farmdoc's blog post number 615

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…

1. I read on Planet Ark’s website of the outstanding success of South Australia’s ban on plastic bags. In the first six months of the ban, plastic bag usage has fallen by an estimated 200 million. [1] What’s holding back the other Australian states – including Victoria and Tasmania?

2. regarding reporting on the Middle East, the HonestReporting website published the nominees for, and winner of, its ‘Dishonest Reporter Award 2009’ [2]. Regrettably there was no shortage of worthy nominees – unsurprisingly including the Age.

3. the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists launched a website titled Inside Radiology aiming to provide consumers (patients, potential users) and referrers (medical and other health professionals) with accurate, up to date and accessible information about radiology procedures and interventions [3]. An excellent resource.

4. Grammar Girl listed the four commonest grammar questions put to her in 2009, with links to full explanations of the answers [4]. Interesting holiday reading.

5. Nutrition Diva explained when you add wine or other liquor to a recipe, although some of the alcohol ‘cooks off’, up to 85% of the alcohol remains in the finished dish [5]. Now you know.

6. the North American Aerospace Defence Command [NORAD] set up an official NORAD Santa Tracker website [6]. Maybe NORAD knows something I don’t know. That wouldn’t be difficult – because I don’t know much.

7. the 2009 Global Solar Report Card gave Australia a C minus for focus on solar energy, and a C regarding incentives for installing solar [7]. (Germany was top nation, with A minus for each.) Ho hum.

8. Daylesford Organics received a council permit for farm gate sales of its prize-winning organic fruit, vegetables and eggs. Now sales can, and will, begin in early January as planned. Details are here [8]. Good luck, guys. Actually, luck isn’t needed – because your top quality produce speaks for itself.

Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.