh, I want to go there. For me, the Casino Royale part of the film was fantastic. Very hard to make that kind of stuff nail biting, but this film succeeded. Judy Dench was great as M and has settled nicely into the role. There was a lot in this film because it was 3 dimensional and the opening screen shots for the titles were very cleverly thought out. So much care and thinking went into this film so it deserves to do well. Loved it.
Sleeper survives 11-storey fall
Sleeper survives 11-storey fall : "A man who rolled out of bed and out the window of his 11th floor Hong Kong flat has survived the drop, a news report said today."
Maybe being asleep helped to break the fall. That would be a rude awakening! Don't hey have fly screens? Who would sleep next to a wide open window like that? I couldn't put my bed next to a wide open window...not even on the ground floor. Maybe Hong Kong doesn't have flies and mozzies like we do....nor curtains nor blinds...something to remind you not to fall out of bed!!
Maybe being asleep helped to break the fall. That would be a rude awakening! Don't hey have fly screens? Who would sleep next to a wide open window like that? I couldn't put my bed next to a wide open window...not even on the ground floor. Maybe Hong Kong doesn't have flies and mozzies like we do....nor curtains nor blinds...something to remind you not to fall out of bed!!
Nikki's crusade to help the needy
AdelaideNow... Nikki's crusade to help the needy: "After realising she had 'fallen in love' with the people of Namwendwa, Ms Lovell, of Seacliff Park, last year abandoned university studies to fast-track her plans to join an overseas aid organisation full-time."
We do not hear enough of the good things. This is a 20 year old who is now in charge of her own charity organisation and who is committed to a fair world. Her inspiration came from Students Partnership Worldwide and it is something we need to build into the deveolpment of the young. This girl now has a mission, a sense of purpose, responsibility and she is not prepared to sit home wasting her time and talent waiting for the world to get better. I have a friend working in Korea. He came home and went back because it gave him a better sense of self and purpose. My neighbour's sister , too, is working in Africa. Australians are out there trying to change the world and there are people on this planet who understand the power of one and how much good it can do. We are tired of the destructive influences and it's great to see people using their lives for the betterment of others. It will be repaid. In the end negativity snaps back hard and reduces itself to nothing. Goodness grows.
We do not hear enough of the good things. This is a 20 year old who is now in charge of her own charity organisation and who is committed to a fair world. Her inspiration came from Students Partnership Worldwide and it is something we need to build into the deveolpment of the young. This girl now has a mission, a sense of purpose, responsibility and she is not prepared to sit home wasting her time and talent waiting for the world to get better. I have a friend working in Korea. He came home and went back because it gave him a better sense of self and purpose. My neighbour's sister , too, is working in Africa. Australians are out there trying to change the world and there are people on this planet who understand the power of one and how much good it can do. We are tired of the destructive influences and it's great to see people using their lives for the betterment of others. It will be repaid. In the end negativity snaps back hard and reduces itself to nothing. Goodness grows.
Doctors focus on 'boomer' patients
AdelaideNow... Doctors focus on 'boomer' patients: "They spent 28 per cent with baby boomer patients aged between 45 and 64 - up from 24 per cent while the 75-plus age group accounted for 15 per cent of GP contact, up from 12 per cent."
I don't know what these figures mean. In all honesty I do not believe younger people are healthier. I think some of them avoid doctors and treatments because of other issues. I think young people do not look after their health. There is also the issue of the cost. Some parents would be hard pressed to get their children to the doctor because of how much it costs and if you have a couple of children and others sick in the family the medicine would make it a very expensive outing indeed. Given the reports on drug use, teenage alcoholism and anorexia then I think doctors ahould have been consulted sooner. Older people will have the habit of seeing a doctor and they will probably have the money to follow through on treatments.
I went for my annual check up today and it's well worth it. If I don't see a doctor for other reasons I go and get a check up. All my tea drinking is paying off because my cholesterol is very low and my blood pressure is smack bang in the middle which is good because it's normally too low. I love my doctor. I have known him through the young children phase and he is someone I can rely upon and trust. He knows about me, he can prescribe good common sense along with his medicine and he has a very balanced approach. He is helpful, he doesn't muck about, he gets extra information when needed and he has proven himself to have sound judgement. I think young people miss out on that . I don't think they get a chance to make a friend of a doctor. I know I can ask my doctor things and I will get a decent answer or pointed in the right direction. Sometimes that is what you need to get on the right side of your health. By the same token he now uses me to bounce ideas off. Like today we talked about the womb transplant in the US and we spoke abpout whether people should work when they were old and what that might mean. We also talked about stress and lifestyle and how we can manage it. He's a really good doctor because as you are being treated all these other broad range issues come into play and you get to explore them.
I don't know what these figures mean. In all honesty I do not believe younger people are healthier. I think some of them avoid doctors and treatments because of other issues. I think young people do not look after their health. There is also the issue of the cost. Some parents would be hard pressed to get their children to the doctor because of how much it costs and if you have a couple of children and others sick in the family the medicine would make it a very expensive outing indeed. Given the reports on drug use, teenage alcoholism and anorexia then I think doctors ahould have been consulted sooner. Older people will have the habit of seeing a doctor and they will probably have the money to follow through on treatments.
I went for my annual check up today and it's well worth it. If I don't see a doctor for other reasons I go and get a check up. All my tea drinking is paying off because my cholesterol is very low and my blood pressure is smack bang in the middle which is good because it's normally too low. I love my doctor. I have known him through the young children phase and he is someone I can rely upon and trust. He knows about me, he can prescribe good common sense along with his medicine and he has a very balanced approach. He is helpful, he doesn't muck about, he gets extra information when needed and he has proven himself to have sound judgement. I think young people miss out on that . I don't think they get a chance to make a friend of a doctor. I know I can ask my doctor things and I will get a decent answer or pointed in the right direction. Sometimes that is what you need to get on the right side of your health. By the same token he now uses me to bounce ideas off. Like today we talked about the womb transplant in the US and we spoke abpout whether people should work when they were old and what that might mean. We also talked about stress and lifestyle and how we can manage it. He's a really good doctor because as you are being treated all these other broad range issues come into play and you get to explore them.
Indigenous band gets funds
Indigenous band gets funds to raise profile. : "Mid-west Western Australian Indigenous band the Bartlett Brothers will use a State Government grant to raise its profile by building a website and shooting a video clip."
We have really got to get behind our indiginous bands and their music. We need to profile it more often and in a better way. I was totally struck dumb when I went into a music store before Christmas to see if they had any new French stuff...and in the international/world music section were our indigenous musicians!! They are Australian. They are us and ours and they belong to us and we belong to them. Oh yes, some of them are world class, some of them are on an international footing...but we should find them with our music. Even when I go up to Noumea the Megastore there has heaps of our indigenous music that I have never even heard of here. They feature it in a big display and it looks cool, sounds cool and is something worth promoting. Our indigenous music is very special and our musicians need to be heard. Wake up , Australia, your country needs you!!
We have really got to get behind our indiginous bands and their music. We need to profile it more often and in a better way. I was totally struck dumb when I went into a music store before Christmas to see if they had any new French stuff...and in the international/world music section were our indigenous musicians!! They are Australian. They are us and ours and they belong to us and we belong to them. Oh yes, some of them are world class, some of them are on an international footing...but we should find them with our music. Even when I go up to Noumea the Megastore there has heaps of our indigenous music that I have never even heard of here. They feature it in a big display and it looks cool, sounds cool and is something worth promoting. Our indigenous music is very special and our musicians need to be heard. Wake up , Australia, your country needs you!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mozart makes for fatter pigs
AdelaideNow... Mozart makes for fatter pigs, farmer says: "Nguyen Chi Cong, 44, said he started playing recordings of classical symphonies and sonatas over loudspeakers six years ago for the benefit of his workers, only to find the music also had a soothing effect on the pigs."
Well, there you go. Music is not just the food of love and it doesn't just tame the savage beast. It makes happy, fatter pigs! Maybe that's why we're becoming obese..too much piped music around the place!
Well, there you go. Music is not just the food of love and it doesn't just tame the savage beast. It makes happy, fatter pigs! Maybe that's why we're becoming obese..too much piped music around the place!
Volunteers plug police shortages
AdelaideNow... Volunteers plug police shortages: "'Police officers have been placed between a rock and a hard place - sacrifice time in the filed to complete necessary paperwork, or allocate your workload to a volunteer who isn't authorised or shouldn't be doing those tasks,' he said."
So many people jobs these days have become paperwork jobs. Those who wanted to be police, doctors, dentists, teachers, kindergarten workers, psychologists, optometrists find find themselves filling out forms, documenting this, documenting that, typing this up. People workers end up being clerks and clerical assistants and the rising swathe of paperwork from "administration" is drowning us. It's taking time away form the people interactions. Using volunteers to plug the gap would probably interest people...but if the work is there it should be paid work. We need reliable clerks and clerical assistants and Miss Marple aside, a lot of oldies could be gainfully employed sifting through thigns and would probably be very handy because they'd absorb the details and could connect the lose ends while people are out on the job. So, let's rethink our work place strategies. Highly trianed expertise is wasted on paper shuffling. There is a lot to do because we are all doing at least a job and a half and the industry bosses are laughing because they are paying 2 people to do the job of 3 or 4 people and cutting out the clerks. Put them back and we'll function better and our aging population will come into its own. Some work could be done at home and we'd get a variety of jobs back so that different people could work the hours they wanted to work. It would be more efficient and it would create some much needed flexibility. It would also mean you could take young people on and get them used to more difficult and demanding working environments gradually.
So many people jobs these days have become paperwork jobs. Those who wanted to be police, doctors, dentists, teachers, kindergarten workers, psychologists, optometrists find find themselves filling out forms, documenting this, documenting that, typing this up. People workers end up being clerks and clerical assistants and the rising swathe of paperwork from "administration" is drowning us. It's taking time away form the people interactions. Using volunteers to plug the gap would probably interest people...but if the work is there it should be paid work. We need reliable clerks and clerical assistants and Miss Marple aside, a lot of oldies could be gainfully employed sifting through thigns and would probably be very handy because they'd absorb the details and could connect the lose ends while people are out on the job. So, let's rethink our work place strategies. Highly trianed expertise is wasted on paper shuffling. There is a lot to do because we are all doing at least a job and a half and the industry bosses are laughing because they are paying 2 people to do the job of 3 or 4 people and cutting out the clerks. Put them back and we'll function better and our aging population will come into its own. Some work could be done at home and we'd get a variety of jobs back so that different people could work the hours they wanted to work. It would be more efficient and it would create some much needed flexibility. It would also mean you could take young people on and get them used to more difficult and demanding working environments gradually.
Electronic games now jobs haven
AdelaideNow... Electronic games now jobs haven: "Meanwhile, the first intake of overseas students has entered the Entertainment Technology Centre, the new Adelaide division of U.S.-based Carnegie Mellon University. ETC director John Buchanan says opportunities for digital media artists are growing in SA with the 'industry in Australia about to take off'."
That may be the overseas interest and investment here but our local games market and digital media is quite healthy. We have always liked technology and geeks are very at home here and part of our landscape. We know them and love them. There is an affinity with technology but we have been game players from way back and even board games and other toys have a big market here. There a a number of people in Adelaide that just like to play and will make it an intellectual pursuit.Perhaps because we are a smaller community and are not lost in big industry and heavy commercial interests. Perhaps because we have a richness of arts here and that inpires us to be creative and perhaps because we like to develop interests outside the norm which require detailed thinking and a lot of patience. We are very patient and there is nothing to rush us on and lose us. Electronic games have always been popular but not in an obsessive sense nor in an isolated sense. It's very much a sharing activity where kids will challenge each other or they'll play against each other in a friendly way. Pitting your wits, that's what we like.
That may be the overseas interest and investment here but our local games market and digital media is quite healthy. We have always liked technology and geeks are very at home here and part of our landscape. We know them and love them. There is an affinity with technology but we have been game players from way back and even board games and other toys have a big market here. There a a number of people in Adelaide that just like to play and will make it an intellectual pursuit.Perhaps because we are a smaller community and are not lost in big industry and heavy commercial interests. Perhaps because we have a richness of arts here and that inpires us to be creative and perhaps because we like to develop interests outside the norm which require detailed thinking and a lot of patience. We are very patient and there is nothing to rush us on and lose us. Electronic games have always been popular but not in an obsessive sense nor in an isolated sense. It's very much a sharing activity where kids will challenge each other or they'll play against each other in a friendly way. Pitting your wits, that's what we like.
Armed attack on elderly man
AdelaideNow... Armed attack on elderly man: "Police say one of the men, in his late 20s, jumped into the driver's side of the Holden and attempted to drive off before he was pulled from the car and tackled by a bystander."
Gutless, gutless, gutless. In his 20s and with a tyre lever. One stolen car under his belt and he's ready to hurt an old guy as he washes his car to get another car. How gutless. Certainly has no street cred. Thank heavens for the bystander. Yes, we have had enough of these people who are such spineless opportunists.
Gutless, gutless, gutless. In his 20s and with a tyre lever. One stolen car under his belt and he's ready to hurt an old guy as he washes his car to get another car. How gutless. Certainly has no street cred. Thank heavens for the bystander. Yes, we have had enough of these people who are such spineless opportunists.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Botanical Gardens
Couldn't think of a better place to be for lunch today than at the Botanic Gardens. It was hot out on North Terrace because all the big trees have been cut down, the new ones are still growing and although we like seeing all our wonderful buildings along there...it was HOT!! The Botanical Gardens were a welcome contrast and living proof that big shady trees, cool and green are the things you need on a hot day. It was lovely underneath the giant shade trees and so many people were enjoying the balmy atmosphere that wonderful plant life can bring you. The one thing that was obvious about Adelaide today was that everyone was relaxed and friendly. People were sharing converations with each other very easily...just like in the South Pacific islands. It was just so great to see that everyone felt that well.
The Botanical Gardens looked superb. So lush and such a contrast to our hills and the trip into town where it is so parched and crackly brown. The green was healing. The ducks were enjoying a swim but they were hot too and came to join us in the kiosk which was doing a brisk trade. Not surprising because it's good value for money and a nice venue.All the green got us thinking about water conservation and we are all poised now to get the buckets in the shower like our interstate friends and wondering why we have drinkable quality water in our toilets. We are ready to change. We just need the directions and guidelines.
My favourites are the lotus flowers and they looked spectacular today. I was so glad they were out and were looking so healthy. The gardens are a credit to the staff who run them and those who make the decisions about how to best manage them in these difficult times. Workers were out the entire time we were there tending to the plants and environs. It really was a pleasure to be there.
Tiwi Art
The Tiwi people have given a lot to our nation and their art is just superb: the jewellery is very distinctive and the Tiwis are becoming very good at bringing their art to us. The Adelaide Art Gallery has a good programme of exhibitions including the Tiwi Art exhibition. Have not seen it yet but it is on my must see list. The Tiwi Art site will give you some idea of just how beautiful their things are. If you want to follow up the Aboriginals and their Dreamtime then the Aboriginal Dreamtime site puts it all together very nicely. Their stories are extraordinary and really grow on you especially if they are told by one of the tribe..
Freak storm in Sweden kills three
AdelaideNow... Freak storm in Sweden kills three: "AT least three people have been killed by falling trees as hurricane-strength winds whipped across south-western Sweden, leaving more than 260 thousand households without power."
So who's in charge of the killer weather? Not nature. How many more freakish things are going to occur and why?
So who's in charge of the killer weather? Not nature. How many more freakish things are going to occur and why?
Dog detects drugs worth $70,000
AdelaideNow... Dog detects drugs worth $70,000: "A CUSTOMS Service labrador named Crash has sniffed out more than $70,000 worth of cannabis at Adelaide Airport, prompting the arrest of a 36-year-old man."
Good! Good, good and good! We were talking about this today, because we have all travelled ,we all like to travel and those dogs at Adelaide airport not only bring a smile to our faces, not only make us feel safe, they are worth their weight in gold. The dogs' ears must have been burning today because we were singing their praises and laughing at just how effective they are. They pick up pot pourri in an inkling....I love you, darling..here are some dead perfumed flowers to prove it. The dogs know and get it in one whiff. Same with pâté...those of us who forget to declare it because we are so excited we went to France and so full of ourselves on our return , are not missed or overlooked by the dogs. The are brilliant and the training is obviously of a very high standard. We do not publicly thank these dogs and their trainers enough. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Good! Good, good and good! We were talking about this today, because we have all travelled ,we all like to travel and those dogs at Adelaide airport not only bring a smile to our faces, not only make us feel safe, they are worth their weight in gold. The dogs' ears must have been burning today because we were singing their praises and laughing at just how effective they are. They pick up pot pourri in an inkling....I love you, darling..here are some dead perfumed flowers to prove it. The dogs know and get it in one whiff. Same with pâté...those of us who forget to declare it because we are so excited we went to France and so full of ourselves on our return , are not missed or overlooked by the dogs. The are brilliant and the training is obviously of a very high standard. We do not publicly thank these dogs and their trainers enough. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Tradespeople wanted in Antarctica.
CoolAntarcticaTradespeople wanted in Antarctica. : "'What we can offer when they're sick of the heat is a little bit of ice to work on.'"
Tired of the heat? Wanna play snowballs and build snowmen? I guess people do not apply for Antarctica because you always have the idea you have to be a super whizz and it is for the elite and very skilled people. That you are more or less invited there to work because it is such a prestigious position. If you are a trades person, Antarctica wouldn't come to mind. You think science , exploration, biodiversity when you think of Antarctica. So, get marketing. Tell us why we need to be there, what it's like, what we would gain and what the contracts are. Change our mindset and yes, maybe we'll consider it alongside the mining as a change. How remote is it? How hard will it be to be in contact with our friends and family? How isolated will we be? Who is in charge and how does the lifestyle work? Maybe we are yearning for something different, but what does that mean?
Preparation and planning
The Age: : "A burglar from the north of England escaped an off- duty policeman by using a trampoline to bounce over a fence, but was nabbed soon afterwards because he left behind a rucksack containing his name and address."
Might have been a good plan. Lacking in the details.
Might have been a good plan. Lacking in the details.
Risk from bigger mums
AdelaideNow... Risk from bigger mums: "University of Adelaide professor of obstetrics and gynaecology Jeffrey Robinson said theatre beds at the WCH were being stretched to the limits with some women.
As part of its rolling upgrade program, the hospital has bought six new beds which are capable of holding up to 260kg."
I have to confess that reading this article made me chortle and I couldn't help it. It's the visual images which come to mind. It is indeed a weighty problem and one not that easy to fix in the short term. If it has changed from a fifth to a third of pregnant women presenting as overweight and then it would seem they are putting pregnancy before weight, and the sands won't shift for a while without looking at the reasons. I know that I just put on weight when I got pregnant. Once I had the baby I was thin again, so I have put it down to the hormones. I just turned into a beached whale and as soon as you put on weight and you are pregnant, you are not in a good position to get the weight off because of the baby and the lack of mobility. I wasn't overweight before or after, and after I just got mobile and worked at getting my fitness back. In certain respects we have to change the images. We have to show women how to stay healthy and well while they are pregnant and, like the gym junkies, we have to make it a trendy thing to do. People are getting more savvy with their food after a lot of effort from our chefs and international chefs. We are becoming easier to persuade that good food and healthy eating can be a part of our busy lives. So it's marketing, marketing ,marketing. You have to look at the reasons and then address those in a manner which fits into our current lifestyle. If women are resisting a healthy body, there have to be some deep seated reasons because it is not logical and being overweight and pregnant is a real self esteem knocker. It turns you upside down and back to front, so I doubt the women are actually choosing this. It may well be the path of least resistance because they do not know how to manage everything which is happening to them.
As part of its rolling upgrade program, the hospital has bought six new beds which are capable of holding up to 260kg."
I have to confess that reading this article made me chortle and I couldn't help it. It's the visual images which come to mind. It is indeed a weighty problem and one not that easy to fix in the short term. If it has changed from a fifth to a third of pregnant women presenting as overweight and then it would seem they are putting pregnancy before weight, and the sands won't shift for a while without looking at the reasons. I know that I just put on weight when I got pregnant. Once I had the baby I was thin again, so I have put it down to the hormones. I just turned into a beached whale and as soon as you put on weight and you are pregnant, you are not in a good position to get the weight off because of the baby and the lack of mobility. I wasn't overweight before or after, and after I just got mobile and worked at getting my fitness back. In certain respects we have to change the images. We have to show women how to stay healthy and well while they are pregnant and, like the gym junkies, we have to make it a trendy thing to do. People are getting more savvy with their food after a lot of effort from our chefs and international chefs. We are becoming easier to persuade that good food and healthy eating can be a part of our busy lives. So it's marketing, marketing ,marketing. You have to look at the reasons and then address those in a manner which fits into our current lifestyle. If women are resisting a healthy body, there have to be some deep seated reasons because it is not logical and being overweight and pregnant is a real self esteem knocker. It turns you upside down and back to front, so I doubt the women are actually choosing this. It may well be the path of least resistance because they do not know how to manage everything which is happening to them.
Chessell reflects on Antarctic climb feat.
Chessell reflects on Antarctic climb feat.: "'All of us, after probably three or four days, admitted to each other that the first and second day was the toughest of all and that we were all thinking, 'goodness, we've taken on a pretty big challenge, what excuse can I come up with to get out of this',' he said."
Duncan Chessell was obviously on the news the other night and he was remarkably relaxed. Very Adelaide really. I mean, this is a guy who led his team to the top of Antarctica's highest peak and he was there with his wife and little baby just chatting away as though he had been out the back mowing the lawn and the garden looked nice. Adelaide people can achieve such extraordinary heights, quite literally, but they are very self effacing about it. His comments are typical- 0h okay, I got myself into this, it's heaps bigger than I thought, but we'd better get our act together because we are here and there is no way out. That kind of reality check seems to produce extraordinary results. You aim for your goals, you realise maybe you were a bit over enthusiastic but basically it comes down to you and your mates, you and your family. The doubt he'd succeed is what pulls in the head of Adelaide people. You know how much sledging you will get it you stuff up...and that awful Adelaide message "Well, you should have thought. Why didn't you think?..." and you come back with "But I thought..." and before you know it someone is saying , " But you didn't think..." Duncan Chessell obviously realised he was on a mission and that he had to keep his head straight and go one bit at a time...but for him, it's a remarkable story of leadership and team effort. Remarkable.
Duncan Chessell was obviously on the news the other night and he was remarkably relaxed. Very Adelaide really. I mean, this is a guy who led his team to the top of Antarctica's highest peak and he was there with his wife and little baby just chatting away as though he had been out the back mowing the lawn and the garden looked nice. Adelaide people can achieve such extraordinary heights, quite literally, but they are very self effacing about it. His comments are typical- 0h okay, I got myself into this, it's heaps bigger than I thought, but we'd better get our act together because we are here and there is no way out. That kind of reality check seems to produce extraordinary results. You aim for your goals, you realise maybe you were a bit over enthusiastic but basically it comes down to you and your mates, you and your family. The doubt he'd succeed is what pulls in the head of Adelaide people. You know how much sledging you will get it you stuff up...and that awful Adelaide message "Well, you should have thought. Why didn't you think?..." and you come back with "But I thought..." and before you know it someone is saying , " But you didn't think..." Duncan Chessell obviously realised he was on a mission and that he had to keep his head straight and go one bit at a time...but for him, it's a remarkable story of leadership and team effort. Remarkable.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Water plan lacks long-term vision
Water plan lacks long-term vision: ACF. : "'If we had a properly balanced system where the right amount of water went to the environment, to irrigators and to townships, when faced with crises like drought, we would have much greater flexibility to re-prioritise our water usage without causing irreversible damage.'"
No one likes to hear I told you so, but Dr.Arlene Buchan is right. For years we have had some really dedicated, expert greenies. These conservationists and biodiversity experts have been saying the same thing and continuing their research and constantly reminding us about forests, natural habitat , water and waste. It is something we could have been working towards and it's something where we do have some very knowledgeable people. We need to utilise them. They do know what they are talking about. We need to incorporate them into programmes, committees, community action. Don't ignore them, why would you?
No one likes to hear I told you so, but Dr.Arlene Buchan is right. For years we have had some really dedicated, expert greenies. These conservationists and biodiversity experts have been saying the same thing and continuing their research and constantly reminding us about forests, natural habitat , water and waste. It is something we could have been working towards and it's something where we do have some very knowledgeable people. We need to utilise them. They do know what they are talking about. We need to incorporate them into programmes, committees, community action. Don't ignore them, why would you?
Lurkers
Some bloggers seem to be bothered by what they call lurkers. I don’t mind. You get to know who visits and you recognise ISPs. You know some people just click through, some come for a short while and others stay around for ages. I see that as a compliment. If people what to rummage through my archives, that’s what my blog has always been about – the archives. Visitors spend more time in my archives than in my new posts. Every once in a while a new post takes off like a rocket and that can be very exhilarating, but then there are posts in the archives which are just as popular and have been for some time. If people want to visit anonymously, that’s all right by me. It’s like browsing, window shopping, strolling. People on the Net can be very precariously balanced at times. I sometimes wonder whether I should leave a comment or not. For some people it spurs them on and they love it. For one or two it seems to have pressured them and then they have stopped blogging…probably because they just wanted to blog away in their own little world. I can remember when I was new to blogging there was a fantastic blog, but the lady totally stressed out because it was becoming so popular, and with good reason. It weighed heavily on her because she then thought she had to perform and be “clever”. In the end she stopped blogging and that was such a loss. Same with visitors. Often it’s your own time and own world on the Net and you do not necessarily want to engage with others. It can be soothing, healing, moving. I don’t know how people are when they are visiting but if they want to be nameless and faceless that is up to them. By the same token, I really do value the time and effort people take to leave comments or email me. That makes me happy! I think it’s good to have Net friends and co-bloggers. At times it has been invaluable.
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