Rugby League is certainly a contact sport and sometimes tempers get out of hand - and this leads to a bit of " biffo " ! On August 11 an under nineteen semi final was being played between the Waratah's and the Mt Druitt based " Western City Tigers " - and some players were from an Aboriginal or Pacific Islander background.
When the final whistle blew and the two teams commenced to shake hands it seems someone made a very disparaging - and possibly racist - remark. It seems uncontested that some Tiger's players threw the first punches and this quickly developed into an all in brawl.
The match officials would have had this under control very quickly, but parents and spectators rushed onto the field and joined in the fray. The stoush turned ugly when video was later examined and showed instances of head stomping and similar contact.
The League judiciary have handed down some incredible punishment. One player will be thirty-seven years old when he can legally return to the game and others have been banned for twenty, twelve, ten and five year periods. In fact, six Tiger players have been banned for a cumulative total of ninety-two years.
Many people will believe that the judiciary completely missed the point. What was initially a minor fracas turned ugly when adult parents and spectators chose to wade in to the fight on the pitch - and encourage the younger players to not only continue the fight, but to use " boots and all " tactics.
This is a typical example of the violence that is being imposed on many forms of juvenile sport by overly aggressive parents. Some kids are reluctant to play in teams because of the attitude of parents who impose their views in unpleasant after match reviews. It is common to see such parents raging from the sidelines and howling abuse at the match officials.
In this instance, all the blame has been levelled at the young players and no action taken against those who invaded the field. The League judiciary has taken the easy way out. Certainly the Tigers were the aggressors and punishment is richly deserved, but many would question the degree handed out.
Any spectator who runs onto the ground at a major sporting event faces arrest - and at least a heavy fine or possible a prison sentence. It's time this same penalty applies to juvenile sport to discourage the sort of fracas that occurred on August 11.
The television coverage clearly identifies the culprits !
Saturday 31 August 2013
Friday 30 August 2013
A " Dodgy " Appeal verdict !
Few would disagree that " Cop killers " should serve a harsh sentence, but the extra six years tacked onto a man convicted of " manslaughter " raises questions about the integrity of the charge.
Back in September 2010, police raided a garage used as the base for a 58 year old drug dealer. This drug dealer claims that he thought the plain clothes officers were rival drug dealers and " defended " himself with a pistol.
In the ensuing gun fight one of the police officers was hit by a shot from another officers gun - and subsequently died. Initially, it was proposed to charge the drug dealer with murder, but after plea bargaining, he agreed to plead guilty to a charge of manslaughter - and was given a seven year sentence.
An appeal court has increased that seven year sentence to twelve years because " the case called for a significantly longer sentence being imposed for manslaughter ".
This increased sentence differs widely from the punishment handed out in most civil manslaughter cases and it becomes obvious that the factor influencing the decision - is the death of a serving police officer.
It can certainly be argued that the drug dealer was the instigator of the gun fight, but the death did not happen from his weapon and it is hard to see how a charge of murder could have succeeded and even manslaughter is a matter of conjecture for many people.
No doubt there will be a counter appeal on the grounds that the additional sentence is " excessive ". This is the type of case that may occupy the mind of jurors for many years to come.
Clearly, the officer who fired the fatal shot had no intention of killing a colleague, but to shift the blame entirely onto a third person and label that as " manslaughter " is pulling a very long bow.
It seems that the court was under intense pressure to deliver an " acceptable " verdict !
Back in September 2010, police raided a garage used as the base for a 58 year old drug dealer. This drug dealer claims that he thought the plain clothes officers were rival drug dealers and " defended " himself with a pistol.
In the ensuing gun fight one of the police officers was hit by a shot from another officers gun - and subsequently died. Initially, it was proposed to charge the drug dealer with murder, but after plea bargaining, he agreed to plead guilty to a charge of manslaughter - and was given a seven year sentence.
An appeal court has increased that seven year sentence to twelve years because " the case called for a significantly longer sentence being imposed for manslaughter ".
This increased sentence differs widely from the punishment handed out in most civil manslaughter cases and it becomes obvious that the factor influencing the decision - is the death of a serving police officer.
It can certainly be argued that the drug dealer was the instigator of the gun fight, but the death did not happen from his weapon and it is hard to see how a charge of murder could have succeeded and even manslaughter is a matter of conjecture for many people.
No doubt there will be a counter appeal on the grounds that the additional sentence is " excessive ". This is the type of case that may occupy the mind of jurors for many years to come.
Clearly, the officer who fired the fatal shot had no intention of killing a colleague, but to shift the blame entirely onto a third person and label that as " manslaughter " is pulling a very long bow.
It seems that the court was under intense pressure to deliver an " acceptable " verdict !
Thursday 29 August 2013
Incompatibility !
Nursing homes are correctly described as " Aged Care facilities ". We have an ageing population and more beds are desperately needed to house senior citizens who have passed the point of being able to shop, cook and generally care for themselves. They are designed to not only provide a bed, but the twenty-four hour care that involves toileting, showering and the provision of medical oversight.
Unfortunately, they are the only source of residence for the two thousand young people in New South Wales who are in need of twenty-four hour care because of disability brought on by illness - or who have suffered a tragic accident.
It is not hard to see the incompatibility factor. Nursing homes are the residence of people in their eighties and are setup accordingly. No doubt the staff do their best to accommodate a young person subjected to that environment, but it is a fact of life that the condition of these young patients wither and retreat the longer they live amongst the aged in nursing homes.
The Brain Injury Association of New South Wales is organising a petition to create specialised nursing facilities for young people. They need 10,000 signatures to ensure that this will be presented in parliament, but just getting it tabled is no guarantee that funds will be made available to achieve what is so badly needed.
One of the problems is the need to place young disabled as near as possible to parents and relatives so that visiting contact can be maintained. This often results in a single young patient being housed in a local nursing home, hence the " Lonely little Petunia in an onion patch " syndrome.
This is something that the health professionals will have to grapple with. It may be more beneficial to locate a number of " young people oriented " nursing facilities in various parts of the state, knowing they will reduce the number of family visits - but also knowing that the congregation of people of a similar age will enhance the atmosphere and promote social integration.
As things stand, we are doing the young disabled a tragic disservice. Putting such people in aged nursing homes is ignoring the reality of the connection between physical health and mental health.
Just one more need to stretch the health dollar further !
Unfortunately, they are the only source of residence for the two thousand young people in New South Wales who are in need of twenty-four hour care because of disability brought on by illness - or who have suffered a tragic accident.
It is not hard to see the incompatibility factor. Nursing homes are the residence of people in their eighties and are setup accordingly. No doubt the staff do their best to accommodate a young person subjected to that environment, but it is a fact of life that the condition of these young patients wither and retreat the longer they live amongst the aged in nursing homes.
The Brain Injury Association of New South Wales is organising a petition to create specialised nursing facilities for young people. They need 10,000 signatures to ensure that this will be presented in parliament, but just getting it tabled is no guarantee that funds will be made available to achieve what is so badly needed.
One of the problems is the need to place young disabled as near as possible to parents and relatives so that visiting contact can be maintained. This often results in a single young patient being housed in a local nursing home, hence the " Lonely little Petunia in an onion patch " syndrome.
This is something that the health professionals will have to grapple with. It may be more beneficial to locate a number of " young people oriented " nursing facilities in various parts of the state, knowing they will reduce the number of family visits - but also knowing that the congregation of people of a similar age will enhance the atmosphere and promote social integration.
As things stand, we are doing the young disabled a tragic disservice. Putting such people in aged nursing homes is ignoring the reality of the connection between physical health and mental health.
Just one more need to stretch the health dollar further !
Wednesday 28 August 2013
The " Streaker's " defence !
Somewhere about the mid point of last century an " Ashe's test " was being played at the Sydney Cricket ground. A male spectator stripped off his clothes and ran naked across the pitch in front of thousands of onlookers - and so commenced a custom that still prevails today when a mix of alcohol and boredom takes control of the human mind.
Of course this " Streaker " was grabbed by the police and hustled away, and the next morning a bemused magistrate asked why he had performed this strange act.
The accused thought for a moment, and then proceeded to provide an answer that immediately entered the national lexicon and served as an explanation for every act of lunacy that defies any other logical reason.
" It seemed like a good idea at the time " he offered - and that went into the history books as " the Streaker's defence " !
This week a Sydney court is examining the circumstances of why two young men climbed a crane on a Sydney building site on Australia day last year. It was a risky venture, given that both had been celebrating with alcohol and unfortunately one lost his footing - and fell to his death. The court is unable to supply the " why " to the decision to climb the crane - and once again the most likely answer must be the " Streaker's Defence ".
The strange and bizarre seem to be a fact of life. The police were astonished to encounter a Mitsubishi Magna at 4-30 am on the Newell highway - and noticed that it had only three tyres. This resulted in a chase that led to the driver's arrest - but it remains a matter of conjecture as to why any sane person would take a vehicle missing a tyre for a ride of a state highway.
Newspaper accounts and court records seem to provide an endless litany of what can only be described as " acts of insanity " that seem attributable to the sort of reasoning that led to that epic dash across the Sydney Cricket ground that will soon see it's centenary.
We humans are impulsive types. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a fine line between a stroke of genius - and tragedy ! What is amusing if it turns out the way we imagine can cause death if it goes only slightly amiss - and the aftermath seems so illogical when examined in the cold, hard light of a court of enquiry.
At least that " Streaker " from a by-gone age left his mark on the history books. This contrasts sharply with what became known as the " Mussolini defence " - when the dictator was facing execution - and wistfully noted - " At least I made the trains run on time " !
At least that is a claim that few others in positions of power have been able to achieve !
Of course this " Streaker " was grabbed by the police and hustled away, and the next morning a bemused magistrate asked why he had performed this strange act.
The accused thought for a moment, and then proceeded to provide an answer that immediately entered the national lexicon and served as an explanation for every act of lunacy that defies any other logical reason.
" It seemed like a good idea at the time " he offered - and that went into the history books as " the Streaker's defence " !
This week a Sydney court is examining the circumstances of why two young men climbed a crane on a Sydney building site on Australia day last year. It was a risky venture, given that both had been celebrating with alcohol and unfortunately one lost his footing - and fell to his death. The court is unable to supply the " why " to the decision to climb the crane - and once again the most likely answer must be the " Streaker's Defence ".
The strange and bizarre seem to be a fact of life. The police were astonished to encounter a Mitsubishi Magna at 4-30 am on the Newell highway - and noticed that it had only three tyres. This resulted in a chase that led to the driver's arrest - but it remains a matter of conjecture as to why any sane person would take a vehicle missing a tyre for a ride of a state highway.
Newspaper accounts and court records seem to provide an endless litany of what can only be described as " acts of insanity " that seem attributable to the sort of reasoning that led to that epic dash across the Sydney Cricket ground that will soon see it's centenary.
We humans are impulsive types. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a fine line between a stroke of genius - and tragedy ! What is amusing if it turns out the way we imagine can cause death if it goes only slightly amiss - and the aftermath seems so illogical when examined in the cold, hard light of a court of enquiry.
At least that " Streaker " from a by-gone age left his mark on the history books. This contrasts sharply with what became known as the " Mussolini defence " - when the dictator was facing execution - and wistfully noted - " At least I made the trains run on time " !
At least that is a claim that few others in positions of power have been able to achieve !
Tuesday 27 August 2013
The " Opal Card " era !
Many commuter journeys in Sydney involve a mix of buses, trains and ferries, but the ticketing system required separate tickets to be bought for each stage of the journey. We were out of step with the rest of the world - and even the other states had an advanced system up and working.
The previous state government wasted millions trying to implement something similar to the famous London " Oyster card " - and failed miserably. Deadlines came - and went. There always seemed to be an impenetrable maize of obstacles to a universal card that would cope with all three forms of transport.
The present state government tried a " slow and steady " approach. Their new " Tap and Ride " was named the " Opal card " and was cautiously implemented first on the harbour ferry system. This allowed the organizers to rid the system of any " bugs " with the least public inconvenience, and now the Opal card is rapidly extending into the public transport system.
Next week it will be applied to the north shore rail line and to an additional twenty ferry wharfs west of the Harbour bridge. That will mean the card readers will be operating at 699 points that encompass forty wharves and seventeen rail stations. Next year, for the first time " Tap and Ride " will open to service the city bus fleet.
We have come a long way since the days of long cheques waiting for paper tickets and the daily fumble for change that delayed the boarding process. It also opens up an enticing opportunity to regulate the fare system to encourage off peak travel.
The business community needs to have a long and careful appraisal of the opportunities offered. If off peak travel fares can be an inducement to come and shop then perhaps that is the answer to bringing on-line customers back to bricks and mortar stores. The on-line people usually offer price reduced items for a limited time period. Introducing a similar time factor to off peak pricing in store could change buying habits.
At last the long awaited Opal card is about to bring a facelift to public transport. Now the government needs to see that public transport in it's three forms is providing the service times that people require - and that it is clean and safe,with adequate customer security in place.
Meeting those needs might be the " magic mix " to attain the long cherished dream of getting people to leave the car at home - and use public transport !
The previous state government wasted millions trying to implement something similar to the famous London " Oyster card " - and failed miserably. Deadlines came - and went. There always seemed to be an impenetrable maize of obstacles to a universal card that would cope with all three forms of transport.
The present state government tried a " slow and steady " approach. Their new " Tap and Ride " was named the " Opal card " and was cautiously implemented first on the harbour ferry system. This allowed the organizers to rid the system of any " bugs " with the least public inconvenience, and now the Opal card is rapidly extending into the public transport system.
Next week it will be applied to the north shore rail line and to an additional twenty ferry wharfs west of the Harbour bridge. That will mean the card readers will be operating at 699 points that encompass forty wharves and seventeen rail stations. Next year, for the first time " Tap and Ride " will open to service the city bus fleet.
We have come a long way since the days of long cheques waiting for paper tickets and the daily fumble for change that delayed the boarding process. It also opens up an enticing opportunity to regulate the fare system to encourage off peak travel.
The business community needs to have a long and careful appraisal of the opportunities offered. If off peak travel fares can be an inducement to come and shop then perhaps that is the answer to bringing on-line customers back to bricks and mortar stores. The on-line people usually offer price reduced items for a limited time period. Introducing a similar time factor to off peak pricing in store could change buying habits.
At last the long awaited Opal card is about to bring a facelift to public transport. Now the government needs to see that public transport in it's three forms is providing the service times that people require - and that it is clean and safe,with adequate customer security in place.
Meeting those needs might be the " magic mix " to attain the long cherished dream of getting people to leave the car at home - and use public transport !
Monday 26 August 2013
Taking " Sport " out of Sport !
Decades ago, Rugby League was the main men's contact sport in NSW and Queensland and the southern states played Australian Rules. Now both are national competitions and star players earn really big money.
Playing sport has progressed from something players did in their spare time to professional status and star players are feted like kings. They get plenty of " air time " on television shows and every comment is slavishly reported in newspapers. They have progressed from sporting heroes - to national celebrities !
Unfortunately, in recent times a " win at all costs " ethic seems to have invaded Rugby League. The NRL's " Competition Committee " , comprised of leading coaches and the games all-time greats has been called to consider banning the " Scorpion tackle " in which an opposing players leg is bent backwards.
In an unsavoury incident, match television clearly showed the leg of an opposition player returning from a knee injury subjected to such a play and many people complained of the " unsporting " aspect of such a gambit.
Rugby League has long banned the " Spear tackle " because of the danger of paraplegia. Surely we are not starting to condone play designed to injure the opposition as a playing tactic. Many people were shocked at what has been called the " Squirrel hold " , in which pressure is deliberately applied to squeeze a rivals testicles.
It seems that wrestling techniques are invading the game and this seems to be related to the pressure from fans to move up the competition table and thus secure valuable sponsor support. It is not helped by commentators who praise an earlier era and urge the sport to " bring back the biff " !
Unfortunately, there are some fans who follow the game with an attitude more akin to the days of the Coliseum in Rome, when gladiators fought and the victor looked to the emperor for a " thumbs up or thumbs down " signal - to execute the vanquished or set him free.
Rugby League is now engaged in a three way contest for viewer support - and vast inroads have been made by Aussie Rules and Soccer. The vast majority of fans want to see a fair game played with skill and not marred by thuggish behaviour.
The League needs to clean up it's game - or it will pay a declining price !
Playing sport has progressed from something players did in their spare time to professional status and star players are feted like kings. They get plenty of " air time " on television shows and every comment is slavishly reported in newspapers. They have progressed from sporting heroes - to national celebrities !
Unfortunately, in recent times a " win at all costs " ethic seems to have invaded Rugby League. The NRL's " Competition Committee " , comprised of leading coaches and the games all-time greats has been called to consider banning the " Scorpion tackle " in which an opposing players leg is bent backwards.
In an unsavoury incident, match television clearly showed the leg of an opposition player returning from a knee injury subjected to such a play and many people complained of the " unsporting " aspect of such a gambit.
Rugby League has long banned the " Spear tackle " because of the danger of paraplegia. Surely we are not starting to condone play designed to injure the opposition as a playing tactic. Many people were shocked at what has been called the " Squirrel hold " , in which pressure is deliberately applied to squeeze a rivals testicles.
It seems that wrestling techniques are invading the game and this seems to be related to the pressure from fans to move up the competition table and thus secure valuable sponsor support. It is not helped by commentators who praise an earlier era and urge the sport to " bring back the biff " !
Unfortunately, there are some fans who follow the game with an attitude more akin to the days of the Coliseum in Rome, when gladiators fought and the victor looked to the emperor for a " thumbs up or thumbs down " signal - to execute the vanquished or set him free.
Rugby League is now engaged in a three way contest for viewer support - and vast inroads have been made by Aussie Rules and Soccer. The vast majority of fans want to see a fair game played with skill and not marred by thuggish behaviour.
The League needs to clean up it's game - or it will pay a declining price !
Sunday 25 August 2013
" For our own good " !
The phrase " For our own good " is usually tendered as the reason for passing legislation that compels us to obey a law with which not everyone agrees. We fasten our seat belt when we travel in a car, or suffer a heavy fine and loss of demerit points if the police discover us doing otherwise. We do so not by choice - but by government decree.
There are always some people whose hackles bristle the moment a new law compels obedience. The " safety laws " compel those who ride bicycles to wear safety helmets, but judging by the number of kids riding bikes without helmets, the law is roundly disregarded. Enforcing this law is also sporadic. Fining kids is too difficult - while catching motorists driving with seat belts unfastened is like shooting fish in a barrel.
We are fighting a battle to get a high proportion of parents to have their children vaccinated against childhood diseases. A rising proportion of unvaccented kids can result in Measles and Whooping cough reappearing, and the parliament is considering making immunization compulsory for entry into pre-schools and for the payment of child benefits.
Now a new battle has erupted. Decades ago science discovered that adding fluoride to the water supply caused a huge improvement in dental health. The decision to fluoride was a local council matter and it drew a mixed result. In communities which decided to add fluoride, there were some residents who refused to use the fluorided water and went to the trouble of collecting drinking and cooking water from an unfluorided source.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a sharp deterioration in oral health and this is happening in areas where even the town water has fluoride added. There has been a trend to use bottled water - and this is fluoride free. At the same time, a growing number of "health fanatics " are claiming that fluoride is unsafe and demanding that it's addition in their council area cease.
This is countered by health authorities who have discovered a link between oral health - and our biggest killer - heart disease. There is pressure on the New South Wales state government to legislate to remove the fluoride decision from local councils and have fluoride added to the state water supply on a health basis.
This will obviously have the " civil liberties " people thumping the war drums. The vast majority of people seemed to approve of law changes to reduce the number of people smoking cigarettes, and we expect safety laws to be in place to ensure that the food supply is safe for human consumption - but when it comes to individual liberties - that seems to be an entirely different matter !
If the government gives universal fluoride protection the nod, the final decision is likely to be years away - and decided in the High court !
There are always some people whose hackles bristle the moment a new law compels obedience. The " safety laws " compel those who ride bicycles to wear safety helmets, but judging by the number of kids riding bikes without helmets, the law is roundly disregarded. Enforcing this law is also sporadic. Fining kids is too difficult - while catching motorists driving with seat belts unfastened is like shooting fish in a barrel.
We are fighting a battle to get a high proportion of parents to have their children vaccinated against childhood diseases. A rising proportion of unvaccented kids can result in Measles and Whooping cough reappearing, and the parliament is considering making immunization compulsory for entry into pre-schools and for the payment of child benefits.
Now a new battle has erupted. Decades ago science discovered that adding fluoride to the water supply caused a huge improvement in dental health. The decision to fluoride was a local council matter and it drew a mixed result. In communities which decided to add fluoride, there were some residents who refused to use the fluorided water and went to the trouble of collecting drinking and cooking water from an unfluorided source.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a sharp deterioration in oral health and this is happening in areas where even the town water has fluoride added. There has been a trend to use bottled water - and this is fluoride free. At the same time, a growing number of "health fanatics " are claiming that fluoride is unsafe and demanding that it's addition in their council area cease.
This is countered by health authorities who have discovered a link between oral health - and our biggest killer - heart disease. There is pressure on the New South Wales state government to legislate to remove the fluoride decision from local councils and have fluoride added to the state water supply on a health basis.
This will obviously have the " civil liberties " people thumping the war drums. The vast majority of people seemed to approve of law changes to reduce the number of people smoking cigarettes, and we expect safety laws to be in place to ensure that the food supply is safe for human consumption - but when it comes to individual liberties - that seems to be an entirely different matter !
If the government gives universal fluoride protection the nod, the final decision is likely to be years away - and decided in the High court !
Saturday 24 August 2013
Poison Gas !
The passage of time has almost erased memories of gas warfare back in the days of " The Great War " of 1914-18. Both sides used " Phosgene " and " Mustard gas " against opposing forces and every soldier was expected to keep a gas mask handy.
At least the use of poison gas was a purely battlefield weapon and not used on the civilian population - and it was a fickle killer. A wind change could easily turn it back and inflict damage on the originator - and when the war ended the newly formed League of Nations made poison gas a " prohibited weapon of war ".
Twenty years later - and the world was again at war. This time the civilian population of both sides became the prime target of aerial bombing. The big question was whether poison gas would be used in the fray and gas masks were issued as a precaution. Fortunately, the ban held - and the vast gas dumps never saw active service,
The end of the second world war ushered in the " Atomic Age ". Soon, both sides of the " Cold War " menaced each other with nuclear bomb stockpiles - and the doctrine of MAD - " Mutually Assured Destruction " - saw the nuclear missiles confined to their silos. This became the age of " proxy war ". Small scale insurgencies orchestrated by the main players, but lacking the risk of a major confrontation between the nuclear armed " big players ".
Now the " war scenario " has changed again. Religion has emerged as the basis for hostilities and the fighting is happening in the streets of cities between people who wear civilian clothes. The description of " Soldier " has been replaced with that of " Terrorist " - and it seems that all restraint on forms of warfare no longer apply.
Civil war is raging in Syria and for the first time poison gas has re-emerged in this new civilian battlefield. The weaponry is more sophisticated than the old lung tearing mustard gas and we are now deploying nerve toxins from the arsenals developing by all the major opposing powers.
It is fast developing into a " Whodunnit " ! Both sides of the Syrian civil war accuse the other and the United Nations scientists are barred from entering the area to carry out scientific tests that would determine the actual agent used.
Now that a line has been crossed, there is the expectation that chemical weapons will enter the orbit of terrorist warfare. It seems inevitable that the secrets of manufacture will spread, and just as crude drug labs exist in the world, it will be possible for religious terrorists to create the means to cause death and destruction on civilian populations.
There seems no hope of shutting the stable door - now that the horse has bolted. The " Great Powers " continue to play the game of political chess and oppose any hope of a mutual action to shut down this emerging menace.
It seems that a new chapter has been turned in " the book of life " !
At least the use of poison gas was a purely battlefield weapon and not used on the civilian population - and it was a fickle killer. A wind change could easily turn it back and inflict damage on the originator - and when the war ended the newly formed League of Nations made poison gas a " prohibited weapon of war ".
Twenty years later - and the world was again at war. This time the civilian population of both sides became the prime target of aerial bombing. The big question was whether poison gas would be used in the fray and gas masks were issued as a precaution. Fortunately, the ban held - and the vast gas dumps never saw active service,
The end of the second world war ushered in the " Atomic Age ". Soon, both sides of the " Cold War " menaced each other with nuclear bomb stockpiles - and the doctrine of MAD - " Mutually Assured Destruction " - saw the nuclear missiles confined to their silos. This became the age of " proxy war ". Small scale insurgencies orchestrated by the main players, but lacking the risk of a major confrontation between the nuclear armed " big players ".
Now the " war scenario " has changed again. Religion has emerged as the basis for hostilities and the fighting is happening in the streets of cities between people who wear civilian clothes. The description of " Soldier " has been replaced with that of " Terrorist " - and it seems that all restraint on forms of warfare no longer apply.
Civil war is raging in Syria and for the first time poison gas has re-emerged in this new civilian battlefield. The weaponry is more sophisticated than the old lung tearing mustard gas and we are now deploying nerve toxins from the arsenals developing by all the major opposing powers.
It is fast developing into a " Whodunnit " ! Both sides of the Syrian civil war accuse the other and the United Nations scientists are barred from entering the area to carry out scientific tests that would determine the actual agent used.
Now that a line has been crossed, there is the expectation that chemical weapons will enter the orbit of terrorist warfare. It seems inevitable that the secrets of manufacture will spread, and just as crude drug labs exist in the world, it will be possible for religious terrorists to create the means to cause death and destruction on civilian populations.
There seems no hope of shutting the stable door - now that the horse has bolted. The " Great Powers " continue to play the game of political chess and oppose any hope of a mutual action to shut down this emerging menace.
It seems that a new chapter has been turned in " the book of life " !
Friday 23 August 2013
A lucky escape !
Two thousand passengers - many of them Australian - were booked on a fourteen day cruise on the " Sun Princess " from Singapore to Fremantle. This ship was in dry dock in Singapore for normal maintenance when a catastrophic power failure occurred. As a result, the cruise was cancelled.
Carnival has generously reimbursed fares and provided compensation, including return air fares for the disappointed passengers, but most would be well aware that this was a lucky escape. Had that power failure happened at sea, the ship would have been without air conditioning, cabin lights - and the toilet system and galleys would not be working. It could easily have turned into the " cruise from hell "
Ocean cruises are a fast growing segment of the leisure market. Giant ocean liners regularly visit Sydney and other Australian ports and there have been incidents in other parts of the world when these ships have been stranded at sea after engine room fires and power failures. It raises the question of what standards apply to these cruise ships - and how are they policed ?
In the freight shipping trade we are well aware of " port of convenience " registrations. A handful of countries offer a legal loophole by allowing what are often termed " rust buckets " to be registered. Absolutely no standards apply and often these ships sail the world crewed by people from third world countries who are paid a pittance - if they are even paid at all. Conditions are deplorable and even the food provided belongs to an earlier age in the days of sail. Hard tack - and biscuits !
It seems that maritime law requires every ship to display both it's name and port of registration on it's stern. Discerning people considering taking a cruise would be well advised to have a look at this when choosing a shipping line of choice. The cruise ships that visit Australia are all proudly registered in one of the great ports of the world and we can be confident that adequate standards apply.
The popularity of cruises will no doubt draw in competitors from regimes who are more interested in profit than safety. The wise would be careful to check the ships credentials thoroughly to avoid unpleasant surprises on the high seas !
Carnival has generously reimbursed fares and provided compensation, including return air fares for the disappointed passengers, but most would be well aware that this was a lucky escape. Had that power failure happened at sea, the ship would have been without air conditioning, cabin lights - and the toilet system and galleys would not be working. It could easily have turned into the " cruise from hell "
Ocean cruises are a fast growing segment of the leisure market. Giant ocean liners regularly visit Sydney and other Australian ports and there have been incidents in other parts of the world when these ships have been stranded at sea after engine room fires and power failures. It raises the question of what standards apply to these cruise ships - and how are they policed ?
In the freight shipping trade we are well aware of " port of convenience " registrations. A handful of countries offer a legal loophole by allowing what are often termed " rust buckets " to be registered. Absolutely no standards apply and often these ships sail the world crewed by people from third world countries who are paid a pittance - if they are even paid at all. Conditions are deplorable and even the food provided belongs to an earlier age in the days of sail. Hard tack - and biscuits !
It seems that maritime law requires every ship to display both it's name and port of registration on it's stern. Discerning people considering taking a cruise would be well advised to have a look at this when choosing a shipping line of choice. The cruise ships that visit Australia are all proudly registered in one of the great ports of the world and we can be confident that adequate standards apply.
The popularity of cruises will no doubt draw in competitors from regimes who are more interested in profit than safety. The wise would be careful to check the ships credentials thoroughly to avoid unpleasant surprises on the high seas !
Thursday 22 August 2013
The frustration of " Lyme Disease " !
For decades, Australians who have never set foot outside this country have been mysteriously contracting the symptoms that fit Lyme disease, and yet the Australian medical profession is dogmatic in declaring that this is a disease that does not exist in this country.
Now this country's chief medical officer has launched a new investigation. It is known that Lyme disease passes to humans via tick bites and previous investigations have not detected the disease in Australian ticks, Despite this, the medical profession can provide no answer to why Australians are presenting - initially with flu like symptoms of rashes and headaches that progress to mental impairment, paraplegia, psychosis - and death.
Unfortunately, there are only a few doctors here who are prepared to recognise that this disease is present in Australia and they attract the ire of their professional body. There are mutterings of the risk of being " struck off " when one becomes too vocal and as a consequence, those suffering this dreadful disease feel isolated and rejected.
It seems strange that in an age when new medical discoveries are common place and the reversal of known practices happen often, we should be so dogmatic in refusing to consider that something that we can not easily explain - simply does not exist !
You would think that old adage of - " If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - then it probably is a duck " - would apply !
How else would the symptoms and end effect that is particular to Lyme disease be explained away, other than the very reasonable explanation that somehow it has extablished it's presence in this country, despite us so far not being able to identify the particular tick that is responsible ?
Further down the track someone is probably going to have a " Eureka " moment and a breakthrough discovery. From that point on all the disclaimers are going to mysteriously suffer amnesia about their past rejection of lyme disease as an Australian ailment - and climb aboard the new treatment bandwagon.
Pity about the people who are suffering the disease now - and are being studiously ignored !
Now this country's chief medical officer has launched a new investigation. It is known that Lyme disease passes to humans via tick bites and previous investigations have not detected the disease in Australian ticks, Despite this, the medical profession can provide no answer to why Australians are presenting - initially with flu like symptoms of rashes and headaches that progress to mental impairment, paraplegia, psychosis - and death.
Unfortunately, there are only a few doctors here who are prepared to recognise that this disease is present in Australia and they attract the ire of their professional body. There are mutterings of the risk of being " struck off " when one becomes too vocal and as a consequence, those suffering this dreadful disease feel isolated and rejected.
It seems strange that in an age when new medical discoveries are common place and the reversal of known practices happen often, we should be so dogmatic in refusing to consider that something that we can not easily explain - simply does not exist !
You would think that old adage of - " If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - then it probably is a duck " - would apply !
How else would the symptoms and end effect that is particular to Lyme disease be explained away, other than the very reasonable explanation that somehow it has extablished it's presence in this country, despite us so far not being able to identify the particular tick that is responsible ?
Further down the track someone is probably going to have a " Eureka " moment and a breakthrough discovery. From that point on all the disclaimers are going to mysteriously suffer amnesia about their past rejection of lyme disease as an Australian ailment - and climb aboard the new treatment bandwagon.
Pity about the people who are suffering the disease now - and are being studiously ignored !
Wednesday 21 August 2013
" Thumper " to the rescue !
Usually, when a new piece of medical equipment arrives and starts to save lives it's cost is measured in millions and it's complexity takes an advanced degree in science to understand.
One of our biggest killers is a heart attack and the first requirement of those giving aid is to start CPR to maintain blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen flowing through the blood to the brain we have about four minutes before irreversible damage starts to affect the vital brain function.
A woman in Victoria survived for forty-two minutes receiving " automated CPR " while a cardiologist did an angiogram to clear a blocked heart artery. This treatment was delivered by a machine known as a " Lucas 2 " - which is more commonly known in the medical profession as " a Thumper " ! It simply rhythmically compresses the chest to artificially duplicate the normal heart function.
This opens a whole new way of saving lives if such a basic machine can be widely available as a first aid method. Many first aid responders are taught that the compression rate is ideally matched to the beat of the Bee Gee's song - " Staying Alive ", but human hands can only maintain that rhythm for a limited amount of time. Use of a relatively cheap machine can expand this survival function exponentially.
The " Thumper " is basically a logical piece of engineering that needs two simple adjustments. It needs to be capable of being fitted to the differing sizes of an adult or a child's body and consequently - to conform to the depth of compression needed. This simplicity should bring it into the price range for a wide distribution. Ideally, there should be one at every surf club aid station and it could be a handy survival tool in every road ambulance.
Sadly, it is reported that this " Thumper " in a Victorian hospital is the only one in Australia. Now it depends on whether our health system can expand to the challenge offering - or if this life saving opportunity is left to wallow in the usual time delay that besets medical decision making !
One of our biggest killers is a heart attack and the first requirement of those giving aid is to start CPR to maintain blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen flowing through the blood to the brain we have about four minutes before irreversible damage starts to affect the vital brain function.
A woman in Victoria survived for forty-two minutes receiving " automated CPR " while a cardiologist did an angiogram to clear a blocked heart artery. This treatment was delivered by a machine known as a " Lucas 2 " - which is more commonly known in the medical profession as " a Thumper " ! It simply rhythmically compresses the chest to artificially duplicate the normal heart function.
This opens a whole new way of saving lives if such a basic machine can be widely available as a first aid method. Many first aid responders are taught that the compression rate is ideally matched to the beat of the Bee Gee's song - " Staying Alive ", but human hands can only maintain that rhythm for a limited amount of time. Use of a relatively cheap machine can expand this survival function exponentially.
The " Thumper " is basically a logical piece of engineering that needs two simple adjustments. It needs to be capable of being fitted to the differing sizes of an adult or a child's body and consequently - to conform to the depth of compression needed. This simplicity should bring it into the price range for a wide distribution. Ideally, there should be one at every surf club aid station and it could be a handy survival tool in every road ambulance.
Sadly, it is reported that this " Thumper " in a Victorian hospital is the only one in Australia. Now it depends on whether our health system can expand to the challenge offering - or if this life saving opportunity is left to wallow in the usual time delay that besets medical decision making !
Tuesday 20 August 2013
A " Rush of Blood " !
When we take our seat on an Australian passenger plane we have no doubt that the two pilots are sober, very well trained and qualified - and that their general health and fitness to fly is under constant medical review. As a result, a trip on an air plane is considered to be a journey with the lowest possible safety risk.
We were horrified when we watched pictures on television depicting the crash of a high speed Spanish " Bullet " train that killed seventy-nine passengers. This train took a bend where the designated speed was eighty kilometres per hour - at almost double that speed..
Now we learn that safety is not guaranteed on the creaky old New South Wales train system. Our trains do not meet the " aviation style " speeds of high speed rail, but it seems that one driver had a " rush of blood " and indulged his " need for speed " at the controls of a Tangarra between Richmond and Central.
The trains guard was so concerned when the train was travelling at 110 kph on track sections sign posted for 80 kph that he radioed the driver to slow down. This was ignored and the train exceeded the limit seventeen times on that short journey - as evidenced by the " black box " that records all train movements.
This driver was stood down and disciplined, but it raises the question of what health and psychology tests are used to determine the fitness of the people who drive our trains ? It seems strange that we go to great lengths to ensure that the people who fly planes are in duplicate at the controls and in top health and fitness form - and yet we do not demand similar measures for the people driving trains with a similar number of lives in their hands.
We suffered seven dead in the Waterfall crash of 2003, when a heart attack disabled the driver of a train with just a handful of passengers. Just imagine the possible carnage if a jam packed commuter train came to grief at a speed of 110 kph.
We seem to under value train drivers in comparison with airline pilots. The most likely cause is that more modern engineering evolved slowly from the steam age and it's slow speed - and now we are looking at high speed rail to move big numbers of people faster - the " driver factor " is fast becoming critical to rail safety.
At the very least, train drivers need regular health checks to ensure our trains are in safe hands - and the training regimen should contain constant re-evaluation to weed out those with emotional problems and the inability to keep up with changes in technology.
The " need for speed " is a psychological factor that can be fatal if allowed to go undetected !
We were horrified when we watched pictures on television depicting the crash of a high speed Spanish " Bullet " train that killed seventy-nine passengers. This train took a bend where the designated speed was eighty kilometres per hour - at almost double that speed..
Now we learn that safety is not guaranteed on the creaky old New South Wales train system. Our trains do not meet the " aviation style " speeds of high speed rail, but it seems that one driver had a " rush of blood " and indulged his " need for speed " at the controls of a Tangarra between Richmond and Central.
The trains guard was so concerned when the train was travelling at 110 kph on track sections sign posted for 80 kph that he radioed the driver to slow down. This was ignored and the train exceeded the limit seventeen times on that short journey - as evidenced by the " black box " that records all train movements.
This driver was stood down and disciplined, but it raises the question of what health and psychology tests are used to determine the fitness of the people who drive our trains ? It seems strange that we go to great lengths to ensure that the people who fly planes are in duplicate at the controls and in top health and fitness form - and yet we do not demand similar measures for the people driving trains with a similar number of lives in their hands.
We suffered seven dead in the Waterfall crash of 2003, when a heart attack disabled the driver of a train with just a handful of passengers. Just imagine the possible carnage if a jam packed commuter train came to grief at a speed of 110 kph.
We seem to under value train drivers in comparison with airline pilots. The most likely cause is that more modern engineering evolved slowly from the steam age and it's slow speed - and now we are looking at high speed rail to move big numbers of people faster - the " driver factor " is fast becoming critical to rail safety.
At the very least, train drivers need regular health checks to ensure our trains are in safe hands - and the training regimen should contain constant re-evaluation to weed out those with emotional problems and the inability to keep up with changes in technology.
The " need for speed " is a psychological factor that can be fatal if allowed to go undetected !
Monday 19 August 2013
More addictive than Heroin or Cocaine !
For many decades now, the biggest bogey to good health has been " fat " ! There have been strident calls to reduce the fat in what we eat and the food industry has responded. Many products now carry labels claiming " Fat reduced ", " No Fat " - and " Baked - not fried ".
Unfortunately, along with this reduction in fat has came a sharp reduction in " taste ". The fat content made food taste good and without it the product seemed " bland " - and was rejected by many people.
The food industry was desperate to reinvent taste - and they achieved this by adding more sugar. The sugar content in cereals and most foods increased sharply, and in fizzy drinks and " energy " drinks it rose to danger levels.
That is the reason why western society has seen such a rise in obesity in recent years, and why an alarming number of people are developing Diabetes. As the level of sugar in our bodies increases, blood pressure rises and our tissues become more resistant to Insulin. The Pancreas responds by producing more Insulin to try and achieve a balance, leading to a condition known as " metabolic syndrome ", characterized by fat around the waist and high blood pressure. This is the precursor to type 2 Diabetes.
Sugar is addictive - and some medical people claim it is more addictive than Heroin or Cocaine. The more we get, the more we want and after the initial " sugar rush " we find that it saps our energy and reduces our inclination to exercise.
There is no easy way to beat addiction. We would probably need the services of a specialised clinic and do a period of " cold turkey ". Once the sugar had drained from our body we would need to maintain a careful diet, and even one candy bar or a fizzy soft drink could start a relapse.
It would certainly help if the government imposed a legal limit on the amount of sugar allowed in foods, but we would pay the price of losing the taste that makes food enjoyable.
At least we have the opportunity to read the contents schedule required on all food labels and that tells us the content level of fat, sugar and sodium. Sadly, the next generation may be the first to break the connection of each generation living longer than it's predecessor.
The addictive product that will kill many of us is a perfectly legal product - and on the shelves of every grocery store and supermarket !
Unfortunately, along with this reduction in fat has came a sharp reduction in " taste ". The fat content made food taste good and without it the product seemed " bland " - and was rejected by many people.
The food industry was desperate to reinvent taste - and they achieved this by adding more sugar. The sugar content in cereals and most foods increased sharply, and in fizzy drinks and " energy " drinks it rose to danger levels.
That is the reason why western society has seen such a rise in obesity in recent years, and why an alarming number of people are developing Diabetes. As the level of sugar in our bodies increases, blood pressure rises and our tissues become more resistant to Insulin. The Pancreas responds by producing more Insulin to try and achieve a balance, leading to a condition known as " metabolic syndrome ", characterized by fat around the waist and high blood pressure. This is the precursor to type 2 Diabetes.
Sugar is addictive - and some medical people claim it is more addictive than Heroin or Cocaine. The more we get, the more we want and after the initial " sugar rush " we find that it saps our energy and reduces our inclination to exercise.
There is no easy way to beat addiction. We would probably need the services of a specialised clinic and do a period of " cold turkey ". Once the sugar had drained from our body we would need to maintain a careful diet, and even one candy bar or a fizzy soft drink could start a relapse.
It would certainly help if the government imposed a legal limit on the amount of sugar allowed in foods, but we would pay the price of losing the taste that makes food enjoyable.
At least we have the opportunity to read the contents schedule required on all food labels and that tells us the content level of fat, sugar and sodium. Sadly, the next generation may be the first to break the connection of each generation living longer than it's predecessor.
The addictive product that will kill many of us is a perfectly legal product - and on the shelves of every grocery store and supermarket !
Sunday 18 August 2013
Public hospital waiting times.
One of the major points of criticism of our public hospital system is the wait in the queue to be scheduled for elective surgery. In some cases, even urgent life threatening surgery can be delayed because of the unavailability of intensive care beds or restrictions on theatre time.
This would almost evaporate overnight - if the 580,000 insured patients who had their needs serviced in public hospitals last year had used their service provider to pay for a private hospital bed.
It seems peculiar that some people pay hefty insurance premiums for private cover, and then use the public system, but it all comes down to fear of what " the gap " is going to cost them. In the public system, the entire cost comes from the public purse. In a private hospital it is possible to be fully insured and still walk out the door to be confronted with a substantial bill.
One of the benefits of private health insurance is the ability of the insured to choose their own surgeon. In the public sector, the surgeon is chosen by the hospital, and yet in much of the public sector the top surgeons also operate on public patients where their speciality is in short supply.
The weakness in the system seems to be the ability of people presenting at hospital to choose " public " or " private " definition. They are not obliged to reveal that they are privately insured and so a whopping 580,000 opt for a public bed and clog up what is supposed to be a divided stream between public and private hospitals.
In recent years this " gap " in the charge system has been substantially closing. The private hospitals have come to an " understanding " with doctors and most offer a pre-admission quote that will fully detail what costs will be involved - and in many cases the end sum is now " zero ".
Unfortunately, this is not getting through to many insured patients, hence the reliance on the public system to avoid expected costs. There is little point in the government forcing people to take out private health insurance if the public continues to avoid using private hospitals on cost grounds.
Perhaps the best way to fix the influx of insured patients to public hospitals rests with the admission people who are the first contact with intending new patients. They are in an ideal position to suggest to those with insurance that they can get private hospital treatment at no additional cost - and set up " the deal " !
Private hospitals with vacancies would surely welcome a public admissions officer making contact and arranging service for an insured person - with a guarantee that there will be " no gap " with the private service offered.
That is what " competition " is all about. Matching up services to get the quickest result benefits both the public and private sectors. If we can apply a little common sense to sorting out the private/public flow we all get a better health system !
This would almost evaporate overnight - if the 580,000 insured patients who had their needs serviced in public hospitals last year had used their service provider to pay for a private hospital bed.
It seems peculiar that some people pay hefty insurance premiums for private cover, and then use the public system, but it all comes down to fear of what " the gap " is going to cost them. In the public system, the entire cost comes from the public purse. In a private hospital it is possible to be fully insured and still walk out the door to be confronted with a substantial bill.
One of the benefits of private health insurance is the ability of the insured to choose their own surgeon. In the public sector, the surgeon is chosen by the hospital, and yet in much of the public sector the top surgeons also operate on public patients where their speciality is in short supply.
The weakness in the system seems to be the ability of people presenting at hospital to choose " public " or " private " definition. They are not obliged to reveal that they are privately insured and so a whopping 580,000 opt for a public bed and clog up what is supposed to be a divided stream between public and private hospitals.
In recent years this " gap " in the charge system has been substantially closing. The private hospitals have come to an " understanding " with doctors and most offer a pre-admission quote that will fully detail what costs will be involved - and in many cases the end sum is now " zero ".
Unfortunately, this is not getting through to many insured patients, hence the reliance on the public system to avoid expected costs. There is little point in the government forcing people to take out private health insurance if the public continues to avoid using private hospitals on cost grounds.
Perhaps the best way to fix the influx of insured patients to public hospitals rests with the admission people who are the first contact with intending new patients. They are in an ideal position to suggest to those with insurance that they can get private hospital treatment at no additional cost - and set up " the deal " !
Private hospitals with vacancies would surely welcome a public admissions officer making contact and arranging service for an insured person - with a guarantee that there will be " no gap " with the private service offered.
That is what " competition " is all about. Matching up services to get the quickest result benefits both the public and private sectors. If we can apply a little common sense to sorting out the private/public flow we all get a better health system !
Saturday 17 August 2013
Clearing out the law books !
When the first fleet arrived in 1788 it raised the question of what laws applied in this new colony ? The obvious solution was to adopt the laws of the mother country - and so any transgression of English law became a punishable offence in Australia.
As time passed the administration passed new laws that were applicable to another continent on the other side of the globe and these were tacked on to the base English law that is still the root of the law system today. For many decades the final outcome of law challenges were decided by an appeal to the Privy Council in London.
The problem is that some very strange laws are still lurking in the fine print adopted by some of the states and territories, and while these have probably never been used here - neither have they been cleared off the statute books.
Such a matter has raised it's ugly head in the Northern Territory. It seems that Territorians are still subject to the 1735 Witchcraft Act. A person accused of witchcraft can be convicted and sentenced to one year in prison, but along with incarceration comes a procedure that was once common in the villages of " Merry Olde England .
Every three months the law required the Prisoner to be taken to the market square - and placed in " the stocks ". This was a device which secured the prisoners hands and head and the objective was to subject that person to ridicule - and allow the villagers to pelt him or her with eggs or vegetables and inflict humiliation on " the witch " !
There are moves to rescind this three hundred year old law, but it raises the question of what other relics of the past are still legally enforceable if some smart lawyer chooses to delve into our archaic law archives ?
As time passed the administration passed new laws that were applicable to another continent on the other side of the globe and these were tacked on to the base English law that is still the root of the law system today. For many decades the final outcome of law challenges were decided by an appeal to the Privy Council in London.
The problem is that some very strange laws are still lurking in the fine print adopted by some of the states and territories, and while these have probably never been used here - neither have they been cleared off the statute books.
Such a matter has raised it's ugly head in the Northern Territory. It seems that Territorians are still subject to the 1735 Witchcraft Act. A person accused of witchcraft can be convicted and sentenced to one year in prison, but along with incarceration comes a procedure that was once common in the villages of " Merry Olde England .
Every three months the law required the Prisoner to be taken to the market square - and placed in " the stocks ". This was a device which secured the prisoners hands and head and the objective was to subject that person to ridicule - and allow the villagers to pelt him or her with eggs or vegetables and inflict humiliation on " the witch " !
There are moves to rescind this three hundred year old law, but it raises the question of what other relics of the past are still legally enforceable if some smart lawyer chooses to delve into our archaic law archives ?
Friday 16 August 2013
Death by - Security !
We live in an increasingly dangerous and violent world and many householders spend big to turn their homes into a virtual version of Fort Knox. The security industry promotes a range of shutters that roll down to protect doors and windows and there are cheaper options that put bars across windows to prevent entry.
This quest for " security " sometimes blurs the difference between preventing thieves from " getting in " and the need for the residents to " get out " in an emergency.
Sadly, a frail 65 year old retiree died in a house fire and his 62 year old wife suffered horrific burns when their security shutters trapped them from escaping. The interior of the house filled with smoke and the heat generated was described by fire crews as rising to " the level in an oven ".
There is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy. Not only do we need smoke alarms to give warning of fire danger, we need to have a clear and ready plan to get clear of the house - and be able to access this in total darkness if the electricity has failed.
Most people have installed " deadlocks " on their doors, but these locks should always have a key in place when residents are at home - and specially at night. During the panic caused by a fire, time is precious and that is not when residents need to be trying to find the correct key to escape.
Selection of shutters needs deep thought. Many shutter companies offer " fail safe " options to allow a fast escape in an emergency. Economy models that lack this provision are an unacceptable option. A " cheap deal " is a bad deal if it puts the life of the family at risk.
Perhaps the most important "safety check " that any family can implement is to gather all the residents of the house and carefully plan how they will exit the building if an emergency arises - and it happens in the middle of the night when the light system has also failed.
Finding obstacles - and taking steps to make them safe - is a practical method of ensuring family safety. Sometimes the danger within becomes greater than the external danger we are seeking to keep at bay !
This quest for " security " sometimes blurs the difference between preventing thieves from " getting in " and the need for the residents to " get out " in an emergency.
Sadly, a frail 65 year old retiree died in a house fire and his 62 year old wife suffered horrific burns when their security shutters trapped them from escaping. The interior of the house filled with smoke and the heat generated was described by fire crews as rising to " the level in an oven ".
There is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy. Not only do we need smoke alarms to give warning of fire danger, we need to have a clear and ready plan to get clear of the house - and be able to access this in total darkness if the electricity has failed.
Most people have installed " deadlocks " on their doors, but these locks should always have a key in place when residents are at home - and specially at night. During the panic caused by a fire, time is precious and that is not when residents need to be trying to find the correct key to escape.
Selection of shutters needs deep thought. Many shutter companies offer " fail safe " options to allow a fast escape in an emergency. Economy models that lack this provision are an unacceptable option. A " cheap deal " is a bad deal if it puts the life of the family at risk.
Perhaps the most important "safety check " that any family can implement is to gather all the residents of the house and carefully plan how they will exit the building if an emergency arises - and it happens in the middle of the night when the light system has also failed.
Finding obstacles - and taking steps to make them safe - is a practical method of ensuring family safety. Sometimes the danger within becomes greater than the external danger we are seeking to keep at bay !
Thursday 15 August 2013
It's a mad world !
Tony Abbott is copping flak from the women's movement - because he paid a compliment to a young woman hoping to win a seat at this coming election.
Fiona Scott is the Liberal candidate for the seat of Lindsay and Abbott was asked to compare her with Jackie Kelly, who held that seat during John Howard's years in office.
He commented that they were both " young, feisty - and had a bit of sex appeal " !
That was enough to have the crabby feminist movement expressing outrage. It seems that it is not " politically correct " to even suggest that a woman has attributes that attract the opposite sex.
Of course this flies in the face of the fact that countless women spend an absolute fortune on their appearance. The suburbs are dotted with beauty salons and hairdressers who charge a small fortune - to create the " look " that gains attention.
Then there is the clothing industry that employs " models " to show off their wares.
The girls that strut the catwalks must conform to strict specifications demanded by the industry - and this calls for what many people would define as " beauty " !
The feminist movement apparently believes that aspiring models are only interested in projecting the garments they wear as inspiration for other women. Looking attractive to members of the opposite sex has no bearing on the image they seek.
That sounds like a case of " Fairies at the bottom of my garden too ". Life is part of the " mating game " and looking good to the opposite sex is of high appeal to both genders. The commercial world knows that " sex sells " and it is the basic component of the images that flash across television screens and the craftily constructed displays in every shop we enter.
" Political Correctness " is a relatively new phenomenon. Trying to remove all traces of comment on the appearance of members of the opposite sex seems to be the aim of a new breed of feminist.
Some may think that it originates from those who find that their own " sex appeal " is sadly lacking !
Fiona Scott is the Liberal candidate for the seat of Lindsay and Abbott was asked to compare her with Jackie Kelly, who held that seat during John Howard's years in office.
He commented that they were both " young, feisty - and had a bit of sex appeal " !
That was enough to have the crabby feminist movement expressing outrage. It seems that it is not " politically correct " to even suggest that a woman has attributes that attract the opposite sex.
Of course this flies in the face of the fact that countless women spend an absolute fortune on their appearance. The suburbs are dotted with beauty salons and hairdressers who charge a small fortune - to create the " look " that gains attention.
Then there is the clothing industry that employs " models " to show off their wares.
The girls that strut the catwalks must conform to strict specifications demanded by the industry - and this calls for what many people would define as " beauty " !
The feminist movement apparently believes that aspiring models are only interested in projecting the garments they wear as inspiration for other women. Looking attractive to members of the opposite sex has no bearing on the image they seek.
That sounds like a case of " Fairies at the bottom of my garden too ". Life is part of the " mating game " and looking good to the opposite sex is of high appeal to both genders. The commercial world knows that " sex sells " and it is the basic component of the images that flash across television screens and the craftily constructed displays in every shop we enter.
" Political Correctness " is a relatively new phenomenon. Trying to remove all traces of comment on the appearance of members of the opposite sex seems to be the aim of a new breed of feminist.
Some may think that it originates from those who find that their own " sex appeal " is sadly lacking !
Wednesday 14 August 2013
Living - and learning !
You would think that the past three years of Australian politics would be a lesson to be avoided at the coming election. The voters delivered a " hung " parliament and Labor went into coalition with the Greens to form a minority government, but even this balance was distorted by three " independents " - who ruthlessly exploited their power to gouge benefits for their electorates.
As a result, we had three long years of bad government. This time around we have Clive Palmer and Bob Katter hoping to launch new political parties - and now wealthy businessman John Singleton is bankrolling two independents for the Central Coast seats of Robertson and Dobell.
We get good government only when we put a political party into office with sufficient voting strength to make the hard decisions that advance the Australian economy. The " health " of a nation relies on it having a stable economy that pays for the servces we need and that economy delivers the jobs that keep the workforce humming along. The moment a powerful minority has the opportunity to use it's voting power to cause distractions and demand that funds be syphoned off to socially ambitious projects - the wheels fall off the economy !
Australia has had a long history of alternating socialist and conservative governments. When Labor is in office the socialist side of the agenda flourishes, but Labor is a " tax and spend " government and it rarely leaves office without leaving behind a huge fiscal defecit.
The conservatives tend to be " slow and steady " on making changes, but they usually manage to pay off Labor's debts and put a steady hand on the ship of state's tiller.
Whatever decision the voters take when they go to the ballot box, they would be wise to deliver one of the major parties sufficient votes to actually govern in their own right.
We have had the experience of of government by compromise. That old expression " Once bitten - twice shy " - comes to mind !
As a result, we had three long years of bad government. This time around we have Clive Palmer and Bob Katter hoping to launch new political parties - and now wealthy businessman John Singleton is bankrolling two independents for the Central Coast seats of Robertson and Dobell.
We get good government only when we put a political party into office with sufficient voting strength to make the hard decisions that advance the Australian economy. The " health " of a nation relies on it having a stable economy that pays for the servces we need and that economy delivers the jobs that keep the workforce humming along. The moment a powerful minority has the opportunity to use it's voting power to cause distractions and demand that funds be syphoned off to socially ambitious projects - the wheels fall off the economy !
Australia has had a long history of alternating socialist and conservative governments. When Labor is in office the socialist side of the agenda flourishes, but Labor is a " tax and spend " government and it rarely leaves office without leaving behind a huge fiscal defecit.
The conservatives tend to be " slow and steady " on making changes, but they usually manage to pay off Labor's debts and put a steady hand on the ship of state's tiller.
Whatever decision the voters take when they go to the ballot box, they would be wise to deliver one of the major parties sufficient votes to actually govern in their own right.
We have had the experience of of government by compromise. That old expression " Once bitten - twice shy " - comes to mind !
Tuesday 13 August 2013
Our " Open Border " !
Back in the grim days of the Cold War, crossing a border in Europe was a strictly controlled event, watched over by men with guns. This contrasted with the custom - that still prevails today - of our " open border " with our nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea.
Torres Strait is a narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea and it is dotted with numerous islands. There is a constant inter-flow of the citizens from both countries who visit and trade with one another - and the inspection of passports or visas is virtually nonexistent. We have customs people in the area, but this interchange has been the accepted system since the white settlement of Australia and in many cases Papua New Guinea citizens come here for medical treatment that is simply not available in their home country.
That is about to change. A trickle of asylum seekers has started to use Torres Strait as their entry point to this country and the fact that we are sending new arrivals to Manus island is causing the people smugglers to revise their methods. Two Somalis were recently caught on their way across the strait and it is expected that this trickle will become a flood.
There is an air service to Horn island, one of the biggest islands in the strait and as this is Australian territory, no passports or visas are required when booking a flight on a plane. It is therefore possible to legally fly from Horn island to any other destination in Australia.
It seems that the days of this " open border " policy are numbered. The people smugglers see it as a weakness in our defences, and they will exploit it to make money. We will have no option other than strict control of this northern border - and that will see the end of the free and easy interchange between the indiginous people of both countries.
Sadly, it will introduce tensions between those on either side of the border where this did not exist in the past. The blurred " nationality " issue will sharpen and it is inevitable that the need for passports and visas will bring the intrusion of a new bureaucracy into " Paradise " !
Our " Golden North " will still be a land of azure waters, unspoilt beaches and vast tourist potential, but the " dead hand " of controlling the movement of people will introduce a new and intimidating culture.
The locals are about to find that a " fenceless " land - is now two lands with a new dividing wall !
Torres Strait is a narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea and it is dotted with numerous islands. There is a constant inter-flow of the citizens from both countries who visit and trade with one another - and the inspection of passports or visas is virtually nonexistent. We have customs people in the area, but this interchange has been the accepted system since the white settlement of Australia and in many cases Papua New Guinea citizens come here for medical treatment that is simply not available in their home country.
That is about to change. A trickle of asylum seekers has started to use Torres Strait as their entry point to this country and the fact that we are sending new arrivals to Manus island is causing the people smugglers to revise their methods. Two Somalis were recently caught on their way across the strait and it is expected that this trickle will become a flood.
There is an air service to Horn island, one of the biggest islands in the strait and as this is Australian territory, no passports or visas are required when booking a flight on a plane. It is therefore possible to legally fly from Horn island to any other destination in Australia.
It seems that the days of this " open border " policy are numbered. The people smugglers see it as a weakness in our defences, and they will exploit it to make money. We will have no option other than strict control of this northern border - and that will see the end of the free and easy interchange between the indiginous people of both countries.
Sadly, it will introduce tensions between those on either side of the border where this did not exist in the past. The blurred " nationality " issue will sharpen and it is inevitable that the need for passports and visas will bring the intrusion of a new bureaucracy into " Paradise " !
Our " Golden North " will still be a land of azure waters, unspoilt beaches and vast tourist potential, but the " dead hand " of controlling the movement of people will introduce a new and intimidating culture.
The locals are about to find that a " fenceless " land - is now two lands with a new dividing wall !
Monday 12 August 2013
A mixed blessing !
We live in the " Communication Age ". It started when the computer spawned the "World Wide Web" and we quickly became addicted to having a personal mobile phone in our pocket or handbag.
From there progress advanced at breakneck speed. Now we find that Foxtel are offering their full range of services to those on the move. It seems that the days of returning home and being entertained by watching events on our television screens are over. The world of smart phones and tablets allows us to access whatever we want - wherever we happen to be !
Of course, this communication marvel also has a down side. In fact it is killing some users. The urge to text or otherwise use a smart phone while driving a car has caused government authorities to impose draconian punishment and make such use illegal. It looks like the cops are slowly winning this battle, but we still see many people ignoring this law while driving.
Then there is the " money factor ". Smart phones and tablets need to be connected to an access plan - and that costs money. Those addicted to watching a screen and accessing that which interests them can pile up a frightening amount of " use time ". Some teenagers can amass a frightening bill if their technology use becomes out of control.
If technology advances in the next decade at the same pace as it's predecessor the future will be almost unimaginable. We have come a long way since the first mobile phones appeared - at about the size of a common house brick - and only capable of exchanging phone calls.
As with most advances in technology, this will deliver a mixed blessing. We will trade an increase in convenience and the pleasure that new innovations can deliver with an extra expense - and very probably an increased risk to our lives.
It worries some people that the distraction of modern technology is making us more vulnerable to the dangers that surround us. When our senses are concentrating on that small screen, we are unaware of traffic - and more importantly - of those who these days seem to gain pleasure from inflicting unprovoked harm to others,
From there progress advanced at breakneck speed. Now we find that Foxtel are offering their full range of services to those on the move. It seems that the days of returning home and being entertained by watching events on our television screens are over. The world of smart phones and tablets allows us to access whatever we want - wherever we happen to be !
Of course, this communication marvel also has a down side. In fact it is killing some users. The urge to text or otherwise use a smart phone while driving a car has caused government authorities to impose draconian punishment and make such use illegal. It looks like the cops are slowly winning this battle, but we still see many people ignoring this law while driving.
Then there is the " money factor ". Smart phones and tablets need to be connected to an access plan - and that costs money. Those addicted to watching a screen and accessing that which interests them can pile up a frightening amount of " use time ". Some teenagers can amass a frightening bill if their technology use becomes out of control.
If technology advances in the next decade at the same pace as it's predecessor the future will be almost unimaginable. We have come a long way since the first mobile phones appeared - at about the size of a common house brick - and only capable of exchanging phone calls.
As with most advances in technology, this will deliver a mixed blessing. We will trade an increase in convenience and the pleasure that new innovations can deliver with an extra expense - and very probably an increased risk to our lives.
It worries some people that the distraction of modern technology is making us more vulnerable to the dangers that surround us. When our senses are concentrating on that small screen, we are unaware of traffic - and more importantly - of those who these days seem to gain pleasure from inflicting unprovoked harm to others,
Sunday 11 August 2013
Panic attacks !
Sensible people understand why fire trucks, ambulances and police cars are fitted with flashing lights and sirens. They are " emergency vehicles " on their way to bring help where it is urgently needed and the law requires other motorists to get out of the way and grant them right of passage.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing tendency to ignore this obligation. In some cases, drivers have their sound systems turned up to a volume that drowns out the siren while others choose to deliberately refrain from giving way or interrupting their journey. This is an offence that carries a $ 405 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
We are about to see emergency vehicles fitted with a new " rumbler " siren. This is a device that emits a sound wave that causes cars in a sixty metre vicinity to " vibrate " wildly. This low frequency sound wave is similar to that of a " sub-woofer " and it will penetrate even the best car sound proofing - and over ride the highest music volume.
To be effective, this siren would need to be cranked up to it's maximum volume, and there is a danger that it could cause other drivers to experience a panic attack - and create an added danger by trying to respond in an unpractical manner.
It is frustrating to be caught in bumper to bumper traffic - and hear the shriek of a siren in close proximity. If traffic is gridlocked - we have no option than to wait and try to get out of the way when movement starts again, but this new siren is going to have the vehicle vibrating, adding to the frustration in a drivers mind and compelling the need for some sort of action.
What we don't need is driver panic causing desperate decisions that actually increase the danger threshold. If an emergency vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic and that " Rumbler " siren continued to shake nearby cars, some drivers are going to be driven to make unsound decisions by sheer necessity.
Drivers of emergency vehicles need to be taught to use this siren judiciously. There is no point in sounding it endlessly if stuck in a traffic jam and a quick burst of sound may be more effective in clearing an errant driver ahead than continuous use for the length of the journey.
This new siren may improve response times, but it also has the potential to cause panic attacks. It's introduction needs a carefully planned use regimen to gain the maximum benefit - without unwanted side effects !
Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing tendency to ignore this obligation. In some cases, drivers have their sound systems turned up to a volume that drowns out the siren while others choose to deliberately refrain from giving way or interrupting their journey. This is an offence that carries a $ 405 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
We are about to see emergency vehicles fitted with a new " rumbler " siren. This is a device that emits a sound wave that causes cars in a sixty metre vicinity to " vibrate " wildly. This low frequency sound wave is similar to that of a " sub-woofer " and it will penetrate even the best car sound proofing - and over ride the highest music volume.
To be effective, this siren would need to be cranked up to it's maximum volume, and there is a danger that it could cause other drivers to experience a panic attack - and create an added danger by trying to respond in an unpractical manner.
It is frustrating to be caught in bumper to bumper traffic - and hear the shriek of a siren in close proximity. If traffic is gridlocked - we have no option than to wait and try to get out of the way when movement starts again, but this new siren is going to have the vehicle vibrating, adding to the frustration in a drivers mind and compelling the need for some sort of action.
What we don't need is driver panic causing desperate decisions that actually increase the danger threshold. If an emergency vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic and that " Rumbler " siren continued to shake nearby cars, some drivers are going to be driven to make unsound decisions by sheer necessity.
Drivers of emergency vehicles need to be taught to use this siren judiciously. There is no point in sounding it endlessly if stuck in a traffic jam and a quick burst of sound may be more effective in clearing an errant driver ahead than continuous use for the length of the journey.
This new siren may improve response times, but it also has the potential to cause panic attacks. It's introduction needs a carefully planned use regimen to gain the maximum benefit - without unwanted side effects !
Saturday 10 August 2013
Personal opinions - and obligations !
We are all entitled to our own opinions on any subject, but when those opinions collide with the obligations that come with the job we do - we step over a line that may be covered by various aspects of the law.
It seems that the owners of the general store at Wallabadah, a tiny town in northern NSW are avid Labor supporters. When the Daily Telegraph newspaper ran a headline critical of the Labor government, they chose to withdraw the paper from sale. This was quickly smoothed over - and the paper is back on the shelves - but some critics are quick to claim that this action was nothing more than " censorship " of what others are allowed to read.
Half a century ago a similar situation existed with contraception. The sale of condoms was restricted to chemist shops and it was illegal to display or advertise them. Contraception was banned by the Roman Catholic church, and most Catholic owned chemists declined to stock or sell condoms. In many small towns where there was only a single chemist shop - this became a case of an individual trader impose his or her religious views on the entire community. This debate continued when " the pill " became the most used form of contraception. Some Catholic doctors refused to write a script for it - and many Catholic owned chemists refused to dispense the scripted item.
Perhaps the greatest impost of all concerns union dues imposed on members of trade unions - and there are still many trades where subtle pressure requires anyone working in that trade to join the union - or face discrimination !
The unions are a legal voting force in the decision making process of the Australian Labor party and they provide funds to promote the party's prospects at election times, thus any member with an opposing political view is dragooned into financially supporting a political party that is not of their choice.
The opportunity for personal choice to intrude on obligations are fast crumbling. Contraception is openly on the shelf at most supermarkets and online chemists will supply any legitimate script. A shop that declines to stock a wanted product will quickly find the opposition filling that gap - and luring away customers.
The one glaring exception is the trade union movement and it's leech like association with the Labor political party. Surely political affiliation is a personal choice for each individual. A political donation should be a clearly defined part of the membership charge - and be subjected to an " opt out " option at the discretion of each member.
This seems to be a concept that may only be attained a long time into the future !
It seems that the owners of the general store at Wallabadah, a tiny town in northern NSW are avid Labor supporters. When the Daily Telegraph newspaper ran a headline critical of the Labor government, they chose to withdraw the paper from sale. This was quickly smoothed over - and the paper is back on the shelves - but some critics are quick to claim that this action was nothing more than " censorship " of what others are allowed to read.
Half a century ago a similar situation existed with contraception. The sale of condoms was restricted to chemist shops and it was illegal to display or advertise them. Contraception was banned by the Roman Catholic church, and most Catholic owned chemists declined to stock or sell condoms. In many small towns where there was only a single chemist shop - this became a case of an individual trader impose his or her religious views on the entire community. This debate continued when " the pill " became the most used form of contraception. Some Catholic doctors refused to write a script for it - and many Catholic owned chemists refused to dispense the scripted item.
Perhaps the greatest impost of all concerns union dues imposed on members of trade unions - and there are still many trades where subtle pressure requires anyone working in that trade to join the union - or face discrimination !
The unions are a legal voting force in the decision making process of the Australian Labor party and they provide funds to promote the party's prospects at election times, thus any member with an opposing political view is dragooned into financially supporting a political party that is not of their choice.
The opportunity for personal choice to intrude on obligations are fast crumbling. Contraception is openly on the shelf at most supermarkets and online chemists will supply any legitimate script. A shop that declines to stock a wanted product will quickly find the opposition filling that gap - and luring away customers.
The one glaring exception is the trade union movement and it's leech like association with the Labor political party. Surely political affiliation is a personal choice for each individual. A political donation should be a clearly defined part of the membership charge - and be subjected to an " opt out " option at the discretion of each member.
This seems to be a concept that may only be attained a long time into the future !
Friday 9 August 2013
Myths - and facts !
Australians are being told that " the minerals boom is over " ! It is therefore strange that Andrew McKenzie, CEO of BHP Billiton, one of the biggest contributors to the tax pool of this country thinks " that the greatest opportunities are still ahead of us ".
McKenzie voices the opinion that global demand for commodities will rise by up to seventy-five percent in the next fifteen years. It seems we are hearing " gloom and doom " from the political world - and a bright future prediction from industry.
What it really means is that the " madness " of the past several years is over. We are not going to see an ongoing scramble to open new mines and expand the workforce because the price of minerals is going through the roof, but those coal trains and iron ore conveyor belts will still be loading ships leaving our ports to transport Australian commodities to keep the lights on in Asia. It will be a more orderly flow of commerce and we still need to refine our work practices to keep ahead of competitors.
Mineral resources are - and will continue to be - the main exports from this country, but there are other great opportunities knocking on the door - and one of them is - food ! We are lucky that we live in a land with a temperate climate that allows both a summer and a winter crop. The world population is steadily rising and we have the space to be the bread basket of the world - if we learn to manage our farming sector correctly and put the structure in place to make it function efficiently.
Sanity will not prevail until this election is over - and the dust has settled. The myth of the mineral boom turning to disaster is simply part of the world of politics. It serves as cover to divert attention from the changes politicians are offering in the scramble to attract votes. The reality is that demand will remain strong and the outflow is settling into a demand pattern that is sustainable. It will still be the major industry employing a workforce and driving our economy.
Forecasting the future - depends on who we talk to. In this case, the CEO of our biggest company is well worth listening to.
McKenzie voices the opinion that global demand for commodities will rise by up to seventy-five percent in the next fifteen years. It seems we are hearing " gloom and doom " from the political world - and a bright future prediction from industry.
What it really means is that the " madness " of the past several years is over. We are not going to see an ongoing scramble to open new mines and expand the workforce because the price of minerals is going through the roof, but those coal trains and iron ore conveyor belts will still be loading ships leaving our ports to transport Australian commodities to keep the lights on in Asia. It will be a more orderly flow of commerce and we still need to refine our work practices to keep ahead of competitors.
Mineral resources are - and will continue to be - the main exports from this country, but there are other great opportunities knocking on the door - and one of them is - food ! We are lucky that we live in a land with a temperate climate that allows both a summer and a winter crop. The world population is steadily rising and we have the space to be the bread basket of the world - if we learn to manage our farming sector correctly and put the structure in place to make it function efficiently.
Sanity will not prevail until this election is over - and the dust has settled. The myth of the mineral boom turning to disaster is simply part of the world of politics. It serves as cover to divert attention from the changes politicians are offering in the scramble to attract votes. The reality is that demand will remain strong and the outflow is settling into a demand pattern that is sustainable. It will still be the major industry employing a workforce and driving our economy.
Forecasting the future - depends on who we talk to. In this case, the CEO of our biggest company is well worth listening to.
Thursday 8 August 2013
Feeding the world !
At present, more than six billion people call planet Earth home. It seems inevitable that in the lifetime of these inhabitants, the world population will blow out to more than ten billion people - and that will pose questions for the world food supply !
In the developed world we are used to three hearty meals a day, but in third world countries the majority of citizens get by with much less. Many rely on " subsistence farming " to grow what they eat - and as a consequence they exist on a little rice and some vegetables. Eating meat is a rare component of their diet.
Industrialization is raising living standards, and one of the first benefits of an increasing income in third world countries is an increase in the quality of meals. Prosperity invites people to eat more food, and meat becomes an item of high demand.
That creates a problem. Raising cattle and sheep for the meat they create is not cost efficient in regard to the acreage they require, nor the amount of energy needed in ratio to the end product. If demand for meat continues to rise, so will the price - and there will be an availability problem. There will simply not be enough to go around to satisfy demand.
It is encouraging to learn that science has solved the problem of growing " artificial meat " in a laboratory. It is now possible to create a " test tube burger " by using animal muscle in a petri dish to create what looks and tastes " like the real thing " !
At this stage, the cost is prohibitive. Researchers have spent $ 430,000 and a commercial prduct is probably ten years away - but it is the first step in solving the problem of how we are going to feed those future billions.
Unfortunately, there is the liklihood of a backlash. Expect a groundswell of spirited opposition to this concept.- just as we have huge numbers of people bitterly opposed to genetically modified plant crops that bear bigger yields and are immune to plant diseases.
It seems part of the human psyche to rebel at the progress we need to solve the problems that expanding numbers of humankind will impose on the survival of the species.
If the nay-sayers have their way - we face the prospect of a very hungry future world !
In the developed world we are used to three hearty meals a day, but in third world countries the majority of citizens get by with much less. Many rely on " subsistence farming " to grow what they eat - and as a consequence they exist on a little rice and some vegetables. Eating meat is a rare component of their diet.
Industrialization is raising living standards, and one of the first benefits of an increasing income in third world countries is an increase in the quality of meals. Prosperity invites people to eat more food, and meat becomes an item of high demand.
That creates a problem. Raising cattle and sheep for the meat they create is not cost efficient in regard to the acreage they require, nor the amount of energy needed in ratio to the end product. If demand for meat continues to rise, so will the price - and there will be an availability problem. There will simply not be enough to go around to satisfy demand.
It is encouraging to learn that science has solved the problem of growing " artificial meat " in a laboratory. It is now possible to create a " test tube burger " by using animal muscle in a petri dish to create what looks and tastes " like the real thing " !
At this stage, the cost is prohibitive. Researchers have spent $ 430,000 and a commercial prduct is probably ten years away - but it is the first step in solving the problem of how we are going to feed those future billions.
Unfortunately, there is the liklihood of a backlash. Expect a groundswell of spirited opposition to this concept.- just as we have huge numbers of people bitterly opposed to genetically modified plant crops that bear bigger yields and are immune to plant diseases.
It seems part of the human psyche to rebel at the progress we need to solve the problems that expanding numbers of humankind will impose on the survival of the species.
If the nay-sayers have their way - we face the prospect of a very hungry future world !
Wednesday 7 August 2013
A clear and present danger !
The fact that the United States, Britain and Germany have closed many of their overseas embassies until the passing of Ramadan is a very good reason for travellers of all nationalities to be nervous.
The security people report a sharp increase in terrorist " chatter " - and this is precisely the forerunner of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade centre. It seems a likely indication that al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is planning a show of strength and this may be directed against a wide spectrum of western targets.
It is likely that counter measures have reduced al Qaeda to abandon huge projects like the 9/11 attack, and concentrate more on a multitude of smaller events. Western security will be concentrating on airlines, trains and events at which large numbers of the public gather.
The more worrying aspect concerns the terrorist potential of just one man - Abrahim Al-Asiri, a Saudi bombmaker who masterminded two events that only narrowly failed to bring down passenger and freight aircraft. He is a gifted chemist who devised the " underwear " bomb and the " inkjet cartridge " bombs that delivered a new threat to air travel.
It is thought that he has developed this craft further and that future bombs may be surgically implanted into the body of potential suicide bombers. It is possible that Al-Asiri has been training cadres of bombmakers and the security people think it possible that al Qaeda may be about to implement coordinated bomb attacks on a wide scale.
Security is playing it's cards close to it's chest, but the embassy closures indicate that they may have been the chosen targets. If so, the opportunities have been seriously reduced and now it depends if al Qaeda can quickly change direction and whether they have a " Plan B " waiting in case of target disruption.
This is certainly a time when those taking an overseas holiday, travelling for business - or using all forms of air or rail transport - would have in mind that there is a " risk factor ". It would also be a good time to avoid the usual tourist haunts that attract large numbers of people.
The next week to ten days will see most of the western world " holding their breath ". Hopefully, it will have a happy outcome !
The security people report a sharp increase in terrorist " chatter " - and this is precisely the forerunner of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade centre. It seems a likely indication that al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is planning a show of strength and this may be directed against a wide spectrum of western targets.
It is likely that counter measures have reduced al Qaeda to abandon huge projects like the 9/11 attack, and concentrate more on a multitude of smaller events. Western security will be concentrating on airlines, trains and events at which large numbers of the public gather.
The more worrying aspect concerns the terrorist potential of just one man - Abrahim Al-Asiri, a Saudi bombmaker who masterminded two events that only narrowly failed to bring down passenger and freight aircraft. He is a gifted chemist who devised the " underwear " bomb and the " inkjet cartridge " bombs that delivered a new threat to air travel.
It is thought that he has developed this craft further and that future bombs may be surgically implanted into the body of potential suicide bombers. It is possible that Al-Asiri has been training cadres of bombmakers and the security people think it possible that al Qaeda may be about to implement coordinated bomb attacks on a wide scale.
Security is playing it's cards close to it's chest, but the embassy closures indicate that they may have been the chosen targets. If so, the opportunities have been seriously reduced and now it depends if al Qaeda can quickly change direction and whether they have a " Plan B " waiting in case of target disruption.
This is certainly a time when those taking an overseas holiday, travelling for business - or using all forms of air or rail transport - would have in mind that there is a " risk factor ". It would also be a good time to avoid the usual tourist haunts that attract large numbers of people.
The next week to ten days will see most of the western world " holding their breath ". Hopefully, it will have a happy outcome !
Tuesday 6 August 2013
Crafty thinking !
It was probably inevitable that falling interest rates would drive the people who manage their own investments to seek other avenues to get a decent return on their money.
Some of the astute ones have connected the dots and see huge opportunities waiting in the first home buyers market. The government is only awarding first home buyer grants to those who purchase brand new homes, and rising real estate prices are locking out those seeking to get their foot on the real estate ladder.
A few years ago we were seeing the " McMansion " phenomenon. Buyers were snapping up old fibro homes on quarter acre blocks, sending in the demolition crews - and re-building huge homes in the heart of suburbia. That trend has slowed down - because the opportunity for profit has taken a new direction.
Old fibro homes on quarter acre blocks are still in demand for demolition, but what is planned for the site now is villa housing. Depending on the regulations required by individual councils, it is possible to cram two - and sometimes three - one or two bedroom villas on such a site.
These are not luxury villas. The objective is to provide a basic living unit that meets the standard set by council regulations, but also attracts that all important first home subsidy. It is a starting point for those desperate to get a start on owning their own home - and because of this the investor can expect a handsome profit return.
At the same time, the people who usually favour fixed term deposits to service their money are looking at the home rental market as an alternative. Home prices are on the rise again and rents are at an all time high. It seems a safe investment to return to " bricks and mortar " and reap high rental returns.
The danger is that the banks may find they have surplus funds and lack of demand for loans - and thats when they may be tempted to ease standards on home finance. That is precisely how the 08 crash roiled world markets. When the banks found they had huge wads of dodgy loans a few smart operators combined them into " securities " with high credit rating accreditation - and sold them to unsuspecting institutional investors.
History has a nasty habit of repeating itself !
Some of the astute ones have connected the dots and see huge opportunities waiting in the first home buyers market. The government is only awarding first home buyer grants to those who purchase brand new homes, and rising real estate prices are locking out those seeking to get their foot on the real estate ladder.
A few years ago we were seeing the " McMansion " phenomenon. Buyers were snapping up old fibro homes on quarter acre blocks, sending in the demolition crews - and re-building huge homes in the heart of suburbia. That trend has slowed down - because the opportunity for profit has taken a new direction.
Old fibro homes on quarter acre blocks are still in demand for demolition, but what is planned for the site now is villa housing. Depending on the regulations required by individual councils, it is possible to cram two - and sometimes three - one or two bedroom villas on such a site.
These are not luxury villas. The objective is to provide a basic living unit that meets the standard set by council regulations, but also attracts that all important first home subsidy. It is a starting point for those desperate to get a start on owning their own home - and because of this the investor can expect a handsome profit return.
At the same time, the people who usually favour fixed term deposits to service their money are looking at the home rental market as an alternative. Home prices are on the rise again and rents are at an all time high. It seems a safe investment to return to " bricks and mortar " and reap high rental returns.
The danger is that the banks may find they have surplus funds and lack of demand for loans - and thats when they may be tempted to ease standards on home finance. That is precisely how the 08 crash roiled world markets. When the banks found they had huge wads of dodgy loans a few smart operators combined them into " securities " with high credit rating accreditation - and sold them to unsuspecting institutional investors.
History has a nasty habit of repeating itself !
Monday 5 August 2013
Modern day " Bank Bandits " !
Most people think that the safest place to keep their money is to have it in a bank account. That may be true, but to keep a new breed of bank bandits at bay, it is necessary to maintain some sort of regular account transactions.
The government is ever ready to invoke it's " Inactive bank account " laws. In the past, accounts that have made no movement in a seven year period were deemed inactive - and quickly seized by ASIC. Now the period of that " inactive " law has been reduced to just three years.
You can certainly claim the money back - once you discover it is missing - but only the bare emount taken. No interest is paid for the period it is sitting in " consolidated revenue " - and the " recovery process " usually involves reams of paperwork - and could drag on for months.
Another " money trap " concerns savings deposits on a fixed term basis. You negotiate with the bank to get an agreed term of interest by leaving your money for a nominated number of months.
When this term is about to expire the bank writes you a letter giving a week to arrange withdrawal or reinvestment of funds, and promises to reinvest both capital and interest if they have not received a response.
When the bank uses this " automatic reinvestment " option, the new interest rate charged is at the bottom of the interest scale. In the majority of cases, those who take the trouble to call and discuss the matter are offered a higher rate of interest.
It seems that both banks and the government take advantage of those people who are not skilled in the management of their money. You would think the banks would give warning that an account was reaching the " inactive " stage - and was in danger. Some do - but there is no such obligation, and many do not !
The same applies to maturing fixed terms. The astute get a higher interest rate on reinvestment - and the lower rate that applies to automatic reinvestment benefits the banks.
The losers are usually honest people who think that their nest egg is safely earning interest and see no reason to disturb the account. In this day and age - the new " bank bandits " use the law instead of a gun.
The government is ever ready to invoke it's " Inactive bank account " laws. In the past, accounts that have made no movement in a seven year period were deemed inactive - and quickly seized by ASIC. Now the period of that " inactive " law has been reduced to just three years.
You can certainly claim the money back - once you discover it is missing - but only the bare emount taken. No interest is paid for the period it is sitting in " consolidated revenue " - and the " recovery process " usually involves reams of paperwork - and could drag on for months.
Another " money trap " concerns savings deposits on a fixed term basis. You negotiate with the bank to get an agreed term of interest by leaving your money for a nominated number of months.
When this term is about to expire the bank writes you a letter giving a week to arrange withdrawal or reinvestment of funds, and promises to reinvest both capital and interest if they have not received a response.
When the bank uses this " automatic reinvestment " option, the new interest rate charged is at the bottom of the interest scale. In the majority of cases, those who take the trouble to call and discuss the matter are offered a higher rate of interest.
It seems that both banks and the government take advantage of those people who are not skilled in the management of their money. You would think the banks would give warning that an account was reaching the " inactive " stage - and was in danger. Some do - but there is no such obligation, and many do not !
The same applies to maturing fixed terms. The astute get a higher interest rate on reinvestment - and the lower rate that applies to automatic reinvestment benefits the banks.
The losers are usually honest people who think that their nest egg is safely earning interest and see no reason to disturb the account. In this day and age - the new " bank bandits " use the law instead of a gun.
Sunday 4 August 2013
Getting it right !
It is understandable that the relatives of a victim killed in an act of violence are appalled when the perpetrator is charged with " manslaughter " instead of " murder ".
This is an emotional response that ignores the definitions carefully crafted into the laws that the courts are obliged to follow. The prosecution must establish that there was an intent to cause death. In many cases, this walks a fine line that could be interpretted differently by many people.
One case that has recently come to court involved a young man who got his kicks by " king hitting " total strangers as he walked the streets of Sydney's Kings Cross. On the night in question, he hit five other young men - and one of them hit his head when he fell to the pavement - causing fatal brain damage.
The prosecutor faced a knotty problem. These were unprovoked attacks, but it is unlikely that the perpetrator intended to kill any of his victims. The fact that four of the five survived without fatal damage suggested that while death was caused as a result of the action, it was not caused by an " intention to kill " !
The defence has the right to point out this definition of the crime of murder, and a properly instructed jury would be unlikely to convict. The prosecution got it right in down grading the charge to manslaughter - and accordingly a lesser penalty is involved.
This particular case awaits sentencing and it is unlikely that whatever is handed down will satisfy relatives of the deceased. No hard and fast rule applies and the penalty will rest with the judge - within a scale of limits set by precedents.
Sadly, it is almost certain to go to appeal. If the judge hands down a " soft " penalty there will be pressure for the prosecution to appeal, and if he takes a " severe " stance the defence will claim that it is " excessive ".
Some will be heartened by a courageous judge in the United States who handed down a sentence to a man who enslaved and systematically raped three young women - holding them captive in his home for over ten years.
That sentence was for life - without any hope of parole - and just to make sure he never gets free - the judge tacked on an additional sentence of a thousand years !
That sort of " justice " is unlikely to happen here !
This is an emotional response that ignores the definitions carefully crafted into the laws that the courts are obliged to follow. The prosecution must establish that there was an intent to cause death. In many cases, this walks a fine line that could be interpretted differently by many people.
One case that has recently come to court involved a young man who got his kicks by " king hitting " total strangers as he walked the streets of Sydney's Kings Cross. On the night in question, he hit five other young men - and one of them hit his head when he fell to the pavement - causing fatal brain damage.
The prosecutor faced a knotty problem. These were unprovoked attacks, but it is unlikely that the perpetrator intended to kill any of his victims. The fact that four of the five survived without fatal damage suggested that while death was caused as a result of the action, it was not caused by an " intention to kill " !
The defence has the right to point out this definition of the crime of murder, and a properly instructed jury would be unlikely to convict. The prosecution got it right in down grading the charge to manslaughter - and accordingly a lesser penalty is involved.
This particular case awaits sentencing and it is unlikely that whatever is handed down will satisfy relatives of the deceased. No hard and fast rule applies and the penalty will rest with the judge - within a scale of limits set by precedents.
Sadly, it is almost certain to go to appeal. If the judge hands down a " soft " penalty there will be pressure for the prosecution to appeal, and if he takes a " severe " stance the defence will claim that it is " excessive ".
Some will be heartened by a courageous judge in the United States who handed down a sentence to a man who enslaved and systematically raped three young women - holding them captive in his home for over ten years.
That sentence was for life - without any hope of parole - and just to make sure he never gets free - the judge tacked on an additional sentence of a thousand years !
That sort of " justice " is unlikely to happen here !
Saturday 3 August 2013
That " Bank Deposit " tax !
When " Income Tax " was first proposed it was a very logical suggestion. The government provides a host of services for the use of all citizens and a small levy to pay for them seemed a very good idea. This tax was on a sliding scale, hence the more we earned - the more tax we paid.
Since then successive governments have created a minefield through which our earnings must pass before they actually become " ours ". Over the years they have introduced the " Fringe Benefits tax " and the " Capital Gains tax " - and now there is this brand new impost on the money that finally made it into our bank accounts.
The charge will be miniscule - just 0.05% annually, hence a balance of $ 10,000 will cost it's owner just $ 6 a year - and a $ 250,000 deposit a government " contribution " of $ 150.
The government is trying to plug a huge black hole in it's accounts, but the reason given for this new tax is to create a safety net to guard against bank insolvency. Of course the government already pledges to guarantee the security of our funds in banks, building societies and credit unions, so this new tax is really a way to reimburse Treasury for the cover so provided.
What will worry many people is the principle involved. The government is assuming the right to delve into our bank accounts for what they claim is a very necessary reason - and once we accept that principle we become vulnerable to what happened to citizens of a small overseas country.
Their banks went broke - and the government simply seized a big portion of their deposits and used them to refinance those same banks. Account balances were frozen or only permitted small withdrawals - and the depositor issued with a piece of paper declaring that they were now a " shareholder " of the bank to the degree of money taken from their account.
This could be the first step on a very slippery slope. It brings to mind an old adage from a distant childhood - which seemed to be the guiding force of socialist thinking.
" Whats yours is mine - and whats mine is my own ".
A point to ponder !
Since then successive governments have created a minefield through which our earnings must pass before they actually become " ours ". Over the years they have introduced the " Fringe Benefits tax " and the " Capital Gains tax " - and now there is this brand new impost on the money that finally made it into our bank accounts.
The charge will be miniscule - just 0.05% annually, hence a balance of $ 10,000 will cost it's owner just $ 6 a year - and a $ 250,000 deposit a government " contribution " of $ 150.
The government is trying to plug a huge black hole in it's accounts, but the reason given for this new tax is to create a safety net to guard against bank insolvency. Of course the government already pledges to guarantee the security of our funds in banks, building societies and credit unions, so this new tax is really a way to reimburse Treasury for the cover so provided.
What will worry many people is the principle involved. The government is assuming the right to delve into our bank accounts for what they claim is a very necessary reason - and once we accept that principle we become vulnerable to what happened to citizens of a small overseas country.
Their banks went broke - and the government simply seized a big portion of their deposits and used them to refinance those same banks. Account balances were frozen or only permitted small withdrawals - and the depositor issued with a piece of paper declaring that they were now a " shareholder " of the bank to the degree of money taken from their account.
This could be the first step on a very slippery slope. It brings to mind an old adage from a distant childhood - which seemed to be the guiding force of socialist thinking.
" Whats yours is mine - and whats mine is my own ".
A point to ponder !
Friday 2 August 2013
Slow justice !
Yesterday, ICAC handed down it's findings from a lengthy investigation on the awarding of mining licenses that involved two former heavyweight Labor politicians. It's finding was quite damning ! It found that they - and others - had engaged in corruption and it reccommended that criminal action should be taken.
What many of the public find amazing is that the two men in question are still living normal lives. This story is creating newspaper headlines, but the ICAC report will first have to be considered by the DPP before any further action eventuates - and it is suggested that could be " years into the future " !
The accused may go to court and challenge the ICAC findings. The alleged corruption delivered a mint of money and finance will not be a problem in engaging the best counsel for a defence. It is even suggested that the DPP may have to ask the government for extra money if it is to take on two such spectacular prosecutions as the task is far beyond it's present funding level.
While the wheels of justice are creaking slowly, it raises the question of what happens to any loot gained from the alleged corruption. We have laws that authorise the confiscation of " the proceeds of crime " - and we constantly see the lavish toys of those dealing in the drug trade confiscated and held by the police while the owners are awaiting prosecution. The confiscation comes first - and the conviction follows.
There seems a good chance that if this prosecution needs a time frame measured in years, much of the crime proceeds may be dissipated if it remains under the control of the accused.
This does not seem to be the " justice " we mere mortals have to contend with when we are accused of a crime. The cops come a'calling and we see the inside of a police cell - until we face a bail court and even then gaining our liberty can depend on access to bail money or a surety.
It seems that things are different - in the " big end of town "
What many of the public find amazing is that the two men in question are still living normal lives. This story is creating newspaper headlines, but the ICAC report will first have to be considered by the DPP before any further action eventuates - and it is suggested that could be " years into the future " !
The accused may go to court and challenge the ICAC findings. The alleged corruption delivered a mint of money and finance will not be a problem in engaging the best counsel for a defence. It is even suggested that the DPP may have to ask the government for extra money if it is to take on two such spectacular prosecutions as the task is far beyond it's present funding level.
While the wheels of justice are creaking slowly, it raises the question of what happens to any loot gained from the alleged corruption. We have laws that authorise the confiscation of " the proceeds of crime " - and we constantly see the lavish toys of those dealing in the drug trade confiscated and held by the police while the owners are awaiting prosecution. The confiscation comes first - and the conviction follows.
There seems a good chance that if this prosecution needs a time frame measured in years, much of the crime proceeds may be dissipated if it remains under the control of the accused.
This does not seem to be the " justice " we mere mortals have to contend with when we are accused of a crime. The cops come a'calling and we see the inside of a police cell - until we face a bail court and even then gaining our liberty can depend on access to bail money or a surety.
It seems that things are different - in the " big end of town "
Thursday 1 August 2013
Buckling up !
New South Wales is spending $ 208 million in the coming decade fitting seat belts in school buses. Eventually, this will extend to the sixty thousand country school children who travel fifty million kilometres a year to and from school - often on roads with speed limits above eighty kilometres per hour.
It is amazing that it has taken this long, considering that the state is quite ruthless in imposing draconian fines and cancelling licenses for car drivers and passengers caught failing to buckle up.
At least this is moving in the right direction, but inconsistencies remain. Seat belt installation will not extend to buses that are used on normal passenger services as well as performing some school transport functions. It will only apply to buses that are exclusively used for school transport.
The other grey area concerns the practice of children remaining standing on school buses. In the past, we crammed kids in like sardines, often two to a seat and the balance strap hanging for the entire journey - and quite often this was on highways with a speed limit of a hundred k's per hour
The bus safety committee is adament that all students should have the protection of a safety belt, and that standing in school buses be completely banned at bus speeds of eighty kilometres per hour - or above.
It seems that Treasury can not find the money to implement the full recommendation and accident figures are keeping the lid on parent pressure to bring this to fruition. School buses have a marvellous safety record, with only three fatalities in the past decade.
Now this issue will face a new challenge. Today's students are a rebellious lot. Putting safety belts in buses is only one half of the job. The other half is insisting that students comply - and buckle up for every journey !
It is amazing that it has taken this long, considering that the state is quite ruthless in imposing draconian fines and cancelling licenses for car drivers and passengers caught failing to buckle up.
At least this is moving in the right direction, but inconsistencies remain. Seat belt installation will not extend to buses that are used on normal passenger services as well as performing some school transport functions. It will only apply to buses that are exclusively used for school transport.
The other grey area concerns the practice of children remaining standing on school buses. In the past, we crammed kids in like sardines, often two to a seat and the balance strap hanging for the entire journey - and quite often this was on highways with a speed limit of a hundred k's per hour
The bus safety committee is adament that all students should have the protection of a safety belt, and that standing in school buses be completely banned at bus speeds of eighty kilometres per hour - or above.
It seems that Treasury can not find the money to implement the full recommendation and accident figures are keeping the lid on parent pressure to bring this to fruition. School buses have a marvellous safety record, with only three fatalities in the past decade.
Now this issue will face a new challenge. Today's students are a rebellious lot. Putting safety belts in buses is only one half of the job. The other half is insisting that students comply - and buckle up for every journey !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)