Two million drivers can’t be bothered to clunk-click : "Today is the 25th anniversary of the first laws requiring seatbelts to be worn in cars. However, a survey has found that nearly four in ten passengers do not wear them for every journey."
This is in Britain and on the 25th anniversary for seatbelts in cars this is sobering news and information. There is some good stuff here. It is surprising that people choose not to wear seatbelts when the overwhelming evidence is that they save lives...like airbags. Perhaps more than airbags. We have some very effective adverts about speeding, seatbelts, airbags and road safety. We have had such successful safe driving campaigns and the ads are changed on a regular basis and are always bang ont eh button. They are very clear and extremely informative so we do not think twice about things like seatbelts. They are having trouble getting the speeding stuff through to the right people. The rest of us have slowed down as a result of that girl being turned into a rag doll at 65 kmp. That is a very clever ad.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Complaints choir cancels concert
Complaints choir cancels concert : "A choir planning to sing a list of complaints about life in Singapore has cancelled its performances after the city-state banned its foreign members from singing."
Poor choir. Now it has something else to add to its list of complaints. The 60 member choir was founded by 2 Finnish people but the conductor is Malaysian. The Singaporean officials believe only local people should be singing about local affairs and I suppose you can understand that. Sometimes you can criticise form the inside but if an outsider criticises then it might create bad feeling. Since the choir is a team under the auspices of a Malaysian conductor then I am not sure that it would have a bad impact and airing problems often solves them...and certainly singing about them would be a positive way of sharing issues. I am curious to know whether the foreign singers actually live and work in Singapore? I believe the choir will have private performances. I have always said it is difficult to judge things form a distance. I am wondering if this is part of a festival or show and what the people of Singapore think?
Poor choir. Now it has something else to add to its list of complaints. The 60 member choir was founded by 2 Finnish people but the conductor is Malaysian. The Singaporean officials believe only local people should be singing about local affairs and I suppose you can understand that. Sometimes you can criticise form the inside but if an outsider criticises then it might create bad feeling. Since the choir is a team under the auspices of a Malaysian conductor then I am not sure that it would have a bad impact and airing problems often solves them...and certainly singing about them would be a positive way of sharing issues. I am curious to know whether the foreign singers actually live and work in Singapore? I believe the choir will have private performances. I have always said it is difficult to judge things form a distance. I am wondering if this is part of a festival or show and what the people of Singapore think?
Youngsters not happy oldies going online
Youngsters not happy oldies going online : "He regularly interviews young people who think it is 'creepy' when an older person – we are talking someone they know – asks to join their social network as a 'friend'."
It's just bad luck that the young are the future and not the centre of the universe. It's also bad luck they will grow older because everyone gets a turn at that. And fancy having to share. Fancy the internet being for everyone. Never mind. They'll get over it. A healthy society and one which is at ease is inclusive. Everyone has their value and part to play.
It's just bad luck that the young are the future and not the centre of the universe. It's also bad luck they will grow older because everyone gets a turn at that. And fancy having to share. Fancy the internet being for everyone. Never mind. They'll get over it. A healthy society and one which is at ease is inclusive. Everyone has their value and part to play.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
20 years for Aussie heroin smuggler
20 years for Aussie heroin smuggler: "Nguyen told the court during the one-day trial that he was hired for $20,000 to smuggle the drugs from Vietnam to Australia, it said, according to the Associated Press."
The aircraft made an emergency landing and a good team of doctors obviously kept him alive. To that extent the authorities have shown compassion and done well. So who hired him. I'll still argue the point here is no point in punishing the small fish if the big fish are allowed to carry on with their dealings. So much money is made from drugs and we are getting better and better at picking up the couriers. The organisers? What about them? I am not feeling very sympathetic to anyone who makes money from drugs at the moment. I saw a lady in the supermarket at the weekend and it seemed like she was on heroin. We haven't seen heroin users around for such a long time so we were watching and we were worried for her. The person she was with was fit and healthy but she was so thin, so out of it, her eyes were so dull and she could hardly talk or move and sat slumped on the seat near the checkout and her face was just so pale and drawn. Then she got up and walked with surprising speed alongside the trolley and our mood lifted because we had all been so concerned. She was so thin and ill looking and the trendy word wasted applied to every bit of her. It was sad. Once you get on that stuff it it hard to get off. It eats you away. We have been getting something right because there are fewer and fewer sick looking people around the place so the police and the community have locked together to bring an end to this scourge...but we've cleaned it up before only to have it come back again. Money. Always money. We have to get the ones who are really profiting from it because there is enough misery in the world without manufacturing it for people.
The aircraft made an emergency landing and a good team of doctors obviously kept him alive. To that extent the authorities have shown compassion and done well. So who hired him. I'll still argue the point here is no point in punishing the small fish if the big fish are allowed to carry on with their dealings. So much money is made from drugs and we are getting better and better at picking up the couriers. The organisers? What about them? I am not feeling very sympathetic to anyone who makes money from drugs at the moment. I saw a lady in the supermarket at the weekend and it seemed like she was on heroin. We haven't seen heroin users around for such a long time so we were watching and we were worried for her. The person she was with was fit and healthy but she was so thin, so out of it, her eyes were so dull and she could hardly talk or move and sat slumped on the seat near the checkout and her face was just so pale and drawn. Then she got up and walked with surprising speed alongside the trolley and our mood lifted because we had all been so concerned. She was so thin and ill looking and the trendy word wasted applied to every bit of her. It was sad. Once you get on that stuff it it hard to get off. It eats you away. We have been getting something right because there are fewer and fewer sick looking people around the place so the police and the community have locked together to bring an end to this scourge...but we've cleaned it up before only to have it come back again. Money. Always money. We have to get the ones who are really profiting from it because there is enough misery in the world without manufacturing it for people.
Rudd urges cricketers to behave
Rudd urges cricketers to behave: "'It's great if we could see in the future more and more opportunities for greater and greater civility to permeate the veins of the game,'' Mr Rudd said."
From Boxing day onwards , cricket is normally a big part of our lives and day and it is normally compelling stuff which we talk about a lot. This year we have been fed up with the sniping, the power games, the manipulation, the money , the targeting of individuals and we are disheartened and have turned our interests to other things. This test has had nothing to do with cricket and has constantly been undermined by other issues which have variously frustrated and flummoxed us. Our team would have to change over at some time or another but there is nothing natural about the changing members so we are questioning that. Last year when India came out it was great. Fantastic cricket and great matches. Now all we seem to do is argue and carry on. Maybe things will change. Maybe cricket will never be cricket again. We are ready for that because we have found other interests. Damn shame, all the same. Cricket was a fundamental to our Christmas and New year . We haven't had a chance to really enjoy and revel in the play and the players and that has been disappointing.
From Boxing day onwards , cricket is normally a big part of our lives and day and it is normally compelling stuff which we talk about a lot. This year we have been fed up with the sniping, the power games, the manipulation, the money , the targeting of individuals and we are disheartened and have turned our interests to other things. This test has had nothing to do with cricket and has constantly been undermined by other issues which have variously frustrated and flummoxed us. Our team would have to change over at some time or another but there is nothing natural about the changing members so we are questioning that. Last year when India came out it was great. Fantastic cricket and great matches. Now all we seem to do is argue and carry on. Maybe things will change. Maybe cricket will never be cricket again. We are ready for that because we have found other interests. Damn shame, all the same. Cricket was a fundamental to our Christmas and New year . We haven't had a chance to really enjoy and revel in the play and the players and that has been disappointing.
Govt sets Stolen Generations apology
Govt sets Stolen Generations apology dateCorporation): "'Sorry is the most important word because it has great meaning in our community,' she said.
'It means having empathy and compassion and understanding.'"
First item on the agenda! A Welcome to Country by the Ngunnawal people. This is Australia. This is our heritage and this is how we mend fences. Faaaaantastic!
'It means having empathy and compassion and understanding.'"
First item on the agenda! A Welcome to Country by the Ngunnawal people. This is Australia. This is our heritage and this is how we mend fences. Faaaaantastic!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Kangaroos Put on the Pill to Curb Population
Kangaroos Put on the Pill to Curb Population : "CANBERRA -- Kangaroos around Australia's national capital will soon be fed a contraceptive pill by authorities trying to control their booming population."
They have tried vasectomies and slow release contraceptives before and they haven't work. The kangaroos are coming into suburban areas because of the drought. Here we put out bins of water if they come into places like Clarendon. They cannot help it there is a drought and we need to look after our native species. We become far too ready with the notion of a cull. The animals don't sterilise us for encroaching on their land. We need to be a compassionate in these hard times and work out ways and means of helping our native species survive. I guess the pill is good and a temporary measure which can be reversed.
They have tried vasectomies and slow release contraceptives before and they haven't work. The kangaroos are coming into suburban areas because of the drought. Here we put out bins of water if they come into places like Clarendon. They cannot help it there is a drought and we need to look after our native species. We become far too ready with the notion of a cull. The animals don't sterilise us for encroaching on their land. We need to be a compassionate in these hard times and work out ways and means of helping our native species survive. I guess the pill is good and a temporary measure which can be reversed.
Mobile denies plan to reopen Port Stanvac as oil refinery
AdelaideNow... Mobile denies plan to reopen Port Stanvac as oil refinery: "MOBIL has denied any knowledge of plans to re-open the mothballed Port Stanvac refinery and says no decision on its future will be made before next year."
That area is pretty well built up now and to pollute it with refinery spew again is unthinkable. The people there must be breathing easy because for years they were putting up with foul smelling odours and vile stench. I am sure they might have something to say about it. The refinery was never properly maintained and always cause for concern. There are ways of managing petrol prices besides totally polluting suburban living areas. It is also on a section of the coast which would lend itself to desalination and and it ought to accommodate a marina so that boats coming down the coast have a save haven in a storm. Think people, think. It is superb coastline. Why would you stoke up a refinery there again? I know...you and your families do not live there.
That area is pretty well built up now and to pollute it with refinery spew again is unthinkable. The people there must be breathing easy because for years they were putting up with foul smelling odours and vile stench. I am sure they might have something to say about it. The refinery was never properly maintained and always cause for concern. There are ways of managing petrol prices besides totally polluting suburban living areas. It is also on a section of the coast which would lend itself to desalination and and it ought to accommodate a marina so that boats coming down the coast have a save haven in a storm. Think people, think. It is superb coastline. Why would you stoke up a refinery there again? I know...you and your families do not live there.
Open d'Australie
T’en fais pas, Jo. Ça va aller. Tu peux être très fier de toi.Oui, bien sûr, une balle ratée et c’est terminé. Fin d’un rêve mais pas de l’avenir. Tsonga a été battu en finale par un grand joueur de tennis qui a plus l’habitude de ce genre de match de finale. Mais Tsonga nous a montré qu’il peut lui aussi jouer au plus haut niveau. On le connait et reconnait maintenant. Il a donné tout ce qu’il avait et il avait le soutien de son grand public. Pourquoi ça ? Car c’était un inconnu possédé d’un grand talent. Ça se voit. Car Novak avait l’habitude d’être un régulier au top…alors pourquoi pas soutenir celui qui avait joué si bien, d’une manière si experte, qui était si talentueux et si naturel mais qui n’avait pas encore cette expérience au plus haut niveau ? Tsonga est très capable et en plus supersympa. Même chose pour Djokovic qui avait déjà connu le succès. Novak a remporté la victoire du Grand Chelem pour la première fois pour son pays et c’était bien mérité. Mais Tsonga a été incroyable pour nous, pour le tennis français et pour le tennis mondial. C’était un match par excellence et ces deux jeunes hommes peuvent être si contents de leurs succès qui vont leur offrir, tous les deux, un grand avenir.
No relief from water restrictions
No relief from restrictions for dying gardens : "MELBOURNE faces strict water restrictions for at least another two years unless there are rains 'of biblical proportions', the managing director of Yarra Valley Water has warned."
If you let the plants die you are increasing desert conditions. Adding to the heat, the dryness and dust. Nothing can grow in a desert and you cannot live there either. We have a population of 22 million. We have to solve problems with utilities and water in particular and no one should be coming in until we do solve it. People need water. plants need water. To prevent global warming we need water. It just makes no sense to deprive us of water in a so called civilised country. Then there is the not too minor matter of people with money sinking bores and profiting from the brackish water we could all use. At least third world countries sink a well for community use.It is unbelievable we have reached this stage and we need to create the eco-systems which supply us with water and the infrastructure which will let us use it.
If you let the plants die you are increasing desert conditions. Adding to the heat, the dryness and dust. Nothing can grow in a desert and you cannot live there either. We have a population of 22 million. We have to solve problems with utilities and water in particular and no one should be coming in until we do solve it. People need water. plants need water. To prevent global warming we need water. It just makes no sense to deprive us of water in a so called civilised country. Then there is the not too minor matter of people with money sinking bores and profiting from the brackish water we could all use. At least third world countries sink a well for community use.It is unbelievable we have reached this stage and we need to create the eco-systems which supply us with water and the infrastructure which will let us use it.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Djokovic hails breakthrough title
Djokovic hails breakthrough title : "'I am so proud of myself and to be the first Serbian who won the Grand Slam title,' said Djokovic, who eclipsed Jim Courier as the youngest men's winner at Melbourne Park."Yes, he came back to the microphone to say that and the importance of what he had done must have just suddenly hit him. I was keeping track on the Net and then the site went into betting mode and I thought what?? So I put on the TV with no sound and became entranced with the quality of the game. It was energetic, interesting. Not predicable and routine. It was really good tennis. In set 3 Djokovic came out with the sniffing, the raised fists and all the antics which I am so over with tennis players and I was going to turn it off because I have seen it all too many times now. Then the whole thing heated up and the shots from both of them were brilliant. Then the leg went and the masseur came out. He is going to have to watch that if he is going to the top and wants to stay there. He is only young. It's been bothering him on and off now for a while. It needs to be dealt with. Jo ( as we now call him) was patient through all of this. He could really surprise the number 3 seed and pull him out of the stereotype behaviour so then I put the sound on for the last set and it was just brilliant. The pair of them are so well matched and so athletic and when they smile, the whole world lights up. They have put the tennis back in the tennis programme and they have put humanity back into the sport. It was a fantastic match. Tsonga will go a long way. He has a great style and attitude.
Saying sorry not a priority
AdelaideNow... Saying sorry not a priority : "'Whatever the attitude of Australians towards this generation apologising for things done by earlier generations, you really have got to ask yourself is this the highest priority for the Australian parliament,' Dr Nelson said."
Whether individuals wish to say sorry or not is not relevant. We need to do this nationally in order to be one nation which has bridged the indigenous-non-indigienous gap...the very fact I have to write that speaks for itself! We need a government which sees us as one.Yes, we do need to see ourselves as one people who are all equals and the sorry thing puts us all on the same page, on a better path. Is is important because it will continue to undo us and unpick at our seams. It is important and needs to be done. We think so and have done for along time. All the other issues relevant to us as a nation can be dealt with as well. We can do more than one thing at a time.
Whether individuals wish to say sorry or not is not relevant. We need to do this nationally in order to be one nation which has bridged the indigenous-non-indigienous gap...the very fact I have to write that speaks for itself! We need a government which sees us as one.Yes, we do need to see ourselves as one people who are all equals and the sorry thing puts us all on the same page, on a better path. Is is important because it will continue to undo us and unpick at our seams. It is important and needs to be done. We think so and have done for along time. All the other issues relevant to us as a nation can be dealt with as well. We can do more than one thing at a time.
Queen's death will reignite republic debate
Queen's death will reignite republic debate: "'But my own judgement is that the next time when you would have your best prospects would be at the end of the Queen's reign - so when she dies, or abdicates.'"
We are not ready to be a republic if that is predicated on the death or abdication of the monarch. We have to be confident in our belief we are strong enough to run ourselves . We need to have some serious political debate and be prepared to really sort things out in an adult fashion.
We are not ready to be a republic if that is predicated on the death or abdication of the monarch. We have to be confident in our belief we are strong enough to run ourselves . We need to have some serious political debate and be prepared to really sort things out in an adult fashion.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tsonga ready for his own rumble
Tsonga ready for his own rumble - AustralianOpen2008 : "But Tsonga snr will fulfil his life-long dream to visit Australia this morning when he arrives at Tullamarine airport."
This is such a lovely, lovely story. It is great to see people's dreams come true and right now it is a father and son whom we had never met who are riding the crest of their dreams. it is so inspiring, uplifting...all those soppy words. The final is shaping up to be a real humdinger...bon, alors, bon courage et vas-y, à l'attaque!! I hope M. Tsonga, père, will love his visit to our country.
This is such a lovely, lovely story. It is great to see people's dreams come true and right now it is a father and son whom we had never met who are riding the crest of their dreams. it is so inspiring, uplifting...all those soppy words. The final is shaping up to be a real humdinger...bon, alors, bon courage et vas-y, à l'attaque!! I hope M. Tsonga, père, will love his visit to our country.
Apology will bridge indigenous gap
Apology will bridge indigenous gap: "'The key thing is to build a bridge with indigenous Australia through an apology, through saying sorry because that bridge is halfway to respect, to restoring respect,' the Prime Minister told reporters in Canberra."
I am not sure we are ever going to get the wording right when we apologise to a group of people who were treated in such a thoughtless, senseless way by parochial, single minded, culturally insensitive white people. No matter if their intentions might have been good.Their behaviour was appalling. We live in a country alongside the oldest tribe on the planet. We do need to respect our indigenous people and their rich heritage and we do need to learn from them and walk next to them. Our white history is short and in that short time we haven't been respectful of people who have lived in this land forever and whose ancestors knew so much about living in this land. I think we can talk to them. I think we can ask them what they would like us to say. I think then we just have to give it our best shot and do it straight from the heart. I also strongly believe we should all participate in this. We should all make an effort because so many of us want to build that bridge. I think we should have a day where we have ceremonies around Australia and where we develop events which will bring us all together so that we can participate as a nation in the saying of sorry. It needs to celebrate the ties and inroads we have made. I think it needs to look at our short comings and I think it needs to give us some plans and future directions. You make friends when there is mutual sharing and mutual need. Where there is two way traffic. And friends dont' worry so much about what you say, but that you say it.
I am not sure we are ever going to get the wording right when we apologise to a group of people who were treated in such a thoughtless, senseless way by parochial, single minded, culturally insensitive white people. No matter if their intentions might have been good.Their behaviour was appalling. We live in a country alongside the oldest tribe on the planet. We do need to respect our indigenous people and their rich heritage and we do need to learn from them and walk next to them. Our white history is short and in that short time we haven't been respectful of people who have lived in this land forever and whose ancestors knew so much about living in this land. I think we can talk to them. I think we can ask them what they would like us to say. I think then we just have to give it our best shot and do it straight from the heart. I also strongly believe we should all participate in this. We should all make an effort because so many of us want to build that bridge. I think we should have a day where we have ceremonies around Australia and where we develop events which will bring us all together so that we can participate as a nation in the saying of sorry. It needs to celebrate the ties and inroads we have made. I think it needs to look at our short comings and I think it needs to give us some plans and future directions. You make friends when there is mutual sharing and mutual need. Where there is two way traffic. And friends dont' worry so much about what you say, but that you say it.
Newborn found dead in public toilet
Newborn found dead in public toilet : "Believed to be only hours old, the baby was found by a camper at the Meredith Park camping ground in Irrewarra, near Colac, about 8.30am (AEDT) today, police said."
This has to stop. We are supposed to be a civilised society and even an uncivilised one would take better care of women and children. This is the second one and I don't know if they ever found the woman who left the last one and what her story was. I have several concerns. My first is the utmost compassion and sympathy for the person who finds these poor babies. It must be so upsetting to the core. I feel so sorry for that person and the others who are inevitably required to manage and deal with it. I feel upset that the police keep having to deal with things they ought not have to deal with. I am concerned that this will create infection because these women are using public toilets. I am so sad that babies are born under these circumstances and then are left to die. Are the women unable to get to a hospital? Are they using this as a form of abortion? Are they ignorant of childbirth? Does no one hear them giving birth or having a miscarriage? Are people not aware these women are then so very much at risk both physically and emotionally? Doesn't anyone notice them and why can't they just get to hospital or somewhere more appropriate? What are their fears? Why can't they ask for help? We need to know why this is happening so the women can be better advised and helped in whatever circumstances are bringing these dead babies in toilets about. As a community we need to have an awareness campaign so we can work out some health and safety procedures here. We need to know we can't just shove it under the carpet...because someone knows these women.
This has to stop. We are supposed to be a civilised society and even an uncivilised one would take better care of women and children. This is the second one and I don't know if they ever found the woman who left the last one and what her story was. I have several concerns. My first is the utmost compassion and sympathy for the person who finds these poor babies. It must be so upsetting to the core. I feel so sorry for that person and the others who are inevitably required to manage and deal with it. I feel upset that the police keep having to deal with things they ought not have to deal with. I am concerned that this will create infection because these women are using public toilets. I am so sad that babies are born under these circumstances and then are left to die. Are the women unable to get to a hospital? Are they using this as a form of abortion? Are they ignorant of childbirth? Does no one hear them giving birth or having a miscarriage? Are people not aware these women are then so very much at risk both physically and emotionally? Doesn't anyone notice them and why can't they just get to hospital or somewhere more appropriate? What are their fears? Why can't they ask for help? We need to know why this is happening so the women can be better advised and helped in whatever circumstances are bringing these dead babies in toilets about. As a community we need to have an awareness campaign so we can work out some health and safety procedures here. We need to know we can't just shove it under the carpet...because someone knows these women.
Committee to investigate rise of homelessness
Committee to investigate rise of homelessness : "Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced the Federal Government will establish a committee to find out why homelessness is on the rise."
I thoroughly approve for several reasons. We have to go out and get the facts. An issue like this brings out strong feelings, strong beliefs and prejudices. We need to have the facts. Some would believe homelessness is a choice and indeed, there may well be homeless people who have made that a lifestyle, philosophical choice. Some will believe that people make themselves homeless because of their choices. We have a lot of people on the street. A lot of them appear to be intelligent, capable, skilled and resilient.Some have totally lost all hope and health. A country like Australia oughtn't to have people on the street. We have enough food and money in this country for everyone to live comfortably. Those who would make that choice to be free wheeling independents away from the system generally live on the land and off the land. We have some amazing people who can fend for themselves, but they still need to be accounted for and looked out for in our society. It doesn't matter what I think and what my beliefs are about homelessness. I know we have children going to school from cars and that just should never happen. It's awful. We can't do anything until we know what has put people on the street . I look forward to reading the White Paper. I am glad , too, that politicians appear to be united on this issue because it is something we should all work on as a team...like climate change and conservation. We need to conserve our human resouces too.
I thoroughly approve for several reasons. We have to go out and get the facts. An issue like this brings out strong feelings, strong beliefs and prejudices. We need to have the facts. Some would believe homelessness is a choice and indeed, there may well be homeless people who have made that a lifestyle, philosophical choice. Some will believe that people make themselves homeless because of their choices. We have a lot of people on the street. A lot of them appear to be intelligent, capable, skilled and resilient.Some have totally lost all hope and health. A country like Australia oughtn't to have people on the street. We have enough food and money in this country for everyone to live comfortably. Those who would make that choice to be free wheeling independents away from the system generally live on the land and off the land. We have some amazing people who can fend for themselves, but they still need to be accounted for and looked out for in our society. It doesn't matter what I think and what my beliefs are about homelessness. I know we have children going to school from cars and that just should never happen. It's awful. We can't do anything until we know what has put people on the street . I look forward to reading the White Paper. I am glad , too, that politicians appear to be united on this issue because it is something we should all work on as a team...like climate change and conservation. We need to conserve our human resouces too.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Family hides behind hay bales for years
AdelaideNow... Family hides behind hay bales for years: "The council wants the building near Redhill about 30 km south of London to be demolished, along with an associated conservatory, marquee structure, wooden bridge, patio, decking and tarmac racecourse."
No!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's lovely. Have a look at the pictures. I don't know why he didn't apply for his building permit but you cannot build something like that behind hay bales and no one will hear it. It looks great! Have a heart. Surely people can get an aerial view of it? No one did complain. I love the idea of their cannon. Okay, so it should have been built in the green belt...and no one should be able to disrupt that....but you cannot build without people knowing.You just can't. You hear the hammering ,sawing ,clanking and swearing. It has been built and there were ways and means of knowing and objecting and no one has. I think the family needs to make restitution in an environmental way...so they contribute to the greening of the environment...and I think they should have open house because it sounds inspired and it may well get people thinking about building imaginative houses. An Englishman's home is his castle and this is inspired.
No!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's lovely. Have a look at the pictures. I don't know why he didn't apply for his building permit but you cannot build something like that behind hay bales and no one will hear it. It looks great! Have a heart. Surely people can get an aerial view of it? No one did complain. I love the idea of their cannon. Okay, so it should have been built in the green belt...and no one should be able to disrupt that....but you cannot build without people knowing.You just can't. You hear the hammering ,sawing ,clanking and swearing. It has been built and there were ways and means of knowing and objecting and no one has. I think the family needs to make restitution in an environmental way...so they contribute to the greening of the environment...and I think they should have open house because it sounds inspired and it may well get people thinking about building imaginative houses. An Englishman's home is his castle and this is inspired.
Australia Day pride
AdelaideNow... Australia Day pride: "'I like the food and the hot guys,' she said."
Yep, and the Tour Down Under has only increased those two things. The lycra lads are something else. So fit! A lot of people are glad they are in Australia today and there is a really good feel around the place even though it's one of our typical hot days. I love it because no matter where I drive I have a million dollar view. I have vast oceans , great hills which are a lovely shade of crispy brown at the moment, and I am laughing because the lycra lads have to get up Willunga Hill today and if they do that it is a fantastic cause for celebration. They'll feel awesome and we'll feel awesome too. We get to see people meet some amazing challenges here and we get to hold onto each other when the going gets tough. We laugh, we complain....and we flip and flop. We manage extremes but basically we like to eat and drink. Our sports people are an inspiration, our films are good. We have some fantastic artists and poets and then we have all the tribal influences and then the influences of the cultures which make up Australia. So you always meet someone interesting....and the sunrises and sunsets are just sublime.
Yep, and the Tour Down Under has only increased those two things. The lycra lads are something else. So fit! A lot of people are glad they are in Australia today and there is a really good feel around the place even though it's one of our typical hot days. I love it because no matter where I drive I have a million dollar view. I have vast oceans , great hills which are a lovely shade of crispy brown at the moment, and I am laughing because the lycra lads have to get up Willunga Hill today and if they do that it is a fantastic cause for celebration. They'll feel awesome and we'll feel awesome too. We get to see people meet some amazing challenges here and we get to hold onto each other when the going gets tough. We laugh, we complain....and we flip and flop. We manage extremes but basically we like to eat and drink. Our sports people are an inspiration, our films are good. We have some fantastic artists and poets and then we have all the tribal influences and then the influences of the cultures which make up Australia. So you always meet someone interesting....and the sunrises and sunsets are just sublime.
Canadians bemused by DFAT travel warning
Canadians bemused by DFAT travel warning : "It also lists Canada in its second safest category with places such as Chile, South Korea and Latvia as being safer."
Considering how many Canadians come here , how long they stay and how much they know about us, yes, I dare say they are utterly amused and shaking their heads...and it's a good job that Canadians, on the whole, have a good sense of humour, are realistic, are knowledgeable and are relaxed. There needs to be a global system whereby any information published about a country is automatically sent to the nearest embassy and they verify, vet and discuss it with a country. I have seen some odd things from time to time but pages appear to be updated fairly regularly. I think we should let each other know when it's gone pear shaped.
Considering how many Canadians come here , how long they stay and how much they know about us, yes, I dare say they are utterly amused and shaking their heads...and it's a good job that Canadians, on the whole, have a good sense of humour, are realistic, are knowledgeable and are relaxed. There needs to be a global system whereby any information published about a country is automatically sent to the nearest embassy and they verify, vet and discuss it with a country. I have seen some odd things from time to time but pages appear to be updated fairly regularly. I think we should let each other know when it's gone pear shaped.
Emerald
Accused teen looters flown out of Emerald : "A 72-year-old British tourist has been charged with obstructing police at Emerald this morning after he refused to turn back from a roadblock ahead of flooding."
The tourist probably has no idea. You can usually drive through floods in England and they are just floods. You have to live here to comprehend the magnanimity of a flood and the reality of it. The people had to prepare for this flood in Emerald and that in no way will have softened the heartache and horror or being deluged and totally and utterly finding your environment turned into a lake or a torrent.and under water. Evacuation means they are safe. It means their children are safe and it means we can keep an eye on them and we are saying little but we are watching and listening. If they need our help they just have to ask. It is a time to teach honesty and responsibility and the people will know that but two teenagers obviously viewed it in an opportunistic way and you have to wonder where their heads are at and how they got those values. Towns and cities in Australia regularly confront devastation. It's what makes us Australian and why we test to see whether you are in the tribe. We need to know we can count on you. Floods, dust storms, cyclones, bush fires...searing heat. We need to know we can count on each other. Even the people in Belair were looking out for each other and watching the roads. We do what we are asked because the people who manage our security and safety in these times are very, very good at it and if they make a mistake it's rare and it's life. Our emergency services teams are very together. So yes, the teenagers need to be flown out because they do not belong there. They need to be isolated and they need to be read their horoscope. Who was actually looking after them at the time because shoulder shrugging isn't going to cut it. Nor is saying kids. When we have an emergency then EVERYONE puts in their skills and talents no matter who they are so the safety and welfare of the tribe is managed. The community will be angry with them and they will be feeling it in a very raw way because the kids have broken the law, yes, but,more importantly, that bond of trust we rely on implicitly . They won't be safe but people will need to be able to tell them what they think and they will need to understand why you cannot do that in an emergency in Australia. They do not have any excuses. They are 14 and 16. What on earth were they thinking?
The tourist probably has no idea. You can usually drive through floods in England and they are just floods. You have to live here to comprehend the magnanimity of a flood and the reality of it. The people had to prepare for this flood in Emerald and that in no way will have softened the heartache and horror or being deluged and totally and utterly finding your environment turned into a lake or a torrent.and under water. Evacuation means they are safe. It means their children are safe and it means we can keep an eye on them and we are saying little but we are watching and listening. If they need our help they just have to ask. It is a time to teach honesty and responsibility and the people will know that but two teenagers obviously viewed it in an opportunistic way and you have to wonder where their heads are at and how they got those values. Towns and cities in Australia regularly confront devastation. It's what makes us Australian and why we test to see whether you are in the tribe. We need to know we can count on you. Floods, dust storms, cyclones, bush fires...searing heat. We need to know we can count on each other. Even the people in Belair were looking out for each other and watching the roads. We do what we are asked because the people who manage our security and safety in these times are very, very good at it and if they make a mistake it's rare and it's life. Our emergency services teams are very together. So yes, the teenagers need to be flown out because they do not belong there. They need to be isolated and they need to be read their horoscope. Who was actually looking after them at the time because shoulder shrugging isn't going to cut it. Nor is saying kids. When we have an emergency then EVERYONE puts in their skills and talents no matter who they are so the safety and welfare of the tribe is managed. The community will be angry with them and they will be feeling it in a very raw way because the kids have broken the law, yes, but,more importantly, that bond of trust we rely on implicitly . They won't be safe but people will need to be able to tell them what they think and they will need to understand why you cannot do that in an emergency in Australia. They do not have any excuses. They are 14 and 16. What on earth were they thinking?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tsonga
Tsonga a throwback to good old days, says Rafter : "Rafter, a two-time US Open champion, said it was a breath of fresh air to see someone mixing up his game and coming to the net so often, a trait that has largely lost favour among the sports big-hitters."
Oui ,bien sûr. Quelle surprise ! Il est si sympa, si génial, si doué, si rigolo. Il aime son sport et les gens. On l’aime bien ici. Il parle franchement. Il évite le train-train d’un match et on a l’impression que chaque match est une découverte. Il est devenu très vite le chouchou du tournoi. Quelle réussite !
Yes, we have opened our hearts to Tsonga because he makes us laugh, he makes us hold our breath. He is so normal and natural..but oh so talented. He is a breath of fresh air because it's the love of the sport and people which he is teaching us.
Oui ,bien sûr. Quelle surprise ! Il est si sympa, si génial, si doué, si rigolo. Il aime son sport et les gens. On l’aime bien ici. Il parle franchement. Il évite le train-train d’un match et on a l’impression que chaque match est une découverte. Il est devenu très vite le chouchou du tournoi. Quelle réussite !
Yes, we have opened our hearts to Tsonga because he makes us laugh, he makes us hold our breath. He is so normal and natural..but oh so talented. He is a breath of fresh air because it's the love of the sport and people which he is teaching us.
Bullies use phones for dirty work
Bullies use phones for dirty work : "Phone bullying - or m-bullying - involves using a mobile phone to harass, menace or offend someone. It can include sending obscene or pornographic images and threats to sabotage a person's reputation."
Can't you tell where the calls are coming from? Aren't obscene pictures illegal? Can't you block numbers? Can't you let parents or police reply??
Can't you tell where the calls are coming from? Aren't obscene pictures illegal? Can't you block numbers? Can't you let parents or police reply??
Sentence suspended on net flasher
Sentence suspended on net flasher's sex act: "A RIVERLAND man has walked from court with a suspended sentence after being caught exposing himself on the internet to a person he thought was a 14-year old girl."
Time will tell, but this is effective policing and justice. Our children are vulnerable on the Net. They just are. The police have shown they can get onto people but the man didn't actually engage with a child. He engaged, unwittingly, with a police officer. So it's a good dose of medicine and a clear indication that it's game on and two can play this game. It's using our brains and our technology to gain the upper hand. It means we all know. It means we can see that the police and law can be effective ...because we know who the man is now. He has a suspended sentence so the teeth are there if he decides to try his luck. It is making an example of him, but maybe there will be more examples. He also has to attend counselling. So we are saying, yes, if you really do this the penalty is already in place. We know who you are and we can play you at the same game...and we shall try and help you change before you do harm. It's about solving the problem and I believe it's a good way. We'll now see if it works.
Time will tell, but this is effective policing and justice. Our children are vulnerable on the Net. They just are. The police have shown they can get onto people but the man didn't actually engage with a child. He engaged, unwittingly, with a police officer. So it's a good dose of medicine and a clear indication that it's game on and two can play this game. It's using our brains and our technology to gain the upper hand. It means we all know. It means we can see that the police and law can be effective ...because we know who the man is now. He has a suspended sentence so the teeth are there if he decides to try his luck. It is making an example of him, but maybe there will be more examples. He also has to attend counselling. So we are saying, yes, if you really do this the penalty is already in place. We know who you are and we can play you at the same game...and we shall try and help you change before you do harm. It's about solving the problem and I believe it's a good way. We'll now see if it works.
Killers smile at sentencing
Killers smile at sentencing : "The hearing continues."
Does anyone want to hear anymore because this seems so very cruel, so heartless and the two girls appear to think there is not a problem in killing Stacey Mitchell in such a cold blooded, brutal fashion and then putting her in a wheelie bin. I know we have to face up to having some very disturbed girls and young women in our society and I suppose we need to be able to understand what has created them. They will be hard to relate to and difficult to deal with because in order to understand them you have to be able to create some links. I don't know if we have the capacity to link to people like this and I think we would find it very distressing to manage and be with them so that we would be able to try and work them out. Certainly they are not people we can be safe with and certainly we need to know what went wrong so that we do not do it again. I am not at all sure how Stacey Mitchell's family are managing to hear all of this because she was only 16. The two girls even videoed themselves so they are quite detached in their behaviour and it might be their way of paying us back for whatever they perceive we have done to them as a society but I cannot see them being rehabilitated and it will take some expert experts to manage this. I cannot see how 15 years in jail will help them and it will probably put other prisoners at risk of being as detached as they are so we spread this kind of thinking. In certain respects we have to detach ourselves and listen so we can share the trauma of Stacey's family but we also have to ensure this kind of behaviour is stopped now at this point and is encouraged no further. I think experts need to manage this whole thing and the law will have to take its course but hearing it? Too hard.
Does anyone want to hear anymore because this seems so very cruel, so heartless and the two girls appear to think there is not a problem in killing Stacey Mitchell in such a cold blooded, brutal fashion and then putting her in a wheelie bin. I know we have to face up to having some very disturbed girls and young women in our society and I suppose we need to be able to understand what has created them. They will be hard to relate to and difficult to deal with because in order to understand them you have to be able to create some links. I don't know if we have the capacity to link to people like this and I think we would find it very distressing to manage and be with them so that we would be able to try and work them out. Certainly they are not people we can be safe with and certainly we need to know what went wrong so that we do not do it again. I am not at all sure how Stacey Mitchell's family are managing to hear all of this because she was only 16. The two girls even videoed themselves so they are quite detached in their behaviour and it might be their way of paying us back for whatever they perceive we have done to them as a society but I cannot see them being rehabilitated and it will take some expert experts to manage this. I cannot see how 15 years in jail will help them and it will probably put other prisoners at risk of being as detached as they are so we spread this kind of thinking. In certain respects we have to detach ourselves and listen so we can share the trauma of Stacey's family but we also have to ensure this kind of behaviour is stopped now at this point and is encouraged no further. I think experts need to manage this whole thing and the law will have to take its course but hearing it? Too hard.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Measles health alert
AdelaideNow... Measles health alert: "A 31-year-old Adelaide man has been diagnosed with measles, prompting health officials to alert local doctors to be on the lookout for more cases."
Look out for the spots and fever! We've got measles!!! Luckily most people are immunised or they've had it..but be careful out there.
Look out for the spots and fever! We've got measles!!! Luckily most people are immunised or they've had it..but be careful out there.
Human 'pet' thrown off bus
Human 'pet' thrown off bus : "“I am a pet,” she told the Daily Mail.
“I generally act animal-like and I lead a really easy life. I don't cook or clean and I don't go anywhere without Dani."
I think the bus driver expressed himself in an unfortunate way and needed to apologise but I can understand his capacity to be upset and offended. We didn't like the soldiers doing this to the Iraqis and we were deeply hurt by the images. Very hurt. It does cause pain to see someone on a leash and it is a problem on transport from a safety point of view. Some people might laugh...the soldiers thought it was funny. We have also spent such a long time trying to get away from this stereotype image of women and so now we have a 19 year old turning back the clock and saying it's what she wants and it was a hard fought battleground to get that kind of image of a woman put out of our minds. So , if she wants it back, the world will change again and women will be typecaste again...but it won't alter the fact that putting humans on a leash is deeply upsetting and distressing to a lot of people still. Maybe it'll change and we'll all love it. I won't so the thought she is doing this is hurting me because as a nation we have fought for this not to happen and many people in many countries have. I guess it's a matter of whether you take others into account or not whether it's hurtful or not.
“I generally act animal-like and I lead a really easy life. I don't cook or clean and I don't go anywhere without Dani."
I think the bus driver expressed himself in an unfortunate way and needed to apologise but I can understand his capacity to be upset and offended. We didn't like the soldiers doing this to the Iraqis and we were deeply hurt by the images. Very hurt. It does cause pain to see someone on a leash and it is a problem on transport from a safety point of view. Some people might laugh...the soldiers thought it was funny. We have also spent such a long time trying to get away from this stereotype image of women and so now we have a 19 year old turning back the clock and saying it's what she wants and it was a hard fought battleground to get that kind of image of a woman put out of our minds. So , if she wants it back, the world will change again and women will be typecaste again...but it won't alter the fact that putting humans on a leash is deeply upsetting and distressing to a lot of people still. Maybe it'll change and we'll all love it. I won't so the thought she is doing this is hurting me because as a nation we have fought for this not to happen and many people in many countries have. I guess it's a matter of whether you take others into account or not whether it's hurtful or not.
Rudd outspent Howard on travel
Rudd outspent Howard on travel : "Overall, the nation's parliamentarians received nearly $14 million in travel entitlements - including domestic and overseas airfares, accommodation expenses and car hire - between January 1 and June 30, 2007."
Well, as it turned out, he didn't so the title needs to reflect the information. That aside this article documents clearly the travel of parliamentarians and the costs. It is important we see that and that it is kept in front of us. Australia is a massive country and so I really don't have a problem with our politicians travelling. I think they need to get out and about and see our country and meet its people because each state has a different flavour and different issues and they are our federal politicians. We should know them. We are also in an interesting position globally and it was far too easy for us to isolate and adopt our own agenda. We cannot do that now because we are on a global market and global influences determine what goes on here. So I think the pollies need to get out and learn languages and make contact with other countries and cultures and ensure we have their politicians visit us. We need to stay in the loop. Then we are a multicultural nation whether we are allowed to use the word or not. We are a nation made up of many cultural strains and it is important that our politicians understand the cultures and backgrounds of our citizens. They cannot be effective leaders by sitting isolated in Canberra or the eastern states. They need to get out and about to get an idea of who we are , where we come from and what we are about and they have to know what the world influences and trends are. Travel is the only way to do it and Net friends. The costs will come and we need to identify them and be aware of them...but I see them as justifiable if we want to be global players.
Well, as it turned out, he didn't so the title needs to reflect the information. That aside this article documents clearly the travel of parliamentarians and the costs. It is important we see that and that it is kept in front of us. Australia is a massive country and so I really don't have a problem with our politicians travelling. I think they need to get out and about and see our country and meet its people because each state has a different flavour and different issues and they are our federal politicians. We should know them. We are also in an interesting position globally and it was far too easy for us to isolate and adopt our own agenda. We cannot do that now because we are on a global market and global influences determine what goes on here. So I think the pollies need to get out and learn languages and make contact with other countries and cultures and ensure we have their politicians visit us. We need to stay in the loop. Then we are a multicultural nation whether we are allowed to use the word or not. We are a nation made up of many cultural strains and it is important that our politicians understand the cultures and backgrounds of our citizens. They cannot be effective leaders by sitting isolated in Canberra or the eastern states. They need to get out and about to get an idea of who we are , where we come from and what we are about and they have to know what the world influences and trends are. Travel is the only way to do it and Net friends. The costs will come and we need to identify them and be aware of them...but I see them as justifiable if we want to be global players.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Students need to learn a language
Shunned by many students, other tongues have benefits : "This week the Group of Eight universities joined forces with business and educational groups to urge all parties contesting the federal election to outline plans for language education in Australia, where students spend less time learning languages than in any other OECD nation."
The letter was co signed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Council for State School Organisations. So did it get any response? Is anyone doing anything about it? Have we worked out we live in a French speaking area in the South Pacific, that we trade with Asia, have close ties and trade with non English speaking countries? Have we worked out that using other languages helps bridge the communication and cultural gap? So what is happening? This article was published on November 10th 2007. Is the letter on someone's agenda?
The letter was co signed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Council for State School Organisations. So did it get any response? Is anyone doing anything about it? Have we worked out we live in a French speaking area in the South Pacific, that we trade with Asia, have close ties and trade with non English speaking countries? Have we worked out that using other languages helps bridge the communication and cultural gap? So what is happening? This article was published on November 10th 2007. Is the letter on someone's agenda?
Germans developing perpetual battery
Germans developing perpetual battery : "Tired of mobile phones that always need recharging at the worst moments, researchers in Germany are developing a revolutionary new battery that never needs recharging."
What a major breakthrough that would be because things which need batteries eat them up and then there's the constant recharging so it's very inefficient in a so called slick, cutting edged society. Batteries should be a thing of the past and our landfill and environment would be thrilled with that idea too.
What a major breakthrough that would be because things which need batteries eat them up and then there's the constant recharging so it's very inefficient in a so called slick, cutting edged society. Batteries should be a thing of the past and our landfill and environment would be thrilled with that idea too.
Nine-year-old girl indecently assaulted
Nine-year-old girl indecently assaulted : "'They were in front of the TV and I was just right around the corner and I could hear them laughing and watching cartoons and I thought, 'okay, they're safe', and I was actually glad there was something there to keep them occupied,' she told reporters."
It's horrible you cannot even take children shopping and I have noticed our public toilets are underused since the assaults last year. People have to keep children on a tight rein and it doesn't mean, as I recently experienced, that you should let children rampage wildly up and down the store making a huge racket and playing hide and seek and chasie around the displays while you are nowhere to be seen. Most parents know where their children are and most children appreciate watching a bit of tele or looking at displays but knowing you are close by. To safeguard them from attacks like this you virtually have to have them holding your hand all the time and right next to you. It's unhealthy but the consequences now are too extreme. I hope they find this man from the surveillance footage because Officeworks doesn't deserve the random stigma either. I don't know what goes on in people's heads these days and we need to find out so we can stop it. We also need to reassure the little girl and the other children they will be safe but it's way too much information for them and a very tricky thing to deal with so it doesn't set off a fearful response when they and their accompanying adults go out.
It's horrible you cannot even take children shopping and I have noticed our public toilets are underused since the assaults last year. People have to keep children on a tight rein and it doesn't mean, as I recently experienced, that you should let children rampage wildly up and down the store making a huge racket and playing hide and seek and chasie around the displays while you are nowhere to be seen. Most parents know where their children are and most children appreciate watching a bit of tele or looking at displays but knowing you are close by. To safeguard them from attacks like this you virtually have to have them holding your hand all the time and right next to you. It's unhealthy but the consequences now are too extreme. I hope they find this man from the surveillance footage because Officeworks doesn't deserve the random stigma either. I don't know what goes on in people's heads these days and we need to find out so we can stop it. We also need to reassure the little girl and the other children they will be safe but it's way too much information for them and a very tricky thing to deal with so it doesn't set off a fearful response when they and their accompanying adults go out.
SA ministers to go carbon neutral
SA ministers to go carbon neutral : "'All the money invested must be run in carbon credit schemes in South Australia and that make a real difference to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.'"
An admirable example of what you can do as a leader to set the example, but the article highlights two important issues. The carbon credits need to be verifiable as valid and viable and they ought to further support the initiatives in our state....at least that way you can actually see the benefit of what you are doing. We then have to generate the income to pay for the carbon credits. It is important the funding is not taken away from other important areas. If this works , it will be brilliant!
An admirable example of what you can do as a leader to set the example, but the article highlights two important issues. The carbon credits need to be verifiable as valid and viable and they ought to further support the initiatives in our state....at least that way you can actually see the benefit of what you are doing. We then have to generate the income to pay for the carbon credits. It is important the funding is not taken away from other important areas. If this works , it will be brilliant!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Pensioner tracks down internet conman
Pensioner tracks down internet conman : "Mr Johansson, of Busselton in Western Australia, was so incensed at being ripped off in February 2005 he set up a website detailing the incident."
The fraudsters had better look out for these oldies because they are a force to be reckoned with. This guy, inspite of health problems, tracked the fraudster down and got the information to the police so that the scamming could be stopped. Maybe oldie power is the way to do it. Crimebusters anonymous!
The fraudsters had better look out for these oldies because they are a force to be reckoned with. This guy, inspite of health problems, tracked the fraudster down and got the information to the police so that the scamming could be stopped. Maybe oldie power is the way to do it. Crimebusters anonymous!
Cancer agents found in Tasmanian devils
Cancer agents found in Tasmanian devils : "Dr Lloyd-Smith said: 'We are surprised at these levels of this product being found in an animal that lives in remote and reasonably pristine areas."
It's a race against time to find these chemcials which are flame retardants used in computers,white goods,carpets,bedding and our furniture. The researchers are right to question if it can affect the Tasmanian devils with the disastrous facial tumours, what on earth can it be doing to our local population who have flame retardants around them all the time? No need to panic yet until the researchers have done their job. They need to know how the Devils became exposed to these chemicals. They need to know if there is a link between these chemicals and the facial tumours and then they need to know what impact these chemicals have on humans. That is a lot of research and it will be done carefully and slowly. Time we looked long and hard at the chemicals we allow into the environment...and we did something about it. We are nuts for letting this go on.
It's a race against time to find these chemcials which are flame retardants used in computers,white goods,carpets,bedding and our furniture. The researchers are right to question if it can affect the Tasmanian devils with the disastrous facial tumours, what on earth can it be doing to our local population who have flame retardants around them all the time? No need to panic yet until the researchers have done their job. They need to know how the Devils became exposed to these chemicals. They need to know if there is a link between these chemicals and the facial tumours and then they need to know what impact these chemicals have on humans. That is a lot of research and it will be done carefully and slowly. Time we looked long and hard at the chemicals we allow into the environment...and we did something about it. We are nuts for letting this go on.
Boy, 11, saves dad, runs for help
Boy, 11, saves dad, runs for help : "'He's performed CPR on his father and he got the courage to walk 3km down the track to raise the alarm. That to me is one of the most heroic acts I've seen.'"
The little boy was on the news last night and although it was clear that Mum was so touched and moved by it all, little Lachlan was just very unassuming and "normal". To him it all made perfect sense and he was shaken but not disturbed....like any special agent. A great little kid and what a person to have in a crisis. Thank heavens his school had taught CPR and this is not the first child to be on the news who has saved others because of the life saving lessons they have had at school. Children remember things well and take things in carefully when there is a ritual or routine. Lachlan is living proof that the power of a child's knowledge needs to be encouraged and fed. He's still a kid, but he remembered to check for breathing, he remembered how to do CPR and then he had to work out how to get help. He is a fearless, very rational and logical thinker who did what needed to be done...and his Dad can thank him for that when he's better. They have raised a great child.
The little boy was on the news last night and although it was clear that Mum was so touched and moved by it all, little Lachlan was just very unassuming and "normal". To him it all made perfect sense and he was shaken but not disturbed....like any special agent. A great little kid and what a person to have in a crisis. Thank heavens his school had taught CPR and this is not the first child to be on the news who has saved others because of the life saving lessons they have had at school. Children remember things well and take things in carefully when there is a ritual or routine. Lachlan is living proof that the power of a child's knowledge needs to be encouraged and fed. He's still a kid, but he remembered to check for breathing, he remembered how to do CPR and then he had to work out how to get help. He is a fearless, very rational and logical thinker who did what needed to be done...and his Dad can thank him for that when he's better. They have raised a great child.
Earth Charter in Action
Earth Charter in Action: "At a meeting at the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris in March 2000, the Earth Charter Commission negotiated and approved, by consensus, a final version of the Earth Charter."
Some people on this planet have enjoyed doing the opposite of what is in this charter. The Earth Charter is available online in over 30 different languages and I think it's time we revisited it and brought it back into focus. The reason? Most of us believe and endorse what is written here and it's the basis of positive and optimistic discussions for our new, global society. We do want to look at sustainability. We do want to look at how people are treated. We do believe in negotiating, saving carbon and treating others with respect. We do want to save our animals and plants and we do want to do something about global warming. Most of us find joy in the discovery of other cultures and other people. You can endorse the charter if you wish. You can become an engaged endorser and participate in the activities organised by the ECI. You can simply look, read and discuss so we at least put this back on the agenda and make it work if that's what we believe is the right thing to do.
Some people on this planet have enjoyed doing the opposite of what is in this charter. The Earth Charter is available online in over 30 different languages and I think it's time we revisited it and brought it back into focus. The reason? Most of us believe and endorse what is written here and it's the basis of positive and optimistic discussions for our new, global society. We do want to look at sustainability. We do want to look at how people are treated. We do believe in negotiating, saving carbon and treating others with respect. We do want to save our animals and plants and we do want to do something about global warming. Most of us find joy in the discovery of other cultures and other people. You can endorse the charter if you wish. You can become an engaged endorser and participate in the activities organised by the ECI. You can simply look, read and discuss so we at least put this back on the agenda and make it work if that's what we believe is the right thing to do.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Learn Chinese Online
Learn Chinese - Free online mandarin audio courses: "Learn Mandarin Chinese quickly and easily!
40 online lessons with audio, including reading, speaking, writing, modern vocabulary, grammar, calligraphy, examples and exercises. All texts and dialogues in mp3 format for download."
I blogged before about some great links to learning Chinese resources but some kind person left a link on that post to this fantastic site. Chinese-Tools teaches you Chinese in small, manageable, easy steps. At least this way you'll be able to meet the Chinese half way because they are madly trying to learn English for us. A smattering of any language helps smooth the path to conversations and something is better than nothing. This site is great because it has all the sounds and expressions recorded but there are character lessons and other bits and pieces so you can soak up a bit of the Chinese culture and Chinesify yourself ready for the Games! The site teaches you Chinese in many different languages..alors allez-y! Los! Avanti!
40 online lessons with audio, including reading, speaking, writing, modern vocabulary, grammar, calligraphy, examples and exercises. All texts and dialogues in mp3 format for download."
I blogged before about some great links to learning Chinese resources but some kind person left a link on that post to this fantastic site. Chinese-Tools teaches you Chinese in small, manageable, easy steps. At least this way you'll be able to meet the Chinese half way because they are madly trying to learn English for us. A smattering of any language helps smooth the path to conversations and something is better than nothing. This site is great because it has all the sounds and expressions recorded but there are character lessons and other bits and pieces so you can soak up a bit of the Chinese culture and Chinesify yourself ready for the Games! The site teaches you Chinese in many different languages..alors allez-y! Los! Avanti!
200 day countdown to the Olympic Games
200 day countdown to the Olympic Games sees introduction of new souvenirs - The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: "Chinese seals, longevity locks, red lanterns, Chinese knots…over 70 Olympic articles were promoted by BOCOG to represent the Games within the Chinese context."
This website is information rich and very interesting. Well organised, easy to navigate and jam packed with information to get you in the right mood for the Beijing Olympics. It keeps you up to date with Olympic and sporting news and includes its own lovely Chinese flavour. A great site. You can even learn a French, English or Chinese expression a day with the cute little Fuwa who are the mascots of the game. There are sound recordings to go with the expressions so you don't have to give these foreign sounds your best guess! The games at the beginning of August and in the meantime we have the Tour Down Under, the tennis and the cricket to keep us busy and then we'll swing into footie season and prepare ourselves for the games.
This website is information rich and very interesting. Well organised, easy to navigate and jam packed with information to get you in the right mood for the Beijing Olympics. It keeps you up to date with Olympic and sporting news and includes its own lovely Chinese flavour. A great site. You can even learn a French, English or Chinese expression a day with the cute little Fuwa who are the mascots of the game. There are sound recordings to go with the expressions so you don't have to give these foreign sounds your best guess! The games at the beginning of August and in the meantime we have the Tour Down Under, the tennis and the cricket to keep us busy and then we'll swing into footie season and prepare ourselves for the games.
Dust Echoes: Ancient Stories, New Voices
Dust Echoes: Ancient Stories, New Voices: "' Dust Echoes is one way that we are bringing everyone back to the same campfire - black and white."
Dust Echoes screened at the 2007 Melbourne International Film Festival. This wonderful site is linked to the ABC news site and is a great example of how we can be allowed to share and enjoy the culture of our indigenous people. It's about time we celebrated their heritage which is the lifeblood of our nation. There are Mp3 tracks, wallpapers and study notes...it's just a beautiful site where you can learn a lot in a very easy way.
Dust Echoes screened at the 2007 Melbourne International Film Festival. This wonderful site is linked to the ABC news site and is a great example of how we can be allowed to share and enjoy the culture of our indigenous people. It's about time we celebrated their heritage which is the lifeblood of our nation. There are Mp3 tracks, wallpapers and study notes...it's just a beautiful site where you can learn a lot in a very easy way.
Drain survivor 'was completely drunk'
Drain survivor was completely drunk: "The 27-year-old had been spray-painting with a 25-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman in the drain at Maroubra when a storm hit the area about 7:00pm ."
You'd think that by 27 they'd be over it - graffiti and storm water drains. Even the 2 younger ones you'd think would be over it...and sadly they are because they did not survive the surf and water in the storm water drain. It is a sad and awful way for young people to lose their lives because you'd think they'd be doing something better. Apparently young kids are in the drain every weekend and that is something, again , which seems to have a fascination for kids...storm water drains. Most know not to go there when the rain is about or the surf is up.But these people were not kids, not chronologically speaking. The 27 year old is alive because of a responsible and quick thinking 17 year old who got the help of his father . They saved him...drunk and all. He has lost his friends and for what? Graffiti? He needs all the help he can get, this guy...and the 17 year old needs a big hug and kiss for being such a great human being.
You'd think that by 27 they'd be over it - graffiti and storm water drains. Even the 2 younger ones you'd think would be over it...and sadly they are because they did not survive the surf and water in the storm water drain. It is a sad and awful way for young people to lose their lives because you'd think they'd be doing something better. Apparently young kids are in the drain every weekend and that is something, again , which seems to have a fascination for kids...storm water drains. Most know not to go there when the rain is about or the surf is up.But these people were not kids, not chronologically speaking. The 27 year old is alive because of a responsible and quick thinking 17 year old who got the help of his father . They saved him...drunk and all. He has lost his friends and for what? Graffiti? He needs all the help he can get, this guy...and the 17 year old needs a big hug and kiss for being such a great human being.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Woolies to donate profits to drought
Woolies to donate profits to drought: "On 'Drought Action Day 2008', all profits from 765 Woolworths and Safeway supermarkets will be donated to the Country Women's Association (CWA), which will distribute the money to those in need."
Drought Action day is February 15th, and easy day to remember because it's the day after Valentine's Day. Last year Woolworths raised nearly 5 million dollars to give to the CWA to distribute to those affected by the drought. it would be good if it could be a national drought action day with Woolworths leading the show , in much the same way as McDonalds has its day for raising money for its houses for sick children. We need to get us all involved . Shopping at Woolworths on one day so they can donate profits to the drought affected Australians is a good start. What else can we do? Ditto , flooded areas. We need a national way of mobilising us so we can help those who need our help.
Drought Action day is February 15th, and easy day to remember because it's the day after Valentine's Day. Last year Woolworths raised nearly 5 million dollars to give to the CWA to distribute to those affected by the drought. it would be good if it could be a national drought action day with Woolworths leading the show , in much the same way as McDonalds has its day for raising money for its houses for sick children. We need to get us all involved . Shopping at Woolworths on one day so they can donate profits to the drought affected Australians is a good start. What else can we do? Ditto , flooded areas. We need a national way of mobilising us so we can help those who need our help.
Co-pilot glided crippled jet to safety
Co-pilot glided crippled jet to safety: "The captain, Peter Burkill, praised his senior first officer, John Coward, as the real hero of the hour for taking the controls and doing a 'most remarkable job'."
So John Coward is the man with the iron will, the nerves of steel and the capacity to bring a big jet into Heathrow and save hundreds of people and the surrounding environment. What a man. These pilots are a rare breed. No doubt the pair of them had to think fast and quickly, but if John Coward was at the controls then he is remarkable, truly remarkable and everyone on the plane and on the ground deserves full credit for smoothly managing damage control in the extreme.What I want to know is if told Peter Burkill to shut up so he could concentrate! We have some great human beings on this planet.
So John Coward is the man with the iron will, the nerves of steel and the capacity to bring a big jet into Heathrow and save hundreds of people and the surrounding environment. What a man. These pilots are a rare breed. No doubt the pair of them had to think fast and quickly, but if John Coward was at the controls then he is remarkable, truly remarkable and everyone on the plane and on the ground deserves full credit for smoothly managing damage control in the extreme.What I want to know is if told Peter Burkill to shut up so he could concentrate! We have some great human beings on this planet.
Rudd rules out ex-pollie for G-G
Rudd rules out ex-pollie for G-G : "Fairfax newspapers today said former federal Labor leader Kim Beazley was set to be offered the post as Australia's next governor-general."
I suppose Mr. Rudd has to avoid being labelled as someone who creates jobs for the boys and yet, Mr. Beazley would make a good governor general , I think, and I don't believe he'd be partisan. Malcolm Fraser is a good example of how an elite politician with strong political views can become someone not only of good use to the country but also to the world. He has fulfilled his roles well and given wise counsel which is unbiased but very straight talking. Kim Beazley is like that. I think we can assume that he won't get the job because he led the Labour party through the mire. Bad luck , I guess, but it is a shame that would be held against him or anyone. We really need the right person for the job of GG.
I suppose Mr. Rudd has to avoid being labelled as someone who creates jobs for the boys and yet, Mr. Beazley would make a good governor general , I think, and I don't believe he'd be partisan. Malcolm Fraser is a good example of how an elite politician with strong political views can become someone not only of good use to the country but also to the world. He has fulfilled his roles well and given wise counsel which is unbiased but very straight talking. Kim Beazley is like that. I think we can assume that he won't get the job because he led the Labour party through the mire. Bad luck , I guess, but it is a shame that would be held against him or anyone. We really need the right person for the job of GG.
Jackasses risk death
Jackasses risk death : "He said he called the ambulance for the injured Unanderra teenager and was shocked upon his return to find 20 other people jumping past the youth's unconscious body."
I can remember on radio there was an old person talking about how teenagers and kids used to jump into a natural pool in North Adelaide. No one seems to know where that was. Jumping into pools doing the dare-devil , thrill seeking thing seems to be in our blood and our heritage and the cities have just built themselves up around us but the behaviour hasn't been changed. It's tribal. Young people love jumping from a height into water. Trouble is, we are civilised now so the behaviour is worrying and odd in built up areas. We have the same with jetty jumping. Telling people not to has no effect whatsoever because they have no boundaries and the need to skydive into water is stronger than any knowledge of the harm it could do or the inappropriateness of it in a built up area. The biggest concern is they don't appear to worry about the injured mates. Probably because because they have been brought up on consequences and yes, they risk injury. it's a consequence and if it happens, tough, you knew the consequences. They are oblivious to being responsible because they are in the moment so any sense of consideration for restaurant patrons and peer jumpers is out the window. You could change the spot and then I guess, legally, you become responsible for injuries. We need to round these dare devil kids up and get them into some dare devil training ...like the outward bound courses or parachuting. I guess they cannot afford the extreme sports which would help them deal with their adrenalin rush needs. Money. They obviously are fearless and we need to channel that without making ourselves legally responsible for it. I guess they've tried security guards and I guess the kids could climb spiked barriers around the building top? Electric fences?? Tigers on the roof? Fines?
I can remember on radio there was an old person talking about how teenagers and kids used to jump into a natural pool in North Adelaide. No one seems to know where that was. Jumping into pools doing the dare-devil , thrill seeking thing seems to be in our blood and our heritage and the cities have just built themselves up around us but the behaviour hasn't been changed. It's tribal. Young people love jumping from a height into water. Trouble is, we are civilised now so the behaviour is worrying and odd in built up areas. We have the same with jetty jumping. Telling people not to has no effect whatsoever because they have no boundaries and the need to skydive into water is stronger than any knowledge of the harm it could do or the inappropriateness of it in a built up area. The biggest concern is they don't appear to worry about the injured mates. Probably because because they have been brought up on consequences and yes, they risk injury. it's a consequence and if it happens, tough, you knew the consequences. They are oblivious to being responsible because they are in the moment so any sense of consideration for restaurant patrons and peer jumpers is out the window. You could change the spot and then I guess, legally, you become responsible for injuries. We need to round these dare devil kids up and get them into some dare devil training ...like the outward bound courses or parachuting. I guess they cannot afford the extreme sports which would help them deal with their adrenalin rush needs. Money. They obviously are fearless and we need to channel that without making ourselves legally responsible for it. I guess they've tried security guards and I guess the kids could climb spiked barriers around the building top? Electric fences?? Tigers on the roof? Fines?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Foul deeds: illegal cockfights raking in millions
Foul deeds: illegal cockfights raking in millions : "It is a cruel sport in which birds tear each other apart - and it shows no signs of going away, writes Malcolm Brown."
Yes, and it's true what he says - it is going on all over the country and it has been going on unabated for years. We never seem to know where or when but people must know it's near them. They must know people involved and it just goes on and we have been powerless to stop it. Now Malcolm Brown has brought it back into the limelight, maybe now is our chance to deal with it as a nation. We hate cruelty to animals. We hate to see animals hurt and yet we haven't done much to stop this because we just don't seem to know how it is occurring and yet it comes before our eyes from time to time and it's entrenched. So we need to do better. We need clues. We need some ideas of how to know. We need officials who are prepared to act and stop it because it'll be like any other cruelty...if we get on their case we shall be free of it. Anything for money, heh?
Yes, and it's true what he says - it is going on all over the country and it has been going on unabated for years. We never seem to know where or when but people must know it's near them. They must know people involved and it just goes on and we have been powerless to stop it. Now Malcolm Brown has brought it back into the limelight, maybe now is our chance to deal with it as a nation. We hate cruelty to animals. We hate to see animals hurt and yet we haven't done much to stop this because we just don't seem to know how it is occurring and yet it comes before our eyes from time to time and it's entrenched. So we need to do better. We need clues. We need some ideas of how to know. We need officials who are prepared to act and stop it because it'll be like any other cruelty...if we get on their case we shall be free of it. Anything for money, heh?
TV bosses wash their hands of nanny
TV bosses wash their hands of nanny with fake qualifications : "Goal, from which Verity claimed to hold a diploma in childcare, said that it had no record of her and had never offered the diploma."
Go with the name, the face and the idea and forget to check the basics...like qualifications and credibility. Maybe you need to check these things first before you launch a TV series and maybe you need to see the person operating in real life before you engage them. The chefs who have programmes have credentials and are credible because everyone knows who they are and where they come from. We have seen them in real life. The media is apt to run with a name and a face and forget who that person is and what they actually stand for. She may well be a nice lady with some ideas about child care. She may be a great mum or community worker...these things need to be checked out first before you high profile someone. On the up side there is a lesson in credentials to be learned which has been validated time and again with the chefs. Then there is the clear and open debate about what is sound childcare practice and that is a good thing. It's not all bad.
Go with the name, the face and the idea and forget to check the basics...like qualifications and credibility. Maybe you need to check these things first before you launch a TV series and maybe you need to see the person operating in real life before you engage them. The chefs who have programmes have credentials and are credible because everyone knows who they are and where they come from. We have seen them in real life. The media is apt to run with a name and a face and forget who that person is and what they actually stand for. She may well be a nice lady with some ideas about child care. She may be a great mum or community worker...these things need to be checked out first before you high profile someone. On the up side there is a lesson in credentials to be learned which has been validated time and again with the chefs. Then there is the clear and open debate about what is sound childcare practice and that is a good thing. It's not all bad.
Japan sick of whaling harassment
AdelaideNow... Japan sick of whaling harassment: "'It's unbelievable to me that they still intend to intrude,'' Kenji Masuda, an official at the whaling division at Japan's Fisheries Agency, said."
Indeed, the whales must be heartily sick of all this attention and people being on their tails all the time. They should stop it at once.
Indeed, the whales must be heartily sick of all this attention and people being on their tails all the time. They should stop it at once.
BA pilot hailed after crash landing
BA pilot hailed after crash landing : "'When everything came to a standstill, I looked out of the window and the undercarriage was gone and the plane was on its belly. The pilot looked very pale.'"
Peter Burkill certainly knows how to manage a crisis and , as usual, you come out with the platitudes and clichés. What else can you do? This man has a remarkable talent and skill because it must have been his worst nightmare and yet, he took on the responsibility for his passengers , his plane and the surrounding environment and used all his logic and skills to save everyone and the plane. Too many serious things are going wrong with planes. It is constantly happening and it is both traumatic and tiresome because planes used to fly. Now people like Peter Burkill get to show us he is indeed a very special human being but the price for him will be high. He will need looking after because the reality will set in and at some stage he will get angry those engines just plane cut out and he was coming in over a built up area into one of the busiest airports in the world. And then he will realise he was the one who averted an unbelievable disaster and his thinking, his capacity to manage is just astounding. The crew also appears to have kept their heads together and the passengers must have been co operating so the whole thing could come together so well for a very fast and effective ground crew. The power of one and the energy of many. The investigation is no doubt going to be very thorough because we just can't keep putting people at risk like this. Pilots like this are in a class of their own. They deserve all the praise they can be offered but they deserve all the care and consideration too.
Peter Burkill certainly knows how to manage a crisis and , as usual, you come out with the platitudes and clichés. What else can you do? This man has a remarkable talent and skill because it must have been his worst nightmare and yet, he took on the responsibility for his passengers , his plane and the surrounding environment and used all his logic and skills to save everyone and the plane. Too many serious things are going wrong with planes. It is constantly happening and it is both traumatic and tiresome because planes used to fly. Now people like Peter Burkill get to show us he is indeed a very special human being but the price for him will be high. He will need looking after because the reality will set in and at some stage he will get angry those engines just plane cut out and he was coming in over a built up area into one of the busiest airports in the world. And then he will realise he was the one who averted an unbelievable disaster and his thinking, his capacity to manage is just astounding. The crew also appears to have kept their heads together and the passengers must have been co operating so the whole thing could come together so well for a very fast and effective ground crew. The power of one and the energy of many. The investigation is no doubt going to be very thorough because we just can't keep putting people at risk like this. Pilots like this are in a class of their own. They deserve all the praise they can be offered but they deserve all the care and consideration too.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Human embryos made from skin cells
Human embryos made from skin cells : "A US company says it has created cloned human embryos of a group of men from their skin cells."
So, babies from skin cells. The rest of us madly vacuum them all up because we can't stand the thought of skin cells being shed all over our beds. So now we can make babies instead.
So, babies from skin cells. The rest of us madly vacuum them all up because we can't stand the thought of skin cells being shed all over our beds. So now we can make babies instead.
Delinquent teen sent to Siberia
Delinquent teen sent to Siberia : "The adolescent committed a rash of violent crimes in his home state of Hesse and was committed to a children's psychiatric treatment centre before juvenile authorities decided last summer to send him to the Russian tundra."
The article doesn't say whether the stay in Siberia improved the boy or not. There is heated debate about sending juveniles out of Germany but if it works and helps the child get a different perspective, then that is good...especially when they are so destructive. He went to school and was in a small village. I sometimes think that what we lack is that sense of community and it's why people are falling apart one way or another. So, does it improve them?
The article doesn't say whether the stay in Siberia improved the boy or not. There is heated debate about sending juveniles out of Germany but if it works and helps the child get a different perspective, then that is good...especially when they are so destructive. He went to school and was in a small village. I sometimes think that what we lack is that sense of community and it's why people are falling apart one way or another. So, does it improve them?
Kindergarten sex lesson anger
Kindergarten sex lesson anger : "They were taught what a penis and a vagina was, which I don't think they should in kinder."
I always remember teaching my daughter body parts when she was little and when we came to words like vagina and penis after words like hands, nose, feet, ears...the look on her face was priceless and she called them banana and peanut because they were much more logical in the scheme of things. My belief has always been we have bodies and they have bits. All bits are equal and we should refer to them normally. As for boys putting their hands down little girls' pants, well, that's another issue and needs to be cleared up. We have such a thing about certain body parts and you can see already that even children at a young age pick up on it. The boys need to be set very straight and children do need to be taught protective behaviours because they are often victims and it sickens me we take away their innocence to protect them, but it can be done in an easy manner without all the fuss. We are adults, we can manage this!
I always remember teaching my daughter body parts when she was little and when we came to words like vagina and penis after words like hands, nose, feet, ears...the look on her face was priceless and she called them banana and peanut because they were much more logical in the scheme of things. My belief has always been we have bodies and they have bits. All bits are equal and we should refer to them normally. As for boys putting their hands down little girls' pants, well, that's another issue and needs to be cleared up. We have such a thing about certain body parts and you can see already that even children at a young age pick up on it. The boys need to be set very straight and children do need to be taught protective behaviours because they are often victims and it sickens me we take away their innocence to protect them, but it can be done in an easy manner without all the fuss. We are adults, we can manage this!
Govt postpones CDMA network closure
Govt postpones CDMA network closure : "Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says at present he is not in a position to declare the newer network is equivalent to the existing CDMA network."
Yes, at some stage we have to put the fullstop and start the new sentence, but until the CDMA network can be legitimately and effectively replaced in rural Australia then this is a good move. It gives Telstra time to keep the negotiating and trials going because there appears to be some success. Rural Australia is a challenge because some of it is soooooo isolated. It always has been a challenge but it's 2008 and it's about time we licked this problem and moved on to the bright telecommunications future. We cannot be Australia nad have the rural population disconnected or on impoverished services. It is hardly the way to go and telecommunications ought to be about levelling the playing field and optimising connections no matter where you are. We just need to bridge that gap properly instead of band aiding it or pretending it'll go away.
Yes, at some stage we have to put the fullstop and start the new sentence, but until the CDMA network can be legitimately and effectively replaced in rural Australia then this is a good move. It gives Telstra time to keep the negotiating and trials going because there appears to be some success. Rural Australia is a challenge because some of it is soooooo isolated. It always has been a challenge but it's 2008 and it's about time we licked this problem and moved on to the bright telecommunications future. We cannot be Australia nad have the rural population disconnected or on impoverished services. It is hardly the way to go and telecommunications ought to be about levelling the playing field and optimising connections no matter where you are. We just need to bridge that gap properly instead of band aiding it or pretending it'll go away.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Farmers give Next G thumbs down
Farmers give Next G thumbs down : "“While some farmers are very happy with their Next G service (they thought it much better than CDMA) and would have no problem with CDMA being shut down, too many farmers and rural Australians still have substantive concerns and problems with Next G,” he said."
We've got sheep stations bigger than countries. You can fit 14 and a half France's into Australia. Telecommunications for rural Australia has always been a big problem because you have to have the infrastructure , the network points...the capacity to create and boost the connections. Obviously Next Gen is the future and has some real advantages that would suit rural Australia, bringing them in closer to us and each other. There are some real benefits. It seems to work in some places, but the farmers HAVE to have reliable communication. It's life and death. They are isolated. They have to have ease of access. So Telstra just needs to keep working through the issues and because we are techno savvy these days, we shall work it out...and yes, one of the issues would be "flimsy" city phones. Might look cool in the airport llounge and on the conference table (turned off I hope) but out in the bush..yes, they'd be looking for something durable. Flimsy just doesn't cut it. Many of these phones are sturdier than they appear...it's a consumer confidence issue in some respects. Our farmers have pioneered a lot of technology and it's great they are being included in the loop. It'll be resolved that way.
We've got sheep stations bigger than countries. You can fit 14 and a half France's into Australia. Telecommunications for rural Australia has always been a big problem because you have to have the infrastructure , the network points...the capacity to create and boost the connections. Obviously Next Gen is the future and has some real advantages that would suit rural Australia, bringing them in closer to us and each other. There are some real benefits. It seems to work in some places, but the farmers HAVE to have reliable communication. It's life and death. They are isolated. They have to have ease of access. So Telstra just needs to keep working through the issues and because we are techno savvy these days, we shall work it out...and yes, one of the issues would be "flimsy" city phones. Might look cool in the airport llounge and on the conference table (turned off I hope) but out in the bush..yes, they'd be looking for something durable. Flimsy just doesn't cut it. Many of these phones are sturdier than they appear...it's a consumer confidence issue in some respects. Our farmers have pioneered a lot of technology and it's great they are being included in the loop. It'll be resolved that way.
Firebug in the ranks
Firebug in the ranks : "A RURAL Fire Service volunteer has appeared in a Sydney court to face charges of lighting a string of fires in the city's northwest."
Brings up all the same issues as paedophilia where those people seem to find the jobs which bring them into contact with children...but is that what arsonists do? This person is only 19, he has been a volunteer with the fire services but now has 11 counts of arson against him from the end of October 2006 to this week....all in the same area for what he calls "an adrenalin rush." What he has done is really serious...more than serious. He would know that because he has been working as a fire fighter. Surely he wasn't working as a fire fighter during the times he was lighting the fires? Have they allowed him to volunteer all that time or has it only just been found out that he lit those fires? It would mean he was maybe only 17 at the time he started. Maybe he is not at all emotionally ready for fire fighting because bush fires are ferocious. It would be scary and it would create an adrenalin rush - terror. It sounds more like he is traumatised because it's the same place all the time. Think about it. It just isn't normal to volunteer to be a fire fighter and then light fires. You'd be racked with guilt, in a state of panic and unless he is completely divorced form his feelings...he cannot be allowed to be a fire fighter and he needs to be watched because he is now not safe. He sounds like he needs a lot of help because he appears to have led a normal life until now.
Brings up all the same issues as paedophilia where those people seem to find the jobs which bring them into contact with children...but is that what arsonists do? This person is only 19, he has been a volunteer with the fire services but now has 11 counts of arson against him from the end of October 2006 to this week....all in the same area for what he calls "an adrenalin rush." What he has done is really serious...more than serious. He would know that because he has been working as a fire fighter. Surely he wasn't working as a fire fighter during the times he was lighting the fires? Have they allowed him to volunteer all that time or has it only just been found out that he lit those fires? It would mean he was maybe only 17 at the time he started. Maybe he is not at all emotionally ready for fire fighting because bush fires are ferocious. It would be scary and it would create an adrenalin rush - terror. It sounds more like he is traumatised because it's the same place all the time. Think about it. It just isn't normal to volunteer to be a fire fighter and then light fires. You'd be racked with guilt, in a state of panic and unless he is completely divorced form his feelings...he cannot be allowed to be a fire fighter and he needs to be watched because he is now not safe. He sounds like he needs a lot of help because he appears to have led a normal life until now.
Labor voters' confidence starts to sink
Labor voters' confidence starts to sink : "Most economic indicators show the economy is booming, or at least was until the end of last year. Housing finance figures released yesterday, for example, reveal that the last official interest rate rise in November did not dent demand for housing finance."
I love it. Labour has just walked into office and they are now responsible for global finances. We knew the interest rates were coming. That was spelled out quite clearly during the campaign and anyone with half a brain knows the economy is globally driven these days and we shall have to look at our role differently. The media has done nothing to encourage the new government. It's the same old whittering on , sledging of people trying to do a good job and total negatives and undermining of the good all the time. On and on with the negatives, the potshots. We are are so over ti and want a more circumspect approach. The interest rates have to go up as part of the property boom and the management of the business end of the profiteering from property, as I have said many times before. Until you get the double whammy of getting mortgagee sales and then forcing those people into rental properties you don't make the financial killing from people who don't understand that property and shares are manipulated over time so the rich can get richer and they are very good at it. So, let's have some honesty, let's start talking about everyone and let's get a chance for the senate to be reformed and Labour to start managing. The finances have been controlled by whom for how long so the the impetus is coming from those who were in charge. That was all set in motion. We are not that stupid. So...start talking to us properly....and remember more than 2 people ought to be able to run this country ...because we are stuffed if we only have 2.
I love it. Labour has just walked into office and they are now responsible for global finances. We knew the interest rates were coming. That was spelled out quite clearly during the campaign and anyone with half a brain knows the economy is globally driven these days and we shall have to look at our role differently. The media has done nothing to encourage the new government. It's the same old whittering on , sledging of people trying to do a good job and total negatives and undermining of the good all the time. On and on with the negatives, the potshots. We are are so over ti and want a more circumspect approach. The interest rates have to go up as part of the property boom and the management of the business end of the profiteering from property, as I have said many times before. Until you get the double whammy of getting mortgagee sales and then forcing those people into rental properties you don't make the financial killing from people who don't understand that property and shares are manipulated over time so the rich can get richer and they are very good at it. So, let's have some honesty, let's start talking about everyone and let's get a chance for the senate to be reformed and Labour to start managing. The finances have been controlled by whom for how long so the the impetus is coming from those who were in charge. That was all set in motion. We are not that stupid. So...start talking to us properly....and remember more than 2 people ought to be able to run this country ...because we are stuffed if we only have 2.
Get a haircut, wife tells PM
AdelaideNow... Get a haircut, wife tells PM: "'The good thing about that Christmas/New Year period is you can avoid going to the hairdresser as well,' Mr Rudd said."
Haven't seen the new, clean cut image yet. I am glad his wife is okay. Operations are always a worry. I guess it's nice to know Mr. Rudd can kick back and relax when he has a break and the sideburns were not necessarily bad...they were just a surprise! It's actually good to have a Prime Minister who can surprise us. I am relieved, however, he didn't pop up with a 5 o'clock shadow!
Haven't seen the new, clean cut image yet. I am glad his wife is okay. Operations are always a worry. I guess it's nice to know Mr. Rudd can kick back and relax when he has a break and the sideburns were not necessarily bad...they were just a surprise! It's actually good to have a Prime Minister who can surprise us. I am relieved, however, he didn't pop up with a 5 o'clock shadow!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hello? I'll order a pint plus rescue
Hello? I'll order a pint plus rescue: "Falmouth coastguard launched a joint operation with American rescuers 1100km north-east of Bermuda on Saturday."
The Englishman is noted for his sang-froid. Unbelievable! Just in a spot of bother and need a smidge of help! What a classic in understatement. He was probably trying not to cause a fuss because he probably felt guilty for ruining his yacht by falling over. Poor guy. It is great the Brits and the Americans could bring him to safety. He'll be grounded for a while if his pelvis is fractured. And the yacht? For him, sailing the boat back to England would have been the adventure of a lifetime. As it stands, it's still an adventure with the added knowledge that people care and can be relied upon when your dreams fall apart. I hope he can get himself and his yacht back to England. I feel so sorry for him....but so glad he is safe , was rescued and that human beings are indeed wonderful.
The Englishman is noted for his sang-froid. Unbelievable! Just in a spot of bother and need a smidge of help! What a classic in understatement. He was probably trying not to cause a fuss because he probably felt guilty for ruining his yacht by falling over. Poor guy. It is great the Brits and the Americans could bring him to safety. He'll be grounded for a while if his pelvis is fractured. And the yacht? For him, sailing the boat back to England would have been the adventure of a lifetime. As it stands, it's still an adventure with the added knowledge that people care and can be relied upon when your dreams fall apart. I hope he can get himself and his yacht back to England. I feel so sorry for him....but so glad he is safe , was rescued and that human beings are indeed wonderful.
Teacher shortage a tough lesson
Teacher shortage a tough lesson for Rudd and Labour : "As well as shortages in maths, science, foreign languages and information technology, data also suggested critical teacher shortages in English, the performing arts and special needs."
In other words, we don't have qualified teachers. They need to be educated and we need a system which values education. No education...no capacity to look after ourselves.
In other words, we don't have qualified teachers. They need to be educated and we need a system which values education. No education...no capacity to look after ourselves.
Teacher shortages are much worse
Teacher shortages are much worse: "'We have teachers who are not trained to be language teachers who are teaching junior language classes. These things are not in the interests of high quality education.'"
Probably why the students are not going to uni and TAFE as was reported the other day...they have been swindled, undertaught and simply do not have the skills to manage an tertiary course. So how many who enrol in uni drop out in the first year? We need to put well trained teachers in our classrooms if we want to keep up globally. Patching up is not going to work. It's a cost cutting exercise. And didn't they report in the news that students were not selecting teaching as a course of study? Preparing young people is a key position and an investment in the future of any country. All we'll do is lose out. Wake up, Australia! The best resource we can have is well educated teachers!!
Probably why the students are not going to uni and TAFE as was reported the other day...they have been swindled, undertaught and simply do not have the skills to manage an tertiary course. So how many who enrol in uni drop out in the first year? We need to put well trained teachers in our classrooms if we want to keep up globally. Patching up is not going to work. It's a cost cutting exercise. And didn't they report in the news that students were not selecting teaching as a course of study? Preparing young people is a key position and an investment in the future of any country. All we'll do is lose out. Wake up, Australia! The best resource we can have is well educated teachers!!
Police use capsicum spray against fans at Australian Open
Police use capsicum spray against fans at Australian Open : "Police believed they were leading racial chanting against Chile's Fernando Gonzalez."
It didn't look good so it's not the answer. I can understand our police wanting to shut down racist taunts and maybe the TV/surveillance cameras will give a clearer picture of what was going on so we can think of plan B for next time...hopefully there isn't a next time. We don't like it when people come to our country and then they have to put up with nastiness and taunting as they go about their business. We want them here as guests and we want them to be treated with respect. The police are copping a hammering but I think the lack of compliance with a reasonable request was probably the trigger. If you treat people with respect and then you don't get co operation it means your authority is undermined and I guess people might be trying it on lately with the police. I should hate to think we shall have awful police..really authoritarian , scary police. I'd rather we had the sort of police we have who usually manage things quite well. So, this was an implementation dip in managing difficult people and we need to get the facts together and then sort it out. I thought Fernando Gonzalez was very cool about it and took it all in his stride and just thought that was what crowds do. It means he is grounded and we are not . The police were following up complaints so they got put into the situation and , of course, it's difficult to negotiate with a crowd. It marred the tennis . I should hate to think we shall have to play some matches in camera. It's just nasty and very unlike us but who is going to believe that?
It didn't look good so it's not the answer. I can understand our police wanting to shut down racist taunts and maybe the TV/surveillance cameras will give a clearer picture of what was going on so we can think of plan B for next time...hopefully there isn't a next time. We don't like it when people come to our country and then they have to put up with nastiness and taunting as they go about their business. We want them here as guests and we want them to be treated with respect. The police are copping a hammering but I think the lack of compliance with a reasonable request was probably the trigger. If you treat people with respect and then you don't get co operation it means your authority is undermined and I guess people might be trying it on lately with the police. I should hate to think we shall have awful police..really authoritarian , scary police. I'd rather we had the sort of police we have who usually manage things quite well. So, this was an implementation dip in managing difficult people and we need to get the facts together and then sort it out. I thought Fernando Gonzalez was very cool about it and took it all in his stride and just thought that was what crowds do. It means he is grounded and we are not . The police were following up complaints so they got put into the situation and , of course, it's difficult to negotiate with a crowd. It marred the tennis . I should hate to think we shall have to play some matches in camera. It's just nasty and very unlike us but who is going to believe that?
Daniel
Party boy hits beach ...:
'He has not said sorry, but I would be apologising my brains out,' said Daniel."
I love Daniel.
'He has not said sorry, but I would be apologising my brains out,' said Daniel."
I love Daniel.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sea shepherd crew held hostage by whalers
Sea shepherd crew held hostage by whalers : "Federal opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said it was up to the government to determine whether it wanted to intercept the whalers, “but I don’t think anybody wants a maritime conflict at sea”."
Well, you are hardly going to have it anywhere else if it's maritime.
Well, you are hardly going to have it anywhere else if it's maritime.
He's ba-ack!!
Well, we weren't listening to a thing our new Prime Minister was saying...we were all fixated on the sideburns. We've got a Prime Minister with sideburns! Hope now he can help the whales.
Man on lawnmower charged for DUI
Man on lawnmower charged for DUI : "The mower has been impounded, and Mr Gunn has a date in court later this week, facing charges of careless driving, driving while disqualified, and driving with excess breath alcohol."
He was twice the legal limit and found to be drunk in charge of a mower. He thought he was all right because it went far slower than a bicycle! Reminds me of some French guy ages ago who sawed the wings off his plane and drove it down to the shops. He too was fined.You just can't drive what you want on the road!
He was twice the legal limit and found to be drunk in charge of a mower. He thought he was all right because it went far slower than a bicycle! Reminds me of some French guy ages ago who sawed the wings off his plane and drove it down to the shops. He too was fined.You just can't drive what you want on the road!
MySpace party boy offered promoter gig
MySpace party boy offered promoter gig : "Mr Sabre told media outlets today that Corey had done 'a great job in the wrong place' and tipped he could be successful promoting underage events.
'A promoter who can organise a party for 500 people can make anywhere from $2000 to $10,000,' he said."
Well, there you go. He's run away and in the meantime he's been offered a promoter's job . So the reward for damaging his home, distressing and upsetting the neighbourhood, distressing and upsetting his parents ,getting stuck into the police and their cars...is fame and fortune. His game of uproar is being rewarded with more attention, plenty of money and the parents, who'd like to set him straight, have no show and no hope. So, there you go, just do what you like, run amok, lash out at police and you too can be rich a famous.Who cares what the neighbours had to put up with and the fact his parents couldn't go away for a nice holiday when they thought he was with friends. It's all about him and he's going to be rich. Pardon me, but FIIK.
'A promoter who can organise a party for 500 people can make anywhere from $2000 to $10,000,' he said."
Well, there you go. He's run away and in the meantime he's been offered a promoter's job . So the reward for damaging his home, distressing and upsetting the neighbourhood, distressing and upsetting his parents ,getting stuck into the police and their cars...is fame and fortune. His game of uproar is being rewarded with more attention, plenty of money and the parents, who'd like to set him straight, have no show and no hope. So, there you go, just do what you like, run amok, lash out at police and you too can be rich a famous.Who cares what the neighbours had to put up with and the fact his parents couldn't go away for a nice holiday when they thought he was with friends. It's all about him and he's going to be rich. Pardon me, but FIIK.
MySpace makes child online safety pact with US prosecutors
MySpace makes child online safety pact with US prosecutors : "MySpace has agreed to develop safety enhancements that include letting parents submit children's email addresses to prevent profiles from being created using them, and to respond within 72 hours to complaints of inappropriate content."
MySpace needs to do something in my humble opinion because if MySpace were a person at the very least we'd be taking a restraint order out. It is an invention which brings about a lot of harm - it seems to be a place which can brign about some horrible behaviour even though it is not its intention. There have been some pretty sad cases where MySpace has been party to negative behaviour. I wonder how much it is costing each community in terms of the work it generates for police, psychologists, care workers. It is something which needs to be looked at because its potential to generate some really disastrous behaviour in the community is evident. It is not the fault of MySpace but it is nevertheless the impact it can have. Something needs to be done about it and MySpace needs to be party to it. The cost to the community from social networking needs to be determined and MySpace gets some bad press and yet it may not be the only site which attracts the negatives. Certainly has a PR problem and as I said, were it a human we'd be taking some pretty strong action.
MySpace needs to do something in my humble opinion because if MySpace were a person at the very least we'd be taking a restraint order out. It is an invention which brings about a lot of harm - it seems to be a place which can brign about some horrible behaviour even though it is not its intention. There have been some pretty sad cases where MySpace has been party to negative behaviour. I wonder how much it is costing each community in terms of the work it generates for police, psychologists, care workers. It is something which needs to be looked at because its potential to generate some really disastrous behaviour in the community is evident. It is not the fault of MySpace but it is nevertheless the impact it can have. Something needs to be done about it and MySpace needs to be party to it. The cost to the community from social networking needs to be determined and MySpace gets some bad press and yet it may not be the only site which attracts the negatives. Certainly has a PR problem and as I said, were it a human we'd be taking some pretty strong action.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Left is right side to get out of bed
AdelaideNow... Left is right side to get out of bed: "Sleep scientists, feng shui experts and psychologists put their heads together to analyse the best way to get up in the morning."
Well, I am so glad I get out of bed on the left hand side. Must be why I am so balances, calm and wonderful. It means those who are designated the other side of the bed are destined to feel out of sorts and under par all the time. We need to have a plan here so half the world isn't feeling skitter-skattered.
Well, I am so glad I get out of bed on the left hand side. Must be why I am so balances, calm and wonderful. It means those who are designated the other side of the bed are destined to feel out of sorts and under par all the time. We need to have a plan here so half the world isn't feeling skitter-skattered.
Indian 'cheapmobile' a green nightmare
(Money Sharma/EPA)Indian 'cheapmobile' a green nightmare : "'That's what drove me - a man on a two-wheeler with a child standing in front, his wife standing behind, add to that the wet roads - a family in potential danger.'"The Tata Nano is so cute and when you hear what the driving force was behind designing a small, affordable car for Indians is about, then we need to really think hard. While we all have the convenience of a car and a way of getting ourselves and our families around in the heat or wet, then we can hardly point the finger and say the Indians shouldn't do it because their numbers will create an energy nightmare. It's a bit unfair. There are so many countries where people are entitled to drive cars. We need to look at the problems of putting so many people on the road in India and then offer, as a planet, to solve the problem. Once we sort out the biofuel problem, find green solutions to fuel then it will not be a problem, but this is a situation where , as a world, we need to look at the equity of the situation, and then work as a team to come up with some workable solutions. It won't help the lungs of the Indians to have so many cars on the road...but you can understand their need to have a car the same as we have that need.
Scientists regenerate dead heart
Scientists regenerate dead heart -: "'They have repopulated that scaffold with a mix of cells, either extracted from baby rat hearts or from the cells that line the arteries of the heart,' she said."
Eeee-oooo! Sounds awful, but he truth is, once they have mastered regenerating hearts then people won't have to get into such a state and have bypasses, valve replacements...and the possibility of a heart transplant being rejected will be minimised. Researchers around the world a re looking at how to regenerate heart tissue and if you read the whole article you can see how well they think and how far they have come. It may sound off, but in the cold light of day it will save the people you love.
Eeee-oooo! Sounds awful, but he truth is, once they have mastered regenerating hearts then people won't have to get into such a state and have bypasses, valve replacements...and the possibility of a heart transplant being rejected will be minimised. Researchers around the world a re looking at how to regenerate heart tissue and if you read the whole article you can see how well they think and how far they have come. It may sound off, but in the cold light of day it will save the people you love.
MySpace party teen unrepentant
MySpace party teen unrepentant : "'Everyone was just here to have a bit of fun and then the cops came and stuffed everything up,' he said."
Stupid police. Fancy spoiling all the fun. No boundaries, no consideration, totally self absorbed and I am sure it'll all be myspaced and you tubed and bugga the neighbours and police. Stupid people getting in the way of fun. There have been lots of rewards and attention for these kids. Who cares? Meh!
Stupid police. Fancy spoiling all the fun. No boundaries, no consideration, totally self absorbed and I am sure it'll all be myspaced and you tubed and bugga the neighbours and police. Stupid people getting in the way of fun. There have been lots of rewards and attention for these kids. Who cares? Meh!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Road menace has $20,000 traffic fines halved
AdelaideNow... Road menace has $20,000 traffic fines halved: "The three tickets also resulted in fines of $463 for driving without a valid licence and he was also caught speeding twice in the following six days."
He is not in control. He is working 7 days a week as a furniture salesman for 800 dollars after tax. That is working too much. He could earn more in less time at a supermarket checkout. It says he has a family but doesn't say what that means and 300 dollars a week in rent is an awful lot of money. None of the fines have changed his behaviour. None of the consultations about his finances have changed his thinking and it's true...he cannot afford all those fines and he cannot be catching 2 buses to work. Clearly speeding and running lights is a problem as is driving without a licence, so he is always in a hurry and never has a chance to do anything. He needs a professional who can help change his behaviour and get to the bottom of why he is speeding all the time and to discover whether he has the skills to get a butter paid job without such a big time commitment. Maybe he should be asked to retrain with one of the job agencies because as it stands he is working hard, paying out a lot of money on rent and food and just hasn't got time to sort himself out properly. He needs to get into the slow lane!! The hard line would be to put him behind bars at this stage but truly, he needs some professional support and hopefully some of those problems will be solved. The fines are there to change behaviour. it is not working. Look at something else.
He is not in control. He is working 7 days a week as a furniture salesman for 800 dollars after tax. That is working too much. He could earn more in less time at a supermarket checkout. It says he has a family but doesn't say what that means and 300 dollars a week in rent is an awful lot of money. None of the fines have changed his behaviour. None of the consultations about his finances have changed his thinking and it's true...he cannot afford all those fines and he cannot be catching 2 buses to work. Clearly speeding and running lights is a problem as is driving without a licence, so he is always in a hurry and never has a chance to do anything. He needs a professional who can help change his behaviour and get to the bottom of why he is speeding all the time and to discover whether he has the skills to get a butter paid job without such a big time commitment. Maybe he should be asked to retrain with one of the job agencies because as it stands he is working hard, paying out a lot of money on rent and food and just hasn't got time to sort himself out properly. He needs to get into the slow lane!! The hard line would be to put him behind bars at this stage but truly, he needs some professional support and hopefully some of those problems will be solved. The fines are there to change behaviour. it is not working. Look at something else.
Half of us lack modern world skills
Half of us lack modern world skills : "A new survey on life skills by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals 46 per cent of the population, or seven million people, would struggle to understand the meaning of newspaper and magazine articles or documentation such as maps and payslips."
That's because we are too busy getting pissed at a young age and buggering up people's neighbourhoods. Far more important than learning. Meh!
That's because we are too busy getting pissed at a young age and buggering up people's neighbourhoods. Far more important than learning. Meh!
Cops, chopper, dogs quell 500 teens
Cops, chopper, dogs quell 500 teens : "POLICE, the air wing and the dog squad were used to control up to 500 drunk teenagers who turned wild at a house party in Melbourne's outer south-east."
Pity the police didn't line the 500 up and take names and addresses..drunk or not, because they could have helped pay for the costs of what security paraphernalia it took to get this party...party?? a misnomer surely? ....under control. I pity the neighbours and the neighbourhood. So where are the boundaries? The acceptable limits? The consequences? No big deal , heh? Poor neighbours. I bet they put up with hell. Well, as far as the boy is concerned I am so glad I believe in poetic justice. It'll come back. We get what we are prepared to accept and this is really anti social.
Pity the police didn't line the 500 up and take names and addresses..drunk or not, because they could have helped pay for the costs of what security paraphernalia it took to get this party...party?? a misnomer surely? ....under control. I pity the neighbours and the neighbourhood. So where are the boundaries? The acceptable limits? The consequences? No big deal , heh? Poor neighbours. I bet they put up with hell. Well, as far as the boy is concerned I am so glad I believe in poetic justice. It'll come back. We get what we are prepared to accept and this is really anti social.
Aussie kayakers make trans-Tasman history
Aussie kayakers make trans-Tasman history : "They completed their epic paddle just after midday local time (10:00am AEDT), 61 days after setting out from Forster on the New South Wales mid-north coast."
I sometimes wonder why people put themselves so at risk like this. Kayaking across the Tasman is an extraordinary feat of strength, courage, endurance and it demonstrates the indomitable human spirit. People do it to see if they can. People do it because it will make them feel invincible and you only have to look at James Catrission and Justin Jones to know that their happiness at achieving this cannot be replicated in any other way and is boundless. They were briefly interviewed from time to time as they kayaked and I was glad, because it kept them safe but it also showed just how focused and determined they were in a very understated fashion. Their families are going to be so relieved and are probably crying buckets of tears because they would have worried themselves sick every moment of the journey. They would know just how much these two mean to them. NZ gave them a fantastic welcome and people were preparing yesterday to bring them in that last stretch. It is such an honour they sent out Maori war canoes too. Even James McAuley's widow was there and that was a significant and big hearted thing for her to do. Her husband went missing 70 km, I think it was, off the shore last year when his kayak capsized as he tried to break the trans Tasman record solo. They found the kayak but he has been missing and they have assumed he is dead. That was only the beginning of last year, so it is a great thing for her to put her personal pain aside and welcome these two who have achieved what her husband almost achieved. She understands their spirit and the significance of it.
I sometimes wonder why people put themselves so at risk like this. Kayaking across the Tasman is an extraordinary feat of strength, courage, endurance and it demonstrates the indomitable human spirit. People do it to see if they can. People do it because it will make them feel invincible and you only have to look at James Catrission and Justin Jones to know that their happiness at achieving this cannot be replicated in any other way and is boundless. They were briefly interviewed from time to time as they kayaked and I was glad, because it kept them safe but it also showed just how focused and determined they were in a very understated fashion. Their families are going to be so relieved and are probably crying buckets of tears because they would have worried themselves sick every moment of the journey. They would know just how much these two mean to them. NZ gave them a fantastic welcome and people were preparing yesterday to bring them in that last stretch. It is such an honour they sent out Maori war canoes too. Even James McAuley's widow was there and that was a significant and big hearted thing for her to do. Her husband went missing 70 km, I think it was, off the shore last year when his kayak capsized as he tried to break the trans Tasman record solo. They found the kayak but he has been missing and they have assumed he is dead. That was only the beginning of last year, so it is a great thing for her to put her personal pain aside and welcome these two who have achieved what her husband almost achieved. She understands their spirit and the significance of it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Why Gen Y flouts sun warnings
Why Gen Y flouts sun warnings : "The melanoma risk calculator, part of the GenoMEL project, will be available for free within five years."
The GenoMEL may well help but in the emantime common sense needs to prevail. If young people are ignoring the warnings and the facts then they do not believe it applies to them. Sun safety is for everyone else. Is it just sun safety? They have been brought up on options, choices and consequences so if they choose to go into the sun and stay too long, if they choose not to slip slop slap, then that was their choice and they will have to suffer the consequences. Their logic doesn't allow them to put common sense in first. No one in their right mind puts themselves at risk. There isn't an option if you have common sense!
The GenoMEL may well help but in the emantime common sense needs to prevail. If young people are ignoring the warnings and the facts then they do not believe it applies to them. Sun safety is for everyone else. Is it just sun safety? They have been brought up on options, choices and consequences so if they choose to go into the sun and stay too long, if they choose not to slip slop slap, then that was their choice and they will have to suffer the consequences. Their logic doesn't allow them to put common sense in first. No one in their right mind puts themselves at risk. There isn't an option if you have common sense!
Learning Chinese online
Learning Chinese online:This page helps you to learn
Chinese. No matter where you are, we are with
you...
The Chinese are busy learning English because of the Beijing Olympics...so we should return the favour and learn a bit of Chinese in exchange to help smooth the communication path. I am sure if our Prime Minister can do it , we can! It'll set a good atmosphere and this site is terrific because there are so many links, resources and ways of getting your head around Chinese. Go for it!
Chinese. No matter where you are, we are with
you...
The Chinese are busy learning English because of the Beijing Olympics...so we should return the favour and learn a bit of Chinese in exchange to help smooth the communication path. I am sure if our Prime Minister can do it , we can! It'll set a good atmosphere and this site is terrific because there are so many links, resources and ways of getting your head around Chinese. Go for it!
Print Your Own Food
Print Your Own Food -- Now Edible! | Geekdad from Wired.com: "An open source project, CandyFab is looking for volunteers to help bring the technology forward."
Wired never ceases to amaze me what it comes up with for stories....but humans never cease to amaze me either. Printed food. This is astounding and very new millennium. Just what I am looking for! No, not printed sugar goodies...new age approaches. At this stage they are producing sugar based edibles...but the whole concept of putting ingredients into a printer and then printing your own food is just brilliant. Brilliant. I hope they get some more people to bring this idea forward. Beat printing tiresome reports!
Wired never ceases to amaze me what it comes up with for stories....but humans never cease to amaze me either. Printed food. This is astounding and very new millennium. Just what I am looking for! No, not printed sugar goodies...new age approaches. At this stage they are producing sugar based edibles...but the whole concept of putting ingredients into a printer and then printing your own food is just brilliant. Brilliant. I hope they get some more people to bring this idea forward. Beat printing tiresome reports!
US Elections
Welcome: "Welcome to Electoral Vote Predictor, which tracks political polls for U.S. federal elections. The site was immensely popular in 2004, ranking in the top 1000 Websites in the world and the top 10 blogs in the world, with about 700,000 visitors a day."
Well, I'm ready to follow this race! Adelaide Now has a lovely flash guide for the US elections for we Australians who are trying to work out how this all happens over there. The Electoral Vote Predictor site, though, has the maps, the inside news, the stats, the info...plenty of information and visuals. Great site. I am not surprised it has been so popular with the elections. I have linked it right with one of their logos for bloggers. That was very thoughtful.
Well, I'm ready to follow this race! Adelaide Now has a lovely flash guide for the US elections for we Australians who are trying to work out how this all happens over there. The Electoral Vote Predictor site, though, has the maps, the inside news, the stats, the info...plenty of information and visuals. Great site. I am not surprised it has been so popular with the elections. I have linked it right with one of their logos for bloggers. That was very thoughtful.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Jamie Oliver launches chicken crusade
Jamie Oliver launches chicken crusade : "Oliver and Fearnley-Whittingstall believe part of the solution lies in getting supermarkets to set a fair price for 'ethically' reared chickens."
For many people the cost of food is the thing which makes them avoid the conscience issues. It's understandable. They and their children have to eat. We have been through a similar process here because we got to the stage where we really didn't want to eat food from animals which were hurt and treated badly. We have been through the emotion of it and the pros and cons...but their are no pros to mistreating animals. The better option is vegetarian and vegan and that has developed widespread acceptance and the food options now available for vegetarians and vegans have really increased. Their tastes are less marginalised now and more mainstream. This means farmers have benefited from the options now demanded by vegetarian and vegan consumers...as have shoe makers etc. It's the classic increase-decrease model. If you decrease the pain of animals raised under vile conditions to supply us with food, then you actually increase the possibilities for other products. In that sense we have more choices. As time has gone by our eggs are clearly labelled caged or organic and we know where the eggs come from so we can buy locally if we want and support our farmers. The organic chicken has taken off because it does have a better taste and so you use less and the organic farmers have gradually built up the market and the options through sheer hard work and creativity to bring us chicken which tastes good but has a range of prices. So gradually we are getting on the right track. Those farmers who were running the chook sheds have had a chance to change and see that it is possible. Our bottom line is we don't want cruel conditions for cattle, pigs, chickens and we have worked on that. Not everyone is happy, but most are and most of us feel better about it because we care.Once the options are there the emotion and arguments go out of it and people settle into common sense. Fear is always a great deterrent to change.
For many people the cost of food is the thing which makes them avoid the conscience issues. It's understandable. They and their children have to eat. We have been through a similar process here because we got to the stage where we really didn't want to eat food from animals which were hurt and treated badly. We have been through the emotion of it and the pros and cons...but their are no pros to mistreating animals. The better option is vegetarian and vegan and that has developed widespread acceptance and the food options now available for vegetarians and vegans have really increased. Their tastes are less marginalised now and more mainstream. This means farmers have benefited from the options now demanded by vegetarian and vegan consumers...as have shoe makers etc. It's the classic increase-decrease model. If you decrease the pain of animals raised under vile conditions to supply us with food, then you actually increase the possibilities for other products. In that sense we have more choices. As time has gone by our eggs are clearly labelled caged or organic and we know where the eggs come from so we can buy locally if we want and support our farmers. The organic chicken has taken off because it does have a better taste and so you use less and the organic farmers have gradually built up the market and the options through sheer hard work and creativity to bring us chicken which tastes good but has a range of prices. So gradually we are getting on the right track. Those farmers who were running the chook sheds have had a chance to change and see that it is possible. Our bottom line is we don't want cruel conditions for cattle, pigs, chickens and we have worked on that. Not everyone is happy, but most are and most of us feel better about it because we care.Once the options are there the emotion and arguments go out of it and people settle into common sense. Fear is always a great deterrent to change.
The houses that ate Canberra
The houses that ate Canberra : "'The old Australian way of life was a modest house with a big backyard, where the only thing in it was a Hills Hoist or some kids playing footy or cricket ... but the big backyard is dying rapidly.'"
So is the health and fitness of its inhabitants...Houses are designed for sitters these days and the back yard cricket, the golf putting, the outdoor games, rough and tumble and roller skating...not to mention the knowledge of nature that you get from grass, dirt, plants, water. We shall be odd and we shall have the health issues to go with it. Affluenza is a real problem here.
So is the health and fitness of its inhabitants...Houses are designed for sitters these days and the back yard cricket, the golf putting, the outdoor games, rough and tumble and roller skating...not to mention the knowledge of nature that you get from grass, dirt, plants, water. We shall be odd and we shall have the health issues to go with it. Affluenza is a real problem here.
Australia to act on plastic bags
Australia to act on plastic bags: "On Tuesday, China said a ban on free plastic bags would start in June."
Well, our states will be discussing this in April and that is a start. Bit by bit, but it would appear the whole world has taken on the bag issue and is starting to bag the bags and that's good. They are a menace to the environment. It's horrible. We shall have to be creative in our options because we have come to rely on them a lot. Changing habits is never easy but the benefit to the planet will be fantastic. San Francisco has already banned the bags. I wonder how that is going?
Well, our states will be discussing this in April and that is a start. Bit by bit, but it would appear the whole world has taken on the bag issue and is starting to bag the bags and that's good. They are a menace to the environment. It's horrible. We shall have to be creative in our options because we have come to rely on them a lot. Changing habits is never easy but the benefit to the planet will be fantastic. San Francisco has already banned the bags. I wonder how that is going?
FBI wiretap cut off over unpaid bill
FBI wiretap cut off over unpaid bill : "The Justice Department's inspector-general faulted the FBI for poor handling of money used in undercover investigations, which it said made the agency vulnerable to theft and mishandled invoices."
Classic! So focussed on the big stuff the small, essentials are overlooked.I am certain they'll get their routines in place. There are a million jokes in this and I cannot think of one of them. Over to you.
Classic! So focussed on the big stuff the small, essentials are overlooked.I am certain they'll get their routines in place. There are a million jokes in this and I cannot think of one of them. Over to you.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Click my Stars!
Okay, the ratings war continues. Sooner or later I'll get a rating...or not! Click my stars! I have some delightful pink ones and some people have given my posts 5 stars and one post got a one star click. Hover your mouse over the stars and the more you move to the right the more stars I'll have coloured in the lovely shade of pink and then...and then...maybe I'll finally get rated. I am so underrated!
Clinton slays Obama in crucial New Hampshire race
Clinton slays Obama in crucial New Hampshire race : "Mrs Clinton triumphed despite a flood of polls showing her with a double-digit deficit against Mr Obama."
I wonder if the Americans followed our elections? The good thing about this one is that we have some interesting people to follow and it is a far cry from the constant, mind numbing, negative drivel we were getting as our constant political diet. So unworthy of us. Yes, this election is going to be tight but so was the French one and that went right down to the last day and it was astounding. I still think they should have had the guts to back Ségolène Royal. Never mind. Sarkozy it is. So who will win this one? The positive upshot of this is we have had some really nice and experienced American political commentators as well as our own reporters on the ground in America, giving us a pretty detailed and helpful picture of the flavour of this election. This is real people talking to us. Real, educated, friendly, interesting Americans explaining their views and the scene...then we have our own reporters to cover their angles from our point of view. That has been so nice because there is a sense of people working together and forging genuine friendships. That is much better.Isn't that what globalization should be about? Not us being the same...us understanding the common ground and then the differences. We've got oxygen in the air! The annoying thing is last election I had found a site where you can look at all the states as they vote and so you can see the build up of the election outcomes around the country. Can't find the site. So annoying!
I wonder if the Americans followed our elections? The good thing about this one is that we have some interesting people to follow and it is a far cry from the constant, mind numbing, negative drivel we were getting as our constant political diet. So unworthy of us. Yes, this election is going to be tight but so was the French one and that went right down to the last day and it was astounding. I still think they should have had the guts to back Ségolène Royal. Never mind. Sarkozy it is. So who will win this one? The positive upshot of this is we have had some really nice and experienced American political commentators as well as our own reporters on the ground in America, giving us a pretty detailed and helpful picture of the flavour of this election. This is real people talking to us. Real, educated, friendly, interesting Americans explaining their views and the scene...then we have our own reporters to cover their angles from our point of view. That has been so nice because there is a sense of people working together and forging genuine friendships. That is much better.Isn't that what globalization should be about? Not us being the same...us understanding the common ground and then the differences. We've got oxygen in the air! The annoying thing is last election I had found a site where you can look at all the states as they vote and so you can see the build up of the election outcomes around the country. Can't find the site. So annoying!
School reports going electronic
School reports going electronic: "This would give parents access to 'frequently-updated information on children's achievement, progress, attendance, behaviour and special needs wherever, whenever they want, using password-protected, secure, online systems'."
I can understand the worry about security, but we do online banking, so the reports ought to be able to be nailed down. It would certainly save paper...carbon...but then people might be able to tamper with the reports and create their own version. To me, the idea has merit because it's probably quite a handy way of keeping up with your child. The workload , security and tampering issues all need to be clarified but I'd love us to actually have a paper free world! Computers seem to create more and more and we have to bite the bullet at some stage and dispense with paper. It is a nightmare trying to file it all.
I can understand the worry about security, but we do online banking, so the reports ought to be able to be nailed down. It would certainly save paper...carbon...but then people might be able to tamper with the reports and create their own version. To me, the idea has merit because it's probably quite a handy way of keeping up with your child. The workload , security and tampering issues all need to be clarified but I'd love us to actually have a paper free world! Computers seem to create more and more and we have to bite the bullet at some stage and dispense with paper. It is a nightmare trying to file it all.
We want to move on: Indian team
We want to move on: Indian team : "'We are here to play to cricket. We will play cricket. We have played good cricket in Sydney and we hope to continue playing good cricket.'"
Exactly. Cricket. It's about cricket. On the positive side the whole business has made top level people look at the management structure of international cricket. That's not such a bad thing to have a review like that to determine who does what, what the rules are, what is necessary for the welfare of international teams at home and away and what the parameters are for umpiring. In that sense there has been a really good and expert review of cricketing conditions which can be ongoing. The real plus from what has occurred, though, is the amount of knowledge and experience which has been able to be brought to bear in this situation and the touching and astounding stories of cricketers and cricket teams. If nothing else it has reaffirmed that these are people who can manage extraordinary conditions...and that is why, in the final analysis, we admire them and look up to them.
Exactly. Cricket. It's about cricket. On the positive side the whole business has made top level people look at the management structure of international cricket. That's not such a bad thing to have a review like that to determine who does what, what the rules are, what is necessary for the welfare of international teams at home and away and what the parameters are for umpiring. In that sense there has been a really good and expert review of cricketing conditions which can be ongoing. The real plus from what has occurred, though, is the amount of knowledge and experience which has been able to be brought to bear in this situation and the touching and astounding stories of cricketers and cricket teams. If nothing else it has reaffirmed that these are people who can manage extraordinary conditions...and that is why, in the final analysis, we admire them and look up to them.
Garrett wants bags gone by year's end
Garrett wants bags gone by year's end: "'Plastic bags are a part of our lives - if we replace them we are going to replace them with paper and where's the paper going to come from?"
Plastic bags were not a part of our lives and we lived perfectly well without them. The damage to the environment and our fauna has been duly noted and documented. The encouraging of reusable bags has had a good impact because you do not see plastic bags flying around everywhere. Stores like Bunnings have abandoned them completely. You either bring your own bag, purchase one of their reasonably priced reusable large bags or they offer boxes from their packaging. Everyone has adapted, the store has taken positive action and it is all tickety boo. People need warning if there is to be a deadline and as far as I am concerned we have been working towards getting rid of the bags and yes, we want it, and yes, the government should represent us. No one said the alternative had to be paper but we could look at renewable sources of paper and it might get our recycling act together even better if we offered recycled paper. We have to change. What we have done is damaging so we have been working towards repairing the damage. A ho-hum , it's too hard approach at this stage is rather counter productive. We even used to manage without paper bags. No one left home without their string bag. I love Vanuatu...they have bags made form woven banana leaves. Totally functional and totally biodegradable. Yes, we may well have to look at options. Now, there's a thought!
Plastic bags were not a part of our lives and we lived perfectly well without them. The damage to the environment and our fauna has been duly noted and documented. The encouraging of reusable bags has had a good impact because you do not see plastic bags flying around everywhere. Stores like Bunnings have abandoned them completely. You either bring your own bag, purchase one of their reasonably priced reusable large bags or they offer boxes from their packaging. Everyone has adapted, the store has taken positive action and it is all tickety boo. People need warning if there is to be a deadline and as far as I am concerned we have been working towards getting rid of the bags and yes, we want it, and yes, the government should represent us. No one said the alternative had to be paper but we could look at renewable sources of paper and it might get our recycling act together even better if we offered recycled paper. We have to change. What we have done is damaging so we have been working towards repairing the damage. A ho-hum , it's too hard approach at this stage is rather counter productive. We even used to manage without paper bags. No one left home without their string bag. I love Vanuatu...they have bags made form woven banana leaves. Totally functional and totally biodegradable. Yes, we may well have to look at options. Now, there's a thought!
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