This week's compendium

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

1. our old friend the offensive misogynistic has-been ex-footballer [1a, 1b] was in the news again [1c]. As was a current footballer [1d] and swimmer [1e]. What is it with these sportspeople? (Don’t answer that – it’s a rhetorical question.)

2. an Aussie consumer advocate called for a host of green-car incentives [2]. Don’t hold your breath, mate.

3. treehugger.com wrote of the Eco Urinal which saves water by using handwash water to flush the urine [3]. Clever, eh.

4. demonstrators threw shoes and eggs during Tony Blair’s book signing in Dublin [4]. Have these people no respect for free speech? (Don’t answer that – it’s a rhetorical question.)

5. National Seniors Australia revealed that 56% of Australians aged 65+ have never used the internet [5]. It adds that internet use would improve their mental health.

6. a small study foiund that metformin, a medication heretofore used in type 2 diabetes, helps prevent cancers including lung, colon, prostate and breast [6]. Then people live longer and get Alzheimer’s.

7. Google launched ‘Google Instant’ – a faster way of searching [7a, 7b]. You must be signed into a Google Account to use it.

8. salon.com published a long piece arguing in favour of hyperlinks and against ‘delinkification’ [8]. What the hell. Don’t like links, then don’t click on them.

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. film director Oliver Stone showed the world – again – what a bigot he is [1]. He’d have to be a friend of Mel Gibson’s, wouldn’t he? And Helen Thomas’s too.

2. the ageing ex football star I’ve mentioned before [2a, 2b, 2c] was fined on a road rage (i.e. parking rage) charge [2d]. Why would his behaviour change?

3. I loved this treehugger article explaining how tradition knowledge informs innovation [3]. As I’m an old guy, of course I’d love it.

4. the Age reported how Myki smart cards, newly introduced on Victoria’s public transport, are allowing police to track people’s movements [4]. Big Brother’s not a member of my family.

5. Nutrition Diva said that regarding supplements for osteoarthritis: don’t bother with chondroitin, and try glucosamine for three months as it either works or it doesn’t [5]. It didn’t work for me.

6. I came across the concept of ‘free range children’ [6]. And I think it’s a good one.

7. I was impressed by a couple growing all the food for their 100-person wedding reception [7]. Good for them; and all their guests.

8. Prime Minister Gillard unveiled a ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme funded by cuts to existing renewable energy programmes [8]. It may (or may not) be a vote winner, but it’s stupid.

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