Dunedata

Is the cyber threat overblown? | Stephen M. Walt

2010-04-05T00:27:00.000+08:00

Is the cyber threat overblown? | Stephen M. Walt

I agree that we must differentiate from the real and potential threats that the term cyberwarfare engenders as well as what are the hierarchy of importance of such threats and there implications and solutions.Allowing governing and governments greater control of the internet is not necessarily the solution and in fact can be the promoter of further unnecessary and civil liberty limiting activity along with facilitating further the capaitalising and consumer carving up of the internet by selling various security solutions that are snake oil to some degree....importantly though it could be that it is distracting us also from more important issues that require our attention like climate change.

Is the cyber threat overblown? | Stephen M. Walt

2010-04-05T00:15:00.000+08:00

Is the cyber threat overblown? | Stephen M. Walt
How serious are threats given the global crisis we are confronting in the f2f world or is there some sort of nexus we must come to understand that we are perhaps missing?

Developer invents mobile phone powered by Coca-Cola | News.com.au

2010-01-31T18:14:00.000+08:00

Developer invents mobile phone powered by Coca-Cola | News.com.au
This sounds like a fairly unique solution but one wonders why Nokia dropped for future development because of sounding too futuristic?A better use for soda certainly...how eco friendly...I am not sure ultimately given what is placed in coke etc.

Bioplastics (PLA) | Worldcentric

2010-01-21T14:38:00.000+08:00

Bioplastics (PLA) | Worldcentric
some things to be aware of in considering bioplastics and the degree of toxicity in compostability and breaking down in the environment.

Web 2.0 Suicide Machine - Meet your Real Neighbours again! - Sign out forever!

2010-01-12T10:07:00.001+08:00

Web 2.0 Suicide Machine - Meet your Real Neighbours again! - Sign out forever!

Posted using ShareThis

Home

2009-12-21T08:14:00.000+08:00

Home
A good idea.Practical and direct explanations of the projects in solar renewable energy for third world countries(perhaps the first world could catch on more?!)

अच्फ़ ग्रीन होम्स update

2009-12-20T12:08:00.001+08:00

Saving money and energy: an update on rebates from ACF GreenHome

In recent months the Federal Government has made some changes to the incentives it offers to householders who make environmentally friendly improvements to their homes. Here is the latest information on what you can claim back when you invest in energy- and water-saving measures.

Energy Efficient Homes Package
Builder Insulation

Part of the government's economic stimulus package, this scheme has three parts:
• Homeowner Insulation Program ¬- a $1600 rebate on ceiling insulation for owner-occupiers
• Solar Hot Water Rebate - a $1600 rebate on the installation of a solar hot water system
• Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters - up to $1000 for landlords or tenants to install ceiling insulation in rental properties.

Both insulation rebates target homes with little or no ceiling insulation, and came into effect on 1 July 2009. Homeowners, landlords or tenants who installed insulation between 3 February 2009 and 30 June 2009 can also apply for a rebate, but this must be done within six months of installation.

The Solar Hot Water Rebate, in place since 3 February 2009, can be accessed by homeowners, landlords or tenants who replace an electric hot water system with a solar or heat-pump system.

Note that the insulation program and the solar hot water rebate are offered as alternatives for homeowners; you can't access both rebates for the same home.

Read more

favouritesstumbleupondiggredditdelicioustwitterfacebookmyspaceslashdotgoogle

*
*
*

Subscribe to the GreenRazor

*
*
*

Copyright ©2009 Green Pages, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Driven by Volkswagen

2009 Gift Guide : TreeHugger

2009-12-17T00:09:00.000+08:00

2009 Gift Guide : TreeHugger
Some good 'Slow'sustainable ideas.

No Clean Feed - Stop Internet Censorship in Australia

2009-12-16T11:01:00.000+08:00

No Clean Feed - Stop Internet Censorship in Australia
A response to the current Governement Internet censorship regime and proposals.

| Jeremy Leggett

2009-12-15T23:37:00.000+08:00

| Jeremy Leggett
Thought provoking site and author activist on climate change and solar tech etc.

ann niddrie photographer - ann-niddrie-photographer-photos-reviews-blog

2009-12-15T23:04:00.000+08:00

ann niddrie photographer - ann-niddrie-photographer-photos-reviews-blog
Some interesting perspectives and good approach to photography and life as well as art in this climate change environment.

More than 200 activists detained Sunday - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009

2009-12-14T08:06:00.000+08:00

More than 200 activists detained Sunday - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009
Bad news all round.Allowing extended detention for unproven troublemakers and not reaching agreement on the minimum emission target cuts?!

ABC iView | Documentary

2009-12-13T10:41:00.000+08:00

ABC iView | Documentary

'Crude' a documentary special on the adiction we have to oil and the implications

Official google.org Blog: Seeing the forest through the cloud

2009-12-12T19:48:00.000+08:00

Official google.org Blog: Seeing the forest through the cloud
A new great tool for visualising deforestation.

I AM FISH on Vimeo

2009-12-12T13:55:00.000+08:00

I AM FISH on Vimeo
Fishing,fish and David Suzuki

Love Letters to the Future

2009-12-12T13:39:00.000+08:00

Love Letters to the Future
A great idea.How many think of the future in the longer term and feel the need to leave something for posterity.If only we could grasp the concept on a daily basis thinking of future implications of our actions now.

New Inventors: 2009 Finalists

2009-12-12T13:32:00.000+08:00

New Inventors: 2009 Finalists
A great and much needed innovation that not only prote ts us but also our marine life.

By Design

2009-12-12T10:06:00.000+08:00

By Design
A really good design commentary program as well as looking at space and its uses in society.Quite diverse brief.

Facebook | My Links

2009-12-12T10:04:00.000+08:00

Facebook | My Links

"HOME SWEET HOME"

2009-12-09T09:22:00.000+08:00

"HOME SWEET HOME"
Thought provoking images for everyone in our times.A slideshow by Jorges Mendes that captures a lot about the weird juxtapositions and results of consumerism and a lack of a sense of sustainablity in all things.The homeless street scenes could be I think seen in any city in the western world including Perth and Fremantle in Western Australia at the moment.Confronting when one looks at this indictment on us all.

Steve Biddulph

2009-12-07T15:24:00.001+08:00

Steve Biddulph
Mens Issues researcher.Probably one of the more well known pioneers in this area.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

The World Without Us - Alan Weisman

2009-12-06T22:09:00.000+08:00

The World Without Us - Alan Weisman

I read this book and attended a very thought provoking interview with Alan Weisman in 2009 at the UWA Writers Festival.He is thought provoking because he highlights our place in the history of the earth and what it would be like if we immdeiately disappeared.Not quite science fiction...but propositional.What would happen to the world and what processes would renew ,change or transform our footprint on the planet..How significant and resilient are we?How long lasting is our culture and achievements?It helps position our selves today as well in regards to climate change...and what forces we are tinkering with and upsetting needlessly...

The last fish tale - ABC Perth (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

2009-12-06T19:58:00.000+08:00

The last fish tale - ABC Perth (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

This interview and to the 'facts' that Mark Kurlansky points to tries to describe the near disaster that awaits economically,socially,environmentally and spiritually without a greater sense of balance and management of dropping fish stocks in many areas throughout the worlds.A well written book as well which uses a very humane and warm style to send its message well worth a read and absorb the message.

Sustainable fish stocks

2009-12-05T23:56:00.000+08:00

ACF - Sustainable summer seafood: Being tasty comes with a high price!
A guide to Christmas and summer sustainable fish stocks and selection.

Buffy vs Edward (Twilight Remixed)

2009-12-04T10:17:00.000+08:00

Buffy vs Edward (Twilight Remixed)

Barrow island and the environment

2009-11-30T21:58:00.001+08:00

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Sustentator - Environmental Awareness - Renewable Energies

2009-11-30T15:48:00.001+08:00

Sustentator - Environmental Awareness - Renewable Energies

Interesting website citing some sustainable energy producing techniques and technologies

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Wageru death Sparks safety case response by W.Aust.Government

2009-09-04T10:51:00.000+08:00

New mining safety regulation as death toll rises

Will this safety case response be the solution to deaths on minesites or be just a blame and money shifting exercise?What are the real causes of the latest spike of deaths in the mining industry in the current year?

"
New mining safety regulation as death toll rises
AJA STYLES
September 2, 2009

The Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore has announced new safety regulations for the mining industry after the death toll on mines rose to six this year.

An Alcoa contractor died early yesterday after falling down a shaft at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery, 110km south-east of Perth.

The contractor 50-year-old Paul Herbert Fry, a contract foreman for Trans Pacific Industrial Solutions who lived in the Mandurah suburb of Erskine.

Safety investigators from the Department of Mines and Petroleum are still preparing a report into the circumstances leading up to the death for the State Coroner.

Mr Moore said the number of mine-related deaths had spiked significantly this year, up from two the previous years and he feared the sector had become "complacent".

"Even one death, is one too many," he said.

The government now intends to make mining companies follow a safety model used by petroleum sector, where companies are more self-regulated at a fracture of the cost to tax-payers.

Mr Moore said the Petroleum Safety Case Regime has been successful since it was introduced after the 1970s Alpha North Seas explosion, which killed 167 men.

He said in WA, no deaths had occurred on oil rigs in the past couple of years.

The scheme requires companies to assess out their own safety risks and put in pace their own management schemes to reduce the risks, which can then be fully audited by the government.

Currently the government conducts all the risk assessment and checks at mine sites at a cost of $18 million a year.

Implementing a Safety Case Regime for mining companies is estimated to cost the companies $35 million, with the government still spending $5m.

Mr Moore said it will mean safety inspector numbers will be boosted from 80 to 115, of which 60 inspectors will work in the mining sector.

He said he hopes it will allow WA to become more competitive with the federal regulatory bodies in employing highly-qualified inspectors.

The regime will be introduced over three years to allow smaller mining companies to prepare for it.
New mining safety regulation as death toll rises (4 September 2009)"
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/new-mining-safety-regulation-as-death-toll-rises-20090902-f8ag.html
http://snipurl.com/rl6l3

Wagerup Death initiates safety case changes in Western Australia

2009-09-04T10:45:00.000+08:00

New mining safety regulation as death toll rises
The recent death of a Transpacific International worker on the Alcoa Wagerup minesite has triggered a safety case initiative similar to the the safety management employed by oil and gas and petroleum facilities in Western Australia as a response to the current mining death toll of 6 people in the last year.Is this the solution its seems to be touted or just a money saving exercise.?

"The Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore has announced new safety regulations for the mining industry after the death toll on mines rose to six this year.

An Alcoa contractor died early yesterday after falling down a shaft at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery, 110km south-east of Perth.

The contractor 50-year-old Paul Herbert Fry, a contract foreman for Trans Pacific Industrial Solutions who lived in the Mandurah suburb of Erskine.

Safety investigators from the Department of Mines and Petroleum are still preparing a report into the circumstances leading up to the death for the State Coroner.

Mr Moore said the number of mine-related deaths had spiked significantly this year, up from two the previous years and he feared the sector had become "complacent".

"Even one death, is one too many," he said.

The government now intends to make mining companies follow a safety model used by petroleum sector, where companies are more self-regulated at a fracture of the cost to tax-payers.

Mr Moore said the Petroleum Safety Case Regime has been successful since it was introduced after the 1970s Alpha North Seas explosion, which killed 167 men.

He said in WA, no deaths had occurred on oil rigs in the past couple of years.

The scheme requires companies to assess out their own safety risks and put in pace their own management schemes to reduce the risks, which can then be fully audited by the government.

Currently the government conducts all the risk assessment and checks at mine sites at a cost of $18 million a year.

Implementing a Safety Case Regime for mining companies is estimated to cost the companies $35 million, with the government still spending $5m.

Mr Moore said it will mean safety inspector numbers will be boosted from 80 to 115, of which 60 inspectors will work in the mining sector.

He said he hopes it will allow WA to become more competitive with the federal regulatory bodies in employing highly-qualified inspectors.

The regime will be introduced over three years to allow smaller mining companies to prepare for it."

New mining safety regulation as death toll rises (4 September 2009)
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/new-mining-safety-regulation-as-death-toll-rises-20090902-f8ag.html
http://snipurl.com/rl6l3

Approval of Controversial Gorgon project in western australia Takes place

2009-08-31T15:11:00.000+08:00

Gorgon expansion proposal approved - EPBC 2008/4178

The Gorgon expansion has been approved by the Federal australian Government at a time when opinions are mixed in regards to the long term impacts of such approvals on climate change issues,sustainability in its broadest senses of work,unemployment and industrial development,development over public opinion,value of environment and environmental impacts over short term industrial development and dollar earning and it brings in to sharper focus the fact that we are definitely controlled/influenced and impacted by global views,perceptions both economically and politically and that we cant easily assert political autonomy ...These and many other issues whilst the current oil spill off the Western Australian coast 700kms into the Timor sea, highlights some of the dangers and issues of oils exploration and environmental impacts...coincidentally at this time.(see; http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/31/2671525.htm )

FACEBOOK ON THE WAY OUT?

2009-08-31T09:41:00.000+08:00

The Medium - Facebook Exodus - NYTimes.com
Is it possible that Facebook is losing its attraction power?What is the future direction going to be in this arena of 'social' networking?

Plug in Cars in australia...Mitsubishi first off the rank?

2009-05-29T21:44:00.000+08:00

Mitsubishi electric car charged for 2010 - www.drive.com.au
the new plug in Mitsubishi model car due in 2010 in Australia.Is it a sign of things to come?Is it a solution or could they expose our current lack of reliable renewable power generation capacity?

Mitsubishi MIEV

Albanese takes on Car Manufacturers in Green push

2009-05-29T21:33:00.000+08:00

Green motoring guide - Drive.com.au

Bio Gas and Murdoch University-Sciencenetwork WA

2009-05-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

ScienceNetwork WA - Waste not, want not, with Murdoch biogas plant

Smart Green wash

2009-05-24T14:30:00.000+08:00

Katie Patrick » Blog Archive » The Five most ridiculous “Green” Claims ever made

Go out to the real world says Google Boss

2009-05-21T12:22:00.000+08:00

The Associated Press: Google CEO urges grads: 'Turn off your computer'

Google CEO urges grads: 'Turn off your computer'

By KATHY MATHESON – 2 days ago

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The head of the world's most popular search engine urged college graduates on Monday to step away from the virtual world and make human connections.

Speaking at the University of Pennsylvania's commencement, Google chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt told about 6,000 graduates that they need to find out what is most important to them — by living analog for a while.

"Turn off your computer. You're actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us," Schmidt said. "Nothing beats holding the hand of your grandchild as he walks his first steps."

Schmidt, who holds a doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, also received an honorary doctor of science degree at the ceremony. Penn President Amy Gutmann cited Schmidt's "manifold contributions to putting the world at humanity's fingertips."

"You have devoted your career to heralding a new age of learning empowered by technology," Gutmann said.

It was Schmidt's second honorary degree in as many days. On Sunday, he received one at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he delivered a similar speech.

At Penn, Schmidt noted the Ivy League school played a key role in the technological industry by creating ENIAC, one of the world's first electronic computers, in 1946.

"Literally everything that you see — every computer, every mobile phone, every device — descends from the principles that were invented right here," Schmidt said.

In the next 10 years, he predicted, technology will advance to the point where it will be possible to have 85 years worth of video on the equivalent of iPod.

He also urged graduates not to lay out a rigid path for themselves. Rewards will gravitate to those who make mistakes and learn from them, Schmidt said.

"You can't plan innovation or inspiration, but you can be ready for it, and when you see it you can jump on it and you can make a difference," he said.

The Class of 2009 is graduating in a tough economic climate, but such downturns can be a time for innovation, Schmidt said. He noted that Rice Krispies, Twinkies and beer cans were all products of the Great Depression — not to mention staples of college life.

He playfully compared today's "Google and Facebook generation" to his own: cell phones vs. phone booths, Wii vs. Pong, blogs vs. newspapers, Red Bull vs. Tang.

Perhaps most notably, Schmidt said, members of his generation spent all their time trying to hide their most embarrassing moments. Today's generation records and posts all those moments on YouTube, he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"And I am looking forward to watching these for the next 30 or 40 years," Schmidt said.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Related articles

* Google dropped idea of buying newspaper: CEO
AFP - 1 hour ago
* Google WAS going to buy a newspaper, CEO says
Seattle Times - 4 hours ago
* Google CEO says won't buy newspaper - FT
Reuters - 4 hours ago
* How Fast Will Google Index Twitter?
InformationWeek - 10 hours ago
* More coverage (82) »

Add News to your iGoogle Homepage Add News to your Google Homepage

Eco tourism saves the day in Indonesia?

2009-05-18T09:31:00.000+08:00

ABC News - Video - Top Stories of the day in video
A good story on sustainability or at least attempts at an approach to making fishing and preservation of reef and community more viable and possible through eco tourism promotion.Of course eco tourism has its upside and its down side for communities and environment...but at least this story shows the possibility of a sustainable approach.

Tasmania the sustainable state under threat?

2009-05-18T09:04:00.000+08:00

Tasmania deserves a sustainable future - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Aboriginal arts boosted in budget 09

2009-05-15T11:21:00.000+08:00

Aboriginal art funding boost praised - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Do we place this type of funding increase as job creation,industry support,welfare or something other than this.It is a small increment in the scheme of things and goes to only certail Aboriginal art centres...where to from this point?How seriously is the importance of art as a job taken?

Construction and the Budget-some opinions

2009-05-15T11:14:00.000+08:00

Budget breakdown
Looks like Oakerjee is eventually off the ground in some form instead of the incessant promises of things to come for Geraldton and some good news for the construction, road and rail making industries infrastructure in general(Hospitals and health related construction as well as the broadband infrastructure are some additionals)Is this sufficient to reduce higher levels of unemployment and how many jobs will it produce in general locally is the question?

Important Bioregion resource links

2009-04-19T15:57:00.000+08:00

ANPC :: Internet Resource Directory

Green Jobs and CPRS

2009-04-08T12:58:00.000+08:00

Carbon trading will create 'new fields of employment' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Changes in Direction in 'Free' markets discussed in London by Rudd

2009-04-01T08:51:00.000+08:00

Rudd decries 'false god' of free markets - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Gardening organically on a budget-one persons family innovations

2009-03-30T08:55:00.000+08:00

JANE4girls $800 Annual Budget For A Family of 4

Are we getting the benefits of the alternative technologies being devloped to adapt ourselves and innovate as a result of Climate Change-I have my doubts!?

2009-03-27T12:29:00.000+08:00

Aussie innovators urged to jump on the USA 'green revolution' bandwagon - 25/03/2009

Mapping our soil and understanding soil sealing

2009-03-24T12:32:00.000+08:00

Getting the global dirt on soil - 24/03/2009

Understanding the nature of soils globally and soil sealing and its impacts globally.An attempt to identify our soils assets and urban planning around such .Too many times we are not looking after and supporting the development of our soils.We also tend not to appreciate the quality and qualities of our soils it its essential value.This is a global project...supported by foundations such as CSIRO and the Gates Foundation.

Interesting tools for Environmental and sustainability awareness of waste.

2009-03-22T20:56:00.000+08:00

Office Fly Through

Useful link and contacts in environmental Training in Australia

2009-03-22T20:52:00.000+08:00

Welcome to EnvironmentPartners
I haven't used this group at all but they seem to have some interesting resources and ideas in the sustainability and workplace environmental training arena.

Robot fashion Models

2009-03-17T14:57:00.000+08:00

Walking, talking female robot to hit Japan catwalk - USATODAY.com

Too late a response to oil spill on Queensland coast?

2009-03-13T10:43:00.000+08:00

Oil spill: Qld beaches declared disaster zones - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Oil not only in the economy making things difficult but as an underestimated and under responded to disaster damaging large tracts of Queensland coastline and ecosystem with over 100 000 litres of oil being dumped from the Pacific Adventurer oil tanker.Costs are estimated to clean up of over $100 000 a day.To assess damage done to the whole area/community/ecology would be an immense task...but it will obviously be extremely costly.Blame is being shifted backwards and forwards from who should have acted and innaccurate shipping reportage of the incident.Anna Bligh is obviously in for a bashing.More importantly again it highlights the unassumed risks of transporting hydro carbons via tankers through many aspects of sensitive environments and communities that can be damaged irreparably by incidents...that can be foreseen.

Too late a response to oil spill on Queensland coast?

2009-03-13T10:20:00.000+08:00

Learning resources for sustainability

2009-03-09T16:55:00.000+08:00

Learning for Sustainability
Great site for tools and research materials for 'Sustainability' practitioners in all their guises.Check it out.

Green Choices?

2009-02-28T12:26:00.000+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

CHOICE - CHOICE Green
I would suggest everyone supports the work of this organisation as it is the only Australian consumer driven organisation that I know of that investigates and tests the claims of products generally released and available in this country broadly.Of cours it cant cover every available product but there are quite a range of useful and interesting buying tips and 'facts'Gives at least a guide to things.Useful also is the Green side of its research and tips. as I indicate at this page link.

Green Choices?

2009-02-28T12:25:00.000+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Weight Loss for Health - Some Guidelines from ACSM-USA

2009-02-21T09:28:00.000+08:00

New Weight Loss and Exercise Guidelines from ACSM

May be helpful in broadly calculating your required activity rates for weight loss and maintenance.

Ecological urbanism and sustainability in the Future-Conference Discussions planned in USA.

2009-02-17T07:58:00.000+08:00

"ECOLOGICAL URBANISM: Alternative and Sustainable Cities of the Future" conference at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, April 3 - 5, 2009- 2/16/2009 2:56:00 PM - Building Design & Construction

An interesting sounding conference on the place that design will play in sustainability of cities of the future.

John Cantwell and Health and safety during bushfire clean ups....Hazards?

2009-02-16T14:03:00.000+08:00

Insiders - 15/02/2009: John Cantwell joins Insiders - Insiders - ABC

Some good insight into hazards and concerns during the bushfire recovery process in Victoria.

Sustainable Living festival in Melbourne soon!

2009-02-16T12:49:00.000+08:00

Sustainable Living Festival | Federation Square Melbourne 20-22 Feb 2009

If you are looking for inspiration and or something to do it seems that this sutainable festival is the place to go in Australia at the moment for things sustainable.It offers volunteer opportunities along with the chance to listen to msuic re educate ourselves on what it means to eat local,cultural mapping,finaces tips,understanding economics,debates cooking with fresh ingredients and many others including art exhibitions.Sounds great to me.I wonder if I can get there as sustainably as possible...?!

Green technology investment...is this the time?

2009-02-15T20:51:00.000+08:00

Environment Business Australia

I suppose I agree in that at a time of traditional downturn and causes fuelled by over eager...shall we say excess in some way...(greed outright at times)the natural frugal factor could link its concept to the sustainable gren economy and do much to create an in built check and balance for our economic ecology and create a new sustainable...more green economy/culture and lifestyle tsunami...lets hope so.

VOCs and our health compromised indoors?Safety and Health Concerns from furnishings to paints

2009-02-13T23:00:00.001+08:00

VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds, Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Health : TreeHugger

A reminder of the volatility of some ofthe vapours and gases emitted by some of the contemporary and past indoor paints,furnishings and cleaning agents.Interesting and important reminder as to how surreptitious and innocuously we perceive such everyday products...when in fact they maybe causing great harm to our and our childrens health short and long term.

VOCs and our health compromised indoors?Safety and Health Concerns from furnishings to paints

2009-02-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

Green tidal Power

2009-02-13T22:43:00.000+08:00

6 Different Ways the Waves & Tides Can Generate Electricity : TreeHugger

Slideshow detailing how this project off the coast of Northern island operates .

Bushfire appeal-Victorian Red Cross

2009-02-13T21:06:00.000+08:00

Australian Red Cross

Much has been in the media and said in regard to the Victorian Bushfires (refer http://www.abc.net.au/?abcnow_mac_20 ) and http://www.abc.net.au/emergency/bushfire/ (this link is a story sharing facility on the ABC website in regard to the Victorian Bushfire...for victims and others-it contains charitable links for assisstance as well.)

Victorian Bushfires - Lucky Escape

I have included a link to some of the reputable organisations above trying to raise money for victims and rehabilitation .The one included here is the Red Cross but there are many others including the CFMEU in W.A.(Unions WA) that are collecting as well.The most important thing is to donate within your means and cash is the preferred medium.

Green building link

2009-02-10T11:07:00.000+08:00

Focus - Renovate - realestate.com.au
Though a touch commercial of course (attached to a real estate buying site)it still has a few thought inspiring images and tips which can be researched and developed further.It does help to point out australian building green standards .

Some interesting comments on experiencing the recession in West.Australia-Blog comments from local paper

2009-02-10T10:58:00.000+08:00

blogs.thewest.com.au » Blog Archive » NEWS BLOG - Are you struggling to make ends meet?

Can make for some uplifting and at points some educational reading about how some people are coping ,feeling and expressing their situation at being on reduced incomes,welfare system tied and or retired trying to exist on some sort of budget.See what you think.

Mike Turner's Awesome 95 MPG AeroCivic : TreeHugger

2009-02-05T22:33:00.001+08:00

Mike Turner's Awesome 95 MPG AeroCivic : TreeHugger

An interesting DIY project that points to some interesting modifications.Check it out.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Eco and green wedding guides and planning...Its the ought and actions that count!

2009-02-05T10:50:00.000+08:00

Utopian Creations - Sustainable Jewellery

Of recent times with the actions of engagement and planning for weddings ,rings etc in the discussion with my partner...and of course family...the challenge has been to be consistent in all aspects with my and my partners values in thought and in practice.The search and project has begun to create a green and eco-sustainable wedding and engagement approach.This is very challenging on many levels and exciting in many ways for its a chance to try to articulate more fully our beliefs and advertise the fact that actions that are sustainable do take a little thought and time to articulate and plan ...but pay off many times more buy supporting and creating a different and productive result that helps people,community,industries(that are sustainable) and environment in a conscientious and exciting way.It can be done...costs will be key of course...lets see what happens.Above is one random sustainble business providing rings in Australia.

Corrosion Expert 'Gubner'starts at Curtin University with aid of Woodside funding

2009-02-04T12:09:00.000+08:00

Curtin news

Negative versus Positive views of the downturns in Australia

2009-02-03T10:08:00.000+08:00

Economists: the psychology of the current crisis - Life Matters - 2 February 2009

Can a positive view of the economic 'crisis' influence and change our directions,perceptions and ability to cope and achieve in the current economic situation for Governments and individuals.?What are the implications?

'Green B&B accomodation guide for ACTU &NSW....good suggestions for all home owners

2009-02-02T19:26:00.003+08:00

Going Green - Checklist for Improving Our Environment | BBFassociation.com.au

Sustainability podcasts-'New Page' link-What do you think about the content?

2009-01-22T22:44:00.000+08:00

Paper Tells a Story | Podcasts

A bit USA focussed it looks at the common surveyed perceptions of sustainability and going green marketing and business practice.It gathered through the use of social media-blogs commentaries and conversations /perceptions and a number of views and stats explaining some of the common beliefs and brands being referred to by and as consumers.Mostly directed and talks about product/brand lines/corporate identity views/opinions.Communicating the sustainability message and actions are cited as big questions.

Robot support -Cybernetic integration goes further into supporting the structure of workers ageing bodies

2009-01-12T08:30:00.000+08:00

Japan researchers unveil robot suit for farmers - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Interesting implications for labour and manual work as workers become older and more prone to injuries.This seems to be an interesting solution and further down the cyborg track physically.There are some interesting implications though.These are in the areas of longetivity of working life,descrimination based on age and retirement because of bad physical incapacity.This disrupts and ends to some degree some of these issues whilst creating new social ones eg extending working life in the physical spheres,the impacts of ill health and lack of fitness....will ther need to be such a focus of a robot exoskeleton of some sort supports or takes care of the strength needs?workers comp?What would be your liabilities if the 'robot' did it and you sustained an injury as a result of malfunction...Interesting anyway.

BP Cut greenhouse in 2008 but cancel industrial projects in Kwinana

2009-01-12T00:20:00.000+08:00

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand
The conundrum of cutting greenhouse but not producing jobs can be seen clearly here in BP s approach.Environmentally sustainable but not necessarily able to meet the commercial or social susatiability challenges perhaps overall in these tough economic times.Interesting also is the failure of the proposed storage of coal pollutants for locking away in rock storage was not possible or viable.

BP Cut greenhouse in 2008

2009-01-12T00:13:00.000+08:00

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand

Life Balance and sustainability...a bloggers survey

2009-01-12T00:01:00.000+08:00

Earth Survey: Ian Campbell
A great little opinion piece simply reflecting on some of the drives we have in regards to growth and consumption and provoking us to think and challenge ourselves as to when is enough really enough.What are the choices we are making and how will they affect future generations.

Solar BP Plant closes

2009-01-03T14:00:00.000+08:00

A Bad Week for Solar - Journal - Todae Eco Blog - The Official Eco Blog Of The Todae Team

Solar BP Plant closed...a reminder

2009-01-03T13:57:00.000+08:00

BP Solar to close manufacturing plant in Sydney

Something I wasnt aware of and I presume has for all intents and purposes aken place as scheduled last year.How silly and stupid that we can sponsor and support car companies,hybrid car projects such as Holdens and especially Toyota but not solar plant initiatives to maintain them in this country in co operation and with committment from the petroleum industry that are creating most of the industrial,commercial issues in climate change...economics and social/cultural structuring of such a petroleum based/carbon friendly economy...especially here in Australia....Must research this story further to see if it is accurate.

Arts and Solar

2008-12-29T23:48:00.000+08:00

Putting Art to Work: First Solar Powered Glass Art Installation Lights Up Library : TreeHugger
Highlights the arts and functionality case to go beyond just the passive sustainable creation ethics but to make it s function sustainable and practically useful as well.Interesting question raised here though.Should art be functionally sustainable or is it free to be created with any ethic in mind and in any way regardless of whether it has use values?

Green Gadget challenge - PC Authority

2008-12-20T14:13:00.001+08:00

Green Gadget challenge - PC Authority
This is a good article in that it shows both the limitations and advantages of using sustainable green power for all our office and mobile electronic technologies.It shows that design and practicality limits need to be considered with average and affordable costs.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Freeplay Foundation Brings Light to Rwanda : TreeHugger

2008-12-19T11:24:00.001+08:00

Freeplay Foundation Brings Light to Rwanda : TreeHugger
The off shot for the whole freeplay,wind up revolution area.Quietly and almost surreptiously these types of technologies have bee changing the lives of many n third world countries let alone their western world consumerist counterparts.Ingenuity..you cant beat it!.ciao

Blogged with the Flock Browser

the Reach of Creative Commons and The Jamendo music sharing site...Cultural Impacts in India

2008-12-17T23:43:00.000+08:00

Jamendo Blog » Blog Archive » Making India go industrial
sharing the music this artist likes and inspires him in a country where industrial music is only strting to be known.Good article from the blog showing some of the role of the Jamendo community sites and how they are being used.Good stuff.Cross Cultural exchange and creativity,community.

Women condemn Rudds non action-Australian Women Online

2008-12-16T22:52:00.000+08:00

Environmental community unites to condemn Rudd’s low greenhouse target | Australian Women Online
The contradictions are pointed out forcefully by over 60 green groups across Australia.

Green Jobs from GreenPages....add this to your list of resiources on sustainable jobs hunting

2008-12-16T11:24:00.000+08:00

Green Jobs | Green Pages Australia - Eco Friendly Products, Environmentally Friendly Services, Eco Business, Green Business

Not a bad magazine resource either!Ciao

Arts and funding

2008-12-16T10:51:00.000+08:00

Arts funding and support are a complex matter in many ways...especially when one looks at the basic drive for many artists in that they just want or need to make art.Art and creativity some times become used interchangeably and so can also confuse our argument.In summary this is what I think.

Creativity and perhaps artmaking in the broadest sense is a right and indeed I believe an essential to become psychologially fully human persons.The development, expression of such can be limited and or sociallised out of us to greater and lesser degrees (at our own risk as individuals,families and societies) ....without a long theses it could be said that it is an essential and integral part of being human to be creators or co creators in the world we live in.Professional artists go one step further in that they have chosen to make more explicit and heighten there potentiality and try to make a more fulltime, less compromised occupation of this.Most artists fund themselves by many jobseeking ventures including their own work,free service and types of exchanges,sponsorships etc.They do this to make ends meet and feed their addiction.Their product is a contribution to both the social,community and societal culture which we all contribute towards in as beneficial way as we can.Additional funding comes in many forms such as art markets,"one per cents' for the arts in architectural projects of over $1million and speculation/auctioning of art works,creative commons rights that can earn money as well as copyrights.Artists also are a very large and broad church so to speak from the writer,website designer,sculptor/installations creator,digital artists,musicians etc.They contribute broadly to the Australian infrastructure of culture and real dollar and lifestyle terms as much as BHP Billiton(BHP Billiton which sponsors many arts projects themselves through various organisations that are both Government and private eg.ABAF http://www.abaf.org.au/,CANWA etc).Funding the arts through government and other partnerhips is no different to the existing stakeholder partnerships that exist bewtween welfare,church welfare,government instrumentalities, councils,independent community groups and other NGOs,corporations and philanthropic organisations including for profits such as big record labels or small record labels such as Jarrah records http://www.jarrahrecords.com/ etc.Many co contributed funding sources and work both voluntary and paid.We benefit from this type of system of culture development in many and diverse ways that doesnt always see direct compensation to the artist or creator.As a value and since we contribute to the running of this great country of ours through our goverment instrumentalies...I would like to see the system support the values of the artist broadly and with many partners...and in essence promoted in the same way we promote the defence forces as a key value...essential to the socio cultural and psychological health of our society.To see artists as spongeing is to call other big corporations ' spongers ' too...I wont name them all.such as Telstra etc.

I am happy for my dollars that are taxed to support the arts in all its forms both by way of commercial and various other initiatives.No man is an island...nor do any of us fund ourselves completely with no help from others.

Michaelangelo was both corporate funded,self funded,patron and church funded employee who worked on many types of employee contracts...sure he had some good employers and bad (the popes at times were a bit cranky...but the Medicis weren't too bad...sort of like the Transfields http://www.transfield.com.au/arts/walshbay_sculptures.htm and Holmes A Courts of their days http://www.visualarts.net.au/grantsprizes/vcags
).Anyway enough said what do you think?Ciao and regards Warren xx ;) :)Much more can be said of course....!

Reduce Emissions say Poznan International Business participants in Financil review.

2008-12-08T08:08:00.000+08:00

Global business leaders call for tougher emissions targets - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

It is interesting that the main Australian contingent speaking out are banks such as NAB and accounting/audit sectors-Price Waterhouse and Coopers, transport specialists such as Linfox and Lendlease(construction) and what is reported some of the major mining companies are missing.

Creative Chaos

2008-12-08T05:57:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | The brilliance of creative chaos
This seems to ring true to me somehow.Clive James has definitely captured something of the contradictions in ones life when trying to organise oneself I think.

CHOICE consumer advocates green advice for sustainability and Greening your lifestyle

2008-12-04T23:59:00.000+08:00

CHOICE - CHOICE Green

blasting contractor Cleaned up in Karratha

2008-12-03T13:08:00.000+08:00

Blasting company told to clean up Karratha waste - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Your Rights At Work -Tell Your mates!

2008-11-26T00:06:00.000+08:00

Rights On Site

Mycodiesel?!

2008-11-10T23:30:00.000+08:00

‘Mycodiesel’ From Patagonian Tree Fungus Could Be Used Directly in Diesel Engines : TreeHugger
Well after doing all this work in the BP refinery it is refreshing to believe and see that the natural way of producing diesel may be near to hand....what an amazing discovery!

CSIRO And Sustainability

2008-10-16T16:27:00.000+08:00

Sustainability

A CSIRO Australia resource page on sustainability issues .

sustainable industrial estates

2008-10-13T16:07:00.000+08:00

Green-shoe brigade - The National Interest - 10 October 2008
Bruce Michell Gold Coast property developer with a vision has sold up his own residential estate to fund an industrial estate that is sustainable and to the largest extent carbon neutral...an interesting and inspiring vision

Garnaut report and Roos

2008-10-02T08:28:00.001+08:00

Roo industry supports Garnaut push for farming - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Garnaut issues climate change wake-u.m4v

End of the internet as we know it?

2008-09-20T23:12:00.002+08:00

A brief summary of some of the actions to turn the internet into priveledged private user network...a closed network...accessible only to those selected whether it be because of financial or other priveledges such as preferred customer/client websites and or content.An extreme form of censorship is linked to such argument and control.It is linked into the whole free press and network ownership and neautrality argument
...whats next?

Sustainbility and Akzo

2008-09-05T18:12:00.000+08:00

Akzo Nobel: 18% Of Revenue From Sustainable Products · Environmental Leader · Green Business, Sustainable Business, and Green Strategy News for Corporate Sustainability Executives

It is good to see that some of the larger corporates and ones that have influence on the transport,corrosion and oil industry are attempting to send a cleaner and more sustainable/greener message.Hopefully it is alll not just profile driven but a real committment.

Making Links Conference FYI

2008-08-07T13:32:00.001+08:00

Making Links

This conference claims to link social justice/action with technology coverage which aims to be more inclusive of disadvantaged communities.It will focus on more socially equitable uses of mobile and internet technologies.At this stage they are looking for speaker proposals.There are a broad range of organiser groups from across Australia literally.See this link http://www.makinglinks.org.au/about.shtml

Interesting cultural exchange site FYI

2008-08-07T13:06:00.001+08:00

Information and Cultural Exchange

Garnaut report recommendations on Climate Change policy and Investors

2008-07-08T07:49:00.001+08:00

Rudd and Garnaut report

2008-07-08T07:48:00.001+08:00

Video - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Garnaut Climate Change Report

2008-07-08T07:46:00.001+08:00

Video - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)