Michaelangelica Posted October 19, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2007 Oz Wildlifelesson 2The secret life of water rats - October - Scribbly Gum - ABC Science Online Yes there is more than kangaroos, kookaburras and Tasmanian DevilsBut like most Australians they prefer to party at night This is a pretty creature given abum-rap-name by British zoologists.The secret life of water ratsthe key to predicting a Water Rat’s aggression level lies in the colour of its belly fur. the earliest Hydromys fossils found in Australia are around one million years old, although much older fossils have been found in elsewhere. In Australia, they live primarily in a wide variety of freshwater habitats, (having ahard time at the moment)We need more of them. feral cats kill themToad eaters Melody Serena says that it was this habit of leaving their litter behind that led to a remarkable—albeit anecdotal-- discovery about Water Rats. “Little is really known about these animals,” she says, “and we rely heavily on the observations of the public to help broaden our knowledge of the species. “We recently had an enquiry from a member of the public in the Northern Territory. She was fed up with the local Water Rats littering her pool surround with the remains of Cane Toads that they had killed and eaten. “This is particularly interesting,” she goes on, “because we know that once Cane Toads move into an area, native carnivores such as the Northern Quoll start disappearing shortly afterwards, owing to their habit of catching prey by grabbing them around the neck, right where the cane toad’s poison sacs are located. “Somehow Water Rats are either immune to Cane Toad poison, or they have figured a way to avoid coming into contact with the poison glands.” These animals are highly intelligent, she says and there is more anecdotal evidence of mothers spending time to teach their young the most efficient way of eating mussels (by bringing them up and leaving them in the sun, they open by themselves). Serena says that it is possible that one Water Rat may have stumbled on an effective Cane Toad killing technique and passed it onto her young, and likens its subsequent spread through the population to a form of cultural evolution occasionally seen among intelligent animals. freeztar 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2007 Well I got yet another pretty government booklet in the mail this week. This one on Internet filters.It says to go to Home | NetAlert to get a list of "prohibited content." I tried but couldn't unless I downloaded a programme.Anyone else found such a list? Because it is not there it is at the ACMA siteACMA - Internet regulationIt includes"content that depicts high level violence, implied or simulated sexual activity or other high impact material.real depictions of actual sexual activity, child pornography, depictions of bestiality, material containing excessive violence or sexual violence, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use, and/or material that advocates the doing of a terrorist act." Sounds like most Hollywood movies will be banned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2007 I know heath and Hospitals are under-funded here.But this latest report really shocked me.It is appalling that we forcer our old people do this- along with DIY DentistryDIY surgery is part of policy: Meagher THE embattled NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher, has angrily denied reports an elderly man was forced to perform emergency coronary artery bypass surgery on himself in a hospital cafeteria. The patient, 87-year-old war veteran Arch Clissold, complained that no emergency beds were available when he arrived at the hospital after a heart attack at midnight on Monday. After a four-hour wait in the cafeteria, he finally performed a percutaneous coronary intervention on his stenotic left circumflex artery using a plastic spoon and a paper napkin. Ms Meagher said there was no shortage of beds or staff at the hospital, and accused the Opposition of staging another publicity stunt. "The patient was not forced to do anything," Ms Meagher said during a fiery exchange in Parliament yesterday. "The operation was entirely voluntary under our new policy of do-it-yourself surgery. "People who have a brain hemorrhage, or perhaps are injured in a car crash, can go to any hospital of their choice and treat themselves." "And it was not a cafeteria. It was one of our new dedicated personal surgical facilities where patients can operate on themselves or their friends while enjoying coffee or a sandwich.":)'Tis the election season, so break out the satire - Opinion - smh.com.auThe same article has a bit on the election campaign too. A big Yawn so farThis was abit more readable egAnd here is another gem that might perhaps fall into the category of "untrustworthy liars". Five months after voters swept the Keating government out and the Howard Coalition in, the new Prime Minister went on the John Laws program on Sydney radio. The date was August 21, 1996. The following was said: Laws: "There are two classes of promises, it seems now, with this Government - core promises which are kept, and then those not-so-important promises, the ones-we-didn't-really-mean kind of promises, the surely-you-knew-we-were-joking kind of promises, I guess …" Howard: "We worked hard. We tried to get the balance right, we tried to get the economics right, we obviously tried to get the politics right, we tried to spread the burdens around, we certainly were determined to keep the core commitments we made. And we have, in full." And this exchange: Laws: "Do you think Australians accept your distinction between so-called core promises and those you have now felt free to [pause] - how many promises have you broken?" Is Kafka running the world?This time the tables are turned - Opinion - smh.com.auBTWYou can now BET on GLOBAL WARMING!Wait till Ozzzies find out about this! Intersting Election trivia (notice I am trying to ignore it)Dr Karl's party vows to 'keep the bastards focused' Posted 8 hours 52 minutes ago (ABC NEWS) Science broadcaster Dr Karl Kruszelnicki's party has launched its campaign for a New South Wales Senate seat, in a bid to put climate change at the top of the election agenda.I wonder if it will just split the Green vote?How many ABC (exish) employees does that make standing in the next election??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2007 One of the main contenders in the World Solar Challenge has been forced to withdraw from the race after crashing just after the start of the across-Australia dash in Darwin this morning. MAP hereSearch. ABC News Online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2007 DARWINUsually renenowned for the prodigiuios amout of beer drunk.Now Dawin has another claim to fame.Darwin Harbour a biodiverse hot spot: research * Map: Darwin 0800Map. - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) New research rates Darwin Harbour as among the richest coastal environments anywhere in the Asia Pacific region. A 10-year Charles Darwin University PhD study has found the tidal mangroves are home to Australia's largest variety of marine and animal life. Dr Kristin Metcalfe says she has discovered two new crabs, a sea shell and a new genus of amphibious coral which grows on the leaves of the mangrove forest. "They are home to over 20 species of mammals and 70 species of birds, and well over 300 invertebrate species," she said of the mangroves. "So they're a very diverse environment. Darwin Harbour is certainly up there with the most diverse habitats not only in Australia but the Indo-Pacific region."Darwin Harbour a biodiverse hot spot: research - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):) ;) Interested in National Parks, park rangers, environment, animal protection & conservation worldwide?Watch this 30min documentary.It will restore your faith in humankindAustralian StoryNine years ago, Victorian park ranger Sean Willmore was awarded a bravery medal for trying to save a drowning man off Wilsons Promontory in the state’s southeast. Now the 35-year-old has become a hero of a different kind. His documentary ‘The Thin Green Line’, which examines the often dangerous work of park rangers in six continents, premiered simultaneously in 50 countries. About 15,000 people world-wide watched the premier of Sean Willmore’s film on International Rangers Day, July 31. Even State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger got inspired and declared July 31 California State Park Ranger Day.RELATED LINKS The Thin Green Line | The International Ranger Documentary Home page for Sean Willmore's documentary 'The Thin Green Line'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Is anyone reading this or should I stop? Mango time soonMy absolute favourite fruit.They are everywhere in QueenslandMango scanner trials show sweet results A new tool has been developed by Australian researchers to reduce the risk of shoppers suffering flavourless, unripe or spoiled mangoes. The portable hand-held fruit scanner has been trialed across Queensland and Northern Territory orchards for the past three years. The scanner sends infra red rays of light through the fruit to assess sugar, starch and protein. Central Queensland University's Phul Subedi says the scanner tells growers when to pick fruit. "This technology is called 'near infra red spectroscopic technique'," he said. "We are using this technology for non-invasive quality assessment. It is very new in Australian industry." Mr Subedi says his fruit scanner is working perfectly in the Darwin mango harvest underway this month. Mango scanner trials show sweet results - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)The 'old' way of selecting amangoSelecting and Ripening a Mango Mangos or Mangoes, when shipped to the market are quite often unripe with a green color, or green with a reddish blush. A ripe mango loses its green color and becomes yellowish as shown in the photo at the left. We have found that mangos purchased with no yellowish color often begin to rot before they become fully ripe. We try to buy the ones showing the most yellow. We then store them on our counter top with bananas, which seem to help ripen the mangos. When ripe, the mango will become slightly soft, and the skin will often begin to show a slight wrinkling. It will also have a slight tropical resin odor. Once you become familiar with these subtleties, you will begin to enjoy this delicious fruit even more. Mango - A Delicious Sweet Tropical Fruit with a Slight Resin Flavor: An All Creatures American International Vegetarian Vegan Recipe - cruelty free, gourmet, recipes, lifestyle, food, appetizer, appetizers, beverage, beverages, bread, breads, roll, r Report shows women struggling under WorkChoices:Minister The New South Wales Minister for Women says a new report shows the Federal Government's WorkChoices laws have led to an increase in harassment and discrimination against women in the workplace.Report shows women struggling under WorkChoices:Minister - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Jay-qu 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeztar Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 I know heath and Hospitals are under-funded here.But this latest report really shocked me.It is appalling that we forcer our old people do this- along with DIY Dentistry;) ;)That's some good humor for the morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monomer Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Is anyone reading this or should I stop? I'm reading it! I just don't always have the time to respond. Mango time soon Excellent!! Love mangos! I previously hated them but now I think they're fantastic. Here's some more mango info: All about mangos featuring mangoe recipes, mango history, eating mangoes, selecting mangos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay-qu Posted October 24, 2007 Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 Yup I read them mate :confused: How about this election debacle thats going on at the moment! Its like watching kids fight:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaurieAG Posted October 24, 2007 Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 How about this election debacle thats going on at the moment! Its like watching kids fight:D Hi Jay-qu, You said it, most of the people I know have turned off entirely, except for the 'true believers' and they are just as bad as religious fanatics at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay-qu Posted October 24, 2007 Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 I am disappointed as this will be the first federal election that I will get a vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaurieAG Posted October 24, 2007 Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 I am disappointed as this will be the first federal election that I will get a vote. Hi Jay-qu, Which do you think will be higher, the people who are registered but don't vote or the informals (i.e. incomplete or defaced ballots). BTW, I have noticed that the percentages given for each candidate in each electorate do not include the informal votes or the non voters in each electorate although the results do show the numbers of informal votes and the total number of people in the electorate. It's a bit of an anomally considering how the actual voting part is mandatory for all citizens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 B)That's some good humour for the morning!I sent it to a doctor friend who thought it was real!!It is written is such a send-up of the style those "health is terrible" reports are always written. On the elections.:eek:I am told that 1 in 5 young people are not registered to vote.I find this immensely sad as it is one indication of their poor political eduction, alienation, drug culture and feelings of impotence. From memory, the informal vote averages out at around 5%From my one-time Scrutinier role ( a committed fried was standing for the Democrats poor sole- but it was an education for me)Most of those 5% wasted votes come from people too stupid to follow the instructionsie"Number the candidates from 1 to 4"so we get tick, tick tick tickor1 ,2 X X X Xor"Mr Mensies.'orJohn SmithInterestingly it is the scrutineers role to argue the case to the Returning Officer for the validity of the vote.My RTO was of the opinion that if the voters intentions were clear he would allow the vote. I just wonder how disinterested all RTOs are in every polling booth?So a single X or tick, or 1 or maybe even John Smith ( and if it is legible) if he is standing;he would count. But he was judge jury and executioners. The major parties would argue each ambiguous vote. Small parties who don't have enough savy, volunteers (scrutineers) to argue their case loose out. I saw very few F** O** etc type votes which to me are the real "informal" "I don't want any part of youse or this')votes. there were a lot of "Donkey votes"- just numbering from 1-4 top to bottom. It is always a good thing to be number one on the ticket (either balloted or alphabetical) Federally we have preferential Voting so If your first choice gets knocked out you vote is recounted as a first vote for your second choice and so onThis means you can give a "sympathy vote" (to the greens, marijuana party, 'kangaroo shooters alliance','small gods' party; 'I am a secret liberal/ labour party';and Australian democrats in the Lower House.("House Representatives" -the real power-your 'local' member.)) knowing that your vote will probably mostly go to one or other major party. It is called "Protest Vote" ie., ("I-think-Big-Parties-Stink- but-I-know-I-will-end-up-with-you-eventually" vote). Also if you vote for a minor party they get your $1.80 in Fedral election funding (Does this work in both Houses? anyone know?) The Upper House (senate) ticket is getting difficult with maybe 60-70+ -more every year - people. But they have tried to 'simplify' it so you can vote just for the party line.As you can imagine it takes months to sort out the final seats in the Senate, but this is where minor parties do well and can have a voice. A vote for a minor part here can really count. That is why the major parties try to "simplify" it.My wife and I doggedly number each square. (There is one very rabid, right-of Genghis Khan-wing, Christian she likes to put last. It takes for-ever and when you get it wrong they grumble about giving you another form to fill out (It is your right to bugger up as many as you like) At the front of the polling booth, party faithful give out "how to vote pamphlets" many forests are cut down for these.When I gave these out I often had to explain to Lol (little old ladies) why they could not Vote for Mr Menzies any more (he is dead)B)As for explaining the democrats did not "direct" preferences -forget it!- far too hard a concept.Very many don't even know if it is a State or federal election.orthey would try to fill out the "how to vote" pamphlet and give it back to you.:bat:Mostly everyone is polite and nice- even some camaraderie starts to happen between some of the various people handing out pamphlets. But it is a long, hot,B) thank-less day. Fortunately my fiend gave up her political ambitions B)(after getting the Democrat vote eventually up to 18% a very high Democrat figure. She was close to being a real force with that numberand then she dropped out!!) Also Australian Democrat "after the election parties" are so boring, subdued, everybody is so reasonable and listens to each other:grouphug:Give me the argumentative passion,biting sarcasm,B) insults B) and drunken fist-fights at a Labor Party after-party any day))B) MUCH more entertaining.(The Liberals just talk about the stock-market, fund raising, donations who gets what for waht etc :confused: also very boring)(Some of you may now start to wonder about how I get to all these meetings parties- not telling! Hint-but I did do Politics at Macquarie University once.) But after my experience scrutineering and giving out "How to Votes" I now would prefer an Oligarchy to a :mickmouse:Democracy.(50% of voters have below average intelligence!; and heaps are stoned,B) gar-gar:D or politically naive:Music: voters)But I guess all power corrupts- as we have seen her in the last 11 years. I think many Australian are looking for a change. You probably just need to keep moving the politicians on before they have the chance to entrench their corruption.I will be most interested to see how minor parties like the greens (and perhaps the poor old Democrats) do this year. The state of the environment and the Tasmanian pulp mill may be a real issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay-qu Posted October 24, 2007 Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 Hi Jay-qu, Which do you think will be higher, the people who are registered but don't vote or the informals (i.e. incomplete or defaced ballots). BTW, I have noticed that the percentages given for each candidate in each electorate do not include the informal votes or the non voters in each electorate although the results do show the numbers of informal votes and the total number of people in the electorate. It's a bit of an anomally considering how the actual voting part is mandatory for all citizens.You mean a donkey vote :confused: I am amazed to hear only 1of5 young people are registered.. thats very lazy :eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 You mean a donkey vote B) I am amazed to hear only 1of5 young people are registered.. thats very lazy B)20% are NOT registered. For me the "Donkey Vote"are people who just go 1,2,3,4,5,6, down the vote card without any regard to what they are doing This is different to an "Informal vote"ieIncorrectly filled out voting formor rude words written on ballot paper I am disappointed as this will be the first federal election that I will get a vote.Why JQ?It is a very important election.At the very least you get to direct wher $1.80 of your tax money goes!:confused: It is raining gently on the roof , so long since I have heard that sound.:eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 Solar-powered car race rips up Australia, US on tap for 2008Submitted by Layer 8 on Tue, 10/23/2007 - 1:04pm.The Panasonic World Solar Challenge is underway in Australia where 41 solar-powered cars - with four teams from the US - are racing 1,870 miles across the country's rugged Northern Territory to try to win the 20th running of the event when it ends on Thursday.Solar-powered car race rips up Australia, US on tap for 2008 | NetworkWorld.com Community Vice President Dick Cheney cut a deal with the prime minister of Australia to orchestrate a plea bargain with an Australian terror suspect that would keep him out of sight until after Australia's national elections next month, an Australian television station reported.The Raw Story | Cheney 'interfered directly' to get terror plea bargain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted October 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2007 The Oz police can be tough. AAP October 24, 2007 12:00am SHOWING patrons she could crush beer cans between her exposed breasts has cost a West Australian barmaid $1000.Barmaid fined over crushing beer cans between breasts | Herald SunNo photo with the article sadly.I could be knuckle dragging and say a fine was a bit hard, tough, strong of the rigid police. Most likely the Vice Squad.The poor girl has probably had enough hard knocks in her life without this thick-skinned, hard-core police action.Udderly ridiculous! Of course, if the can was full & the beer wasted the fine is no doubt fully justified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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