This week's compendium

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

1. I saw this item about a whale’s stomach contents [1]. We humans should be ashamed. But I doubt we are.

2. Grammar Girl explained the difference between ‘further’ and ‘farther’ [2]. Click on the link if you want to delve further.

3. I read this Australian Government leaflet containing the ‘National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults’ [3]. So what are you waiting for?

4. my Prime Minster, Mr Rudd, deferred the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme until 2013, i.e. six years after he called climate change the moral challenge of our age. To register your disgust, click here: [4]

5. an Archives of Internal Medicine paper documented an association between depression and chocolate consumption [5]. Rightly, the authors pointed out their study tells nothing of causation let alone directionality.

6. a US National Institutes of Health panel concluded there’s currently no scientific evidence that modifying any factor reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease [6]. This includes diet, medications, complementary medicines, physical activity, and social engagement.

7. in Nutrition Diva’s Episode 91, about sugars, she concluded there were no nutritional differences between the types of sugar [7]. How sweet.

8. still on food, I read the USDA’s ‘Freezing and Food Safety’ fact sheet [8]. Everyone who freezes food should read it.

9. Melbourne was named, for the third time, the world’s Ultimate Sports City [9]. I don’t give a shit.

10. last Wednesday Hepburn Wind signed contracts to build Australia’s first community-owned wind farm [10]. I give a shit.

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

This week's compendium

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

1. Grammar Girl pointed out the tautology in ‘please RSVP’ [1]. Yep.

2. Nutrition Diva wrote an informative article about ‘Which Type of Rice is Healthiest’ [2]. Everyone who eats rice would do well to read it.

3. Cornell University psychologists reminded us that more consumer gadgetry doesn’t mean more happiness [3]. And our planet benefits.

4. I couldn’t help but marvel at the EcoARK – a 3-storey Taipei building constructed using 1.5M plastic bottles [4]. As with item 3 above, a win-win situation.

5. I first heard that in 2007 actress Geena Davis had established The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media [5]. I compliment her and hope the Institute achieves its aims.

6. further to this Farmdoc’s Blog post [6], the scat seekers sought scats on our property last Thursday for two hours. I’ll post the results which I’ll learn only after weeks or months of DNA testing.

7. further to this Farmdoc’s Blog post [7a], Sweetheart Vivienne alerted me to this salon.com item titled ‘Good glasses make wine taste better’ [7b]. It links to a Riedel wineglass website, of course.

8. on darling Kate’s Foxs Lane blog I admired the fox name tag Kate received in a name tag swap [8]. These craft people are so imaginative.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 699

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

1. Greenpeace Australia published a helpful analysis of the sustainability of various canned tuna brands [1]. Unless buyers take note, in a few years there’ll be no tuna for anyone to eat.

2. Nutrition Diva wrote that healthy people can eat up to two whole eggs a day without any negative effect on their cholesterol levels or heart disease risk [2]. It’s amazing how the previous medical advice – to the contrary – could have been so wrong.

3. the BMJ reported that sexual activity, quality of sexual life, and interest in sex were positively associated with health in middle age and later life [3]. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. Do healthier people have more and better sex, or does sex make people healthier?

4. JournalWATCH reported that long-term mortality among live kidney donors was similar to that in healthy controls [4] There was a increase in post-operative mortality among the donors. But it was tiny.

5. Sweetheart Vivienne alerted me to a NYT article concluding PSA (i.e. prostate specific antigen) testing’s useless to detect prostate cancer [5]. Hmmm. Interesting. I’ll ponder it for a while, I think.

6. using six criteria, Greenopia rated BP the greenest oil company [6]. Not many of the companies listed operate in Australia. Anyway BP’s the best of them. Shell was fourth.

7. the Herald-Sun reported that Australian F1 Grand Prix organisers lied by saying the 2009 event’s twilight timing produced a massive increase in TV watchers [7]. Question: How do you know when a GP organiser lies? Answer: When he speaks.

8. indeed today, is darling Emily's birthday [8]. I love her more today than I did on her previous birthday. Much more.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 678

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

1. Torah Bright won Australia’s first gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics [1]. Funny that – I thought Torah Bright was an evangelical Jewish sect.

2. talking of Olympic medals, the Vancouver Winter Olympics is the first Olympics whose medals contain recycled materials, i.e. gold, silver and copper from recycled e-waste [2]. Well done, Canada.

3. a mere month before the event, Qantas was announced as the naming rights sponsor for the 2010 Australian F1 Grand Prix [3]. Where the bloody hell have you been until now, Qantas?

4. I read that cat food has been successfully used to control cane toads – by attracting carnivorous meat ants that eat and kill baby toads [4]. Will the ants follow the toads – which themselves were originally introduced as a biological control – and become a major environmental scourge?

5. I came across this fascinating article about how love improves health [5]. I’ve been in love with Sweetheart Vivienne for over 45 years; and I’m healthy for my age. QED.

6. this paper describes methods of muscle cramp prevention [6]. It says quinine’s effective but unsafe; and vitamin B may be the best bet. It doesn’t mention corks in the bed.

7. I read this report of the promising early results of using paracetamol to help prevent heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers [7]. It may be the next wonder drug, but the article cautions that paracetamol is now Australia’s commonest cause of liver failure, having passed hepatitis and alcohol.

8. Darling Indigo, on her blog, offered ‘Indi’s random giveaway’. Coco the wombat [8a, 8b] hopes she'll win.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 671

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.

farmdoc's blog post number 664

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

1. with the 2010 Australian F1 Grand Prix only 43 days away, the GP Corporation announced that the rock group Simple Minds will play concerts at this year’s event [1]. I rest my case.

2. with the race only 43 days away and sans naming rights sponsor, a hero of mine, Kevin Summers, offered A$3,000 for the naming rights – to plug a play he’s directing. He’s not heard back yet. [2] Surely three grand’s better than nothing. Shame on you, GP Corp. But go, Kev!

3. Nutrition Diva explained how to know that the fish fillets you buy are fresh and healthy, and how to thaw frozen fish without it turning to mush [3]. Sounds sensible to me.

4. UK peer Baroness Tonge said Israel should set up an inquiry to disprove allegations that its medical teams in Haiti harvested organs of earthquake victims for use in transplants [4a, 4b]. The anti-Israel Baroness beggars belief. But the Elder Of Ziyon has the perfect solution [4c].

5. I read two articles about anti-Israel bias infecting medical journals [5a, 5b]. Wouldn't it be a great idea if medical journals wrote about medicine.

6. a research study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that Australian GPs rarely follow guidelines when managing new episodes of low back pain [6a, 6b]. Ho hum.

7. it was reported that three Australian mining companies, i.e. Newmont Mining (ranked third), Rio Tinto (fourth) and BHP Billiton (tenth), were in the top-ten most controversial companies in the world last year [7]. Ho hum again.

8. the Events section of Sweetheart Vivienne’s website’s been filling up [8]. And there’s more in the pipeline. When will I ever see her?

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

farmdoc's blog post number 657

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

1. I came across Greenpeace’s recently released Guide to Greener Electronics 14th Edition [1]. Makes for interesting reading.

2. the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported on Australian research which concluded that among the elderly, having a Body Mass Index in the overweight range (25.0 to 29.9) may confer a lower mortality risk than having one in the normal range (18.5 to 24.9) [2]. Counterintuitive, but interesting. More research is needed.

3. top Hamas commander Mahmoud Abdel Raouf Al-Mabhouh, who was in charge of smuggling weapons and explosives from Iran into Gaza, died in his Dubai hotel room [3]. He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.

4. Hepburn Wind announced it had placed an order with a German company for the supply of two wind turbines, and their installation at Leonards Hill (near Daylesford) [4]. Wonderful news – for the community and the planet.

5. current Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry, was appointed a patron of RSPCA Tasmania. He’s the brother of RSPCA Tasmania director Suzanne Cass [5]. WTF – ignoring the nepotism, the good professor doesn’t even live in Tasmania.

6. I read and liked this Journal Watch Psychiatry titled ‘How to Stay Healthy’ [6]. Sounds eminently sensible to me.

7. Nutrition Diva wrote that to get the most nutrient from citrus fruits, when you peel them, leave some of the white pith attached to the fruit [7]. Why not.

8. Darling Indi, Jazzy and Zephyr started the new school year. I hope they have a fun time. And that they learn a bit along the way – which they’ll do if they have a fun time.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 650

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

Wednesday – being the anniversary of the day in 1945 when Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated – was 'International Holocaust Remembrance Day' (in the UK, 'Holocaust Memorial Day') [1]. Never forgotten. Never again.

in its response to the Goldstone report, Hamas said it didn’t target civilians while firing hundreds of rockets at Israeli towns; it’s just that its rockets are unguided and they hit civilians by mistake [2]. I’m not surprised or disappointed by this. It’s what I expected from that lot.

Steve Jobs launched the iPad [3]. Some of the iJournalists and iTechies thought it’s the greatest thing since sliced iBread. Others looked down their iNoses at it and labelled it an iDud.

I came across this Queensland Health pdf file titled ‘Tooth friendly foods and tooth enemies’ [4]. It’s worth a quick read.

yesterday the Age published this article titled ‘How to deal with flight delays and travel hassles’ [5]. As it says, in the world of air travel, this is an age of lowered-expectations.

treehugger.com published this superb slideshow of the Passivhaus – which it calls ‘The Real Standard for a Real Green House’ [6]. I think they mean ‘a Really Green House’. But the pics are mouthwatering.

the Lancet published research concluding that in Type 2 diabetes, the most intensive glucose control is associated with increased risk for death [7]. I love research results that are counter-intuitive.

on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Sweetheart Vivienne and I had our annual State of the Union discussions. In diplomatic speak, they were cordial and fruitful. On Wednesday a certain Mr Obama borrowed our idea and gave his State of the Union Address [8a, 8b].

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

farmdoc's blog post number 629

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

1. an ABC News headline proclaimed ‘Dubai unveils world’s tallest building’ [1]. I’ve no idea how Dubai kept it veiled until then.

2. American researchers found that antidepressants’ benefits appear greatest in those with the most severe depression [2]. Seems obvious to me. Maybe I’m missing something.

3. Ginkgo biloba extract was found to not prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults [3]. Cross Ginkgo off the list, then.

4. but using a mobile phone may [4]. If the benefit’s due to the electro-magnetic field, then there’s no need to talk into the infernal contraption. All you have to do is turn it on and hold it near your brain.

5. a leading British cancer surgeon told of a campaign to have him struck off the UK medical register because he supported the Israel Medical Association [5]. Whatever happened to rational discussion. I guess it hasn’t permeated down to the human scum in British cesspits.

6. the Jordanians and other Palestinian Arabs made a claim on the Dead Sea Scrolls which were discovered in the West Bank in the 1940s and 1950s [6]. The West Bank’s never been part of Jordan or any other Palestinian Arab entity. Nice try, but, fellas.

7. Grammar Girl revealed that in the US not only do people say ‘y'all’ as an abbreviation for ‘you all’, but the also say ‘w'all’ as an abbreviation for ‘we all’ [7]. Yeeeeha!

8. on Thursday darling Brendon celebrated his birthday in fine style [8]. Sweetheart Vivienne and I are sorry we weren’t there. We missed out on a treat.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 622

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

1. the F1 blogosphere was awash (can a blogosphere be awash?) with posts about the Australian Grand Prix being without a naming rights sponsor 2½ months before this year’s event [1]. All indicators point to the event being moribund – if not dead. But the government continues its life support. Why?

2. in last Sunday’s Sunday Age, its production editor, a Mr Coulter, wrote an article advocating buses to replace Melbourne’s trams [2]. As you didn’t mention the buses’ fuel, your view is not worth the paper it’s written on, sir.

3. this Age piece confirmed the benefit of businesses having easy-to-remember phone numbers [3]. They’re useful for individuals too. Mine ends in 1230.

4. Nutrition Diva wrote that frozen vegetables lose little nutritional value during freezing; and in the off-season they may be more nutritious than fresh vegies from far away [4]. What about the packaging?

5. this ABC News item tells of 1,300 people – labelling them ‘peace activists’ – who are in Egypt hoping to cross into Gaza to protest against Israel’ economic blockade of Gaza [5]. What – no mention of Gilad Shalit? How very convenient of these bleeding heart do-gooders to overlook the Hamas’s barbarian treatment of him, let alone its stated aim of eliminating a UN member state. A pox on all 1,300 of them.

6. treehugger.com put up an item about San Francisco offering free water to the public [6]. It’s happening, PJ. Not yet at the global tipping point, but every step’s one step towards it. Roll on, GlobalTap.

7. also in treehugger was a story of a group of girls in northern England who’ve started a campaign to make bicycling stylish for girls – who are under represented among cyclists [7]. This is one for you, Meg. Roll on, BikeBeauty.

8. yesterday my fellow Mole Creek resident Pete the Maremma [8] turned seven years old. Happy birthday, Petey Boy. Mate.

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

farmdoc's blog post number 608

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. Federal environment Minister Peter Garrett used emergency powers to heritage list the Tarkine Wilderness in north-west Tasmania because it’s a place of outstanding natural and cultural heritage value [1]. The moronic Tasmanian government still wants to build a A$23M tourist road through it.
2. it was announced that biodegradable plastic bags will be used at the 2010 Australian F1 Grand Prix and will help make it a ‘Green Event’ [2]. What’s that hot, brown, steamy stuff that comes out of the back end of bulls?
3. the Medical Journal of Australia [MJA] reported that some people are more violent and exhibit `werewolf' tendencies during a full moon [3]. The next full moon’s on New Year's Eve, so it won’t be a true test.
4. the MJA also published research showing that the faster you tear off a Band-Aid, the less it hurts. Also women reported less pain so doing than men. [4] Doesn’t bother me because my wife and daughters have made me an honorary woman.
5. in yet more medical news, a Queensland study reveals that using sunscreen is cost effective in preventing cancer [5]. Yep.
6. the Australia Institute reported that in 2009, Australia’s big four banks made a combined profit of A$35.1B. In other words, for every dollar spent in Australia, three cents went into bank profits. [6] Yet the banks have the temerity to raise interest rates on their loans by almost double the recent Reserve Bank’s 0.25% rise. Bastards.
7. Grammar Girl reminds us that the ‘X’ in ‘Xmas’ has a religious origin, and is not merely replacing Christ with an X [7]. Ho hum.
8. happy 42nd wedding anniversary today to my Sweetheart Vivienne (and me). Also to Gavin and Orly on your 7th.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.

farmdoc's blog post number 607

Today’s ‘List Friday’. And today’s a week before Christmas – which is yet one more excuse for people to give each other gifts. Though not a Christian, I can more or less understand why Christmas’s a gift-giving occasion. But I’ve never known why Christmas gifts need to be tangible (rather than kisses, hugs or even handshakes, say). And even conceding tangibility, why they must be purchased rather than home-made. But conventional practice is tangible and bought gifts, so who am I to argue. So this week’s list concerns tangible bought items. Last 9 October I wrote of this Reader’s Digest’s list of ‘Australia Most Trusted People’. In the same (i.e. July 2009) RD issue was this related list – of ‘Australia’s Most Trusted Brands’. Of 158 well-known brands, Cadbury, Panadol and Band-Aid were the top three, followed by Sony, Colgate, Dairy Farmers, Nokia, Johnson & Johnson, Streets, Peters and Bunnings. What do these brands have in common? They’re all well known, respected, and free from scandal and negative press. Cadbury’s the overall winner for the sixth year in a row. I must say I’m partial to a square or two of Cadbury chocolate. And not just at Christmas, either. Finally I may be wrong, but of the 11 brands named, I see only two Australian-owned ones i.e. Dairy Farmers and Bunnings. Ho hum.

farmdoc's blog post number 601

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. Gunns Limited’s chairman John Gay has offloaded 3.4M (i.e. 20%) of his Gunns shares [1]. Hardly a gesture of confidence when Gunns is still seeking finance for its controversial A$2.5B pulp mill project.
2. I read this joke [2]: “Johnnie.” “Yes teacher.” “If there are twenty sheep in a field, and one gets out through a hole in the fence, how many sheep are left in the field?” “None, teacher.” “Johnnie, there are still nineteen sheep left in the field. Obviously you don't know arithmetic.” “Sorry, teacher, but I do know arithmetic. Obviously you don't know sheep.” Yep.
3. the day before President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Oslo University named Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ‘Dictator of the Year’ for his achievements in ‘inspiring hostility among nations, increasing human suffering’. There were 11 candidates; Khamenei received over 72% of the 4145 votes [3]. A worthy winner indeed.
4. I read that Israel has the highest density of tech start-ups in the world. Israel’s venture capital dollars per person are 2.5 times the US’s, 30 times Europe’s, 80 times India’s and 300 times China’s. Israel has more companies on NASDAQ than any country except US; and more than all of Europe, Japan, Korea, India, and China combined [4]. A surprise, yet not a surprise.
5. a medical journal paper titled: ‘Age-associated cognitive decline’ calls such decline ‘an important human experience which differs in extent between individuals’. And it says the determinants of the differences in age-related cognitive decline are not fully understood…(but)…There is growing appreciation that factors affecting general bodily ageing also influence cognitive functions in old age [5]. The more research done on cognitive decline and dementia, the more likely scientific breakthroughs will be.
6. the Journal of the American Medical Association published a paper concluding that among women with breast cancer, soy food was significantly associated with decreased risk of death and recurrence[6]. How fascinating.
7. the Age reported that in 2008-9, during the GFC, the profits of Australian businesses soared to record highs. Corporate profits continued to increase – up to a record 27.7% of national income [7]. Why have corporate dividends fallen, then?
8. I was lucky enough to have several Skype conversations with darling Indigo. She has such a wicked sense of humour.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc's Blog readers, a wonderful week.

farmdoc's blog post number 594

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

1. the Iraqi journalist who last December threw his shoes at President Bush, became the target when an exiled Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at him [1]. He deserves it. He’s a heel for disrespecting President Bush’s office.

2. Chelsea Clinton – Bill and Hillary’s daughter – became engaged to her long time boyfriend, 31-year-old investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, who is Jewish [2]. When the young couple have children, will Hill and Bill be Buba and Zayda?

3. television stations were clamouring to sign up Matthew Johns who few months ago was sacked by Channel Nine for being involved in a Cronulla Sharks group-sex scandal in 2002 [3]. This tells us not how talented our Matthew is, but how sick and warped our society is.

4. I read that Nicole Kidman has lent her voice to Australia's bid for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups, by narrating promotional film spruiking Australia’s credentials to host one of these sporting extravaganzas [4]. That we’ve resorted to a celebrity voice with no sports let alone soccer credentials, means our bid is weak, and all things considered it should rightfully be doomed to failure.

5. the election of Tony Abbott as federal opposition leader means the opposition won’t support the Rudd government’s emission trading scheme legislation [5]. I agree that Rudd’s scheme is pathetic (cuts not deep enough, big polluters rewarded, citizens slugged). But Abbott, representing Big Business, may not propose anything better. Or anything at all.

6. Tiger Woods duffed his approach when driving home [6]. I’ve no sympathy for him. It counts for nought that he’s the best golfer ever and the world’s wealthiest sportsman. Because the measure of the man is that he hasn’t respected his wife and children.

7. the EU has proposed East Jerusalem becomes the capital of a future Palestinian state [7]. This comes at the end of 20 years of joy after the Berlin Wall came down. The EU should mind its own business – which Jerusalem is most definitely not.

8. free water bubblers are being reintroduced in central London [8]. You’re a man ahead of your time, PJ. [9]

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

farmdoc's blog post number 587

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. sick of unwanted calls from unwanted people trying to sell me unwanted goods and services, I joined the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s 'Do Not Call Register' [1]. The Australian Direct Marketing Association has called telemarketing 'the lifeblood of commerce in this country'. Screw them.
2. the Liberal Party, bitterly divided over Rudd’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, is in the process of imploding [2]. It couldn’t happen to a nicer lot of people. Rudd’s performance on global warming/climate change is appalling. Theirs is abysmal. Shit eh.
3. talking of which, the Nutrition Diva told me that bananas contain a type of fibre called pectin that absorbs water in the intestines and so can help with diarrhoea. Also bananas are high in potassium, a nutrient that can be depleted by diarrhoea [3]. I love bananas regardless.
4. saw the launch of bicycling tours around my area (i.e. the Great Western Tiers). Maps and podcasts are downloadable from the website [4]. It’s a great idea. But…
5. I saw that so far this year the media have reported nine crashes involving log trucks [5]. These crashes have been State-wide. Nevertheless cyclists are no match for log trucks. And they never will be.
6. it was reported that up to 40 plug-in electric vehicles – either full electric or hybrid – are being developed by the world’s motor manufacturers for launch within three years, propelling electricity to the forefront of alternative transport [6]. That’s great news – both environmentally and geopolitically.
7. I read that male staff at a UK National Trust property are being encouraged to piss on a compost bale, saving the organisation water via less toilet flushing. But also to create nutrient rich compost activator. Yet women are excluded - their piss is considered too acidic! [7]. Ho hum.
8. Sweetheart Vivienne was invited to read from Alzheimer’s: a Love Story – at the prestigious Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas [8]. At 6 p.m. on Monday 15.3.10. Good for her. I’ll be there. You couldn’t keep me away.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.

farmdoc's blog post number 580

Due to a lightning strike yesterday morning, I have no internet connection. The Bigpond technician’s coming next Tuesday. I hope he’ll fix it then. So for the next few days, Farmdoc’s Blog posts will be irregular. Sorry.
Here’s this week’s compendium – without links. This week…
1. former Victorian Premier Jeffrey Gibb Kennett who hijacked the F1 Grand Prix to Melbourne, said WA Premier Colin Barnett should forget about importing big events and focus on promoting ‘organic’ events such as garden shows. I’m sure Kennett hasn’t had an epiphany. Rather they’ll be some undisclosed benefit to him for saying what he said.
2. I learnt that cast-iron cookware can react with liquid and/or acidic foods like tomato sauce, to leach small amounts of iron into the food. Thus, cooking in cast iron can increase your iron intake. This is especially good for vegetarians – whose diets tend to be low in iron.
3. Greg Combet, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, spoke in inspirational terms about one of the big problems facing Australia: ‘We should not ignore the demanding nature of this project, which will require every bit of scientific, technological and industrial capacity that Australia can muster’. Unfortunately he wasn’t speaking of global warming and climate change, but of Australia’s need to spend tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades building 12 new submarines. Ho hum.
4. I came across a ‘new’ word that I can only call an abomination: ‘webinar’, meaning a seminar that’s sent out simultaneously by teleconference and webcast. Ho hum again.
5. talking of new words still, I read that the New Oxford American Dictionary says the word of 2009 is ‘unfriend’- which is a verb meaning ‘to remove someone as a 'friend' on a social networking site such as Facebook’. Ho hum yet again.
6. I read that acidic liquids such as lemon juice and carbonated drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. To prevent this, you should drink them with a straw, or follow the drink by chewing sugarless gum. Or if you want to brush your teeth straight after the drink, swish your mouth out with water first. Makes sense to me.
7. indeed last Friday, I took delivery of another wombat, courtesy of Angela and Anna who brought her up from near Hobart. Her name’s Precious. So far, she’s settling in well. All wombats are precious.
8. I was overjoyed to kiss and hug darling Indigo on her ninth birthday. I can’t express in words how wonderful that felt to me.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week. (And for myself? A restored internet connection, of course.)

farmdoc's blog post number 566

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. Movember began [1]. I’m not growing a mo this Movember. It's not that I don't think men’s health is a good cause. It's just that don’t go in for herd activities.
2. a study revealed that women with masculine names were more successful in their careers than other women. And on average the more masculine the name, the more successful its owner [2]. I apologise to my daughters. That’s one more thing they can blame me for.
3. Victoria’s church-going Governor David de Kretser risked the wrath of fundamentalist Christians by declaring he doesn’t believe the Bible’s account of how God created mankind [3]. Derrrrrrr.
4. in Melbourne a Mr Gappan was handed a $172 fine by tram ticket inspectors in September. Why? Because the tram’s ticket validating machines weren’t working, and so he’d been unable to validate his pre-paid multi-trip ticket. [4] He’s refusing to pay the fine, on the basis he did nothing wrong, i.e. it’s not his responsibility if the validating machines don’t work. Good on you, Mr Gappan.
5. an Age article described how a Murray River farmer’s fertilising his paddocks using his tractor’s exhaust fumes [5]. Big breakthroughs can, and do, occur anywhere.
6. over in the Land of Meg, Bike Week ended. After it did, I came across these items for making bikes and bike riders more visible [6]. You can never be too visible when you’re riding your bike.
7. the Israeli navy seized a ship containing hundreds of tons of weapons en route to the Hezbollah in Lebanon. It took 32 trucks to transport them all from the ship. Yet the Hezbollah and Syria denied the ship was carrying weapons [7]. These people couldn’t tell the truth even if Allah commanded them to.
8. Sweetheart Vivienne continued her media odyssey with aplomb. She’s great interview talent. So congenial and confident. Now for The Launch next Thursday.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.

farmdoc's blog post number 559

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. Bernie Ecclestone’s resumed bleating about how the Australian F1 Grand Prix should be a night race. As the Herald-Sun editorial says: ‘Butt out, Bernie’ [1].
2. the Lebanese President accused Israel of firing a Katyusha rocket from South Lebanon into Israel [2]. Hopefully his minders won’t forget again to give him his medication.
3. research results reveal that during CPR, focusing on uninterrupted chest compressions nearly doubled the odds of survival [3]. Current best practice in Australia is two breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
4. the Nutrition Diva wrote that the tannins in (green and black) tea inhibit the absorption of iron [4]. To maximize iron absorption, don’t drink tea with or soon after meals.
5. a consumer survey found that to US car buyers, fuel economy is now more important than the number of cup holders [5]. It’s sad it was ever otherwise. In the previous survey, four years ago, it was the other way around.
6. I learnt that in the 56 Islamic nations there’s no university in the top 500 world universities; Israel has six. The Islamic nations spend under 0.02% of GDP on scientific research; Israel spends 2.53%. There are 1.3 billion Muslims and 14 million Jews, i.e. 100 times more. In the last 100 years Jews have won 180 Nobel Prizes; Muslims have won nine. [6] No comment’s needed.
7. Prime Minister Rudd’s wife, Therese Rein, co-led a rally supporting Burma’s detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi [7]. Ms Rein hasn’t been elected to public office. It’s fine for her to do things in the public arena as a private citizen. But she has no right to do so in her role as the Prime Minister’s wife.
8. Sweetheart Vivienne did brilliantly in her radio interviews [8]. I’m biased, so don’t take my word for it. Rather, take heed of the avalanche of congratulations emails and SMSs she’s received.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.

farmdoc's blog post number 552

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…
1. Sweetheart Vivienne’s wonderful book Alzheimers: A Love Story went into the book shops [1] and she began a round of promotional media engagements. I am so excited and pleased for, and proud of, her.
2. actress Mia Farrow, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, was more impressed by the plight of Gaza’s children than Sderot’s children [2]. She has an inverted sense of morality. Plainly and unequivocally, the aggressor’s Hamas. The Gazan men should’ve considered the likely consequences before they fired their rockets. I doubt they care.
3. Microsoft launched Windows 7 [3]. My intuition tells me Microsoft’s best and most profitable days are in the past.
4. I learned that tea contains catechins, i.e. natural compounds which help prevent high blood pressure. And adding milk to tea renders the catechins inactive [4]. My blood pressure’s okay, so I’ll continue to add milk to my cuppa.
5. for the first time I heard about elder abuse. Each year some 4,000 Tasmanians aged over 65 experience some form of physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse – usually at home. Tasmania’s the only Australian state without a prevention strategy for, and dedicated resources to treat, it [5]. Shame, Tasmania.
6. an opinion poll showed 2% of Palestinians still consider Yasser Arafat the Palestinian personality they trust most [6]. He died a mere five years ago – in November 2004. What else do you need to know?
7. the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the biased and fatally flawed Goldstone report. The UNHRC’s condemned Israel 26 separate times [7]. Human rights are vital, but only when they're unadulterated by politics.
8. is darling Pepper’s second birthday [8]. She's so sweet and gorgeous, and she has a wicked sense of humour. I wish her a happy day – and life.
Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers, a wonderful week.