Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. I read that Australia could generate all its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 if we spent A$40B a year, or 3-3.5% of GDP, on green energy [1]. We should go for it. We’d lead the world and show all other countries what’s possible.
2. the federal Treasurer Mr Swan delivered the Government’s 2010 intergenerational report, Australia to 2050: future challenges [2] The IGR3 expects health spending to increase from 4% of GDP in 2009-10 to 7.1% in 2049-50. The major factors are population ageing, increased demand, and new technologies. What a frightening statistic.
3. Sir Richard Branson warned peak oil will occur before 2015 [3]. As his Virgin Group has airline, rail and space travel and F1 interests, he’s making peak oil happen much earlier than it would’ve otherwise.
4. a new bill was introduced to the US Congress aiming for 10 million solar roofs and 200,000 solar hot water heaters over the next 10 years [4]. That’d save the power produced by 30 nuclear power plants. I’d adore to see it happen.
5. Nutrition Diva told us where to store bread (for home-made bread, at room temperature for 2-3 days), and how to turn leftover bread into crostini that’ll keep for two weeks [5]. Sounds, and tastes, good to me.
6. a research report showed that among women at least a year diagnosed with breast cancer, aspirin use was associated with a much lower risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer death [6]. Aspirin is nothing if not a wonder drug.
7. smoking cigars and/or pipes was shown to reduce lung function, i.e. to be a risk factor for chronic lung disease [7a]. As Yul Brynner said: ‘Don’t smoke’ [7b].
8. Sweetheart Vivienne did a marvellous interview on ABC Central West NSW [8]. I’m so pleased for, and proud of, her. She’s great talent – in more ways than one.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.
