The season of giving and receiving.
Monsoons that is........with a strong NE monsoon in peninsula Malaysia and Singapore, as well as in East Malaysia there is some trepidation about heavy rain and possible floods in some areas.
In Singapore it has made for great weather with a strong breeze and overcast conditions - really great for walking around, with just a few decent showers and storms.
Malaysia is expecting more rain and floods on the east coast, and there has been some flooding in parts of Sarawak.
North Australia did not miss out either, with a monsoonal burst across the north including a severe to major category 3 cyclone which crossed the coast of WA near Wickham, and is now moving S and SE bringing wind and more rain. Not too much damage though. Plenty of images on line.
While the heavy rain is a bit unpleasant, it is the lifeblood of the country, especially across north Australia, refilling creeks and waterholes and sustaining life.
I am sure many welcome it. The frogs sure do!!!
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
That Time of Year - Troppo Season
There are signs, apart from the hot days and hot nights, as well as the high humidity.
These include:
ripe mangoes increasing in abundance
flowering rain trees in profligate colour and then leaving their flowers on the ground
madly flowering yellow Tabeuia argentea trees along Trower Road from Casuarina to the end
tempers shortening, more cross words
increasing use of air conditioners
increasing or even re-instated use of swimming pools and spas [ usually usage abandoned in the dry season as it is too cold for locals]
increased use of liquid refreshments - of all types
lawns growing
tourists leaving town
AND...............last but not least - green tree frogs noisely croaking in any damp place, or at any sign of rain!
All are now occurring....................must be close to the troppo season in Darwin.
!
These include:
ripe mangoes increasing in abundance
flowering rain trees in profligate colour and then leaving their flowers on the ground
madly flowering yellow Tabeuia argentea trees along Trower Road from Casuarina to the end
tempers shortening, more cross words
increasing use of air conditioners
increasing or even re-instated use of swimming pools and spas [ usually usage abandoned in the dry season as it is too cold for locals]
increased use of liquid refreshments - of all types
lawns growing
tourists leaving town
AND...............last but not least - green tree frogs noisely croaking in any damp place, or at any sign of rain!
All are now occurring....................must be close to the troppo season in Darwin.
 |
| green tree frog |
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Milk + Coffee - A Complex Conundrum
"What milk in your coffee, sir?"
Will it be ordinary, permeate free, skim, light, A2, soy, lactose free, gluten free, goat, sheep, or will sir's coffee be plain black?
It is a complex conundrum to decide what your milk choice will be today in many coffee shops.
It is that same issue of choice where too much choice is the problem. Hark back to the time when a cappuccino was just that and the big question of choice was cup or mug - no, not even a take away.
Is the coffee any better?
While choice of coffee blend has improved, and that itself creates more choice..............is it worth it?
I admit, I do prefer certain coffee blends - and a current one from the Brazilian Cerrrado region is a bit of a favourite right now - and best drunk black.
Aficionados might even say - is there any other way than black to drink coffee?
But so many milk choices, so many! Think of the experimental interactions within a simple [???] cappuccino. Eleven or more milk choices by shall we say three or four available blends at mild, normal, strong or extra strong - That is a staggering 11 milks x 4 blends x 4 strengths = 176 options.
No wonder that barista is sometimes a bit short in the mornings!!!
Blinded by choice - best to do your own. If you stuff it up........too bad.
Will it be ordinary, permeate free, skim, light, A2, soy, lactose free, gluten free, goat, sheep, or will sir's coffee be plain black?
It is a complex conundrum to decide what your milk choice will be today in many coffee shops.
It is that same issue of choice where too much choice is the problem. Hark back to the time when a cappuccino was just that and the big question of choice was cup or mug - no, not even a take away.
Is the coffee any better?
While choice of coffee blend has improved, and that itself creates more choice..............is it worth it?
I admit, I do prefer certain coffee blends - and a current one from the Brazilian Cerrrado region is a bit of a favourite right now - and best drunk black.
Aficionados might even say - is there any other way than black to drink coffee?
No wonder that barista is sometimes a bit short in the mornings!!!
Blinded by choice - best to do your own. If you stuff it up........too bad.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
RAIN - Dry Season Over?
The BOM predicted it - and it was just as they said.
Rain in the evening and quite a bit more the next morning. Had 7.5mm in Rapid Creek, 8mm at Nightcliff Pool and 10 - 12mm in Northern suburbs, but only 2mm at the Darwin Airport.
Darwin had a taste of the rainy stuff during the week [ 21st], and could the dry season be over?
You would hardly think so this weekend - low humidity and a 17 and 18C overnights. But the end of August approaches.
A notable end of August coming too - 31st anniversary I am told of the monumental album by Neil Diamond - "Hot August Night" is on 24 August 1972 - [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_August_Night. ]
Rain in the evening and quite a bit more the next morning. Had 7.5mm in Rapid Creek, 8mm at Nightcliff Pool and 10 - 12mm in Northern suburbs, but only 2mm at the Darwin Airport.
Darwin had a taste of the rainy stuff during the week [ 21st], and could the dry season be over?
You would hardly think so this weekend - low humidity and a 17 and 18C overnights. But the end of August approaches.
A notable end of August coming too - 31st anniversary I am told of the monumental album by Neil Diamond - "Hot August Night" is on 24 August 1972 - [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_August_Night. ]
Monday, 19 August 2013
Changi Airport to Grow ENORMOUSLY
Singapore is planning a bit of growth at Changi Airport.
T4 is coming soon but then Terminal 5 [ T5] is basically going to double the size of the airport again.
So by 2030 there will be third runway and it will be a whole lot bigger.
More here -
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/world/18555440/singapore-to-double-capacity-of-changi-airport/
T4 is coming soon but then Terminal 5 [ T5] is basically going to double the size of the airport again.
So by 2030 there will be third runway and it will be a whole lot bigger.
More here -
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/world/18555440/singapore-to-double-capacity-of-changi-airport/
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Purple Flowered Vine - Fantastic
Seen on the neighbour's fence in Darwin this week - it looks magnificent.
Purple flowers, fading to light lavender then white [last photo]. Had trouble downloading off the camera so these are after a few days in full flower [had to use a different CF card - which worked okay] but colour has lightened a little. Was a magnificent purple initially. Also seen in Singapore, but never as a fantastic display like this.
Look online for more - Mansoa hymenaea.
Cultivation notes:
Purple flowers, fading to light lavender then white [last photo]. Had trouble downloading off the camera so these are after a few days in full flower [had to use a different CF card - which worked okay] but colour has lightened a little. Was a magnificent purple initially. Also seen in Singapore, but never as a fantastic display like this.
Look online for more - Mansoa hymenaea.
Cultivation notes:
Scientific name: Mansoa hymenaea
Family: Bigoniaceae Common name: Garlic vine Habitat: Native to Mexico And Central America. It is best to grow it in well-drained soil that is mulched at the base with compost to keep the roots cool and moist. M. alliacea occurs on solid ground, not close to bodies of water, in shaded areas of low vegetation and in small primary forests. It cannot grow in flooded areas or in open fields. It occurs in tropical areas with rainfall of 1800-3500 mm/year, at temperatures between 20 and 30 ºC. Mansoa hymenaea is a native plant of Brazil and Peru (Thetburanatham, 1987), but grows very well in most the parts of Thailand (Chirunthorn et al., 2005). Botanical Description: Dicot. Plant grow up to 9 m , has simple leave that has elliptic margins.When the leaves are crushed a garlicky smell will be given out. Flowers are trumpet-shaped and is pale and purple in colour and grows in clusters. Flowers seasonally from March to May. Requires sun and partial sun. Propagation: Stem cutting Medicinal Uses: The entire plant such as roots, stems and leaves have medicinal uses and are used to reduce fevers, treat colds, throat, and respiratory troubles. Source : http:// en.hortipedia.com/wiki/mansoa-hymenaea http://gardeningwithwilson.com/2009/08/06/the-garlic-vine/ |
 |
Mansoa hymenaea - used while own photos u/s     |
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Crazy Weather in the Tropics
Fires are creating an enormous problematic smoke haze over Singapore and Johor Bahru state in Malaysia - fires in Indonesia.
And while this seems to happen almost every year in the dry season, it has been exceptionally bad this week with the haze and smog reaching dangerous levels that can be very unhelpful to your health.
It might have cleared a bit today, but still NOT good.
The Top End is beset for over a week with overcast windy cloudy weather and a few light rain showers around the region. None in our gauge, but certainly been rain around with falls up to 3-4mm, but most 1-2mm. It is still very cloudy tonight, and wind has dropped, so humidity is up.
Might be a bit sunnier and clearer tomorrow, or so they say.
Cloudy weather means the solar hot water system needs an electrical boost, and with our current shortest day of the year it is currently just tepid - not good for showering!
So............cloud on both sides of the equator. Not common at all!
UPDATE - on 26 June, HAIL recorded in Singapore.........definitely crazy.
And while this seems to happen almost every year in the dry season, it has been exceptionally bad this week with the haze and smog reaching dangerous levels that can be very unhelpful to your health.
It might have cleared a bit today, but still NOT good.
The Top End is beset for over a week with overcast windy cloudy weather and a few light rain showers around the region. None in our gauge, but certainly been rain around with falls up to 3-4mm, but most 1-2mm. It is still very cloudy tonight, and wind has dropped, so humidity is up.
Might be a bit sunnier and clearer tomorrow, or so they say.
Cloudy weather means the solar hot water system needs an electrical boost, and with our current shortest day of the year it is currently just tepid - not good for showering!
So............cloud on both sides of the equator. Not common at all!
UPDATE - on 26 June, HAIL recorded in Singapore.........definitely crazy.
 |
| smoke haze Singapore June 2013 |
 |
| smoke from Sumatra streaming across Singapore |
Ours is not that bad!!!
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Shopping - On line or Not?
Today an op-ed piece appeared on the ABC web site.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-17/alberici-online-shopping/4760168
It has several hundred comments, and the entire article is well worth reading. Written by Emma Alberici about on line shopping, obviously after a struggle with an in store purchase.
This has received many positive comments from readers, and not too many adverse ones.
It is pertinent to repeat the theme of her article as well as that of many commenters - when will Australian retailers and the government wake up to the fact that it is not about the GST, it is about choice, availability, range of product, decent service and a better price.
Yes, I do my fair share of online shopping - do not think I have bought much computer stuff except on line for years, and that is for a business as well as for home. But I WILL NOT buy fruit and veg on line........that is something I really need to check out and if unsuitable you can make an alternate choice of either the same or a different product.
Take the time to read it........well worth it.
I wonder if CEOs of major Australian businesses will? They sure need to do so.
You wonder how so many medium sized enterprises in Australia can get it right, yet major companies cannot do so!!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-17/alberici-online-shopping/4760168
It has several hundred comments, and the entire article is well worth reading. Written by Emma Alberici about on line shopping, obviously after a struggle with an in store purchase.
This has received many positive comments from readers, and not too many adverse ones.
It is pertinent to repeat the theme of her article as well as that of many commenters - when will Australian retailers and the government wake up to the fact that it is not about the GST, it is about choice, availability, range of product, decent service and a better price.
Yes, I do my fair share of online shopping - do not think I have bought much computer stuff except on line for years, and that is for a business as well as for home. But I WILL NOT buy fruit and veg on line........that is something I really need to check out and if unsuitable you can make an alternate choice of either the same or a different product.
Take the time to read it........well worth it.
I wonder if CEOs of major Australian businesses will? They sure need to do so.
You wonder how so many medium sized enterprises in Australia can get it right, yet major companies cannot do so!!
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Coffee Prices Are Falling
Arabica coffee is trading at its lowest level since 2009 but it is unlikely Australian baristas will slash the price of a macchiato.
The ICE coffee benchmark [ that is NOT the iced coffee benchmark though] – which measures the price of arabica, the preferred bean for espresso coffee – has fallen almost 60 per cent since its peak in May 2011, The Australian Financial Review reports.
It is down more than 10 per cent in the year to date, falling below $US1.30 a pound, on the prospect of a record crop in Brazil and heavy shorting by speculative traders.
Robusta coffee prices are falling faster and further. This is mostly used in instant coffee and other coffee blend mixes and drinks.
So...............do not expect your local cup of coffee to decline. BUT, if they want to increase the price at least complain loudly!
More detail is here - http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/news/agriculture/horticulture/general-news/arabica-coffee-prices-drop/2659451.aspx
The ICE coffee benchmark [ that is NOT the iced coffee benchmark though] – which measures the price of arabica, the preferred bean for espresso coffee – has fallen almost 60 per cent since its peak in May 2011, The Australian Financial Review reports.
It is down more than 10 per cent in the year to date, falling below $US1.30 a pound, on the prospect of a record crop in Brazil and heavy shorting by speculative traders.
Robusta coffee prices are falling faster and further. This is mostly used in instant coffee and other coffee blend mixes and drinks.
So...............do not expect your local cup of coffee to decline. BUT, if they want to increase the price at least complain loudly!
More detail is here - http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/news/agriculture/horticulture/general-news/arabica-coffee-prices-drop/2659451.aspx
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| will YOUR coffee price fall? |
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Raining on the Rock
An unusual occurrence - happening today. Lots of rain on Uluru [ Ayers Rock].
Central Australia is getting a decent amount of rain, in fact one of the wettest May days on record. Many areas west of Alice Springs receiving 40 - 60mm to 0900hrs this morning, with Alice Springs rain commencing around lunch time.
Rumours hath it that Darwin may also get some of this from the same system. BUT BUT........they are finally predicting some true dry season weather by the weekend, after this burst of rainy weather moves east. Cooler nights, drier days and maybe no more rain - for a while.
Unfortunately, there are a few indicators in the climate sphere, that do not augur well for a decent dry season, with predictors of possibly more rain in coming months around the Top End and certainly more rain for central Australia.
Should not complain too loudly - the past two dry seasons were fantastic weather. It cannot always be like that though.
Looking forward to this coming weekend for better weather!
 |
| Raining on the Rock |
Central Australia is getting a decent amount of rain, in fact one of the wettest May days on record. Many areas west of Alice Springs receiving 40 - 60mm to 0900hrs this morning, with Alice Springs rain commencing around lunch time.
Rumours hath it that Darwin may also get some of this from the same system. BUT BUT........they are finally predicting some true dry season weather by the weekend, after this burst of rainy weather moves east. Cooler nights, drier days and maybe no more rain - for a while.
Unfortunately, there are a few indicators in the climate sphere, that do not augur well for a decent dry season, with predictors of possibly more rain in coming months around the Top End and certainly more rain for central Australia.
Should not complain too loudly - the past two dry seasons were fantastic weather. It cannot always be like that though.
Looking forward to this coming weekend for better weather!
Friday, 17 May 2013
Guns to Go? No, It Seems.
Scientific American recently published an interesting piece on guns, titled Gun Science, and written by Michael Shermer, the writer of the Skeptics column each month. Published in May 2013, and available here - http://www.michaelshermer.com/2013/05/gun-science/ .
The comments deliver a lot of flak to the writer, as he trys to justify better gun management /control / laws in the US.
As an outsider looking in, I do not pretend to fully comprehend the deep psyche that seems to condone gun ownership in the US. That may be understandable.......but the timid steps being taken over heavy military type guns seemed eminently sensible to most outside the US. Better management and control of "heavy düty guns" seemed a no brainer.
Shermer covers some details of evidence based policy management on firearms, injuries and deaths from guns as well as referencing a seminal book about how society turned over confrontational dispute settling by mostly violence [ think PNG or aboriginal society as an example in our neighbourhood] to the rule of law and judicial action [ Steven Pinker 2011, "The Better Angels of Our Nature"]. Most societies seem to have found another solution, but that might not apply to those seemingly ostracised from that society, sometimes an element in major gun or violent events.
The NRA and associated law makers from both major political parties seems to have society by the short and curlies in the US over gun control, and nothing seems to happen on the issue in the USA.
The comments deliver a lot of flak to the writer, as he trys to justify better gun management /control / laws in the US.
As an outsider looking in, I do not pretend to fully comprehend the deep psyche that seems to condone gun ownership in the US. That may be understandable.......but the timid steps being taken over heavy military type guns seemed eminently sensible to most outside the US. Better management and control of "heavy düty guns" seemed a no brainer.
Shermer covers some details of evidence based policy management on firearms, injuries and deaths from guns as well as referencing a seminal book about how society turned over confrontational dispute settling by mostly violence [ think PNG or aboriginal society as an example in our neighbourhood] to the rule of law and judicial action [ Steven Pinker 2011, "The Better Angels of Our Nature"]. Most societies seem to have found another solution, but that might not apply to those seemingly ostracised from that society, sometimes an element in major gun or violent events.
The NRA and associated law makers from both major political parties seems to have society by the short and curlies in the US over gun control, and nothing seems to happen on the issue in the USA.
Friday, 3 May 2013
Innovation and Growth
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4658044.html
This is a link to a recent article entitled "Can innovation drive sustainable growth" by Satyadit Das.
Provocative, thoughtful and even confrontational..........but there is a lot of thoughtful background that seems to suggest that growth is a bit problematical right now.
Maybe, it is an illusion. More like changing deck chairs on the Titanic - going down was inevitable! And is growth going down or backwards? While parts of Asia are growing at around 5-7%, much of the world is less than 1%; some are in recession.
Is a better music player, or a new version of Twitter or Facebook really progress and growth in the world? Maybe more effort in producing food might be economic growth?
Read the article, and there are lots of comments, many of which are reasonably thoughtful, not just crappy sound offs.
Is the author correct in the assessments he makes?
This is a link to a recent article entitled "Can innovation drive sustainable growth" by Satyadit Das.
Provocative, thoughtful and even confrontational..........but there is a lot of thoughtful background that seems to suggest that growth is a bit problematical right now.
Maybe, it is an illusion. More like changing deck chairs on the Titanic - going down was inevitable! And is growth going down or backwards? While parts of Asia are growing at around 5-7%, much of the world is less than 1%; some are in recession.
Is a better music player, or a new version of Twitter or Facebook really progress and growth in the world? Maybe more effort in producing food might be economic growth?
Read the article, and there are lots of comments, many of which are reasonably thoughtful, not just crappy sound offs.
Is the author correct in the assessments he makes?
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Lack of a Dry Season - so far
The weather is a bit crazy.......and many say that anyway.
But today marks the start of the dry season officially. And we have a cyclone brewing in the Coral Sea and rain forecast for the next few days across the Top End.
Night minimum temperatures are still above 25C in Darwin, although creeping down below 20C in the rural area.
Are we going to have a non dry season, dry season?? It has happened before with the May to September period with very few cool nights and not too many dry days, and the max temperature often a few degrees above 30C.
Not nice........got to have a few cool nights to actually belive it can cool down in Darwin.
Lets see wht happens after this damp period coming. Surely we must get some cooler nights SOON!!!
But today marks the start of the dry season officially. And we have a cyclone brewing in the Coral Sea and rain forecast for the next few days across the Top End.
Night minimum temperatures are still above 25C in Darwin, although creeping down below 20C in the rural area.
Are we going to have a non dry season, dry season?? It has happened before with the May to September period with very few cool nights and not too many dry days, and the max temperature often a few degrees above 30C.
Not nice........got to have a few cool nights to actually belive it can cool down in Darwin.
Lets see wht happens after this damp period coming. Surely we must get some cooler nights SOON!!!
Monday, 29 April 2013
Judgment NOT Included
A lot has gone into print about the Boston Marathon bombings.
Recently, Thomas Friedman - renowned author with a couple of treatises on the middle East and also the "World is Flat" and "Flat Hot and Crowded" wrote an article which appeared in the NY times on last Sunday.
Link is here - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/opinion/sunday/friedman-judgment-not-included.html?_r=0
It is well worth reading. It has appeared around the world in a few other newspapers too, but read it.
It does offer some ideas that all can pursue in chasing peace.
Recently, Thomas Friedman - renowned author with a couple of treatises on the middle East and also the "World is Flat" and "Flat Hot and Crowded" wrote an article which appeared in the NY times on last Sunday.
Link is here - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/opinion/sunday/friedman-judgment-not-included.html?_r=0
It is well worth reading. It has appeared around the world in a few other newspapers too, but read it.
It does offer some ideas that all can pursue in chasing peace.
Friday, 19 April 2013
Reading Options - What Works Best?
Evidence from laboratory experiments, polls and consumer reports indicates that modern screens and e-readers fail to adequately recreate certain tactile experiences of reading on paper that many people miss and, more importantly, prevent people from navigating long texts in an intuitive and satisfying way.
In turn, such navigational difficulties may subtly inhibit reading comprehension. Compared with paper, screens may also drain more of our mental resources while we are reading and make it a little harder to remember what we read when we are done.
A parallel line of research focuses on people's attitudes toward different kinds of media.
Whether they realize it or not, many people approach computers and tablets with a state of mind less conducive to learning than the one they bring to paper.
There are a lot more studies on line, and many comments.
What do you use and why?
In turn, such navigational difficulties may subtly inhibit reading comprehension. Compared with paper, screens may also drain more of our mental resources while we are reading and make it a little harder to remember what we read when we are done.
A parallel line of research focuses on people's attitudes toward different kinds of media.
Whether they realize it or not, many people approach computers and tablets with a state of mind less conducive to learning than the one they bring to paper.
There are a lot more studies on line, and many comments.
What do you use and why?
Thursday, 18 April 2013
An Educated Person
“ What is an educated person? ”
 |
| Maybe there should be an e-reader or computer here too |
An educated person is someone who has learned how to
acquire, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, understand, and communicate knowledge
and information. An educated person has to develop skills that respond to
changing professional requirements and new challenges in society and the world
at large. He or she must be able to take skills previously gained from serious
study of one set of problems and apply them to another. He or she must be able
to locate, understand, interpret, evaluate, and use information in an
appropriate way and ultimately communicate his or her synthesis and
understanding of that information in a clear and accurate manner.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Irregular War
A great and informative article has recently appeared in the press on irregular war, essentially a history of guerilla warfare with emphasis on more current activities.
Written by Max Boots it is an essay excerpt from the recent book, and has been published in Foreign Affairs. That is pay walled, but as always with impressive articles it has mysteriously appeared elsewhere. It was also reproduced in last Friday's AFR Review section [ Friday April 12], along with some photos.
See - http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/guerrilla%20war
The article is titled -
The Evolution of Irregular War
Insurgents and Guerrillas From Akkadia to Afghanistan
By Max Boot
February 5, 2013 edition of Foregin Affairs
It does not say much about Australia, yet there is some recognition that Australian troops seem to do well at dealing with this particular aspect of modern warfare.
The article is well worth reading.
Written by Max Boots it is an essay excerpt from the recent book, and has been published in Foreign Affairs. That is pay walled, but as always with impressive articles it has mysteriously appeared elsewhere. It was also reproduced in last Friday's AFR Review section [ Friday April 12], along with some photos.
See - http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/guerrilla%20war
The article is titled -
The Evolution of Irregular War
Insurgents and Guerrillas From Akkadia to Afghanistan
By Max Boot
February 5, 2013 edition of Foregin Affairs
It does not say much about Australia, yet there is some recognition that Australian troops seem to do well at dealing with this particular aspect of modern warfare.
The article is well worth reading.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
The Dry Season? Maybe?
Nice to have a weekend with sunshine, clear cloudless blue skies, low humidity and no rain, after the past few were wet.
It might be the start of our wonderful dry season - maybe.
Temperatures are still high in the day, but there have been a few locations with below 20C nights around the outskirts of Darwin over the past two mornings. Has to be a good sign.
Then late today, some clouds developed to the SE - often a sign of showers to come.
Enjoying the weather while I can........but not to be surprised if there are a few more showers to come. Hey.......might not be too bad if it waters the garden though.
It might be the start of our wonderful dry season - maybe.
Temperatures are still high in the day, but there have been a few locations with below 20C nights around the outskirts of Darwin over the past two mornings. Has to be a good sign.
Then late today, some clouds developed to the SE - often a sign of showers to come.
Enjoying the weather while I can........but not to be surprised if there are a few more showers to come. Hey.......might not be too bad if it waters the garden though.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Forty Year Anniversary of First Mobile [Cell] Phone Call
Forty years ago today [actually April 3 US time] - the first mobile phone call was made. Remember the large bricks that were the first mobile phones?
Amazing, to see what has happened over the past forty years, with Google Glasses the current smallest phone I would guess.
There is a great story here, along with an infographic outlining the development timeline over that period.
See - http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57577704-94/the-first-call-from-a-cell-phone-was-made-40-years-ago-today/?tag=nl.e703&s_cid=e703&ttag=e703
What is to be expected over the next 40 years?
Has a mobile phone been a useful tool for you? We still have areas in our local city and surrounds where coverage is not all that good, due to low population density not being serviced with coverage, but now we have coverage along most of the main 1500km highway connection between Darwin and Alice Springs, which is an excellent development on safety issues alone, in case of accidents.
But leaving home without it can be useful too - cut the tether, enjoy some freedom, as I am sure 24/7 connections are not absolutely necessary.
Amazing, to see what has happened over the past forty years, with Google Glasses the current smallest phone I would guess.
There is a great story here, along with an infographic outlining the development timeline over that period.
See - http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57577704-94/the-first-call-from-a-cell-phone-was-made-40-years-ago-today/?tag=nl.e703&s_cid=e703&ttag=e703
What is to be expected over the next 40 years?
Has a mobile phone been a useful tool for you? We still have areas in our local city and surrounds where coverage is not all that good, due to low population density not being serviced with coverage, but now we have coverage along most of the main 1500km highway connection between Darwin and Alice Springs, which is an excellent development on safety issues alone, in case of accidents.
But leaving home without it can be useful too - cut the tether, enjoy some freedom, as I am sure 24/7 connections are not absolutely necessary.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Triassic Extinction Event - How Useless?
The Triassic extinction event, informally known as the Great
Dying, was an extinction event that occurred over 200 million years ago.
It is the Earth's most severe known extinction event, with
up to 96% of all marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species
becoming extinct. Scientists examining evidence across the world from New Jersey to North Africa say they have linked the abrupt disappearance of half of earth’s species 200 million years ago, to a precisely dated set of gigantic volcanic eruptions. The eruptions may have caused climate changes so sudden that many creatures were unable to adapt—possibly on a pace similar to that of human-influenced climate warming today.
This study provides the tightest link yet, with a newly precise date - 201,564,000 years ago, exactly the same time as a massive outpouring of lava.
This is wonderful precise information, and reasonably useless.
While the rapidity of climate change inducing issues such as the rate of rise of CO2 in the atmosphere is said by some to be more worrying than the actual amounts, is this linked to this event over 201 million years ago?
It is more concerning that countries are not actiing together nor fast enough to do much about todays potential climate issues.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Fed Up with Websites ??
Several of the major news web sites in Australia now overlay their start pages with a nearly full page ad that must be closed to view the main web site. Sometimes there is no close button- the "x" - it has to load and run, then go away itself.
This is advertising taken to the absolute max......and a monumental... turn off. Would I buy that garbage that interferes with my reason for coming to the web page? Not likely. Would you buy?
Now the same start pages are full of superfluous garbage, narrow columns and every effort to cram more crap on the page......another tunoff.
Not sure what one can do........but at least boycott those advertisers using this type of approach.
Or go back to news accumulators such as Google!
This is advertising taken to the absolute max......and a monumental... turn off. Would I buy that garbage that interferes with my reason for coming to the web page? Not likely. Would you buy?
Now the same start pages are full of superfluous garbage, narrow columns and every effort to cram more crap on the page......another tunoff.
Not sure what one can do........but at least boycott those advertisers using this type of approach.
Or go back to news accumulators such as Google!
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Why Swimming Does Not Suck
http://vimeo.com/59632496
This is not me advocating swimming, and I am not sure that they have really captured the absolute essence of swimming, but they are part way there.
The sensuous feel of water past the skin, smooth movement through the water once you have the skills to do it right, isolation from mobile phones, other influences, people external to the pool, and so on just add to the great feeling.
Think the fluid movement of a dolphin.
It is a great short video.
https://open.abc.net.au/posts/william-lap-swimmer-at-bomaderry-19hp7zu
This is not me advocating swimming, and I am not sure that they have really captured the absolute essence of swimming, but they are part way there.
The sensuous feel of water past the skin, smooth movement through the water once you have the skills to do it right, isolation from mobile phones, other influences, people external to the pool, and so on just add to the great feeling.
Think the fluid movement of a dolphin.
It is a great short video.
https://open.abc.net.au/posts/william-lap-swimmer-at-bomaderry-19hp7zu
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Endangered Species Sometimes Live in Strange Places
Bikini Waxes Wiping Out Pubic Lice
Jan 15, 2013 03:00 AM ET //
Related Links
Pubic lice have plagued mankind for thousands of years, but the itchy pests are now facing a enemy that threatens to wipe them out: bikini waxing.
Also known as crab lice, the tiny insects lay their eggs on pubic hair. But as Brazilian waxes and other hair-removal procedures become more common among men and women, the bugs' breeding cycle is interrupted, and populations are now plunging as low as bikini briefs themselves.
The main sexual health clinic in Sydney, Australia, hasn't seen a woman with an infestation of pubic lice since 2008, reports Bloomberg, and cases among men have fallen 80 percent in the past decade.
The Bikini: A History in Photos
A 2011 study published in the journal Sex Roles revealed that 80 percent of college-age men and women in the United States have removed some or all of their pubic hair.
The popularity of bikini waxing exploded after it was given exposure on television shows like "Sex and the City," Bloomberg reports. Men are signing up for extensive hair-removal treatments like one called the "Sunga" that costs $90 and removes all pubic hair, including on the scrotum, according to the Daily Mail.
Pubic lice are a different species from head lice, and evidence suggests humans caught pubic lice from gorillas some 3 million years ago (no not from human-gorilla sex, but rather from sleeping in their nests or eating apes), according to a 2007 report detailed in the journal BMC Biology. Because a lice infestation is easily treated with insecticidal soaps, and because they don't spread any diseases, public health organizations keep few records of infestation rates, Bloomberg reports.
More from LiveScience.com:
Monday, 4 March 2013
Pope Benedict XVI - Legacy
What has the Pope achieved?
So much has focussed on his abdication, that not a lot of sense has been assembled on what has really happened during his papacy, especially the big issues.
The following article is written and published on the ABC Australia [ www.abc.net.au ] web site but deserves wider reading by those with a bit of thinking ability.
The Catholic Church definitely cops a real pasting by the mainstream media at times.......this does serve as a counterpoint, and written by somewhat of an outsider.
If a thinker.....try reading it.
link is here -
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/02/27/3699436.htm?WT.svl=featuredSitesScroller
So much has focussed on his abdication, that not a lot of sense has been assembled on what has really happened during his papacy, especially the big issues.
The following article is written and published on the ABC Australia [ www.abc.net.au ] web site but deserves wider reading by those with a bit of thinking ability.
The Catholic Church definitely cops a real pasting by the mainstream media at times.......this does serve as a counterpoint, and written by somewhat of an outsider.
If a thinker.....try reading it.
link is here -
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/02/27/3699436.htm?WT.svl=featuredSitesScroller
Sunday, 3 March 2013
A REAL Monsoon at Last
What a wonderful weekend................a monsoon at last!!!!
Cool cloudy days, some periodic sunny overcast skies, and monsoonal showers. Not a lot of rain, around 40mm at our place in the gauge this morning [most from a decent burst early this morning] and maybe 10mm today. But at last some relief from the horrible crappy hot weather.
More monsoonal showers tomorrow, but alas.........maybe drier after that.
Just nice while it is happening.
And the frogs are just loving it.
Cool cloudy days, some periodic sunny overcast skies, and monsoonal showers. Not a lot of rain, around 40mm at our place in the gauge this morning [most from a decent burst early this morning] and maybe 10mm today. But at last some relief from the horrible crappy hot weather.
More monsoonal showers tomorrow, but alas.........maybe drier after that.
Just nice while it is happening.
And the frogs are just loving it.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
My heart bleeds for the family of the young boy who died from lyssa virus today. I am sure that his death was an awful situation, for him as well as the family.
Some media coverage here -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/boy-dies-after-contracting-bat-virus/story-fn3dxiwe-1226583924440
So what is lyssa virus you say?
It is a bat borne virus very similar to rabies in action, which can be caught by humans usually by a bite or scratch from a bat. That happening is unusual in itself as they tend to avoid humans, and their radar system is operational, unless they are sick. In this case the boy was bitten on the finger, inside the house.
It would appear that he was not treated as soon as possible. The treatment is the same as if bitten by a rabid animal, using rabies treatment injections.
I was scratched on the head by a bat one evening at home myself, and made very definite efforts through vet colleagues to find out what was the best treatment options - which meant getting to casualty at the hospital, for immediate wound cleansing. And the very next morning starting the anti rabies injection schedule.
I had already had rabies injections as was working overseas in an area where rabies occurred reasonably regularly, so was aware of the need to do something in preparation, and knew post bite/ scratch treatment was needed when there.
Rabies / lyssa virus are NOT NICE, and inevitably kill if not treated quickly by vaccine injections.
There used to be a super dramatic black and white movie clip that AQIS used to show of a rabid person in Iran or Iraq, probably of imagery from the 1960s or so. Have seen and never forgotten that.
RULE ONE - if suspect rabies or lyssa virus GET TREATMENT ASAP!!!!
RULE TWO - REFER TO RULE ONE.
[dogs, monkeys and other mammals typically show mad, out of character agressive behaviour]
Some media coverage here -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/boy-dies-after-contracting-bat-virus/story-fn3dxiwe-1226583924440
So what is lyssa virus you say?
It is a bat borne virus very similar to rabies in action, which can be caught by humans usually by a bite or scratch from a bat. That happening is unusual in itself as they tend to avoid humans, and their radar system is operational, unless they are sick. In this case the boy was bitten on the finger, inside the house.
It would appear that he was not treated as soon as possible. The treatment is the same as if bitten by a rabid animal, using rabies treatment injections.
I was scratched on the head by a bat one evening at home myself, and made very definite efforts through vet colleagues to find out what was the best treatment options - which meant getting to casualty at the hospital, for immediate wound cleansing. And the very next morning starting the anti rabies injection schedule.
I had already had rabies injections as was working overseas in an area where rabies occurred reasonably regularly, so was aware of the need to do something in preparation, and knew post bite/ scratch treatment was needed when there.
Rabies / lyssa virus are NOT NICE, and inevitably kill if not treated quickly by vaccine injections.
There used to be a super dramatic black and white movie clip that AQIS used to show of a rabid person in Iran or Iraq, probably of imagery from the 1960s or so. Have seen and never forgotten that.
RULE ONE - if suspect rabies or lyssa virus GET TREATMENT ASAP!!!!
RULE TWO - REFER TO RULE ONE.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Cybersecurity and You
The news on this issue has been simmering for the past few days, although a lot has been written on the subject over the past few months here in Australia. Small Australian busineses have been targetted, and information on computer systems destroyed and some have been subject to "ransomware" attacks, requiring a ransom to release control of the computers affected and data made available again.
This is serious stuff for small businesses, but a more insidious form of cyber attacks is occurring on large business.
There are a wide number of articles discussing this issue including a significant one published in the AFR some weeks ago by Christopher Joye. It is publicly available - a notable issue in itself as the AFR has a user pay system. It is important.
http://www.afr.com/f/free/national/it_global_cyber_war_out_there_94da3CY7Avufi9jp5d0JTI
Today the Australian newpaper has several articles discussing the issue See them here -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/drab-tower-houses-greatest-threat/story-fnb64oi6-1226581878746#
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/new-us-strategy-document-warns-on-trade-secret-theft-amid-china-concerns/story-e6frg6so-1226582481378
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/world-commentary/chinas-cyber-spies-are-stealing-more-than-secrets/story-e6frg6ux-1226582183261
There are many more to be seen on the internet. For example -
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57570187-38/chinas-cyberwar-intrusions-are-the-new-normal-faq/?tag=nl.e703&s_cid=e703&ttag=e703
It is of concern that utilities and infrastructure are likely to be long term targets, not just trade secrets from commercial organisations.
Can you protect yourself?
It might be difficult given the quality of organisations both government and large businesses targetted successfully. But that said, keeping your firewalls and protection up to date is a start. Be wary of things on line. This sort of approach is not new and sound, but it might not be enough to efforts by a serious player. That might be Chinese, or so is the inference in the various articles above.
update on 22/2/2013 - another article in the Australian. This will not go away.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/us-vows-war-on-hacking-as-china-hits-back-at-commercial-stunt/story-e6frg6so-1226582998309
This is serious stuff for small businesses, but a more insidious form of cyber attacks is occurring on large business.
There are a wide number of articles discussing this issue including a significant one published in the AFR some weeks ago by Christopher Joye. It is publicly available - a notable issue in itself as the AFR has a user pay system. It is important.
http://www.afr.com/f/free/national/it_global_cyber_war_out_there_94da3CY7Avufi9jp5d0JTI
Today the Australian newpaper has several articles discussing the issue See them here -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/drab-tower-houses-greatest-threat/story-fnb64oi6-1226581878746#
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/new-us-strategy-document-warns-on-trade-secret-theft-amid-china-concerns/story-e6frg6so-1226582481378
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/world-commentary/chinas-cyber-spies-are-stealing-more-than-secrets/story-e6frg6ux-1226582183261
There are many more to be seen on the internet. For example -
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57570187-38/chinas-cyberwar-intrusions-are-the-new-normal-faq/?tag=nl.e703&s_cid=e703&ttag=e703
It is of concern that utilities and infrastructure are likely to be long term targets, not just trade secrets from commercial organisations.
Can you protect yourself?
It might be difficult given the quality of organisations both government and large businesses targetted successfully. But that said, keeping your firewalls and protection up to date is a start. Be wary of things on line. This sort of approach is not new and sound, but it might not be enough to efforts by a serious player. That might be Chinese, or so is the inference in the various articles above.
update on 22/2/2013 - another article in the Australian. This will not go away.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/us-vows-war-on-hacking-as-china-hits-back-at-commercial-stunt/story-e6frg6so-1226582998309
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Happy Monsoon Frog
A weather change is wonderful, and we have a monsoon!!
Late, yes and expected to be a short burst, but it is a monsoon. For so long it has been hanging out north of the Australian coast and bringing unusual heavy rain to Singapore in January and February.
Even the infamous Edith River bridge might have been flooded, and no doubt there will be some water flowing out of the Mt Todd minesite downstream for a few days while the river is flowing strongly.
Around the Top End - rainfalls of 50 - 100mm have been recorded.
AND........the clouds are in, and the temperature a more bearable 28 - 30C, not the hot violent blast of bright sunshine and 34C. What a difference a few degrees can make.
Bring it on.
Late, yes and expected to be a short burst, but it is a monsoon. For so long it has been hanging out north of the Australian coast and bringing unusual heavy rain to Singapore in January and February.
Even the infamous Edith River bridge might have been flooded, and no doubt there will be some water flowing out of the Mt Todd minesite downstream for a few days while the river is flowing strongly.
Around the Top End - rainfalls of 50 - 100mm have been recorded.
AND........the clouds are in, and the temperature a more bearable 28 - 30C, not the hot violent blast of bright sunshine and 34C. What a difference a few degrees can make.
Bring it on.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
The Curious Tale of a Penis Regrowing Sea Slug
Do males want to be able to have multiple penises?
Read more here....
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-13/sea-slug-able-to-regrow-penis/4516632?WT.svl=news4
Read more here....
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-13/sea-slug-able-to-regrow-penis/4516632?WT.svl=news4
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
The Pope Pulls the Pin
The pope has resigned, pulled the pin! A shock to many, Catholic or not. Popes die on the job don't they? That is mostly true - last one to not do so was 600 years ago.
The commentariat has been active, and the material below is by someone a little closer to the scene and is somewhat more reasoned than most media reports.
What are your impressions of the article?
----------------------------------------------
Ratzinger the reformer
by Crispin Rovere previously undertook academic research at the Vatican on Australia's political relations with the Holy See, and is now a PhD candidate at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU.
'Reforming progressive' is not a phrase frequently cited to describe Pope Benedict XVI. Repeated over and over are terms like 'conservative', 'hardliner' and 'enforcer'. These depictions were never accurate, though on balance it served Ratzinger's agenda to have these labels. On doctrinal issues he may have been genuinely conservative, but on the bureaucratic and political traditions of the Vatican, he couldn't have been more radical.
First, one cannot separate Benedict XVI's legacy from the manner of his departure; he will go down in history as 'the Pope who retired'. Six hundred years ago in the midst of crises involving multiple claimants, Gregory XII resigned and effectively became the exception that proves the rule. And the rule is: popes die in office, or at worst are forced out by some calamity; they never just 'retire'. Ratzinger is all too aware of the gravity of this decision, something he made clear during his resignation address. This is Ratzinger's radical way of saying 'the Church has to change.'
Most immediate is the need to convene a papal conclave to elect the new pope. There is some speculation that the next pope may come from an emerging country outside Europe. Without completely discounting it as a possibility, on this occasion I find it unlikely. Of the 118 or so cardinals eligible to vote in this conclave, most are still European. The Vatican remains concerned about declining religiosity in Europe, so electing a pope who can grapple with this issue will be highly prized.
Given that, up to now, popes always died in office, few cardinals vote for candidates younger than themselves, as it reduces the probability of participating in future elections. As most cardinals from emerging countries have been raised comparatively recently, there aren't many from these nations in the field of likely candidates.
It is often asked why the Catholic Church is not more responsive to change. The truth is there is quite vibrant debate within the College of Cardinals on a whole range of issues, from contraception and abortion to the ordination of women priests, priesthood celibacy and same-sex marriage.
Yet what keeps everything in check is the perpetual and collective fear of the 'schism'. Two main schisms have shaped world history and left a permanent scar on the Church's power and memory: the permanent split between Rome and Constantinople of 1054, and the Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther's ninety-five theses of 1517. The Vatican will go to any lengths to avoid a third, and this creates a strong gravitational pull toward liturgical orthodoxy. Ratzinger, like most others in the Curia across the traditionalist-reformist divide, are more fearful of division than irrelevancy.
It is not hard to see why. There is a general belief in Western Europe and Australia that the influence of the Catholic Church is waning. This is a serious error. While church attendance is low in these places, in the developing world the numbers of devout Catholics are exploding. In most of the emerging economies in South America, for instance, those who identify as 'Catholic' sit at around 80-90% or more. Across Africa, the number of those converting to Catholicism is growing faster than even Africa's rapidly growing population.
Moreover, coming from parts of the world where the supernatural is more readily accepted, African converts tend to be much more conservative than their European counterparts — doctrines regarding sin and hellfire are taken literally. Rapid movement toward social reform by the Vatican is therefore thought to be risky, potentially leading to another great schism, this time along geographical and ethnic lines.
In Asia, on the other hand, far from being associated with conservatism, Christianity as a whole is viewed as a symbol of modernity, progressiveness and social mobility. This is largely due to the spectacular success of evangelical forms of Christianity exported from the US. In China, for example, there are now more Christians than members of the Communist Party.
Indeed, Ratzinger's greatest foreign policy initiative as pope was the abortive attempt to secure a rapprochement with China. Faced with the viral spread of underground conversion, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) grew concerned about the potentially subversive nature of these groups. Some Chinese leaders felt that giving a traditionalist and hierarchical Catholic Church preferential treatment may help to curtail this phenomenon, and support rather than undermine the legitimacy of the CCP.
Quiet diplomacy on both sides almost resulted in a major deal: the Holy See would move its embassy from Taiwan to Beijing, avoid embroiling itself in domestic political matters and cooperate broadly with the CCP. In exchange, the Catholic Church would be assisted by the Chinese state in connecting with Chinese Christians.
The details ultimately cooled the relationship to a point where a deal could not be finalised. China's leaders insisted on being able to veto bishops appointed by the pope, something completely unacceptable to the Vatican. The Vatican, for its part, wanted the Chinese Government to end the one-child policy and be able to lobby openly on social issues such as abortion, a bridge too far for the Chinese leadership. Still, the hallmarks of a grand bargain now exist, and future leaders on both sides may in the future implement it.
The other major political legacy of Pope Benedict XVI is possibly accidental: the increasingly strained relations with the Muslim world, particularly in contrast to his predecessor, John Paul II. As part of a lecture delivered at the University of Regensburg in Germany, Benedict quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor who saw Islam as 'evil and inhuman', and this was interpreted by some to reflect his personal views. Violent reprisals against Catholics in some areas ensued, and this helped to polarise views between Christians and Muslims, especially in the West.
Of course, Ratzinger's lecture is just one page in a much larger post-911 story, and he cannot be held personally responsible for the broader trend. Nevertheless, Ratzinger has conveyed the impression that, while he wanted good relations with peoples of other faiths, he himself is a champion of a form of Christianity that is essentially exclusive.
On the critical issue of child sex abuse, Ratzinger was highly controversial within the Church, not because he was resistant to reform but because he was so aggressively radical.
In late 2002 then-Cardinal Ratzinger threw his full weight behind the 'zero tolerance' policy, a reform that was hotly contested. Since then, horrific details have emerged whereby protection of the accused resulted in priests being moved from parish to parish to escape justice entirely. This has resulted in a Royal Commission being launched here in Australia, and is a clear demonstration for the need for a zero tolerance approach. Victims of abuse have so far given mixed verdicts on Ratzinger's legacy, with some commentators holding him responsible for the culture of secrecy that has so infuriatingly obstructed justice. This charge cannot be sustained by the facts and history will judge him far more kindly.
Nevertheless, Ratzinger's inability to restore the Church as a source of moral authority, particularly in the Western world, has no doubt led him to conclude that major changes are required, beginning with his own historic resignation.
Photo by Flickr user Catholic Church (England and Wales).
From the Interpreter - Lowy Institute.
The commentariat has been active, and the material below is by someone a little closer to the scene and is somewhat more reasoned than most media reports.
What are your impressions of the article?
----------------------------------------------
Ratzinger the reformer
by Crispin Rovere previously undertook academic research at the Vatican on Australia's political relations with the Holy See, and is now a PhD candidate at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU.
'Reforming progressive' is not a phrase frequently cited to describe Pope Benedict XVI. Repeated over and over are terms like 'conservative', 'hardliner' and 'enforcer'. These depictions were never accurate, though on balance it served Ratzinger's agenda to have these labels. On doctrinal issues he may have been genuinely conservative, but on the bureaucratic and political traditions of the Vatican, he couldn't have been more radical.
First, one cannot separate Benedict XVI's legacy from the manner of his departure; he will go down in history as 'the Pope who retired'. Six hundred years ago in the midst of crises involving multiple claimants, Gregory XII resigned and effectively became the exception that proves the rule. And the rule is: popes die in office, or at worst are forced out by some calamity; they never just 'retire'. Ratzinger is all too aware of the gravity of this decision, something he made clear during his resignation address. This is Ratzinger's radical way of saying 'the Church has to change.'
Most immediate is the need to convene a papal conclave to elect the new pope. There is some speculation that the next pope may come from an emerging country outside Europe. Without completely discounting it as a possibility, on this occasion I find it unlikely. Of the 118 or so cardinals eligible to vote in this conclave, most are still European. The Vatican remains concerned about declining religiosity in Europe, so electing a pope who can grapple with this issue will be highly prized.
Given that, up to now, popes always died in office, few cardinals vote for candidates younger than themselves, as it reduces the probability of participating in future elections. As most cardinals from emerging countries have been raised comparatively recently, there aren't many from these nations in the field of likely candidates.
It is often asked why the Catholic Church is not more responsive to change. The truth is there is quite vibrant debate within the College of Cardinals on a whole range of issues, from contraception and abortion to the ordination of women priests, priesthood celibacy and same-sex marriage.
Yet what keeps everything in check is the perpetual and collective fear of the 'schism'. Two main schisms have shaped world history and left a permanent scar on the Church's power and memory: the permanent split between Rome and Constantinople of 1054, and the Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther's ninety-five theses of 1517. The Vatican will go to any lengths to avoid a third, and this creates a strong gravitational pull toward liturgical orthodoxy. Ratzinger, like most others in the Curia across the traditionalist-reformist divide, are more fearful of division than irrelevancy.
It is not hard to see why. There is a general belief in Western Europe and Australia that the influence of the Catholic Church is waning. This is a serious error. While church attendance is low in these places, in the developing world the numbers of devout Catholics are exploding. In most of the emerging economies in South America, for instance, those who identify as 'Catholic' sit at around 80-90% or more. Across Africa, the number of those converting to Catholicism is growing faster than even Africa's rapidly growing population.
Moreover, coming from parts of the world where the supernatural is more readily accepted, African converts tend to be much more conservative than their European counterparts — doctrines regarding sin and hellfire are taken literally. Rapid movement toward social reform by the Vatican is therefore thought to be risky, potentially leading to another great schism, this time along geographical and ethnic lines.
In Asia, on the other hand, far from being associated with conservatism, Christianity as a whole is viewed as a symbol of modernity, progressiveness and social mobility. This is largely due to the spectacular success of evangelical forms of Christianity exported from the US. In China, for example, there are now more Christians than members of the Communist Party.
Indeed, Ratzinger's greatest foreign policy initiative as pope was the abortive attempt to secure a rapprochement with China. Faced with the viral spread of underground conversion, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) grew concerned about the potentially subversive nature of these groups. Some Chinese leaders felt that giving a traditionalist and hierarchical Catholic Church preferential treatment may help to curtail this phenomenon, and support rather than undermine the legitimacy of the CCP.
Quiet diplomacy on both sides almost resulted in a major deal: the Holy See would move its embassy from Taiwan to Beijing, avoid embroiling itself in domestic political matters and cooperate broadly with the CCP. In exchange, the Catholic Church would be assisted by the Chinese state in connecting with Chinese Christians.
The details ultimately cooled the relationship to a point where a deal could not be finalised. China's leaders insisted on being able to veto bishops appointed by the pope, something completely unacceptable to the Vatican. The Vatican, for its part, wanted the Chinese Government to end the one-child policy and be able to lobby openly on social issues such as abortion, a bridge too far for the Chinese leadership. Still, the hallmarks of a grand bargain now exist, and future leaders on both sides may in the future implement it.
The other major political legacy of Pope Benedict XVI is possibly accidental: the increasingly strained relations with the Muslim world, particularly in contrast to his predecessor, John Paul II. As part of a lecture delivered at the University of Regensburg in Germany, Benedict quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor who saw Islam as 'evil and inhuman', and this was interpreted by some to reflect his personal views. Violent reprisals against Catholics in some areas ensued, and this helped to polarise views between Christians and Muslims, especially in the West.
Of course, Ratzinger's lecture is just one page in a much larger post-911 story, and he cannot be held personally responsible for the broader trend. Nevertheless, Ratzinger has conveyed the impression that, while he wanted good relations with peoples of other faiths, he himself is a champion of a form of Christianity that is essentially exclusive.
On the critical issue of child sex abuse, Ratzinger was highly controversial within the Church, not because he was resistant to reform but because he was so aggressively radical.
In late 2002 then-Cardinal Ratzinger threw his full weight behind the 'zero tolerance' policy, a reform that was hotly contested. Since then, horrific details have emerged whereby protection of the accused resulted in priests being moved from parish to parish to escape justice entirely. This has resulted in a Royal Commission being launched here in Australia, and is a clear demonstration for the need for a zero tolerance approach. Victims of abuse have so far given mixed verdicts on Ratzinger's legacy, with some commentators holding him responsible for the culture of secrecy that has so infuriatingly obstructed justice. This charge cannot be sustained by the facts and history will judge him far more kindly.
Nevertheless, Ratzinger's inability to restore the Church as a source of moral authority, particularly in the Western world, has no doubt led him to conclude that major changes are required, beginning with his own historic resignation.
Photo by Flickr user Catholic Church (England and Wales).
From the Interpreter - Lowy Institute.
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