Bloody hell........time flies, especially when you are having a good time!
On 25 May 2008 I had been married .......to the same wife.......for 40 years. Good times - some not so good, a very major cyclone in which our house was destroyed and we lived very rough for many months while I rebuilt a new house [ we moved one street], the usual range of dramas with four children and both joy and sorrow over many issues. But the question is would I do it again?
Indubitably....yes. Would she want me to do it again? Not my answer, but I hope so.
AND it is ruby text for the event too!
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Blogging - Its Good for You - REALLY!!!
I have to confess.......this is NOT mine but it seems such a great article the blogosphere should have it available, if not already there. Comes from the May 2008 edition of Scientific American and is available in full on www.sciam.com
The therapeutic value of blogging becomes a focus of study.
By Jessica Wapner
Self-medication may be the reason the blogosphere has taken off. Scientists (and writers) have long known about the therapeutic benefits of writing about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. But besides serving as a stress-coping mechanism, expressive writing produces many physiological benefits. Research shows that it improves memory and sleep, boosts immune cell activity and reduces viral load in AIDS patients, and even speeds healing after surgery. A study in the February issue of the Oncologist reports that cancer patients who engaged in expressive writing just before treatment felt markedly better, mentally and physically, as compared with patients who did not.
Scientists now hope to explore the neurological underpinnings at play, especially considering the explosion of blogs. According to Alice Flaherty, a neuroscientist at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the placebo theory of suffering is one window through which to view blogging. As social creatures, humans have a range of pain-related behaviors, such as complaining, which acts as a “placebo for getting satisfied,” Flaherty says. Blogging about stressful experiences might work similarly.
Flaherty, who studies conditions such as hypergraphia (an uncontrollable urge to write) and writer’s block, also looks to disease models to explain the drive behind this mode of communication. For example, people with mania often talk too much. “We believe something in the brain’s limbic system is boosting their desire to communicate,” Flaherty explains. Located mainly in the midbrain, the limbic system controls our drives, whether they are related to food, sex, appetite, or problem solving. “You know that drives are involved [in blogging] because a lot of people do it compulsively,” Flaherty notes. Also, blogging might trigger dopamine release, similar to stimulants like music, running and looking at art.
The frontal and temporal lobes, which govern speech—no dedicated writing center is hardwired in the brain—may also figure in. For example, lesions in Wernicke’s area, located in the left temporal lobe, result in excessive speech and loss of language comprehension. People with Wernicke’s aphasia speak in gibberish and often write constantly. In light of these traits, Flaherty speculates that some activity in this area could foster the urge to blog.
Scientists’ understanding about the neurobiology underlying therapeutic writing must remain speculative for now. Attempts to image the brain before and after writing have yielded minimal information because the active regions are located so deep inside. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that the brain lights up differently before, during and after writing, notes James Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin. But Pennebaker and others remain skeptical about the value of such images because they are hard to duplicate and quantify.
Most likely, writing activates a cluster of neurological pathways, and several researchers are committed to uncovering them. At the University of Arizona, psychologist and neuroscientist Richard Lane hopes to make brain-imaging techniques more relevant by using those techniques to study the neuroanatomy of emotions and their expressions. Nancy Morgan, lead author of the Oncologist study, is looking to conduct larger community-based and clinical trials of expressive writing. And Pennebaker is continuing to investigate the link between expressive writing and biological changes, such as improved sleep, that are integral to health. “I think the sleep angle is one of the more promising ones,” he says.
Whatever the underlying causes may be, people coping with cancer diagnoses and other serious conditions are increasingly seeking—and finding—solace in the blogosphere. “Blogging undoubtedly affords similar benefits” to expressive writing, says Morgan, who wants to incorporate writing programs into supportive care for cancer patients.
Some hospitals have started hosting patient-authored blogs on their Web sites as clinicians begin to recognize the therapeutic value. Unlike a bedside journal, blogging offers the added benefit of receptive readers in similar situations, Morgan explains: “Individuals are connecting to one another and witnessing each other’s expressions—the basis for forming a community.”
This article was originally printed with the title, "The Healthy Type".
The therapeutic value of blogging becomes a focus of study.
By Jessica Wapner
Self-medication may be the reason the blogosphere has taken off. Scientists (and writers) have long known about the therapeutic benefits of writing about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. But besides serving as a stress-coping mechanism, expressive writing produces many physiological benefits. Research shows that it improves memory and sleep, boosts immune cell activity and reduces viral load in AIDS patients, and even speeds healing after surgery. A study in the February issue of the Oncologist reports that cancer patients who engaged in expressive writing just before treatment felt markedly better, mentally and physically, as compared with patients who did not.
Scientists now hope to explore the neurological underpinnings at play, especially considering the explosion of blogs. According to Alice Flaherty, a neuroscientist at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the placebo theory of suffering is one window through which to view blogging. As social creatures, humans have a range of pain-related behaviors, such as complaining, which acts as a “placebo for getting satisfied,” Flaherty says. Blogging about stressful experiences might work similarly.
Flaherty, who studies conditions such as hypergraphia (an uncontrollable urge to write) and writer’s block, also looks to disease models to explain the drive behind this mode of communication. For example, people with mania often talk too much. “We believe something in the brain’s limbic system is boosting their desire to communicate,” Flaherty explains. Located mainly in the midbrain, the limbic system controls our drives, whether they are related to food, sex, appetite, or problem solving. “You know that drives are involved [in blogging] because a lot of people do it compulsively,” Flaherty notes. Also, blogging might trigger dopamine release, similar to stimulants like music, running and looking at art.
The frontal and temporal lobes, which govern speech—no dedicated writing center is hardwired in the brain—may also figure in. For example, lesions in Wernicke’s area, located in the left temporal lobe, result in excessive speech and loss of language comprehension. People with Wernicke’s aphasia speak in gibberish and often write constantly. In light of these traits, Flaherty speculates that some activity in this area could foster the urge to blog.
Scientists’ understanding about the neurobiology underlying therapeutic writing must remain speculative for now. Attempts to image the brain before and after writing have yielded minimal information because the active regions are located so deep inside. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that the brain lights up differently before, during and after writing, notes James Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin. But Pennebaker and others remain skeptical about the value of such images because they are hard to duplicate and quantify.
Most likely, writing activates a cluster of neurological pathways, and several researchers are committed to uncovering them. At the University of Arizona, psychologist and neuroscientist Richard Lane hopes to make brain-imaging techniques more relevant by using those techniques to study the neuroanatomy of emotions and their expressions. Nancy Morgan, lead author of the Oncologist study, is looking to conduct larger community-based and clinical trials of expressive writing. And Pennebaker is continuing to investigate the link between expressive writing and biological changes, such as improved sleep, that are integral to health. “I think the sleep angle is one of the more promising ones,” he says.
Whatever the underlying causes may be, people coping with cancer diagnoses and other serious conditions are increasingly seeking—and finding—solace in the blogosphere. “Blogging undoubtedly affords similar benefits” to expressive writing, says Morgan, who wants to incorporate writing programs into supportive care for cancer patients.
Some hospitals have started hosting patient-authored blogs on their Web sites as clinicians begin to recognize the therapeutic value. Unlike a bedside journal, blogging offers the added benefit of receptive readers in similar situations, Morgan explains: “Individuals are connecting to one another and witnessing each other’s expressions—the basis for forming a community.”
This article was originally printed with the title, "The Healthy Type".
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Cane Toads Advance
Bugger.............just like the old Toyota ads. The dreaded cane toad pest is now in our street, even in our yard!
It is the middle of the night - noisy dog - and the male of the house does his duty and heads off for an investigation. And discovers that the dog had knocked over a package in the back yard, near the gate. But the dog is agitated..........and eyeing the front yard.
Bloody hell..........a LARGE cane toad in the driveway.
WACK WACK........and a large shovel does the job and the cane toad is despatched to the mulch bin. [They make excellent compost and fertiliser]. But in the meantime, the neighbour has arrived at her front gate alarmed by the commotion; assuaged by my glib words "got a bloody cane toad" . Peace returns!
A foretaste of more to come?
It is the middle of the night - noisy dog - and the male of the house does his duty and heads off for an investigation. And discovers that the dog had knocked over a package in the back yard, near the gate. But the dog is agitated..........and eyeing the front yard.
Bloody hell..........a LARGE cane toad in the driveway.
WACK WACK........and a large shovel does the job and the cane toad is despatched to the mulch bin. [They make excellent compost and fertiliser]. But in the meantime, the neighbour has arrived at her front gate alarmed by the commotion; assuaged by my glib words "got a bloody cane toad" . Peace returns!
A foretaste of more to come?
The map shows distribution in 2004.......and it is definitely moving west, across the Top End of Australia.
It is now nearly a month since any rain in Darwin and the blighters are on the move for water. Further up the rise, in an adjacent street, several were found in a swimming pool last week. And a big toad bust [http://www.toadbusters.org/] held last week at the Jingili Water Gardens captured quite a few cane toads.
Yet, as a regular late evening dog walker I have not seen them along the creek path where I usually run and walk with the mighty Ridgeback.
Bugger!
Yet, as a regular late evening dog walker I have not seen them along the creek path where I usually run and walk with the mighty Ridgeback.
Bugger!
Monday, 31 March 2008
Toadbusters man wins........or at least it seems so
Elections in Darwin have come and gone last Saturday March 29, and it seems as if the Toadbusters man, Graeme Sawyer, might be the new Lord Mayor of Darwin.
A bit too soon to be sure, due to the complexities of sorting out the numbers in the preferential voting system used in Australia, but with about 38% of the primary vote counted, in a large field of candidates, I would guess he has a very good chance.
A bit too soon to be sure, due to the complexities of sorting out the numbers in the preferential voting system used in Australia, but with about 38% of the primary vote counted, in a large field of candidates, I would guess he has a very good chance.
It is a bit unfair to just categorise him as only involved as a "toadbuster" as he has excellent credentials in IT and business, the areas in which he is nominally gainfully employed. But the toadbuster program has been a very well organised and successfully operated program to reduce, slow or even eliminate the dreaded, ugly and pernicious cane toad from the Darwin area. It has even extended to try and slow or prevent the spread into the NW of Western Australia. Cane toads damage a lot of native wildlife, both large and small, even crocodiles! They have a poisonous gland that has a poison that can kill animals that ingest them, and they also eat / kill other wildlife.
But it has to be a new start for the City Council, as the previous Lord Mayor is now doing time in jail for misappropriating council funds.
As for the local ward around our area, it is very unclear yet. Three to be elected out of nine candidates, and still too close to even guess who they might be.
Some wags might even say..........who cares?
Update............from 7 May 2008
It is official.........Graeme Sawyer is the new Lord Mayor of Darwin
Friday, 28 March 2008
Bringing the Rain
It must have come with us..............a brief trip to Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills over Easter, and yes............IT RAINED!
Some fair rain in the Adelaide Hills over the past few days, and some more coming, might ease the woes that come from a super dry summer in the region.
Farming and livestock properties are short of water and feed, partially due to the drought in 2007, and a rapid drying in spring, leaving feed resources and hay production very short.
BUT.......some are predicting a great year for the regions wines.
Some fair rain in the Adelaide Hills over the past few days, and some more coming, might ease the woes that come from a super dry summer in the region.
Farming and livestock properties are short of water and feed, partially due to the drought in 2007, and a rapid drying in spring, leaving feed resources and hay production very short.
BUT.......some are predicting a great year for the regions wines.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Cane Toad Kill
They are big, they are ugly and they are here ..........................NOW.
A nightly, or at worst every second night ritual is a walk with the dog. She enjoys it and so do I. And as a dog "under training" it provides a great opportunity to reinforce that positive behaviour you need in a large dog, to ensure it is well behaved..
The perambulation is usually along the cycle trail close to Rapid Creek. It is well lighted, and very peaceful, especially late evening, around 2200hrs, when most sensible people are in bed or at home.
They - the dreaded cane toad - have been seen close by, and I found one about a year back plus one more recently in the middle of the intersection near home. BUT this one was LARGE ----sitting quietly near the lamppost watching for insects to nab as dinner.
A quick kick onto the path and it got stomped......but they are hellishly hard to kill, so it toook some time and several hits. My inhibitions were satisfied. A dead cane toad ..........the best type.
With a lot of rain last month [over 900mm] and two dry days in the past 45 days, I guess cane toads will be on the move. For more details visit www.frogwatch.org.au/canetoads/default.cfm about the program to reduce their presence in Darwin.
I hope this is just another forward guard and that more are not coming, but but but.......I think they are now HERE.
Looks as if the nightly walk will require having a plastic bag to collect the ugly toads. Disposal in the freezer, then composting is the usual option, but leaving such a large brute is not a good option either.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Elections........and more elections..........
Local government elections are on in the NT in two weeks. Ho hum ho hum.......
Darwin's Lord Mayor is currently doing time in jail for misappropraiting council property, after using council funds to purchase a heap of stupid stuff - a fridge, a Darth Vader mask and womens knickers....[ why you might ask??] so he is a non starter for mayor.
The more notable of the candidates for mayor runs our local "Toadbusters" - a group that attempts to keep cane toads out of Darwin. That could well be another blog topic I guess. And there are several others. Even less notable, including a few from previous dismal failures at similar elections.
As for alderman - Well I am not even sure who our ward has.
BUT............still two weeks to go. Maybe there will be flurry of action after Easter.
Darwin's Lord Mayor is currently doing time in jail for misappropraiting council property, after using council funds to purchase a heap of stupid stuff - a fridge, a Darth Vader mask and womens knickers....[ why you might ask??] so he is a non starter for mayor.
The more notable of the candidates for mayor runs our local "Toadbusters" - a group that attempts to keep cane toads out of Darwin. That could well be another blog topic I guess. And there are several others. Even less notable, including a few from previous dismal failures at similar elections.
As for alderman - Well I am not even sure who our ward has.
BUT............still two weeks to go. Maybe there will be flurry of action after Easter.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Dogs that Escape
I have an expert escapologist dog.
A large, strong, nearly 3 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch that is a very friendly animal, even maybe too friendly. She has been through obedience school and is generally very obedient. Her friendliness v guard dog qualities have been tested on a few occasions with animal intruders into the yard and she did her thing well. And she is very protective to the family. You say….a good dog!
But she is an expert at getting out of the largish fenced backyard. She has endured a few incidents including a large tree branch from a storm damaged fallen tree which I accidently chain sawed and dropped on her kennel in the clean up [while she was in it of course], and has developed a sensitisation to a few other odd sounds. Firecrackers, thunder and lightning are definitely not her friends, although loud truck and aircraft noise are irrelevant to her. When the former two strike, and we have regular fantastic thunderstorms in the wet season, she wants to bolt, to somewhere safe. And the local celebrations of Chinese New Year with the Lion Dance and firecrackers last weekend [delayed because of the rain] one block away sent her off again.
A large, strong, nearly 3 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch that is a very friendly animal, even maybe too friendly. She has been through obedience school and is generally very obedient. Her friendliness v guard dog qualities have been tested on a few occasions with animal intruders into the yard and she did her thing well. And she is very protective to the family. You say….a good dog!
But she is an expert at getting out of the largish fenced backyard. She has endured a few incidents including a large tree branch from a storm damaged fallen tree which I accidently chain sawed and dropped on her kennel in the clean up [while she was in it of course], and has developed a sensitisation to a few other odd sounds. Firecrackers, thunder and lightning are definitely not her friends, although loud truck and aircraft noise are irrelevant to her. When the former two strike, and we have regular fantastic thunderstorms in the wet season, she wants to bolt, to somewhere safe. And the local celebrations of Chinese New Year with the Lion Dance and firecrackers last weekend [delayed because of the rain] one block away sent her off again.
Destroying the fence, gates and associated infrastructure in her way are just fair game while getting out. Then she [so far] blithely returns a few hours later. Even had the RSPCA call the mobile - while in Kuala Lumpur - to inform me she had been "turned in", and that incident alone is another blog story.
There are plenty of options to treat the issue, but rarely are they totally successful.
Better fences are coming soon. Any suggested other options?
Friday, 29 February 2008
The Night of a Songbird
We were not going, but then I won two tickets to hear the debut concert. What a night.
Yothu Yindi are world renowned for their music, and their performance at the Sydney Olympics. This young man was part of that, and now has his own band - Saltwater Band, based at Galiwink'u on Elcho Island. But this was not THEIR type of music. This was a solo effort by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu , who is a close relative of Mandawuy Yunupingu of Yothu Yindi.
This music is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, incredibly melodic, evocative and just VERY good sets of music to hit the airwaves in a long time. Reminds me a little of the style of Norah Jones and the impact she made with a very different approach to music.
Blind from birth, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a powerhouse of musical creativity. Geoffrey, or Gudjuk as he is also called, is from the Gumatj nation, his mother from the Galpu nation both First Nations peoples from North East Arnhemland.
A former member of Yothu Yindi, this solo excursion highlights his amazing talent as a singer/songwriter/musician, and his beautiful voice singing the songs of his Gumatj country will never leave you.
His solo performances are a rare treat and should not be missed. Geoffrey's own band the Saltwater Band all hail from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island, NE Arnhem Land are a much loved and most popularly noted Indigenous band, partly because of Gurrumul's influence and guidance. Their music is not this music.
With the release of this his first solo album, Geoffrey highlights the tremendous talent he has to offer Indigenous music. Skinny Fish music who have been involved with this new CD have said they are excited and proud to be associated with this magical project. It is magical.
He sang of the land and his country with colour and vision, all from the mind. He described the jungle fowl and its antics with great clarity, and these animals are regular visitors to Darwin suburbia, so their antics are well known. He opened his heart and conveyed the love of the land.
Yes, most of the songs are in language - his language. A screen was used to provide the words and a translation, but the soul of the music did not need it.
Songs, language and the guitar and double bass said enough. He also played one song accompanying himself on the Steinway piano.
And guitar.......it was ironic that John Williams and John Etheridge were also playing in the main auditorium of the Entertainment Centre, just metres away, two world class classic guitarists. Gurrumul plays the guitar too........left handed and upside down, eg a normally strung right hand guitar, played left handed. Who could learn from who??
Listen to the tracks on my space, and if you get a chance to see him - GO! And remember, he is blind......blind from birth!
http://www.myspace.com/gurrumul
He is a new star.......listen to the three tracks free on his myspace site!
Yothu Yindi are world renowned for their music, and their performance at the Sydney Olympics. This young man was part of that, and now has his own band - Saltwater Band, based at Galiwink'u on Elcho Island. But this was not THEIR type of music. This was a solo effort by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu , who is a close relative of Mandawuy Yunupingu of Yothu Yindi.
This music is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, incredibly melodic, evocative and just VERY good sets of music to hit the airwaves in a long time. Reminds me a little of the style of Norah Jones and the impact she made with a very different approach to music.
Blind from birth, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a powerhouse of musical creativity. Geoffrey, or Gudjuk as he is also called, is from the Gumatj nation, his mother from the Galpu nation both First Nations peoples from North East Arnhemland.
A former member of Yothu Yindi, this solo excursion highlights his amazing talent as a singer/songwriter/musician, and his beautiful voice singing the songs of his Gumatj country will never leave you.
His solo performances are a rare treat and should not be missed. Geoffrey's own band the Saltwater Band all hail from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island, NE Arnhem Land are a much loved and most popularly noted Indigenous band, partly because of Gurrumul's influence and guidance. Their music is not this music.
With the release of this his first solo album, Geoffrey highlights the tremendous talent he has to offer Indigenous music. Skinny Fish music who have been involved with this new CD have said they are excited and proud to be associated with this magical project. It is magical.
He sang of the land and his country with colour and vision, all from the mind. He described the jungle fowl and its antics with great clarity, and these animals are regular visitors to Darwin suburbia, so their antics are well known. He opened his heart and conveyed the love of the land.
Yes, most of the songs are in language - his language. A screen was used to provide the words and a translation, but the soul of the music did not need it.
Songs, language and the guitar and double bass said enough. He also played one song accompanying himself on the Steinway piano.
And guitar.......it was ironic that John Williams and John Etheridge were also playing in the main auditorium of the Entertainment Centre, just metres away, two world class classic guitarists. Gurrumul plays the guitar too........left handed and upside down, eg a normally strung right hand guitar, played left handed. Who could learn from who??
Listen to the tracks on my space, and if you get a chance to see him - GO! And remember, he is blind......blind from birth!
http://www.myspace.com/gurrumul
He is a new star.......listen to the three tracks free on his myspace site!
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Durian – the Smell of Asia
Not everyone enjoys them, those of Asian extraction or ethnicity generally like them, and hotels ban them. Almost all hotels in Asia have a VERY conspicuous sign, usually near the main door “NO DURIANS”. The fruit is intricately enmeshed with tropical monsoonal and equatorial Asia, with many Asians paying very high prices for favoured varieties, with a few Thai types especially favoured.
It’s the smell they say. And it is strong and very distinct.
There are a few local growers in our area, and one is a client. So I was given one yesterday. Lucky me.
While durian IS an acquired taste, it is very good. My favourite option is to have durian icecream, a good easy option in Malaysia, but not so easy here unless you make your own.
The smell is very obvious to any visitor entering the carport………it is banned from the house!
It’s the smell they say. And it is strong and very distinct.
There are a few local growers in our area, and one is a client. So I was given one yesterday. Lucky me.
While durian IS an acquired taste, it is very good. My favourite option is to have durian icecream, a good easy option in Malaysia, but not so easy here unless you make your own.
The smell is very obvious to any visitor entering the carport………it is banned from the house!
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
The “me” Generation and Personal Food
The new must have for the “me” generation is …………..wait for it – Personal Watermelons.
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and easier to store in the fridge, Personal Melons are wrapped up in their own highly distinctive striped skin. They are sweeter and crisper than an average watermelon, while remaining highly nutritious and a perfect way to quench your thirst and create healthy and delicious recipes.
Or so say the soothsayers of the advertising industry, trying to separate you and your money.
Coming soon to a supermarket near you.
I remember the joy of a surreptitious sortie into a growers paddock on a hot summer night to acquire a decent sized watermelon to slice for the car load of young things to enjoy. One can hardly do that for a personal melon. Or the occasional food fight with a decent sized watermelon, after a few slices. Even one memorable one at home with four teenage children on the [thankfully] fully tiled terrace, with a hose wash down to follow.
Yields of the personal melons are down and production, handling, advertising and packaging costs are up.
The only winner with small watermelons seems to be the supermarkets.
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and easier to store in the fridge, Personal Melons are wrapped up in their own highly distinctive striped skin. They are sweeter and crisper than an average watermelon, while remaining highly nutritious and a perfect way to quench your thirst and create healthy and delicious recipes.
Or so say the soothsayers of the advertising industry, trying to separate you and your money.
Coming soon to a supermarket near you.
I remember the joy of a surreptitious sortie into a growers paddock on a hot summer night to acquire a decent sized watermelon to slice for the car load of young things to enjoy. One can hardly do that for a personal melon. Or the occasional food fight with a decent sized watermelon, after a few slices. Even one memorable one at home with four teenage children on the [thankfully] fully tiled terrace, with a hose wash down to follow.
Yields of the personal melons are down and production, handling, advertising and packaging costs are up.
The only winner with small watermelons seems to be the supermarkets.
Monday, 25 February 2008
Bloody Monsoon
The monsoon comes in bursts to northern Australia, usually about 7-10 days at a time followed by intermonsoonal drier periods of 30 -45 days. I WILL not explain the intricacies of this process but it is all related to the MJO, atmospheric pressure waves, push and pull monsoons, high pressure periods in Beijing and other seemingly unrelated issues - all available on www.bom.gov.au for you sticky beaks.
BUT it is now over two weeks since this monsoonal burst and it is getting wetter. Have had about 450mm of rain over the past 10 days, and the ground is saturated. And the monsoon is expected to last at least another week or more. Yes....it brings life, but we need a break.........soon.
And guess what, today it is raining.
BUT it is now over two weeks since this monsoonal burst and it is getting wetter. Have had about 450mm of rain over the past 10 days, and the ground is saturated. And the monsoon is expected to last at least another week or more. Yes....it brings life, but we need a break.........soon.
Clothes cannot be easily dried, especially those larger items such as bed sheets. The mould on all surfaces is chronic, crutch rash is endemic, the lawn grows and grows and grows, green tree frogs are getting sore throats from all the singing and it still RAINS.
We need a dash of sunshine and a vitamin D fix to improve the mood, and I need to repair a small roof crack, but it is not dry enough for long enough to even do that.And guess what, today it is raining.
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Doing the Amazon
Two intrepid Australians have just become the 4th ever crew to traverse the Amazon from headwaters to the mouth at the Atlantic Ocean, completing the journey a few days ago.
Great story and amazing photos and well worth checking out. Takes the mundane to the extraordinary. see www.expeditionamazonas.com
Great story and amazing photos and well worth checking out. Takes the mundane to the extraordinary. see www.expeditionamazonas.com
Friday, 22 February 2008
Out the Kitchen Window
There is a theme running on the view out of your kitchen window. Original theme attributed to http://lulusbay.bogspot.com and now many others to check out listed on this blog. Add your view too!
This is mine........a great view over tropical orchids [nearly always one or more in flower] around a spa pool, with a great zoysia lawn leading to a shed. Every man needs his shed! A great tropical backyard.
Thursday, 14 February 2008
If the Weather is Wet Then Go Swimming!
It's wet. Very wet! So what do you do when it is raining cats and dogs? Of course, go to swimming training!
This week has seen a "perfect storm" of monsoonal weather. About 25- 50mm of rain each day, with some areas getting more, in several short sharp bursts both during daylight hours but especially at night, or late afternoon. Plus a strong westerly wind, of maybe 25kms/hr or more.
Ideal conditions for a good solid outdoors swim training session each afternoon.
The local pool [ 25m one this time] has had extra water that has not been pumped out so it is like swimming in a rough open water swim, with a good surface choppy sea. Good practice for the coming open water swims.
Have increased the regular daily swim sessions to about 2km, or just under, using a series of intervals after a warm up. Typically 2 x 400m freestyle [or an 800m freestyle] at around 80% pace, then a serious interval session of about 8-12 x 50m freestyle at 1.10 or 1.15 intervals holding around 45 secs repeats over the set. Sometimes a set of 100m intervals is used too. Plus a few sets of kick, drill and a longer set of several 200m freestyle swims concentrating on smoothness and style round out the session. I use an older guide book for Masters swimmers, but have a reasonable idea of trainng sessions, based on my own swim coaching experience. Group sessions are fine, but my job does not allow that to happen so a plan built around "doing my own thing" has worked for a long time. It is hard to cheat on the pace clock!
This along with cycling the 6km each way to and from the pool plus a few gym sessions each week and the regular 5 times per week dog walk of 30 - 40 mins covers the training.
Gym sessions do make a difference in the strength area and especially in developing a strong underwater pull through in freestyle. That elongated pull into a push does add a bit of zip and the strength training helps.
Especially for us slightly older swimmers. We do have some sharp older swimmers in Darwin, with a few world record holders in Masters events, but mostly women. There are some excellent men swimmers too, but not quite in that class!
I am determined to improve performances in the coming open water swims.
There is a certain lure of chasing a black line each day. Unwinds the brain, improves the mood as the endorphins kick in. I am a more pleasant person after my swim! Even if a bit knackered when the effort goes up.
This week has seen a "perfect storm" of monsoonal weather. About 25- 50mm of rain each day, with some areas getting more, in several short sharp bursts both during daylight hours but especially at night, or late afternoon. Plus a strong westerly wind, of maybe 25kms/hr or more.
Ideal conditions for a good solid outdoors swim training session each afternoon.
The local pool [ 25m one this time] has had extra water that has not been pumped out so it is like swimming in a rough open water swim, with a good surface choppy sea. Good practice for the coming open water swims.
Have increased the regular daily swim sessions to about 2km, or just under, using a series of intervals after a warm up. Typically 2 x 400m freestyle [or an 800m freestyle] at around 80% pace, then a serious interval session of about 8-12 x 50m freestyle at 1.10 or 1.15 intervals holding around 45 secs repeats over the set. Sometimes a set of 100m intervals is used too. Plus a few sets of kick, drill and a longer set of several 200m freestyle swims concentrating on smoothness and style round out the session. I use an older guide book for Masters swimmers, but have a reasonable idea of trainng sessions, based on my own swim coaching experience. Group sessions are fine, but my job does not allow that to happen so a plan built around "doing my own thing" has worked for a long time. It is hard to cheat on the pace clock!
This along with cycling the 6km each way to and from the pool plus a few gym sessions each week and the regular 5 times per week dog walk of 30 - 40 mins covers the training.
Gym sessions do make a difference in the strength area and especially in developing a strong underwater pull through in freestyle. That elongated pull into a push does add a bit of zip and the strength training helps.
Especially for us slightly older swimmers. We do have some sharp older swimmers in Darwin, with a few world record holders in Masters events, but mostly women. There are some excellent men swimmers too, but not quite in that class!
I am determined to improve performances in the coming open water swims.
There is a certain lure of chasing a black line each day. Unwinds the brain, improves the mood as the endorphins kick in. I am a more pleasant person after my swim! Even if a bit knackered when the effort goes up.
Saturday, 9 February 2008
The Monsoon is Back
It's raining.........occasionally, light, slow, drizzle, the odd sharp shower, a bit of sun, more light rain, some westerly wind........yes! The monsoon is BACK to north Australia.
Lots more rain thought to be coming, and flood warnings are out.
But the monson is life to the northern tropics. It fills the creeks and rivers, billabongs and back billabongs, provides mud islands for the crocodile nests and well........renews life in the north.
The past week has been really crappy weather. Hot, humid and STILL....you sweat [ not perspire] just standing still in the shade! At least there is a light breeze blowing now and while humid, at still around 30C, at least it feels better.
AND.......last night, the green tree frogs were singing big time. Even had to recover one from the upstairs bathroom, just a modest sized one, enjoying the weather. The photo though was in the back yard.
Lots more rain thought to be coming, and flood warnings are out.
But the monson is life to the northern tropics. It fills the creeks and rivers, billabongs and back billabongs, provides mud islands for the crocodile nests and well........renews life in the north.
The past week has been really crappy weather. Hot, humid and STILL....you sweat [ not perspire] just standing still in the shade! At least there is a light breeze blowing now and while humid, at still around 30C, at least it feels better.
AND.......last night, the green tree frogs were singing big time. Even had to recover one from the upstairs bathroom, just a modest sized one, enjoying the weather. The photo though was in the back yard.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Will Broadband REALLY Get Faster?
Ah, the rumblings of the behomoth Testra, exerting market power in Australia's telecommunications industry.
Yesterday they announced installation of ADSL2+ in 900 new exchanges around Australia. Enquiries today locally with Telstra countrywide indicate that this system will be up and going in our local exchange at Nightcliff, in 48 hours. For over 2 years Telstra has steadfastly said - NO to ADSL2+ except for the Darwin central business area exchange [already installed], despite many protests by small business.
It is not the change of policy, but the speed it will be deployed.........
This seems to have left competitors floundering, nay near drowning. Most are not likely to meet this demand rapidly and may well lose market share to Telstra.
So much for " a level playing field" and the squishing of competition by the giant Telstra.
I am cranky.......we have a great ISP provider consistently ranked in the top two around Australia, but it does not have the market power of Telstra.
As the Toyota ads say "bugger"!!!!
Yesterday they announced installation of ADSL2+ in 900 new exchanges around Australia. Enquiries today locally with Telstra countrywide indicate that this system will be up and going in our local exchange at Nightcliff, in 48 hours. For over 2 years Telstra has steadfastly said - NO to ADSL2+ except for the Darwin central business area exchange [already installed], despite many protests by small business.
It is not the change of policy, but the speed it will be deployed.........
This seems to have left competitors floundering, nay near drowning. Most are not likely to meet this demand rapidly and may well lose market share to Telstra.
So much for " a level playing field" and the squishing of competition by the giant Telstra.
I am cranky.......we have a great ISP provider consistently ranked in the top two around Australia, but it does not have the market power of Telstra.
As the Toyota ads say "bugger"!!!!
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
The Monsoon Frog will be back soon
It is coming back........soon! The pundits are saying the monsoon will be back next week.
And with it the hordes of green tree frogs that live in our tropical garden, nestled in the mulch. Once it rains, the chorus starts, and then continues almost every night.
So much for the advance of the dreaded Cane Toad. Yes, they are coming, but are not into much of suburban Darwin....YET. One or two found nearby in the past year, and promptly dispatched to the freezer, and into the mulch bin once frozen. And nary one seen at night while walking the dog. If they are dense, you should see cane toads under the street lights or path lights catching insects, but they are just not there.
Of more concern is the supposed sighting of a crocodile in the nearby Water Gardens parklands at Jingili. Now dogs are banned while the crocodile is found! How many readers have a crocodile in the local park?? Or maybe just a big lizard or water monitor.
And there is concern too about the extinction of a pygmy crocodile population due to the advance across the Northern Territory of the diabolical cane toad. And yes, saving them by relocation is an excellent concept. Read the story here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/05/2155091.htm?site=darwin
And with it the hordes of green tree frogs that live in our tropical garden, nestled in the mulch. Once it rains, the chorus starts, and then continues almost every night.
So much for the advance of the dreaded Cane Toad. Yes, they are coming, but are not into much of suburban Darwin....YET. One or two found nearby in the past year, and promptly dispatched to the freezer, and into the mulch bin once frozen. And nary one seen at night while walking the dog. If they are dense, you should see cane toads under the street lights or path lights catching insects, but they are just not there.
Of more concern is the supposed sighting of a crocodile in the nearby Water Gardens parklands at Jingili. Now dogs are banned while the crocodile is found! How many readers have a crocodile in the local park?? Or maybe just a big lizard or water monitor.
And there is concern too about the extinction of a pygmy crocodile population due to the advance across the Northern Territory of the diabolical cane toad. And yes, saving them by relocation is an excellent concept. Read the story here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/05/2155091.htm?site=darwin
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