Practicality's Blog

Movies we've seen - 'Contagion'.

2011-10-22T19:51:00.002+11:00

I've seen a couple of movies of late, 'Red Dog', 'Real Steel', and the one I'm reviewing here, 'Contagion'.

I have an IMDB account, and I posted this review over there;

"Summary: Plausible scenario, thought provoking, an important movie.
*** This review may contain spoilers ***

I note some are saying they are 'underwhelmed' by this movie. What you get out of a movie often depends on what you expect from a movie experience. If you just want entertainment, be that action, romance, whatever, then maybe this movie will disappoint. However, if you want something beyond shallow entertainment, this movie will NOT disappoint. It is a plausible scenario, quite thought provoking, and I believe, an important movie. It is also technically quite good. Acting and camera work excellent, good screenplay and directing. The characters ARE human, with human failings. It doesn't end happily ever after for all, and some of the people in positions of responsibility (eg at the CDC) put their family first. There are allusions to politicians misusing their position. There are scenes where people loot, trample others to get to the head of the queue for medicines, steal food, generally, some/many people behave badly. (And in contrast some behave well). So the movie explores the spectrum of human morality, and shows good men have flaws. This is much closer to reality than the behavior that many movies usually reflect. A somewhat deeper movie than Hollywood has put out for quite some time. Recommended".

I'll rate it 4 out of 5.

'Red Dog' and 'Real Steel' are also worth seeing. Red Dog is based on a real life story, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when I saw it.

Real Steel is quite an original idea (rare these days), and good entertainment.

I'll give them both 3 1/2 out of 5 and a plus. Worth seeing.

Rest in Peace Steve Jobs Feb 24, 1955 – Oct 5, 2011.

2011-10-08T16:06:00.005+11:00

I am, sadly, moved to comment on the recent passing of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple (and Next Computers, and Pixar). Some people leave a big hole in the world when they pass, and Steve Jobs is one of them.

How better to sum up his life, and his philosophy, than in his own words? This is a link his 2005 Commencement speech given at Stanford University in 2005;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA

I run a Mac. Daughter has an iPhone. The household has various versions of the iPod. And it goes way beyond that. The innovations pioneered in the original Apple Mac are considered givens on virtually all personal computers today.

Many in history are remembered, often for the negative impact they had on the world (Hitler, Stalin are examples). Generals are remembered more so than the soldiers that died in their campaigns. But Steve Jobs has no negative baggage to be remembered by, but overwhelmingly, positives. He is a man who will cast a long shadow, and be remembered fondly.

RIP Steve.

Movies. Tomorrow When the War Began.

2010-09-05T18:00:00.002+10:00

Posted a review on imdb for this movie - I really liked it. Most other reviewers did too;

..."I saw 'TWTWB' last night. Great Movie!

Based on the first book of the John Marsden series, it follows a group of teenagers who go camping for a weekend, and return home to find their country has been invaded, and their families put in a concentration camp, some of their community killed. What would you do? They fight back.

Australians inhabit a continent rich in resources and space. Both of which are in short supply in the world today, and that will become increasingly the case as the 21st century progresses. The authoritative 'Jane's Defence...' sees that rich prize as being envied by others, so the scenario is not far-fetched. The politically correct are worried, it seems, that the invaders, are non-specifically, but clearly Asian, and are worried about upsetting them. 'Well Hello' people, that is the most likely source of an attack on Australia, deal with it.

The plot was good, quite faithful to the book (as I recall - it is now almost 20 years since I read it). The dialogue let the script down a little on a couple of occasions, The lead actors were very good, the supporting ones a little less so. The photography and sets truly represent the Australian bush and a typical country town.

In parts, Stuart Beattie does a better job as scriptwriter than John Marsden in the original book. John has no military background, and it shows. He seems to suggest in the books that it would be possible to fight an invader without taking up arms. Whereas Stuart shows it is very necessary to have arms, and know how to use them. (In the 1st Act, Ellie and Homer hunt rabbits, which the group have a collective feast of - so they at least have a useful knowledge of shooting and hunting - sadly, most Australian teens are denied those experiences and skills these days).

Whether it means to or not, it asks some questions worthy of debate in Australia. Are there those who envy Australia and wish to take what we have? Who would it likely be if they did? How would we fight back?

It will inevitably be compared to 'Red Dawn'. but it is different, and that would do this, exceptional story, a great dis-service (though Red Dawn is pretty good too)".

Movies seen - 'Hurt locker'

2010-03-15T20:59:00.002+11:00

Saturday, went and saw 'Hurt Locker'

(I posted this review on imdb also).

I came out of the movie and said; "THAT, got 6 Oscars... You've got to be kidding!" (Daughter, 20, liked it BTW).
The main character, Sgt James, just isn't believable. He is reckless, in a job where reckless would get you (and probably those around you) killed. (And the censure of your superiors and colleagues).
In short, I see the movie as written, and then made by people who have a perception of the military which is far removed from how things truly are.
The acting was good, the camera work good, the story line terrible.
If a Vietnam era protester who has never been in uniform, would never do so because their values, experience and theories are far removed from those who would, made a movie based on their perceptions, this would be that movie.
(Yes, I'm ex service).

1 out of 5 - just not believable).

Friday Fat Jet (been a while).

2010-03-12T20:37:00.004+11:00

OK, I know it's been a while. No excuse.

Again from Alex, C17 on a VERY wet day.

There has been torrential rain, floods in Queensland and elsewhere in Australia of late.

Condolences.

2009-10-05T21:23:00.003+11:00

I have received the sad news that the Brother-n-Law of one of the guys - Paul - who haunts one of the forums I do has lost his life in a flying accident. He was an Ag Pilot - a Cropduster.

Some folk inhabit a different, more dangerous and braver world than some of the rest of us.

Here is a youtube tribute to some of those frontier souls.

Some Aussie Outback and Truckie videos.

2009-10-05T20:20:00.003+11:00

Since Pete and others seem to like a glimpse of the Outback and the frontier souls who inhabit it, here are some links to youtube videos for you;

First we have a cab ride in a road train (starts at the beginning of the '90 mile straight' - Nullabor Plain).

Then we have a montage of road train footage. And another (Music by Slim Dusty).

And one from a European truckdriver's perspective.

Goin through the gear s (that has to be late afternoon from the way the shadows are); Spicer (not as common as a RoadRanger gearbox). Here is a guy who knows his RoadRanger.

They can take a while to overtake!

Movies we've seen - Inglourious Basterds

2009-10-05T20:11:00.002+11:00

Went and saw ' Inglourious Basterds' a while ago.

It's not historically accurate. It IS very Tarantino, and it's definitely worth seeing.

"Superbly exagerated characters in high intensity moments. This is classic Tarantino"

Giles Hardie -SMH (Via 'Rotten Tomatoes').

4 1/2 out of 5 recommended.

Movies seen - District 9.

2009-08-30T18:22:00.003+10:00

Not long back from seeing 'District 9'. Went and saw it on my own as no-one else in the family is much into Sci-Fi.

I actually don't think they would have liked it, but it was quite well done. It used a Sci-Fi vehicle to make some social commentary on South Africa's Apartheid past (not so subtly - but effective).

The plot centres on how a ship load of alien refugees are treated by humans, using the corollary of how humans treat 'different' humans as the basis.

It is based on a South African short film called 'Alive in Joburg' which in itself was inspired by the clearing/relocation of District 6 in Capetown in 1966.

The film reportedly cost $30 million to make, and took $37 million on it's first weekend. Not bad. Who said art doesn't pay - that's the sort of return 'Crocodile Dundee' provided.

3.5 out of 5. - Appeals to a specialised audience.

Welcome back home.

2009-08-30T18:09:00.002+10:00

Daughter is back home after spending some time in the US. She did the West Coast thing with some extended family - LA, San Fransisco, San Diego.

She had a great time, but we and she are glad to have her back home.

Outback with a radio.

2009-08-08T18:22:00.002+10:00

Found this on youtube and just had to share it..

Friday Fat Jet!!!

2009-07-17T19:52:00.003+10:00

Been a while...

Courtesy of Alex's photography.

Was it really 40 - 40! years ago?

2009-07-04T15:16:00.004+10:00

A long time ago, in a place not so far away, a 12 year old boy and his brother and sister stayed home from school with their Mum's blessing and watched TV all day.

The event we watched was the landing of Apollo 11 on the Moon, and the first 2 humans to set foot on a celestial body other than the earth. It was, I believe, the most significant event I've ever witnessed, on a whole range of levels.

It probably, for example, influenced me as to the direction I took when looking for a job skill (electronics), further heightened my interest in my favourite fiction genre (science fiction), also reinforced my respect for the USA. All of these important in forming a 12 yo's view of the world and it's/his future.

It was, I note during Australia's and the US's involvement in the Vietnam war. (It was pretty impressive that the US could wage a war (hot and Cold), and yet still do something the size and scope of what the Apollo project achieved). And I was even then aware of the technological spinoffs of the space program (transistors and integrated circuits, for example).

A few short years later, I was to join our Air Force and train in electronics, the way paved by the subjects I chose and was motivated in. A few years after I had left the RAAF I got to work manufacturing some space hardware (for a local subcontractor for what was then Hughes Aircraft - for the Aussat-B series of satellites - and a few follow-on ones as well).

So, as July 20th approaches, lets marvel at what was achieved, honour the courage and dedication of those that conceived and achieved it, and reflect on how it affected us all, in one way or another.

Sat for my 'Ham' exams.

2009-06-01T21:05:00.003+10:00

Well, I finally got to do something which has been on my 'to do' list for a very long time.

Sunday, I sat for my 'Ham' licence. Ham radio being amateur radio.

There were 3 exams, theory, regulations, and practical. There are 3 levels in Australia, and I did the intermediate level, or Standard licence. I passed. :-)

All-weather Flat Jet

2009-05-29T19:15:00.003+10:00

It's been a while - too long a while - since I posted some of Alex's photos.

This is an F-111 displaying her 'all-weather' capabilities. F-111s ('Pigs') are flown by Nos 1 and 6 Sqn RAAF. Two of the oldest squadrons in the world, at 1 Jan 1916 and 15 Jun 1917 they even pre-date the formation of the RAAF, which is itself one of the oldest air forces in the world (1921). How is that possible - because they were part of the AFC - Australian Flying Corps - part of the 1st AIF - Aust Army - (1915).

Movies we've seen. 'Angels and Demons'

2009-05-24T20:12:00.001+10:00

We went and saw 'Angels and Demons' yesterday.

Adaption of the Dan Brown book (written before DaVinci Code).

I won't do a spoiler, but suffice it to say there is a twist in the end of the movie. I haven't read either of Brown's books, so I can't comment on whether they are true to the books or not.

Some people take the conspiracy aspect that is the mainstay of books and movies like this VERY seriously (I suspect that counts for a lot of their popularity actually).

My feeling was that there was a lot of inconsistency in the story for the film. An inconsistency that doesn't sit well with the aforementioned twist in the end. To me, it would have made more sense without the twist than with it.

Acting good, production/direction good, screenplay so/so.

3 out of 5.

Gotta love internet 'justice'.

2009-05-24T11:13:00.003+10:00

The internet is a great and amazing thing. Like walking into the world's biggest public library, mail order store, video store, and social club all at the same time.

It can give a sense of anonymity, possibly a false sense of anonymity, which some think they can hide behind.

Sometimes, those who do the wrong thing come badly undone though.

This has become somewhat famous on the 'net, and led to the term 'to be wenzeled'.

1. Defrauded by an Internet seller.
2. Publicly outed as fraudulent person of low character.

There's a lesson to be learnt here, hope the right people learn it.

Dan at 'the office'.

2009-05-17T20:47:00.004+10:00

Some people have a different workplace than the rest of us. This is Dan's workplace, deep underground, dirty, wet, and dangerous.

So when we take Australia's primary product exports for granted (like mining) we should think about what people like Dan's workdays involve to get those products.

(Dan and I haunt the same forum - The best thing about this 'net thingy is you get to know (sort of) people who you only have, say, hobbies, or even just the 'net, in common with).

Keep up the good work Dan, our balance of payments needs you!

Movies we've seen. 'Defiance' and 'Star Trek'.

2009-05-10T18:08:00.003+10:00

Last weekend, wen and saw the movie 'Defiance'.

Based on a true story about the Jewish Bielski brothers who escape into the forests of Poland/Belarussia to esacpe the Germans, who are, with the help of the locals, rounding up Jews to send them off to be killed.

Good script, historically true as far as my checks can tell. Some action and inter-character drama. Gives you some pause for thought about what people had to do in situations that test basic values.

A solid 9 out of 10. Has a very important story to tell.

This weekend, went and saw 'Star Trek'.

As a kid, I loved Star Trek, and have seen the other movies. (No longer possible as the original actors are all aging (or sadly - passed on as is the case with James Doohan - Scotty).

Good script. LOTS of action, twists the timeline a bit (but that also sets up the scene for future movies). I found it a little 'cheesy' in parts though.

8.5 out of 10. Recommended as good entertainment.

First post in a while...

2009-05-09T19:00:00.003+10:00

This is my first post in quite a while. Since February in fact.
Thought I should at least explain why that has been so.
What happened in February? On the 27th, we lost a family member, not our little family, but my Wife's sister Rosemary, very quickly (in fact over a couple of days really) to leukaemia. There were other medical problems as well, but that was the big one.

It wasn't something I felt I could write about, and it is still very difficult. It also was not something I could ignore, and write of something else, so I just didn't write at all.

But life does go on. And Rosie would be the first person to tell us to get on with life, because time can pass, can run out all too soon.

So I have written, and will write some more.
Rosie was a very private person, so I will respect that privacy, but also, she will not be forgotten either.

Doing our bit for 'Clean Up Oz Day'

2009-02-24T20:04:00.007+11:00

The staff at our little workplace got up early the other morning and engaged in some community involvement, cleaning up a park near our workplace. We are a small office of 21, but part of a larger company, which encourages making a connection with the local community.

I thought it'd also be a nice idea to post a piccie of my workmates - most of them anyway.

So here are my workmates and I. (It was quite foggy that morning beside the river).
From left; Mark, Jacob, Jan, Myself (with the orange GT stripe), Karen (sitting), Lindsay (rear row w/hat), Peter, Andy, Nat (sitting), Ian (in yellow), Tracy, Dennis, Bryan, Rod, Denny (sitting), Bob and Pierre. (Tim took the photo).

...Now black is all I see...

2009-02-19T20:45:00.003+11:00

A nice lady at work circulated this poem with some pictures. It's starting to pop up in a few places on the 'net. Quite touching, written by a Victorian gent;

Where green and gold once cloaked the land
Where eucalypt and pine did stand
Where man did live and lay his hand
Now black is all I see

Where horses grazed and cattle drank
Where grasses lined the river bank
Where stood a house and water tank
Now black is all I see

There was a town with store and hall
Which proudly stood ‘neath ridges tall
Now nothing moves or lives at all
And black is all I see

There stood a home and there another
Where lived a daughter, father , mother
A sister, cousin, niece or brother
Now black is all I see

Our nation grieves and holds them tight
Throughout the darkness of the night
Till daybreak brings an ashy light
And black is all I see

Mike Claridge, Fri Feb 13, 2009

A Tribute - to our Bush Fire Fighters.

2009-02-14T15:32:00.007+11:00

The bushfire tragedy in Victoria (and there are bushfires in NSW, and bad flooding in Queensland too, let's not forget) makes this a good time to reflect on ou Emergency Service volunteers.

In Victoria, its the CFA - the Country Fire Authority.
Here in NSW, we have our equivalent, the Rural Fire Service - the RFS (the world's largest fire service - which probably says all about how much they are needed). Another group is the SES - State Emergency Service, who do more varied work such as storm damage, floods, and other disasters. Most of these guys (and gals) are volunteers, they help their community for free, giving up their evenings for training and equipment maintenance, and their time when it's needed for actual disaster relief.

I was in a bushfire brigade when we lived in an outlying village, but not currently.

Times like Victoria is having now puts the affection the community feels for these volunteers into perspective. For example, at our local Australia Day festivities, the local RFS brigades and SES participate in the parade, get a warm round of appreciative applause, as it's a simple and heartfelt way to say Thanks.

Here are some piccies from Oz Day - 26 Jan;

Obligatory Friday Fat Jet.

2009-02-13T20:51:00.002+11:00

Courtesy of Alex.

Bushfires in Victoria. At least 65 dead, 600 houses destroyed....

2009-02-08T19:22:00.007+11:00

Spare a thought for the residents of Australia's southern state of Victoria. Today will go down in our history for the wrong reasons - it'll probably get called 'Black Sunday' or suchlike.

Melbourne and parts of Victoria have had temperatures in the high 40's (C) - that's ~120F - for most of the last week. That's perfect bushfire weather. Today the worst fears happened.

Tonight, there are many who have lost loved ones in the worst way possible - burnt to death. There are many more people in burns units, and there are thousands either evacuated, or actually homeless as their houses were burnt. Then there's the other property lost, stock losses, crops, and native flora and fauna. A bad, bad day.

For some footage, have a look here, here, and here.

(Some helo waterbombing footage here).

[Update, Tues Feb 10th]

This will update you a little;

If any good has come out of this it is the great community spirit. Appeals have been organised by the Salvos, Red Cross, and many others. There have been so many donations of clothing, food etc that we've been asked to hold off for a while. At work yesterday, we held a short meeting, voted on it, and donated a large part of our social club funds to the appeal. (You can bet many other workplaces did something similar). Businesses large and small are donating. You can go into virtually any bank and donate. That part makes me proud of this society.
More here. And here.

[Update Sat Feb 14th]

A picture gallery here (Melbourne's 'Herald-Sun' site) helps give some context.

A man has been arrested, charged with (among other things) 'arson causing death) and moved to Melbourne 'for his own protection'.

The weather in that area, currently mild, is expected to get hotter over the coming week. So it may not be over yet.

[Update Sunday Feb 15th]

Click here. An ABC one-hour special looking at the people aspect of this tragedy. It looks at the details of how people get through the present, and what's needed to move forward to the future.
Look at the comments section. You will see some small portion of the debate that is beginning on environmental vs human safety concerns.

Time for a Friday Fat Jet :-)

2009-02-06T21:02:00.002+11:00

Friday Fat Jet Courtesy of Alex.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:40:00.000+11:00

Just wishing everyone a belated Merry Christmas and here's hoping you have a GREAT 2009.

Happy New Year!

Time for a Friday Fat Jet!

2008-12-05T20:21:00.003+11:00

Courtesy of Alex's camera. (I've been remiss of late - partly because I didn't want to overdo the genre - but dammit, I like aircraft, and Fat Jets, and Alex does some fine work).

Movies we've seen - 'Australia'.

2008-11-29T21:01:00.004+11:00

Went and saw the film 'Australia' this afternoon, we wanted to see if it lived up to the hype and it's budget.

The short way to to put it is that if Baz Luhrmann wanted it to be a blockbuster epic (with a message) that will be a rival to 'Gone with the Wind', it falls short.

The scenery was great, the plot quite good, the actors did a good job (both lead and supporting). Things went bad however, when Luhrmann inserted his 'message', and that message was heavily worked on from beginning to end. The message was his view on what is called the 'Stolen Generations'. I felt like I was being preached at.
Since it was part of his storyline, read more about 'the Stolen Generations' here (Wikipedia).
(Of interest, the same problems that drove that policy, is being addressed in the Northern Territory these days by a set of laws collectively called 'the Intervention'. Which suggests there's more to the problem than Luhrmann lets on?).
The treatment of Aboriginal Australians was portrayed in the worst light possible. And that is not the only way the movie goes too far. It's a bit too 'TryHard' in many places - to the point that if you wanted to parody parts of it - you couldn't do any better than it does itself.

Entertaining, pity about the preaching. Worth seeing, but I'd wait until you can get it on DVD at a discount if I were you. Non Australians might find the cliched Ocker aspect entertaining.

3 1/2 out of 5.

[Update 6Dec08 - Another review - by a scriptwriter - here.]

Hhmmmm.....

2008-11-29T10:29:00.004+11:00

What some people will try (subtext: how warped is your sense of humour?).

The link is an "email conversation that Adelaide man David Thorne claims he had with a utility company chasing payment of an overdue bill".

(I have to admit I did ask the lady behind the lunch bar once if I could have a discount because the Swiss cheese had holes in it... ;-)

Do Men and Women write differently?

2008-11-28T20:27:00.004+11:00

It would seem so.

Found a link to this site (Genderanalyzer). which uses AI to analyse site content.

What did it say about this Blog?

"We think http://pracs-blog.blogspot.com/ is written by a man (82%)".

Cheap, clean, 24/7 power.

2008-11-24T20:48:00.002+11:00

Cheap, clean, 24/7 power. But I can pretty much guarantee that the environmentalists will dismiss the option out of hand.

"...Small enough to be transported on a ship, truck or train, Hyperion power modules are about the size of a "hot tub" — approximately 1.5 meters wide. Out of sight and safe from nefarious threats, Hyperion power modules are buried far underground and guarded by a security detail. Like a power battery, Hyperion modules have no moving parts to wear down, and are delivered factory sealed. They are never opened on site. Even if one were compromised, the material inside would not be appropriate for proliferation purposes. Further, due to the unique, yet proven science upon which this new technology is based, it is impossible for the module to go supercritical, “melt down” or create any type of emergency situation. If opened, the very small amount of fuel that is enclosed would immediately cool. The waste produced after five years of operation is approximately the size of a softball and is a good candidate for fuel recycling.."

More on Hyperion Power from Wikipedia.

Yes, it's a new style technology nuclear reactor.

Disparate thoughts.

2008-11-23T18:27:00.003+11:00

I haven't blogged much lately - for a few reasons. In no particular order some of them are;

A bit depressed about the outcome of the US elections. I wish the new President well, and I hope he at least doesn't make the current financial mess worse, and I hope he can confront some of the may challenges that must be faced, like Iran, China, Russia. Al Quaeda and the Taliban.

Have been watching the current world financial mess make a similar mess of my Super - (retirement savings). Early retirement is looking increasingly remote now.

Lot's to do work wise before we can have a Christmas break, very busy.

And bluntly, have a case of Bloggers block. Hope to get over that soon.

Plans. Trying to get some other writing done (I've had a screenplay under way for ages, - but Bloggers block and Writers block seem to be pretty much the same thing).

I'm taking more interest in some other hobbies as well of late. Hobbyist radio for a start - Thinking of maybe sitting for my Ham licence. Next year, I'm thinking of maybe doing some tech/uni work, to upgrade my quals a little.

I have been checking my usual haunts/friends sites;
Looks like Peter's retirement was short lived. His skills are obviously still valued.
C... err pumuckl is back 'home' after a short spell in Georgia.
Alex has some great photos on his site.

And I note we have a fight brewing here in Oz over internet censorship.

Til next time (and soon) - Phil.

Thoughts on the coming Nov 4th US elections...

2008-11-02T18:41:00.004+11:00

I won't get to vote in the coming US elections, where positions from President, Senate (p/of), HoReps, through on down to Sheriffs and school boards get elected across the US. But I, and the rest of the world will be affected by the results. Which is why it's well worth taking an interest.
(As an example, the US legislation that enabled 'sub-prime' mortgages has a flow on effect for the world financial markets, through on down to what interest rate my mortgage costs, and the negative effects on the balance of my superannuation portfolio - and I live on the opposite side of the world. It affects YOU as well, at least indirectly, but probably directly).

The position most of interest (but not the only interest - the results for Congress are also of importance) is the choice the US voters make for President, between John McCain and Barack Obama.

The polls say Obama will win, so I will think aloud on this.
Looking as objectively as possible at the "junior senator from Illonois", I see a young, gifted politician who is an excellent 'networker', and a charismatic public speaker.
Examining his resume, I DON'T see a background, or skills which prepare him for the job he is applying for from the US electorate, that of President of the USA (POTUS). In particular, I don't see a background preparing him for the job as the most powerful, and responsible 'Chief Executive' in the world.
The most obvious thing to me (besides the inexperience - Sarah palin has more executive experience than Obama) is that Barack Obama has a political ideology substantially to the left of mainstream America.

In John McCain however, I see someone who as we Aussies would put it, has 'the runs on the board'. His commitment to country, and selfless service in the military, and in government service as a long time elected represenative are beyond reproach. In him I see a mature, and principled public servant.

Then there are the questions about Obama which follow;

Why spend 20 years in Jeremiah Wright's church if he didn't agree with him, or wasn't influenced by his views? (Listen to this!).

There's the questions over the relationship, and what Obama knows of the past of William (Bill) Ayers.

Then there's ACORN 'voter registration drives'.

There are questions about credit card donation improprieties to the campaign.

You have to worry about how he plans to (if he can), fulfil those supporter expectations though.

And we haven't even begun to examine his foreign policy yet. Will he stand up to the threat Iran poses? Or the challenge of China? Whatever you may think of President Bush, he has taken the fight to the terrorists, and they have had little chance to engage in mischief for that reason. If the pressure is taken off them....?

As Melanie Phillips in the UK puts it;

"...You have to pinch yourself – a Marxisant (sic) radical who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus comprising black power anti-white racists, Jew-haters, revolutionary Marxists, unrepentant former terrorists and Chicago mobsters, is on the verge of becoming President of the United States. And apparently it’s considered impolite to say so...". [Melanie Phillips 'The Spectator' (UK) 14 October 2008]

I fear it's going to be 'interesting times' if he wins. (Chinese curse - "May you live in interesting times").

More Hornet pics

2008-10-19T21:04:00.005+11:00

Here are a couple more Hornet (F/A-18) pics from Alex's camera.

There was an Airshow a couple of weeks ago at Amberley (RAAF Base - Qld) and Alex got some great pics.

I particularly like this next one;
Sorry about the paucity of posts lately. Work and 'life' just hasn't been conducive to posting - 'Blogger's Block' if you like. Alex's photos deserve some coverage though.
(More of Alex's pics from his own website , and Amberley airshow here).

Found another good blog.

2008-10-13T20:42:00.005+11:00

Found another good blog. 'MB Musings'.

Interesting thing to note is how many of the same sites we link to. And some similar ideas seem to be shared. This piece of MB's is very similar in vein to this piece I wrote back in '06.

Pigs and Hornets.

2008-10-12T18:52:00.005+11:00

More fine photography from Alex. Pigs (F-111s) and Hornets (F/A-18s).

The vapor is an interesting effect when the wing surfaces are working hard.

Interesting Op-Ed in 'The Australian' by one John McCain

2008-09-23T20:57:00.003+10:00

A very interesting Opinion Piece in todays 'Australian'.
'Alliance into the 21st Century' ['Australian', 23 Sept 2008, John McCain]

"A LITTLE more than 100 years ago, president Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet steamed into Sydney Harbour...".

"...In the middle of 1908, Australians and Americans recognised immediately the kindred spirit of two rugged and energetic peoples separated by half the globe but united by shared hopes for mankind. That initial friendship would be forged into an inseparable bond through many struggles in the years to come. Ten years after the Great White Fleet left Sydney Harbour, American soldiers would serve under Australian general John Monash at the decisive Battle of Hamel on the Western Front. My father and grandfather would both serve side by side with the Royal Australian Navy in the Pacific theatre, turning back the Japanese tide and then building a post-war network of alliances that would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in Asia.
From Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen first-hand how succeeding generations of young Americans and Australians have been ready to step forward together to defeat aggression and provide relief and recovery for the stricken...."

It may be a little more obvious why I hope John McCain and Sarah Palin are the next President and VP of the US - we KNOW John McCain is Australia's friend, and will engage with the world. Obama on the other hand spent much of his childhood in Indonesia (a country not necessarily our friend).

(I also had a look to see where else that article showed up - and found another great blog/site - Pat Dollard - described as an 'anti Michael Moore' - so he can't be too bad a guy)

Friday Fat Jet

2008-09-19T18:55:00.002+10:00

Another great shot from Alex, this one is a little different but very effective; "...shot in the very extreme of dusk twilight, ie. it was almost dark..."

Democrat supporters hit bottom, commence digging.

2008-09-06T19:18:00.005+10:00

I suppose politics in any country can be a nasty business. This last week has seen some nasty politics in the US.

John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. The Governor of Alaska is now the Republican Party's VP nominee.

It didn't take the 'liberal' bloggers at Kos etc long to go for her.

First, they circulated a rumour that her 4 month old son wasn't hers, but her daughters. (And prior to that, some nasty innuendo).

Then they dredged up a 1986 drink drive offence of Todd's.

Then, when it was revealed her 17 year old daughter was pregnant, she became fair game.

Then there was the snide commentary on the wife/mother/career gal thing. (Now THAT was interesting coming from the supposedly pro-feminist, pro affirmative action left!).

Thing is, it just made the bias of the MSM (main stream media) and the hypocrisy of the 'liberal' left so much more clearer. And it actually seems to have backfired against them.

The satire it inspires is entertaining at least.

How do you pick the right person for the job?

2008-08-31T20:31:00.003+10:00

I've been in the position a few times in my working life when I've had to interview, either alone or as part of a panel, applicants for jobs. Not an easy thing to get right, but after a while, you learn to 'read' the CV/resume, and also that your hunches and instincts are worth listening to.

I won't get to vote on who becomes President and VP of the United States, but I do know who I would vote for. Who, and on what basis I would choose them for the job.

Who? Lets first discuss how I'd evaluate them.

First, actions speak louder than words, have they had similar jobs in the past? How did they do? If this job has more responsibility, can they 'grow into' the job.

Secondly, when you interview them, do they tell you what they think you want to hear, or do they give you the full story, warts and all. Do they have principles? Do they freely admit their past mistakes and shortcomings?

Do they have some new ideas, or at least some guidelines and principles that would steer them through their work?

And lastly, what impression do they leave? What is your gut feeling? (Because that is often your subconscious summation of all of the above - and in my experience, FAR more important than how their resume reads).

So, based on that, how would I vote in the coming US election?

John McCain. Even more so since the choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Obama gives a good speech, is good at telling an audience what it wants to hear, but his track record shows no experience that indicates he is ready for the job he has applied for.

More to come.

Visitor to Sydney - USS John S McCain

2008-08-30T17:14:00.007+10:00

Interesting visitor to Sydney - the USS John S McCain. Shares a name with the current GOP candidate for the US Presidency, but is in fact named after his father and grandfather - both career US Navy officers.

The visit commemorated the US 'Great White Fleet' Visit 100 years ago;

"...to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet - the US Navy's first voyage around the world.
The original fleet lost 300 sailors to the harbour city the first time round, when they jumped ship to stay put in the relatively new nation of Australia.

The armada of 16 US battleships and 14,000 men was sent around the globe by former US president Theodore Roosevelt between December 16, 1907 until February 22, 1909..."
[SMH 20Aug08] [Images from 'Wikipedia']

Music. Albums you love, but can't find again.

2008-08-30T14:59:00.004+10:00

Sometimes, rarely, you find a record album that you like the whole of - not just a few tracks.

This was one of them for me. I have 'Bombs away Dream Babies' on LP - plastic. But do think I can find it on CD?

This is the best known track from the album. If the backing sounds familiar, that's Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac in support.

Sadly, John died earlier this year. His friend posted a tribute here. A great musical talent gone, but oh, what a body of work he leaves!

P3s. Courtesy Alex

2008-08-30T12:09:00.006+10:00

Some more great aircraft photography from Alex.
In this shot, Alex has captured the final stages of gear retraction.
Another fine shot. Of particular interest for me, because these aircraft, (P3 Orions) are what I worked on while in the RAAF. 11 Squadron (P3Bs) and 492 Squadron - which was the maintenance squadron of 92 Wing - that wing then consisting of 492 Sqn, 10 Sqn (P3Cs), and 11 Sqn (Bs). These days it's all Cs, but when I first joined, 10 Sqn still had Neppys - P2V Neptunes.

An interesting story on Neptunes from Wikipedia on the 'Truculent Turtle';

"...Loaded with fuel in extra tanks fitted in practically every spare space in the aircraft, the Turtle set out from Perth, Australia to the United States. With time, the aircraft has come to be called "Truculent Turtle" but, in fact, its nickname was simply "The Turtle"; which was painted on the aircraft's nose (along with a cartoon of a turtle smoking a pipe pedaling a device attached to a propeller). With a crew of four (and a nine-month-old gray kangaroo, a gift from Australia for the Washington, D.C zoo) the plane set off on September 9, 1946, with a RATO rocket-assisted takeoff. Two and a half days later, the Turtle touched down in Columbus, Ohio, 11,236.6 miles (18,083.6 km) from its starting point. It was the longest unrefuelled flight made to that point—4,000 miles (6,400 km) longer than the USAF's B-29 Superfortress record. This would stand as the absolute unrefueled distance record until 1962 (beaten by a USAF B-52 Stratofortress), and would remain as a piston-engined record until 1986 when Dick Rutan's Voyager would break it in the process of circumnavigating the globe...".

Olympics. Over for another 4 years.

2008-08-24T18:25:00.004+10:00

Well, the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics is this evening (their timezone is 2 hours behind us). Our little family is having Chinese take-away in salute.

China put (I've heard) $40 billion USDs into these games. London apparently has a budget less than half that. Sydney's final budget in 2000 was substantially less even than that, made a small profit, and the state of NSW got some new, 1st class sporting venues which we still use. (Melbourne still has the MCG - upgraded for the 1956 Olympics). China's venues are apparently use-once facilities. I have to note that 40 billion is a pretty high PR bill - because it seems that's what it was.

Fine things were expected, promised even as a result of Beijing hosting the Olympics. Improvements in observance of human rights, more openness, a less autocratic state. From what I see, that didn't happen. China ran 'business as usual' as a totalitarian state.

The media had a chance to measure China against those expectations. They didn't. A chance to soften China's hard hand was lost.

Having said that, Australia did quite well though. By weighted measure according to some, best. More on our athlete's accomplishments here.

Sadly, the Olympics these days is less about just competing, and 'the glory of sport', and more about nationalism. That arguably has it's good and bad side (better countries do battle on the sports fields than the battlefield for national kudos methinks). Biased I unarguably am, but to me, the Sydney Olympics were a friendlier, more sports orientated event rather than a political statement. Others can make a more objective call on that, and I'm sure some shall.

James Cook, and his voyage(s) of discovery.

2008-08-10T20:53:00.007+10:00

Sometimes, often even, the episodes of history read better than any book of fiction. One such figure, and his adventures, life and achievements illustrate that just so well.

The figure is James Cook.

A man of humble origins, he advanced in that most class-conscious of societies - 18th century England, by merit.

His story crosses in to another fascinating story - that of the development of the Marine Chronometer (one day I'll get me a Hamilton 21!);

"...On his second voyage Cook used the K1 chronometer made by Larcum Kendall, which was the shape of a large pocket watch, 13 cm (5 inches) in diameter. It was a copy of the H4 clock made by John Harrison, which proved to be the first to keep accurate time at sea ..."
(from the Wikipedia article on James Cook).

This piece might just as well have been written with an image of James Cook in mind;

"From their tiny kingdom lying off the northern shores of Europe the Anglo-Saxon people went out over the world taking their laws, their method of government, and their language with them. They built their colonies in North America, setting out their farms in the wide plains and green valleys of the New World. They peopled Australia and New Zealand. They went into Africa and Asia - governing many different people to whom they taught their language and their law. They planted parliaments in many lands, believing that representational government, and government by consultation and consent were unarguably and self-evidently the best. Some of those parliaments have thrived and some have changed into institutions far different from that at Westminster.
For three hundred years or more they dominated the oceans of the globe and for a brief hundred and fifty years they dominated the world itself. As Rome had dreamed of a world of free citizens, with people of many lands sharing a common law and a common loyalty, so did they dream, and briefly believed the vision was reality. The fashion now is to deride the dream and mock the dreamers of it. Yet the conception was not idle, nor completely unfulfilled. Through it, millions of folk around the world who are not kin to the Anglo-Saxon people have democracy as their ideal and the rule of law as their acknowledged aim.

The Anglo-Saxon people in their own kingdom, their blood and traditions enriched by their neighbours - the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish - have given much to the world, perhaps more than the world now cares to acknowledge. The same folk, enriched by the adventurous and the poor, by the exiled defenders of lost causes, by the dispossesed and the persecuted, who thronged to them from all the countries of Europe, have built a younger and vigorous land in the new world.

Greece had great gifts to offer, but left to the Romans the task of disseminating those gifts throughout the civilised world. The Anglo-Saxon folk have been their own messengers. Rome built the long roads along which Hellenistic thought travelled to Asia Minor, North Africa, Spain and the Yorkshire moors. The Anglo-Saxons built their own ships and their own roads by which were transmitted their ideas of government by consent, of freedom to worship God in any way a man pleases, and of a body of law which binds all men - including Kings and lawmakers. For they have possessed through succeeding ages not only these basic ideas on how society should be organised, but also a great restlessness - the knowledge that the sea is a highway and not a barrier, and the belief that a man may make a home wherever a ship can carry him. A man can exercise his skills anywhere - can rear sheep or raise cattle even though midsummers day blazes in December, can fell a tropic thorn tree as well as a northern oak, and can drive a plough in a vast field many thousand miles westward of his former and smaller farm.

Where did the Anglo-Saxon people obtain these qualities? Their impatience with authority, their obstinacy in defeat, their insistence upon old and inalienable rights, their urge to build new homesteads and new countries overseas - are all these things inherited, and reinforced by a process of natural selection? What were the different ethnic components that made up the whole people, and what were the main events that bought together the many different folk who went to their making..."

From: 'The Origins of the English People' Author: Beram Saklatvala [publisher, The History Book Club].

In Praise of the Volley.

2008-08-10T18:10:00.004+10:00

Sports shoes. 'Runners'. There's your Reeboks, New Balance, Fila's, Adidas. All excellent shoes, usually expensive.

And then there's Dunlop's Volleys.

Usually a around 20 bucks-and-a-bit a pair or so at BigW, and something of an Aussie icon.

They've been around since 1939, sold 26 million pairs (mostly in Australia only, and they have a loyal, even cult following. They are so 'Exceptionally Average' that they're Cool. (And then there's also - KT-26s!)

Another Friday Fat Jet (from Alex).

2008-08-08T19:01:00.002+10:00

Courtesy of Alex's fine photograhy.

Funding our old age.

2008-08-07T20:44:00.010+10:00

A workmate put me on to this based on a reference in a newsletter he receives (Thanks Mark).

People the world over are living longer (places like Zimbabwe and Nth Korea excepted). Supporting those people in their old age is a different matter. In olden times, not many lived to be 'old', and in the third world, large families were/are common in part as a support mechanism for the older generation. But as mentioned here, things are changing. The world generally is tending to smaller families, and people are living far longer.

It seems there are 3 options to support the old; 1) expect the next generations to support you, 2) expect government to support you, or 3) put enough aside to support yourself. Option 3 seems to be the most 'moral' course to me, if you can.

Which is where this study becomes of interest; ['Global Aging and the Sustainability of Public Pension Systems', Capretta, 'Center for Strategic & International Studies']. Subtitled 'An Assessment of Reform Efforts in Twelve Developed Countries'.

Like most Aussies, I (and wife and daughter have their own 'super' accounts - it's an individual thing), have a 'Superannuation' account/portfolio (which has taken a battering due to stock market fluctuations of late), the idea being to provide for ourselves when we retire from the workforce. Australia gets good marks in the report. Of interest, Switzerland wasn't studied, though I would be surprised if the Swiss don't have it well worked out - it'd be out of character if they didn't. In the introduction it says;

"...Despite recent reforms, public benefit systems in most developed countries remain fiscally unsustainable—and even where long-term costs have been controlled, serious concerns remain. The United Kingdom, having stabilized future pension spending as a share of GDP, is now worried that it has done so at the risk of impoverishing the future elderly. As for the United States, reform appears to be on indefinite hold. America enjoys many advantages in confronting the age wave, from its relatively youthful demographics to its large funded private pension system. Yet its failure to engage entitlement reform could in the end leave it no better
off than many European countries facing far larger demographic challenges...".

Dry reading, some may say, but it'll be interesting for those who like to think forward to the future. The CSIS site itself is interesting as a think-tank on it's own.

[Update 9Aug08] Thought it might be worth adding some extracts and comments on the various economies referenced. (Quotes from here).

USA: "...despite its many advantages, a deeply polarized political environment and widely divergent visions for reform have made achieving consensus difficult—and left the United States facing a major long-term cost crisis...".

UK: "...the interaction of public pensions with the voluntary “contracted out” employer and personal pensions is complex and has come under heavy criticism for leaving a growing number of British workers with uncertain retirement income prospects...".

Sweden: "...a new system of “notional defined contribution” accounts supplemented by mandatory funded individual retirement accounts, leaves Sweden better positioned to confront the age wave than most European countries...".

Spain: "...When it comes to reform of its public pension system, Spain seems to be in a state of collective denial. With a fertility rate of just 1.2, among the lowest in Europe, it faces a future of extreme demographic aging and soaring retirement costs. Yet Spain continues to defer reform...".

Netherlands: "...the Dutch pension system remains unsustainable. With over two-thirds of men (and over four-fifths of women) exiting the workforce by age 60, early retirement is still the norm. The basic AOW public pension system, moreover, remains entirely unreformed...".

Japan: "...Japan is now the world’s oldest society— [old as in average age of the population] and a window into the near future for the rest of the developed world...".

Italy: "...Italy not only has one of Europe’s fastest aging populations, but one of its most expensive public pension systems as well. The combination of generous benefits, powerful trade unions, and unstable governing coalitions has made reform perilous for Italian political leaders..".

Germany: "...Germany’s public pension system is Europe’s oldest and one of its most generous..., ...there is growing resentment among younger Germans, who feel that they are being asked to pay for generous benefits for their elders that they themselves cannot hope to receive..., ...To avoid a future crisis, Germany must somehow jump start its new funded pension system...".

France: "...The French have long supported an expansive public sector, and France’s public pension system is indeed generous and costly..., ...the French are perhaps most attached to generous pay-as-you-go pensions, which they view as the cornerstone of solidarite sociale—and the most hostile to funded alternatives, which they associate with “Anglo-Saxon” capitalism..., ...Whether France can make sufficiently bold reforms, however, is open to question. At some point, the reality of scaled-back pension promises will collide with the French expectation of an expansive welfare state, with unknown political consequences...".

Canada: "...Canada’s public pension system is relatively modest by international standards, its cost is projected to rise rapidly over the next few decades as Canada’s unusually large postwar Baby Boom generation retires..., An interesting illustration - with probably global significance is a "...televised Parliament Hill steps confrontation between Mulroney and Solange Denis, an outraged near-retiree". (Lesson; politicians hurt the electorate's 'hip-pocket nerve' on such issues at their severe peril - best example I've seen).

Belgium: "...Belgium has been more reluctant than most European countries to pursue reform of its public pension system—and indeed, of its welfare state in general. With a large pay-as-you-go public pension system, the lowest effective retirement ages in Western Europe, and virtually no funded private pension savings, there is much reform that could occur..., ...Sooner or later, Belgium’s political leaders will be forced to face what nearly every other
European country is facing: significant reform of unsustainable public pension promises...".

Australia: "...Australian political leaders have demonstrated far-sighted initiative in preparing for population aging. With the superannuation guarantee, Australia has a near universal, fully funded, privately administered, and, as of 2005, individually controlled and portable, retirement savings program.
Today, over 90 percent of workers have superannuation coverage, and superannuation assets are growing rapidly...".

According to the Introduction; "...Australia, [is] the world reform leader...", "...no country, with the possible exception of Australia, can legitimately claim to have solved its old-age support problem...".

So there you have it. I'm now over 50. I could retire - early - at 55, which would mean a frugal retirement. Or, there is more to draw from each year that I leave my 'super' to grow. I'm not sure I want to drop out of the workforce early anyway. Work is about more than just the money. For many of us - it's doing something you feel is worthwhile. It's a social and friendship network, an external discipline to structure life around.
One thing I will agree with though, the thoughts of those German youths. I've paid a lot of tax for ~35 years, ~25% of which went to social security. If your taxes have paid for the pensions of others preceeding you, then ergo, you have some claim on some sort of quid pro quo in return.

Some Ocker Aussie clips.

2008-08-06T20:23:00.000+10:00

YouTube lets you hear, and see a broad range of music, amongst other things.

They don't come much more Ocker Aussie than these 2 singers (Slim Dusty and John Williamson).

Have a listen to; 'Pub with no beer', 'Lights on the Hill', and 'Waltzing Matilda' (live at the VFL Grand Final with 100,000 spectators - the MCG was built for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics BTW).

And from John; 'Galleries of Pink Galahs', and 'True Blue'.

(And for Peter, some jazz, I thought he might like some James Morrison - On trumpet and piano).

Happy Birthday Switzerland!

2008-08-03T11:10:00.006+10:00

(Image souced from http://worldgo.blogspot.com/2008/08/1291.html)

An important day has passed, and I missed it! As covered by Peter here, August the 1st is Switzerland's National Day (like Jan 26th for Australia, or July 4th for the USA).

Switzerland has a fascinating history, and a noble one. The Swiss have never been expansionists like the French under Napoleon, or the Germans (with the responsibility for 2 world wars and the holocaust in their past), nor have they tried to force an ideology on the world, like Russia/the USSR, and arguably China did/do. Instead, Switzerland has been an "oasis of peace and prosperity" especially during the last 2 'world wars' and most of her history.

They may not have the resounding words of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, but "Actions speak louder than words" and the Swiss backed their love of freedom and independence with action, not least by their enviable model, that example of the potent tool for maintaining a country's sovereignty and freedom - the militia based defence, but also with a steadfast commitment to what I will call "the participatory democracy". The Swiss entrust and empower their citizenry in a way that leads the world, and which the rulers of countries like China, Zimbabwe, and most middle eastern countries (with the notable exception of Israel) would never countenance.

So, a hearty "Happy Birthday" to Switzerland.

The Great (Fire)Wall of China.

2008-08-01T20:50:00.003+10:00

Seems (why am I not surprised) that the Beijing games is off to a censored start.

After the IOC giving the impression that journalists in Beijing would be given full internet access and free reign to report, it isn't happening like that at all.

Censorship and restrictions are the way it will be it seems (although there has been some relaxation after world outcry).

China thinks of the Olympics as a huge PR exercise.

I hope I'm wrong, but I think the world may get a glimpse of what China is really like, and may not necessarily like a lot of what that glimpse suggests.

Makes me even prouder of what Sydney was like as an Olympic host city.

This Friday's Fat Jet.

2008-08-01T20:42:00.002+10:00

Courtesy Alex.

Starbucks closes three quarters of it's Aussie outlets.

2008-07-30T20:44:00.006+10:00

I spent a little while in the US (Los Angeles) in the '80's, and one memory I have is that you couldn't get a decent cappuccino for love nor money (or lamb/mutton, or tea or decent beer for that matter). Something(s) I missed.

Well Starbucks has announced it is closing 3/4 of their outlets here. Leaving shops in only Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane.

"...Starbucks had failed to understand the Australian market. "Starbucks' original success had a lot to do with the fact that it introduced European coffee culture to a market that didn't have this tradition. Australia has a fantastic and rich coffee culture and companies like Starbucks really struggle to compete with that."
The president of Starbucks Asia Pacific, John Culver, admitted: "I think what we've seen is that Australia has a very sophisticated coffee culture."...". (SMH 30July08)

"...Starbucks was snubbed by many Australians, who have grown up on a diet of quality European-style coffee introduced in the last century to Australia by immigrants, especially from Italy..." (Financial Time, UK 30July08)

Actually, I have to say I didn't mind Starbucks though. A nice big mug of filtered coffee outside while you watched the world go by wasn't a bad way to have a break. (While the wife was shopping perhaps). The sad thing is the (mostly young) friendly staff who'll lose their jobs. Nothing good about this, and I wish them all collectively the best.

More coverage here.

[Update 9Aug08]: It was only after Cam quoted this piece I realised it was a little ambiguous. I visit(ed) Starbucks here in Oz - I'm not sure they even existed in LA in the '80s (I don't recall seeing them anyway).
On another note; we visited Macarthur Sq today, and the Starbucks there has indeed been one of the stores closed. Sad.

Global Warming (now AKA 'Climate change').

2008-07-27T12:01:00.008+10:00

I've been watching the issue of Global Warming with interest, and I've tried to keep an open mind. (Why is it now called 'Climate Change instead?).

The first thing that worried me was the lack of easily accessible basic data. It wasn't referenced in most of the sites I found, and I feel that it should be. If the Al Gores, Nicholas Sterns, and Tim Flannerys of the debate (who are NOT Climatologists), have seen data which convinces them, surely then that same data should be available to, should convince an objective viewer. Instead, we are often told that "the science is settled", accept that and act from there.

Well, after some research, I found the base data, the basic measurements that the debate centers on. The 4 main meeasurement nodes being; The Hadley Center for Climate Prediction (UK Met Office), data here; NASA's GISS (Goddard Institute), data here; UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville), (data) and RSS (Remote Sensing Systems), (data).

When I look at that base data, graphed (a picture is worth a thousand words), I find things like this;

(Sourced from http://wattsupwiththat.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/january-2008-4-sources-say-globally-cooler-in-the-past-12-months)

and this;

(Sourced from http://wattsupwiththat.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/january-2008-4-sources-say-globally-cooler-in-the-past-12-months)

Now if you wade through the pinnacle of GW reports, the UN IPCC this 'Summary for policymakers' available here shows this graph (as close to a summary graphic as I could find);

(Sourced from http://www.ipcc.ch/press/index.htm and reproduced for the purposes of reporting, research, study and review under Copyright protection exception provisions)

Which shows a steep and continuing rise in global temperatures. The noticeable difference is that the real world (per the measured data in the first 2 graphs), and the IPCC modelling haven't agreed with each other since about 2001 at least. That started me thinking, and looking.

When I searched, I found some excellent articles, like this one;

"I DEVOTED six years to carbon accounting..., ...When I started that job in 1999 the evidence that carbon emissions caused global warming seemed pretty good: CO2 is a greenhouse gas, the old ice core data, no other suspects...".
"...But since 1999 new evidence has seriously weakened the case that carbon emissions are the main cause of global warming, and by 2007 the evidence was pretty conclusive that carbon played only a minor role and was not the main cause of the recent global warming. As Lord Keynes famously said, "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?"...".

"The greenhouse signature is missing. We have been looking and measuring for years, and cannot find it.
Each possible cause of global warming has a different pattern of where in the planet the warming occurs first and the most. The signature of an increased greenhouse effect is a hot spot about 10km up in the atmosphere over the tropics. We have been measuring the atmosphere for decades using radiosondes: weather balloons with thermometers that radio back the temperature as the balloon ascends through the atmosphere. They show no hot spot. Whatsoever...."
The Australian, David Evans, 18 July 2008

And when you keep looking, you find sites like this one, (a computer programmer and 'Green' who makes a point of just presenting the data), and this one which provides "A Critical Examination of Climate Change". It also provides numerous links of interest.

You note the IPCC report says things like;

"...Observed decreases in snow and ice extent are also consistent with warming (Figure SPM.1). Satellite data since 1978 show that annual average Arctic sea ice extent has shrunk by 2.7 [2.1 to 3.3]% per decade..."

And yet you can go to sites like this (University of Illonois Cryosphere webpage) and compare satellite photos of Arctic ice extent which tells a different story - at least since 2007 when things chilled substantially (and you can plug in your own dates as verification). Also, Antarctic - Southern Hemisphere ice is increasing!

(This site has been tracking all the things they say are caused by Climate change - quite a list - who would have thunk?).

This article asks "if their case is so good, why try so fervently to extinguish other points of view?". Good question. (I'll add to this in coming days). Suffice it to say, the more I read, the more tending towards the sceptical I am becoming.

Vale Randy Pausch

2008-07-26T15:21:00.003+10:00

Randy Pausch, who has inspired millions with his courage and dignity, died yesterday (July 25th) of complications from pancreatic cancer.

Randy is known throughout the world for his 'Last Lecture' which has been downloaded on YouTube over 3 million times.

My heartfelt condolences to Randy's wife Jai and young family.

Friday Fat Jet, courtesy Alex.

2008-07-25T18:19:00.004+10:00

This Friday's Fat Jet. As always, courtesy of Alex's artful photoworks.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this is worth a hundred pictures

2008-07-10T20:08:00.003+10:00

Found a truly great site for those interested in the human condition (health, income, comparisons with other societies, and how it changes over time).

It's called Gapminder, and the true (genius is probably not too strong a word here) strength of the org/site/programs is that it takes arcane data sets and presents them in a way that is very digestable.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this is worth a hundred pictures.

If nothing else a great resource (maybe even a 'secret weapon') for students.

(Found via ClubTroppo).

What kills on our roads? Speed, bad roads, what?

2008-07-05T15:59:00.007+10:00

This did the e-mail rounds with the label 'Justice'.
Why was it labelled so? It helps to look at the state of Victoria's road policing policies. Victoria probably has the best roads in Australia, the lowest speed limits, and the heaviest police (and speed camera) presence.

In Montana, USA, they had a period where no speed limits were in force, according to the Victorian road safety mantra, that should have led to bedlam. It didn't.

In most of (western) Europe, Autobahns have long been used as fast vehicular roads, with speed limits in the 130Km'h class (or none at all on Germany's autobahns). yet they can make the statement that "...Autobahn-like roads have a superior safety record, regardless of speed limit...".

Something doesn't gell here. The Victorian 'authorities' position is that speed kills, and they seek to slow traffic down as much as possible. Yet the European experience is that high vehicle speeds and safety are quite achievable given good road design.

Better roads cost state governments money, speeding fines make them money. No wonder that many Australian motorists have the cynical view that speed limit monitoring (eg speed cameras) and policing is as much, or more about the revenue it raises than it is about safety.

Great Wikipedia article on motorway safety.
Montana no limits/greater safety paradox.
NRMA (NSW) article on speed limits.
Great forum on Autobahns and Motorways.

Happy Birthday, 'Uncle Sam'.

2008-07-04T20:13:00.002+10:00

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776...

....We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...
United States Declaration of Independence

Those have to be some of the most beautiful words in the English language... or any other for that matter.

Happy Bithday!

Oil hits USD$140 a barrel. Time we got serious about alternative fuel.

2008-06-28T18:37:00.005+10:00

As I write this. Oil is USD$140 a barrel (Tapis USD$147, Brent USD$143, West Texas Intermediate - WTI USD$140. Tapis/Malaysian crude being the determinant in our part of the world).

I write this from an Aussies perspective, but the same base prices and issues exist throughout the world, so it should cover most people and their energy needs.

First, what influences petrol (gasoline) prices. In Australia, the ACCC put out this pamphlet. It's not just crude oil prices that determine our price-at-the-pump (government taxes, and refiner/wholesaler costs are major contributors to cost), but the price we pay for crude oil is the foundation of the price structure. This piece from the AIP gives more background.

I used to hear that this and that alternative to crude oil became commercially viable at 'x' dollars a barrel, and we have long since passed the dollar value quoted where that would become the case. So where is the rush to implement the use of these alternatives (heavy crude, oil sands, shale oil, oil-from-coal, biofuels, biodiesel, oilgae, etc)?

More to come on this. 'Biofuels' can have a negative impact on food production, if plants are used for fuel rather than feed, but there are many exciting possibilities for new sources of fuels, and we need to start exploiting those possibilities real soon.
The middle east is a politically unstable region, often unfriendly to the west, so alternative fuels that free the west from any dependence on middle eastern oil has to be strategically attractive proposition, not to mention economically so.

(A barrel of oil is 42 US gallons, 35 imperial gallons or 159 liters).

Friday Fat Jet

2008-06-27T18:49:00.001+10:00

Again, Thanks to Alex for some great photography.

Music from 'PaintYour Wagon'

2008-06-22T13:48:00.003+10:00

One of the last, and in my view, best, of the old style movie musicals was 'Paint Your Wagon'.

Known in part for Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood doing some rare singing appearances.

Went looking for 'They call the wind Mariah'. Wasn't there, but found something very similar here. And here is Lee doing 'Wandering Star' (long version). Old time Gold.

(And on Clint, my favourite, though less known movie of his is 'Heartbreak Ridge')

Uckers!

2008-06-22T12:50:00.006+10:00

It's sometimes said that service life, particularly active service can be 'long periods of boredom interspersed with moments of terror' (or intense activity). Servicemen always seem to find a way to fill in the boring times, often quite creatively.

Uckers is a game similar to Ludo, apparently based on the old Indian game of parchesi.
The intranet that my work plugs into was scene for an exchange on 'Uckers' recently.

Uckers is a game I've never played. P3s were usually busy (as are airlift squadrons). Fighter and bomber squadrons can be a different matter. But that is not where the game originated. It came to the RAAF via the RAN, and they inherited it from the Royal Navy (UK), where it has been played for a hundred years or more.

[Uckers board image is from http://cas.awm.gov.au/heraldry/REL31420 and is used pursuant to section 40 of the Copyright Act 1968].

A diffent take on environmentalism and GW.

2008-06-15T15:14:00.004+10:00

Have a look at George Carlin's skit on 'Saving the Planet'.

[Thanks to 'pumuckl'].

A face only a mother could.....

2008-06-15T15:02:00.004+10:00

A face only a mother could love? Nah - but beauty IS in the eye of the beholder.
And a night shot of an F-111.

Again, thanks to Alex.

Power, Politics, and 'the little guy(s)'

2008-06-15T13:39:00.004+10:00

3 things of note in the world of power and politics which serve to illustrate the relationship between power, politics, and the lowly punter, the 'ordinary citizen.
First we have Ireland and Zimbabwe, and then a local example (ie NSW state politics, and an extension into federal (Australian) politics.

The first involves the electorate in Ireland. Seems the public voted 'NO' in a referendum on ratifying the Lisbon treaty for the EU. Some in the EU (and Ireland) want to have the referendum repeated (and it seems, would like to do so until they get the answer they want). This has renewed calls for a vote in Britain on the treaty, but the UK government is resisting that call (possibly because they would not get the result they want?).
There are 2 issues there, one the merits of the EU treaty, the other the issue of democratic choice 'by the people'.

The second example is that economic basket case of a failed state - Zimbabwe.
There was a recent election there for the presidency - widely viewed as rigged. Now there is a run-off election scheduled. which few observers expect to be fair.
Makes you wonder how such a regime can claim legitimacy. Also makes you wonder why the rest of the world lets it happen. (And there are other examples for that - Burma and Nth Korea for example).

The third example we have an Australian couple, husband/wife, the husband being a NSW minister (for education), and the wife being a federal MP. Seems they had 'some words' with the staff of an establishment. Whatever happened, it has become a case of 'the little guys' vs the powerful and well connected. But the little guys aren't backing down. More.

Each example illustrates why 'the little guys' collectively, need to have the means, the institutions (and faith in those institutions) to curb arbitrary and capricious exercise of power.
This is why I believe in the tools of direct democracy - Initiative, Referendum, and Recall.
And in the case of places like Zimbabwe, have not the people there suffered past the point where more direct action on their part against an illegitimate regime is their moral right?

Free Speech - What's it all about?

2008-06-08T19:14:00.003+10:00

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it".
Attributed (arguably) to François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire).

I'm a fan of free speech. I don't see how you can have freedom, or say you are free, without freedom of expression in it's various forms.

In Canada at the moment, that freedom is being tested, and the outcome of that test is important for Canada, the Commonwealth countries, and western liberal democratic values in general.

What happened? Well, Mark Steyn wrote a book, and an article a Canadian Newsmagazine published, and some people took exception to it.

From the Wikipedia entry on Steyn;

"...In 2007, a complaint was filed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission"The Future Belongs to Islam", ^[34] written by Mark Steyn, published in Maclean's magazine. The complainants alleged that the article and Maclean’s refusal to provide space for a rebuttal violated their human rights. Further complaints were filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. The Ontario Human Rights Commission refused in April 2008 to proceed, saying it lacked jurisdiction to deal with magazine content. However, the Commission stated that it, “strongly condemns the Islamophobic portrayal of Muslims . . .. . . . Media has a responsibility to engage in fair and unbiased journalism.” ^[35] Critics of the Commission claimed that Maclean's and Steyn had been found guilty without a hearing. John Martin of The Province wrote, "There was no hearing, no evidence presented and no opportunity to offer a defence -- just a pronouncement of wrongdoing."

Now, in these PC times, there will be many who condemn that article, and the writer, without even reading it. Perhaps without even knowing it's general thrust. For them, it will be enough that those who share their politics and ideology have condemned it.

I believe robust debate on contentious topics is absolutely necessary in a free society. That is how problems are identified, and the fix to those problems found. More to the point, the body politic has ownership of the process of identifying, discussing, and fixing problems. Not only is a mistake in resolution then less likely to happen, but if it is a mistake, it's a collective one, rather than an individual one that many pay for.
Put another way, if you don't talk about a serious issue now (no matter how rigorous the debate) you may end up fighting about it later (and by that I mean fighting and dying about it later).

So, think about your views on Freedom of Speech. Read the article. Form an opinion for yourself as to if it's 'hateful' then follow the trial, and the discourse on this issue and test.

Collect the information available, inform yourself, decide for yourself.
There are those who would deny you the basic information to be able to make up your own mind. They would be quite happy, however, to rid you of those irksome first steps, and helpfully decide what you should think on your behalf.

More on the trial here, here, and here.

"Sticks and stones can break my bones - but words can never harm me"
(Children's schoolyard chant c.1960s Australia).

Dignity and courage.

2008-06-08T15:28:00.005+10:00

Following you will find THE most inspirational and selfless act I have ever seen.

What would be your life's greatest challenge? Facing the possibility of death is one version, but how about facing the certainty of one's own death. That's the biggy.

Found this via Peter's Blog (Worldman) who had found it via pumuckl (her facebook actually, which I can't easily find). I had seen the lecture thanks to my wife who watches 'Oprah' on cable.

Dr Randy Pausch is dying of pancreatic cancer. But he is not letting that disease determine how he lives. He is not only making the most of his time left, he is passing on the life-knowledge that he has gained. Selflessly and with a grace and dignity that is a fine example for us all.

He gave that 'final lecture' the talk of a lifetime. (Seems he has been asked to give it several times - which he has graciously done).

Randy has a webpage on the Carnegie Mellon University site which is well worth visiting.

Friday Fat (ish) Jet

2008-06-06T18:50:00.005+10:00

Another great photo from Alex. This is a BBJ (Boeing Business Jet), of 34 Sqn RAAF. These are VIP transports (eg for senior politicians). (A sort of mini Air Force One).

Friday Fat Jet, Friday Flat Jet

2008-05-30T18:39:00.006+10:00

You could just about reach up and tickle her tummy...
...Or look over her shoulder.
(Look at this for a USAF C-17 at Avalon. And here for one at Richmond - look carefully for what I think is a compressor stall on the backup!)
...And a Pig producing about equal amounts of thrust and noise on full AB. (More here).

All photos courtesy of Alex.

Base data on Global Warming

2008-05-21T20:31:00.003+10:00

[Data Origin- Hadley Climate Research Unit Temperature anomaly (HadCRUT) - UK - sourced from this site]

The blog gets traffic based on 'Global Warming & Stefan-Boltzmann related searches. Seems a lot of folk are taking the trouble to do some research for themselves into the subject. That has to be a positive thing.

This site and this one, had some comments that made for interesting reading. But more to the point, it referenced the sources of the most basic data - the monitoring points for measuring the Earth's temperature. It is THAT data which should drive comment and debate, not the politics and fashion of a bandwagon effect for those who let others do their thinking for them.

So what are those sites, and what do they say.

Visit them for yourself. They are; The Hadley Center for Climate Prediction (UK Met Office), data here; NASA's GISS (Goddard Institute), data here; UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville), (data) (A really good background article here); and RSS (Remote Sensing Systems), (data).
[NB - I'll update this with more information in days to come - but this is an interesting start - please look critically and don't just look for data that supports your perceptions].

(A UAH Newsletter had this interesting observation;
"All leading climate models forecast that as the atmosphere warms there should be an increase in high altitude cirrus clouds, which would amplify any warming caused by manmade greenhouse gases," he said. "That amplification is a positive feedback. What we found in month-to-month fluctuations of the tropical climate system was a strongly negative feedback. As the tropical atmosphere warms, cirrus clouds decrease. That allows more infrared heat to escape from the atmosphere to outer space." [Dr Roy Spencer].

Tuesday Thin Jet

2008-05-20T21:09:00.003+10:00

Another great pic from Alex's portfolio. RAAF 707 Tanker/Transport.

Not many left. To be replaced by these, A330 based MRTTs - Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

The farewell art work on the tail is impressive. And those turbojets sound pretty impressive on full song too.

Wednesday Bugsmasher. (Isn't she boo'ful?).

2008-05-07T20:32:00.004+10:00

Fighters, and newer aircraft like the C-17 get a lot of attention, but these lovely ladies have long been the true workhorses and often unsung heroes for the RAAF. This is an 'H' model, we also have the 'J' variant in service.
(From the camera of Alex).
My time in the RAAF was spent first on these, and later these as well (11 Sqn and later 492 Sqn. - great aircraft for a tech - several tonnes of electronics to keep you interested).

[Update 21May08: Image re-uploaded - link to Alex's album didn't work too well!]

Zorba meets the Dreamtime

2008-05-05T21:21:00.004+10:00

This is a bit of a Youtube hit apparently, some Aboriginal dancers doing 'Zorba';

...and not to forget the original.

Getting better - sans Appendix.

2008-05-01T19:26:00.003+10:00

Hi All. Thought I should get back to posting again and try to explain my absence of the last few weeks from the blogosphere.

The quick story is that I suffered a ruptured appendix, which was (eventually) detected, removed, and I'm now recovering.

Want a longer explanation?
I first presented to the local Medical Centre thinking I had food poisoning or something in late March, had blood tests (which showed an elevated blood white cell count), and then an ultrasound (to cross off appendicitis as the problem).
The ultrasound didn't find anything wrong with the appendix (though I'm now told ultrasound is not the best tool for checking the appendix - a CT scan is). It did find a few other problems, including a hernia in the 'area of pain'. Aha! I was then referred to a surgeon for a hernia op. Sorted (or so we thought). Trouble is - I continued to feel progressively more and more unwell, becoming 'profoundly unwell' (I put it down to a virus or something, and tried to 'work through it').
Eventually, at work a week or 2 later, I ran into the proverbial brick wall, utterly fatigued, and feeling the worst I can recall feeling , ever. I went home early (1 1/2 hr drive), and rested. I think that is the day my appendix ruptured.
Next day, felt substantially better (I'm now told that is common after the appendix 'lets go') went to work, but again cut the work day short - not due to pain - which strangely, I didn't have a lot of - but fatigue. I just ran out of puff. That was Friday, tried to make a medical appointment, but none available until Monday. Spent the weekend resting, but feeling worse, and worse.
As this site puts it, I was VERY fortunate (perhaps someone is looking after me?). The body has a defence mechanism, which thankfully kicked in and saved me from septis, and probably saved my life;

"...Occasionally the body is able to control an appendiceal perforation by forming an abscess. An abscess occurs when an infection is walled off in one part of the body....
...The most serious complication of appendicitis is rupture. The appendix bursts or tears if appendicitis is not diagnosed quickly and goes untreated. Infants, young children, and older adults are at highest risk. A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis and abscess. Peritonitis is a dangerous infection that happens when bacteria and other contents of the torn appendix leak into the abdomen. In people with appendicitis, an abscess usually takes the form of a swollen mass filled with fluid and bacteria...".

Monday, saw doctor, who packed me off to the Hospital Emergency Department. Things moved quickly from there, blood tests, CT scan, admission to hospital.
They didn't operate immediately, I was 'stabilised' first (which seemed to involve nuking my system with several antibiotics and 'stuff'). I was operated on on the Tuesday (my first ever general anesthetic).
I woke up in recovery with canulas, drips, catheters, drains, oxygen hoses in my nose, and, surprisingly, not feeling bad at all (Due it seems to 4 hourly morphine shots for the next few days - that worried me, as I didn't want ANY chance of getting too dependent on that particular medication. They wound it back for me).
Spent the next week or so in hospital (the nurses at Bowral Hospital are GREAT! - as was the emergency staff and my surgeon and anesthetist, who explained everything that had happened, or was about to).
I'm now back at home, slowly recovering (getting looked after by wife and daughter). I've lost (besides an appendix), about 10kg. Still very wobbly and fatigued, but improving daily. Hopefully back to sort of normal (and work), soon.

Absence Explained!

2008-04-14T19:38:00.002+10:00

Hello, Daughter here.

Just a quick note of explanation as to my Dads lack of posts lately. He's in hospital tonight awaiting surgery to remove his appendix tomorrow morning. He's been unwell for a couple of weeks now (thus no updates), which was incorrectly put down to a hernia.

Wishing him a speedy recovery! Will let you know how he is in a few days.

(Good) Friday Fat Jet.

2008-03-21T10:54:00.004+11:00

Prep for an early morning run.
From the camera of Alex.

Quite big inside. And I also particularly like this stunning photo. Art.

Update: 22Mar08. Peter (Worldman) left this message;

"Well, I guess that you know by now that I am a "plane" freak. Though the biggest one I ever flew myself (as a pilot) was "only" a Piper Cherokee 180 (a long time ago). But I have given the virus to my son who now (with some 4'200 hours) will leave... "Swiss" to join Emirates on an A330. Which fills me with pride.". [Edited - slightly shortened by Phil].

Congratulations Peter (and to your son as well of course). It is a very fortunate soul that, in this world, gets to follow their dreams and has a profession or job that they love. Some know what they want to do from an early age (good on 'em). Some of us still aren't quite certain what we want to do 'when we grow up' - even at middle age! (Ah well - "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" (From a John Lennon song I think).

Airstream pictures (US 'Grey Nomads').

2008-03-20T19:45:00.004+11:00

In Oz these days we have a phenomena known as the 'Grey Nomads'. Over 50's who pack up and hit the road, usually in caravans (trailers), but some in motorhomes, converted buses, even just living in a tent.

Daughter found these folk (Jacquie and Dave), and thought I'd like the site, and the story. I did like the site and story Thanks Britt. Very much.

I suspect the similarities, and contrasts of the touring experience in the US and Australia would be an interesting study.
Two worlds similar yet different. (Who doesn't dream of doing Route 66 - that icon of not just US, but worlds 'road trips' one day?).

So best wishes for a wonderful trip. Great pictures.

(And here's to Norton the wonder dog).

Tibet.

2008-03-17T21:07:00.003+11:00

The world is seeing things happening in Tibet (they have been for ~50 years, it's just a bit more obvious currently). Just like we've seen things happen in Burma a short while ago, and Zimbabwe. Like the world saw things happen in Rwanda, or the former Yugoslavia. Like things continue to happen in the Congo.

Will the world, be it collectively, individually, or by it's 'representatives' in the UN do anything to help the Tibetan people?

I'll wager No. Sadly, in the world of Realpolitik, China's size as a trading partner, and it's growing presence on the world stage will mean a few tut-tuts, and frowns, but probably not much else.

Is that right? How can it be? The larger question though, is how can humanity's collective conscience, and disapproval of all that goes on that is bad - in Tibet, Burma, North Korea, Zimbabwe (and Goodness knows what else where we are prevented from seeing) - be brought into play to change for the better.

Puss Remembers.

2008-03-17T20:35:00.003+11:00

Found this via Tim Blair's blog. More history here.

I vaguely remember reading about this many years ago. Seems these guys (back in the 60's/70's) acquired a large cat, reared it until it got (not surprisingly) too big to keep in suburbia, and then had to release it back to the wild. (Story checks out - it's true!).

They were told that 'Christian' wouldn't remember them when he had settled back in to the wild.

But Christian DID remember them.

Your feelgood story for the day. It's hard to maintain that 'dumb' animals don't have feelings or memories when you see things like that. Be it a dog, or a puddy tat, or any one of many pets you can have, sometimes dumb animals clearly aren't that dumb.

Friday Flat Jet, Friday Fat Jet (plus vid links).

2008-03-14T19:51:00.006+11:00

Some like cars, bikes, or boats. But, IMHO, planes are the ultimate big boy's toy. A Top Fueler pass may be one of life's experiences, and ZZTop nice n loud is pretty good.

But there just isn't anything that can quite compare to a fast jet, low, on full AB.

These photos, again, some of Alex's great work. (Now 4 C-17s on the hardstand as I understand it. Thats 250, 500, 750, 1 billion dollars worth of aluminium lined up in a row!).

As promised, some vid links;

An F-111 doing some party tricks (New Year's eve (I think). And Evans range.

This is a nice little compendium. (Knuckleheads behaving ba... er normally).

And Something for Peter and pumuckl (the Swiss,interestingly, fly much the same aircraft Australia does - F/A-18s, and we used to fly Mirages).

And just to show that other than western air forces fly fast too.

Holly in Oz (Sydney actually).

2008-03-13T20:00:00.005+11:00

Found this blog (or re-found it really) because someone had gone to it after doing a search to an earlier post of mine ('eyes of a newcomer'). Such are the (tangental) travels of an armchair net surfer.

I liked this blog because sometimes some feel-good therapy from a happy soul gives your world a little lift. Holly is an American living in Sydney with her Hubby, and the great thing about her blog is she brings a fresh outsider's view to what is to us the everyday environment we live in. She likes Sydney and surrounds, and I feel, having read her posts that we should appreciate the city and society we live in more than we do.

It's Holly's birthday - so Happy Birthday Holly! :-)

(It's Sydney Royal Easter Show time again real soon! One of the world's largest 'fairs').

Friday Fat Jet for today.

2008-02-29T18:57:00.003+11:00

Coutesy of Alex.

(More) Musings on Global warming

2008-02-29T17:25:00.006+11:00

Today is the last day of summer, and the statistics already say it's been the wettest summer for 6 years. (For Sydney). And for a climate that in summer can give you temperatures exceeding 40C something else of interest;

"...Remarkably, not one day this summer pushed past 31 degrees.
"That's only happened three times in the past (in 149 years of the bureau's weather records), with the last being 1956 - it's quite significant,"...".

Australia's weather patterns are not just a yearly cycle. Since settlement a much longer cycle of wet years/drought years has been noted - usually attributed to the El Nino/La Nina effect. (We appear to have just entered a La Nina period).

It wasn't so long ago that Climate Change Activist Dr Tim Flannery (who is a paleontologist, not a climatologist - Stern and Garnaut likewise are economists, not climatologists), predicted;

"...that Australia is now entering long-term climate change, which could cause longer and more frequent droughts.
He also predicts that the ongoing drought could leave Sydney's dams dry in just two years...".

Perhaps not surprisingly, we hear less from Tim in the media these days than we used to.

I still approach the topic of Global warming (these days called Climate Change instead) with an open mind. Perhaps it's my Engineering background, but I look for objective evidence and try to find out for myself. What I am sure of is that the science isn't settled. And I get very cynical when the Climate Change Activists' response to scepticism is to try and muzzle, if not completely veto, debate. Truth will withstand scrutiny, will be supported rather than weakened by debate - if it is in fact truth. Falsehood founders in the light of scrutiny and questions.

So I look for information. I found this. Seems 2007 wasn't warmer than preceeding years, it was cooler - substantially cooler - by each of the 4 main measures of Earth's temperature. Now one year's measurements can be a statistically insignificant glitch. It is the trend that matters, and other things need to be looked at too.

There are also other cycles to look at. To start, ice core measurements can be used to plot temperature, CO2, and particulate levels going back 450,000 years. That data shows recurring warming and cool cycles. Then there are plots for the Ice Ages. These cover a very long period of alternate cold and warm cycles. Then there is the Medieval Warm Period, and the Little Ice Age, which if nothing else demonstrate that things haven't been static even in the last few hundred years on the climate front.

Then there is the Sun's Cycles to take note of.

As I said, I try to keep an open mind, collect objective data. What I believe is an extremely bad idea is to let 'Activists' alone steer debate, and have them solely provide data. Because, sadly, on this issue and many others, they then only provide a subset of data that leads you to the conclusions they wish you to make.
No thanks. I'd like all the data in the public domain please, and informed debate from those Scientists who disagree as well as those who 'tow the party line', to be added in to the discourse on this important issue.

A weeks worth of food....

2008-02-27T20:30:00.003+11:00

This was sent to me as an e-mail, which I then did some searching on. It's hard to find the original, but it is definitely worth sharing. Very thought-provoking.

It seems to have originated at Amber's - so that is where I'll credit and link to.

The food bill for the families ranges from USD$500 down to USD$1.23.

The photos and the project come from here.

Il-76s in Oz.

2008-02-27T20:13:00.004+11:00

Found a link to this youtube piece on an Il-76 taking off from Canberra. It takes the WHOLE runway to barely get off the ground, where most aircraft take 2/3 of the runway to get airborne.

Filmed by (it seems) by one of the ATCs.

The commentary is priceless. Very Aussie-laconic, and a bit dark.

Arguably NOT the first Il-76 'lazy takeoff' (for want of a better term) either.

[Original - from 'Jazza'. Thanks Jarrad].

A Human being should be able to...

2008-02-18T21:38:00.005+11:00

"A human being should be able to change a diaper,
plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship,
design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts,
build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying,
take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone,
solve equations, analyze a new problem,
pitch manure, program a computer,
cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects."

[Robert Heinlein via his character Lazarus long in 'Time Enough for Love'].

More Heinlein quotes here.

India's TATA launches $2500 car.

2008-02-17T14:59:00.003+11:00

India's TATA car-maker has unveiled a new car for the Indian motorist. Aimed at the expanding Indian middle class. (India has a billion people).

The Tata Nano. Rear engine, 623cc, 4.5l/100km, and under USD$2500 (Euro1700, AUD2800).

The Chinese also are getting mobile, with cars like the Chery and Geely.

Many in the first world are already tut-tutting about the way this will speed up scarce oil usage and climate change. But really - that is elitism and hypocrisy. Why do westerners have some sort of right to big passenger cars and 4WDs, yet the same drivers of these cars frown at the developing world getting even basic personal transport.

Doesn't matter what those people think, it's happening anyway.

Movies we've seen - 'Jumper'.

2008-02-17T12:47:00.003+11:00

I'm something of a movie buff. A movie just is a better viewing experience than a DVD on your TV - even a big screen TV.

Went and saw 'Jumper' last night. (Trailer and background here).

It is a film (based on the scifi book) about people who can teleport themselves anywhere.

It was OK. What I liked was that (like 'The Matrix') it is based on a very original 'out-of-left-field' idea. Sadly, it failed to fully capitalise on that fresh originality. The acting for the leads was competent, but not outstanding (Jamie Bell is however a good supporting actor in the role of Griffin). I think Hayden Christensen is over-rated.

Go and see it if you are at a loose end. 3.5 out of 5

This Friday's Fat Jet

2008-02-15T20:07:00.003+11:00

Courtesy Alex.

By the end of next month (March 08) we will have all our C-17s. A mere 2 years after ordering them. (Canada, the UK, and others also have some).

Airlift. Not just a military tool.

2008-02-01T20:32:00.000+11:00

Airlift aircraft often have a humanitarian use. The Asian Tsunami is one example. In 1974/75 after Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin, a large part of the population of that city was airlifted out to stay elsewhere in Australia while their homes were rebuilt - courtesy of every Australian airliner that could be found, the RAAF, and not least, the USAF. More here.

In this post, Peter (Worldman) commented;

"...love these "beasts". When I came to Sudan there were quiet a lot of AN124 around here. And today there is a still a big number of IL76's...".

I'm surprised the AN12 doesn't also figure more in the international aid equation. They and their Russian (and Ukrainian, et al) crews figure hugely in the world airlift equation these days. (Good article on a flight taken on one of them here, with good pictures).

In the west, the Herc (C130 Hercules) is the most common airlifter, but there are many others. Caribou (picture above, courtesy Alex), C-17, (in the US, the C5 for example, there was the venerable C141).

And more to come certainly. I watch with interest the progress of the Airbus A400 (Australia didn't wait, which is why we have C-17s) and a replacement is needed for our 40+ year old Caribous (the C27J is oft mentioned - but the reason the 'Bou is still around is there is NO 1 for 1 replacemnt of this very useful and capable aircraft - for aid and support in PNG very notably).

Update 4Feb08: Peter left a comment which said;

"Worldman said...Well, we have also AN12 around here. And then another very important "machine" to travel around in the bush: The absolutely fantastic MI8. I have spent hours in them, having made dozens of trips.".

So here is some more information on a very interesting and widely used helicopter.

Fridays's Frolicking Fat Jet

2008-02-01T20:15:00.000+11:00

Today's Friday Fat Jet, courtesy of Alex.

What ELSE happens to your blog post when you hit 'publish'?

2008-01-28T17:24:00.000+11:00

I found this interesting post (it's a flash graphic) which shows what else (besides just appearing on your blog) happens (or can happen) to that post you just published.

"...all but instantaneously, your post slips into a vast and recursive network of software agents, where it is crawled, indexed, mined, scraped, republished, and propagated throughout the Web. Within minutes, if you've written about a timely and noteworthy topic, a small army of bots will get the word out to anyone remotely interested, from fellow bloggers to corporate marketers...".

The graphic is excellent. Please take a look. A picture truly can be worth a thousand words.

Movies we've seen. 'I am Legend' and 'Charlie Wilson's War'.

2008-01-28T12:34:00.000+11:00

Two movies we've seen lately. 'I am Legend' with Will Smith a weekend ago, and 'Charlie Wilson's War' yesterday, stars Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts.

1. 'Legend was OK. Worth the time and money to see, and had a useful comment to make on the perils of genetic engineering and what I will call 'science without oversight', and it's pitfalls (an example is Australia's Cane Toad problem).
(I recall a similar movie starring Charlton Heston - 'Omega Man').

Entertaining, with 'useful issue raised', 3.5 out of 5.

2. 'Charlie Wilson's War' was excellent. Strong performances from 3 actors (Hanks, Roberts. and an excellent one from the lesser known? Philip Seymour Hoffman - who plays Gust Avrakotos - THAT's an interesting yarn too!).

Surprisingly, it's a true story. That of Congressman (ie US House of Representatives) Charlie Wilson and his leadership of the support program for the Mujahideen against the Soviet forces in Afghanistan. (c1980 - this is way before 9/11 - and helped lead to the downfall of the USSR).

Quote fom the movie; "...A boy is given a horse on his 14th birthday. Everyone in the village says, 'Oh how wonderful.' But a Zen master who lives in the village says, 'We shall see.' The boy falls off the horse and breaks his foot. Everyone in the village says, 'Oh how awful.' The Zen master says, 'We shall see.' The village is thrown into war and all the young men have to go to war. But, because of the broken foot, the boy stays behind. Everyone says, 'Oh, how wonderful.' The Zen master says, 'We shall see.'...".

Recommended 4.5+ out of 5.

Making a Difference - The Power of One (with friends).

2008-01-28T10:33:00.000+11:00

Here is proof positive that one person with a vision, drive, motivation, and some organisational skills (OK a LOT of drive and organisational skill!) can make a difference. Can give the developing world hope and a real shot at improving the future;

The School of St Jude, Tanzania.

"When 22 year old Australian, Gemma Rice, went to volunteer in East Africa for a few years, she witnessed first hand the results of people in the Third World caught in the tragic cycle of poverty, intensified by a lack of education....
...Following years of volunteer work in Uganda and East Africa, Gemma returned home to rural Australia to a rewarding teaching job and a comfortable lifestyle, but never forgot the poverty and suffering she left behind in the country that still had her heart...
...she easily convinced some of her friends and family members to pledge at least $5 a month...
...From this humble beginning, the East African Fund Incorporated was born and is now a registered Australian charity (No: CFN16123). With Gemma’s unceasing energy, passion, dedication and enthusiasm for the projects of the East African Fund inspiring others, she was asked to speak at various Rotary Clubs in her local area. The word spread quickly and many individuals and members of schools, institutions, businesses, Inner Wheel and Rotary Clubs throughout Australia, pledged donations and assistance. People joyously helped with the collection and transportation of computers, library books, school books, teaching aids, classroom equipment, sports equipment, sewing machines, clothes and an endless list of goods that would see Gemma’s dream of starting a school become a reality...
...Starting with only a handful of children, the school now boasts over 700 students from Kindergarten through to Grade 5 in Primary. However, with the help of the school's building team, new classrooms and infrastructure are going up daily, so as to allow the students to progress on to Grade 7 in 2008 and then into Form 1 in 2009, and eventually all the way to the end of secondary school...".

It is run along Catholic religious lines, which is not for all, but this school gives real hope where not much existed before.

Picture gallery of the school here.

Rotary are still heavily involved. They are opening a second school this month - Jan 08.

Gemma's story has appeared in a couple of papers, and on 'Australian story'.

Yes, you can sponsor/help if you wish. (They also have a blog).

Wouldn't it be great if the same formula could be used for other projects!

A treasured gift.

2008-01-27T15:20:00.000+11:00

Peter (worldman) has bestowed a gift, an award to some of his extended network of friends and fellow Bloggers.

Thank you Peter.

I have put the button option just below the Blogger icon with my links, so people can see and follow the trail from Sue's original idea, and your treasured award.

Some of you may wish to pass the idea and award along as recognition to other deserving Bloggers, that 'Army of Davids' who I believe do so much to democratise the internet. An influence that I believe will have far-reaching effects on free speech, the so-necessary exchange of ideas, and political debate (in particular) in this New Millenium and the Global Village.

Pearls found while surfing by...

2008-01-27T11:30:00.000+11:00

Sometimes I just do a random search on the 'net, and then let the links from those sites that I find just take me on a tour through the world's greatest library, the internet, to see what I find.

I found a little circle of Aussie bloggers, many of the feminine persuasion (and Aussie girls tend to be very forthright, independent types). Each of them is worth a visit, however the pearl was in a link, a twin brother of one of the ladies maybe, but that is not clear. His twin sister had written a poem to their Mum, who had suffered Alzheimer's. (Alzheimer's - sometimes called 'the long goodbye' President Reagan died of it).

Please go here to read the text, a part of it says;

"I remember you with my heart
My mind won’t say your name
I can’t recall where I knew you...

...There’s something wrong with my memory
But I do know you
I know I knew you
And I do love you
I know how you make me feel
I remember the feelings we had together.
My heart remembers..."
(From: 'Heart Memories' by Louise M Eder).

Good writing, poetry in particular, can make you ponder and reflect. Perhaps more so when you get into your middle years.
Possibly you have lost one or both parents. You have had a few of life's trials an tribulations visit you. Maybe you have nursed a spouse (or been nursed) through some tough times. There's the ups and down of your working life.

And sometimes, someone shares some pearls of wisdom and experience with the world (if the world cares to listen). And we can all grow a little for having shared our experiences.

This Friday's Fat Jet(s)

2008-01-25T19:14:00.000+11:00

More Fat Jet fotos from Alex;

The telephoto effect compresses the depth perception. It's not all that close to the people and equipment. Interesting view of a C-17 with 'it all hanging out' though. (No. 4 has just been 'delivered').
They are an impressive beast. At over 70 tonnes payload, they can carry 4 to 5 times the load a Herc can. 18 463L pallets. Would have been very handy to have just after the Tsunami - but our Hercs and crews did sterling service then anyway.

The language of the internet

2008-01-21T15:00:00.000+11:00

I access the World Wide Web in English, which is hardly surprising as that is my mother tongue. However I had thought about it, and I had assumed that because there are so many other languages out there, many with a number of adherents vastly outnumbering the English-speakers, that they would have a significant internet presence as well.

I researched that a bit, and found that my perceptions were wrong. Global Reach, a marketing entity, says that over 68% of web/internet content is in English. German and Japanese content is less than 6% each, and French, even worse, half the German content at 3%. Spanish 2.4%.

So whereas I thought (because you do run across websites in other languages quite often) there would be a thriving, Spanish, German, or French internet presence, that apparently is not the case. It seems that my blogger friends Peter and C... (er pumuckl) are very representative in that to participate in the Global Village, they do so in English, even though, as Swiss, their mother tongue is Swiss-German (one of 4 Swiss languages - which suggests other questions re language and identity - assuming that language is a large factor in self-view). I'm glad they did so choose though, as interacting with them and others can only open your mind and broaden your world-view. We, today, can be armchair travellers like no other time has had the opportunity to do so ever before. A revolution only just beginning, the effects of which are as yet merely glimpsed.

Like many Aussies, at high school I did a little German, a little French, and a little Latin. But I've never had to use them other than as a sideline interest. I worked with some French on a project for a while, but they spoke English. As Engineers and Technicians, much if not most of their data sheets, references and textbooks were in English, so they had little other choice.

So it seems that English is the default standard not only in aviation, but in the sciences, and for the internet - the Global Village as well. One wonders where it will lead, you could feel sorry for the French in particular - they may have to learn how to make the 'th' sound after all.