This is from the shopping centre across the road where thousands of rainbow lorikeets like to hang out in just a couple trees and screech to each other for an hour or so.
http://imgur.com/0X72O4C
Eat and exercise at the same time!
Eat and exercise at the same time!
http://mashable.com/2013/12/21/dumb-bell-cutlery
http://mashable.com/2013/12/21/dumb-bell-cutlery
ECOEGGS : don't buy them. Marketing at its despicable worst.
ECOEGGS : don't buy them. Marketing at its despicable worst.
I buy eggs with the RSPCA approval. They are more expensive, but I trust the RSPCA and any extra money they cost I consider to be a donation to them. CHOICE also recommend FREPAA and "Australian Certified Organic".
http://www.choice.com.au/shonkyaward/shonky-award-ecoeggs.aspx?utm_source=et&/shonkyaward/shonky-award-ecoeggs.aspx
I buy eggs with the RSPCA approval. They are more expensive, but I trust the RSPCA and any extra money they cost I consider to be a donation to them. CHOICE also recommend FREPAA and "Australian Certified Organic".
http://www.choice.com.au/shonkyaward/shonky-award-ecoeggs.aspx?utm_source=et&/shonkyaward/shonky-award-ecoeggs.aspx
Failing old media going public, hopes to scavenge savings of elderly before inevitable demise.
Failing old media going public, hopes to scavenge savings of elderly before inevitable demise. "Channel Nine is set to re-list on the Australian share market in early December after nearly 20 years in private hands." Nobody wants it. Maybe some people who can’t see the decline of old media will give the private owners some money so they can escape the coming massive losses.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-29/channel-nine-set-to-re-list-on-stock-exchange/5053928
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-29/channel-nine-set-to-re-list-on-stock-exchange/5053928
Choose your Halloween costume carefully , show some sensitivity. http://imgur.com/a/tNM52
Choose your Halloween costume carefully , show some sensitivity. http://imgur.com/a/tNM52
http://imgur.com/a/tNM52
http://imgur.com/a/tNM52
Nice! Bring on November!
Nice! Bring on November!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/106-doctor-who-episodes-uncovered-2343474
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/106-doctor-who-episodes-uncovered-2343474
Because Stephen Conroy is an arse, unlikely to be able to manipulate the entire membership.
Because Stephen Conroy is an arse, unlikely to be able to manipulate the entire membership.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-12/stephen-conroy-labels-new-labor-leadership-rules-a-farce/4952532
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-12/stephen-conroy-labels-new-labor-leadership-rules-a-farce/4952532
Share files!
Share files! Let's use SkyDrive because it is installed by default under Windows 8 on all these new computers that we have. Wrong. The Metro app is just a stupid pseudo web interface, you still need to download and install the proper Windows app to get folder access. OK well lets install it on my Windows 2003 server - NO! Vista or newer only - so forget sharing with our developing nation partners. Well let's share a folder so we can access files directly in the SkyDrive folder. Wrong! SkyDrive does NOT sync shared files/folders to your local drive. Well at least SkyDrive is cross platform, iOS devices can ... WRONG! Microsoft's iOS app is broken - nothing, failed on 3 devices on two different networks.
TLDR: Use DropBox because Microsoft software is half arsed. Always.
TLDR: Use DropBox because Microsoft software is half arsed. Always.
Australian Federal Election 2013!
Australian Federal Election 2013! If you are sure about who you are voting for then you've already made a mistake. There's a lot to dislike from nearly all parties.
Fact check http://www.politifact.com.au/
Vote below the line http://www.belowtheline.org.au/
I want a better voting system, and a water tight bill of rights and responsibilities covering education, health and privacy. I am not campaigning for anyone, I am campaigning against whoever you are voting for. And that's enough from me :)
Image by Ben Marriot http://benmarriott.tumblr.com/
A federal election looms!
A federal election looms! When politicians speak it is best to know what logical fallacy they are using - and then fact check. http://www.politifact.com.au/
There are those among you who need to make a decision (good on you!), but don't base it on media presence or sound bites. And certainly don't allow the parties to game the system by voting along the party line (this is anti democracy) - vote below the line for the senate for the person who best represents you! http://www.belowtheline.org.au/
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oa7r3xaa559jhnh/2013%20Almossawi%20Illustrated%20Book%20of%20Bad%20Arguments%20A4.pdf
There are those among you who need to make a decision (good on you!), but don't base it on media presence or sound bites. And certainly don't allow the parties to game the system by voting along the party line (this is anti democracy) - vote below the line for the senate for the person who best represents you! http://www.belowtheline.org.au/
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oa7r3xaa559jhnh/2013%20Almossawi%20Illustrated%20Book%20of%20Bad%20Arguments%20A4.pdf
I am usually above average at cycling, according to the stats.
I am usually above average at cycling, according to the stats. I'm not capable of 189km/hr on a cycle short of riding off a cliff, and I am certainly not able to cycle over water. Thank you Strava for your service but I am going back to MapMyRide for now.
So sad that these KickStarter projects that only need a little but don't make it. Especially when I back them.
So sad that these KickStarter projects that only need a little but don't make it. Especially when I back them.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1989266212/eterium-a-space-combat-sim-for-windows-pc/posts/551965?ref=activity
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1989266212/eterium-a-space-combat-sim-for-windows-pc/posts/551965?ref=activity
Three day adventure with Donna Forsyth, Greg Phun (+wife and kids)Darren Bennett
Three day adventure with Donna Forsyth, Greg Phun (+wife and kids)Darren Bennett
One of the most amazing places in the world. Everyone living in Brisbane who hasn't been should be planning to go in the near future.
9+ hour drive from Brisbane. Choice of three accommodation places nearby : the national park (during school hols), Takaraka, Wilderness Lodge. Which covers byo camping @~$20/night, tent cabin @~$100/night, lodge room @~$220/night. You don't need guided tours, but make sure you find out when Fred is talking at the Art Gallery.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/
One of the most amazing places in the world. Everyone living in Brisbane who hasn't been should be planning to go in the near future.
9+ hour drive from Brisbane. Choice of three accommodation places nearby : the national park (during school hols), Takaraka, Wilderness Lodge. Which covers byo camping @~$20/night, tent cabin @~$100/night, lodge room @~$220/night. You don't need guided tours, but make sure you find out when Fred is talking at the Art Gallery.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/
Doing whatever you can get away without getting caught in the name of profit
Doing whatever you can get away without getting caught in the name of profit
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-24/australian-retailers-linked-to-sweatshop-abuse/4773738
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-24/australian-retailers-linked-to-sweatshop-abuse/4773738
Jack Vance, one of the very best fantasy authors has passed away.
Jack Vance, one of the very best fantasy authors has passed away.
http://www.jackvance.com/
http://www.jackvance.com/
World Multiple Sclerosis Day!
World Multiple Sclerosis Day!
http://www.worldmsday.org
As you may know, I have entered in the 2013 Brisbane to the Bay bike ride on Sunday 23 June and will be riding to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Considering my fitness level, it will be quite an exertion, but it will be nothing compared to what people with MS face every day.
The average age of diagnosis is just 30, with 5 people being told they have MS every working day.
I am lucky enough to be able to take part in this ride, however many people with MS cannot even walk, let alone ride a bike. And so I am riding to fight MS to support these people and fund research to find a cure, and they also need *your* help.
To sponsor my ride, simply click on the link below to view my fundraising page and make a donation. It will only take a few minutes and a tax deductible receipt will be sent immediately. AND tax time is just around the corner, so you can sponsor me today and claim it in a month (or two, or three, or more).
Thanks for your support.
http://www.msqldevents.org.au/Enerflex-MS-Brissie-to-the-Bay-Bike-Ride-2013/SimonForsyth
http://www.worldmsday.org
As you may know, I have entered in the 2013 Brisbane to the Bay bike ride on Sunday 23 June and will be riding to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Considering my fitness level, it will be quite an exertion, but it will be nothing compared to what people with MS face every day.
The average age of diagnosis is just 30, with 5 people being told they have MS every working day.
I am lucky enough to be able to take part in this ride, however many people with MS cannot even walk, let alone ride a bike. And so I am riding to fight MS to support these people and fund research to find a cure, and they also need *your* help.
To sponsor my ride, simply click on the link below to view my fundraising page and make a donation. It will only take a few minutes and a tax deductible receipt will be sent immediately. AND tax time is just around the corner, so you can sponsor me today and claim it in a month (or two, or three, or more).
Thanks for your support.
http://www.msqldevents.org.au/Enerflex-MS-Brissie-to-the-Bay-Bike-Ride-2013/SimonForsyth
Partial eclipse view from Brisbane!
Partial eclipse view from Brisbane!
Friday 2013-05-10 from 0740 to 1028
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/05/08/3750833.htm?site=science/indepthfeature
Friday 2013-05-10 from 0740 to 1028
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/05/08/3750833.htm?site=science/indepthfeature
Brisbane to Bay (and back) cycle ride to raise money for the fight against MS!
Brisbane to Bay (and back) cycle ride to raise money for the fight against MS!
I am riding and you want to sponsor me!
Adam Martin convinced me to do the 100km ride. He has never ridden that far but assures me that it will be a doddle. I assume there will be a conveniently located cafe along the way to stop for a latte.
I initially thought I was riding to fight Microsoft, but this is good too.
http://www.msqldevents.org.au/Enerflex-MS-Brissie-to-the-Bay-Bike-Ride-2013/SimonForsyth/?utm_source=fundraising&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=platf_invite
I am riding and you want to sponsor me!
Adam Martin convinced me to do the 100km ride. He has never ridden that far but assures me that it will be a doddle. I assume there will be a conveniently located cafe along the way to stop for a latte.
I initially thought I was riding to fight Microsoft, but this is good too.
http://www.msqldevents.org.au/Enerflex-MS-Brissie-to-the-Bay-Bike-Ride-2013/SimonForsyth/?utm_source=fundraising&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=platf_invite
Picked up a new card game while waiting for the bus in the city today - Zombie Fluxx!
Picked up a new card game while waiting for the bus in the city today - Zombie Fluxx!
This joins Zombie Dice, Munchkin Zombies and possibly Pandemic for a themed part of our board game collection.
Google being forced to provide support. Finally!
Google being forced to provide support. Finally!
The world's biggest spammer will have to respond to individual email support requests or go to court. For anyone who has suffered from a Google problem, you know that your best bet is commiseration from users their forums and hoping there are enough of you for action to eventually take place. Official google emails respond with automated answers directing you to FAQs or similar. You have no recourse.
http://m.slashdot.org/story/184957
The world's biggest spammer will have to respond to individual email support requests or go to court. For anyone who has suffered from a Google problem, you know that your best bet is commiseration from users their forums and hoping there are enough of you for action to eventually take place. Official google emails respond with automated answers directing you to FAQs or similar. You have no recourse.
http://m.slashdot.org/story/184957
Games day at Greg and Carissa's place!
Games day at Greg and Carissa's place! Donna wins Zombie Munchkins! Simon wins Star Fluxx. All other games that may or may not have taken place are of no consequence
I nearly won Tsuro but was foiled at the last second. The second game I was eaten by a dragon nearly right away.
With Greg Phun Donna Forsyth Darren Bennett Morte Descovich
Forced to cancel my credit card because Google promotes scams.
Forced to cancel my credit card because Google promotes scams. Google is a tech company that makes their money by flooding users with ads (spam) and using this money to subsidise their ventures into other tech areas. WARNING: The advertisements Google promotes on their website and in-app pop ups may well be scams. The search results scam ads are so very lightly coloured that you will not distinguish them from search results unless you are careful. In my opinion, Google is the most sleazy tech company out there at the moment.
Sticking it to Homeopathy!
Sticking it to Homeopathy!
http://theconversation.edu.au/accc-takes-legal-action-over-homeopathy-claims-12399
http://theconversation.edu.au/accc-takes-legal-action-over-homeopathy-claims-12399
"Including free-range eggs, meat and organic foods"
"Including free-range eggs, meat and organic foods"
Awesome!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-21/accc-cracks-down-on-dodgy-retail-practices/4531384
Awesome!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-21/accc-cracks-down-on-dodgy-retail-practices/4531384
No surprise.
No surprise. Idiot investment, outrageous toll charges. Whatever bank that steps in to buy the thing out will have a good earner. So obvious that someone would think the whole process was planned. How to build an unneeded tunnel for cheap: get investors with fudged numbers, make tunnel, numbers are shown to be incorrect, go broke, bank buys at a few percent of the original cost. Genius.
Of course, maintenance will go South. Disaster to ensue.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/airport-link-in-administration-20130219-2eope.html
Of course, maintenance will go South. Disaster to ensue.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/airport-link-in-administration-20130219-2eope.html
Sounds reasonable. Though it makes the Dukan diet a little awkward.
Sounds reasonable. Though it makes the Dukan diet a little awkward.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/18/halve-meat-consumption-scientists
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/18/halve-meat-consumption-scientists
Got rid of two power hungry Windows computers and replaced all their functions with a single Linux box that uses <...
Got rid of two power hungry Windows computers and replaced all their functions with a single Linux box that uses < 15% of the electricity.
All my Windows operating systems are running virtually.
Open Government : free eBook. For people interested in big ideas.
Open Government : free eBook. For people interested in big ideas.
http://radar.oreilly.com/2013/01/open-government-files-released.html
http://radar.oreilly.com/2013/01/open-government-files-released.html
Disturbing trend of monitoring the people continues.
Disturbing trend of monitoring the people continues. But on the bright side - Wired ran the article using my traffic image; taken when Donna was driving us to the city and we were stuck in Brisbane traffic.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/12/black-boxes-privacy/
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/12/black-boxes-privacy/
My new bicycle! I like to update my cycle every 20 years or so.
My new bicycle! I like to update my cycle every 20 years or so.
"Elementary" - a new modernisation of Sherlock Holmes, basing Sherlock in New York.
"Elementary" - a new modernisation of Sherlock Holmes, basing Sherlock in New York.
Unfortunately the first episode is quite a turn off for me, with some horrid story choices that I hope they don't continue.
Watson picks up things that Sherlock overlooked. This doesn't feel like a reasonable approach to the Sherlock Holmes cannon.
Sherlock makes predictions that aren't even in the realms of statistical certainty (baseball game outcome with specifics), which feels more like the junk science found in "Touch" than logical deduction.
I appreciate the difference in history of Watson's character but feel a little disappointed that they varied so much from the cannon, far more than is needed as shown by the BBC's modernisation. Holmes is far more psychotic than necessary and his relationship with Watson is awkward. Watson spends more time undercutting Sherlock and never has praise - quite a bitch actually.
I would say Elementary is only very loosely based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; only the names have been (somewhat) kept to induce the crowds to have a look. The show comes across very much as "House MD" for crime.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/elementary
Unfortunately the first episode is quite a turn off for me, with some horrid story choices that I hope they don't continue.
Watson picks up things that Sherlock overlooked. This doesn't feel like a reasonable approach to the Sherlock Holmes cannon.
Sherlock makes predictions that aren't even in the realms of statistical certainty (baseball game outcome with specifics), which feels more like the junk science found in "Touch" than logical deduction.
I appreciate the difference in history of Watson's character but feel a little disappointed that they varied so much from the cannon, far more than is needed as shown by the BBC's modernisation. Holmes is far more psychotic than necessary and his relationship with Watson is awkward. Watson spends more time undercutting Sherlock and never has praise - quite a bitch actually.
I would say Elementary is only very loosely based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; only the names have been (somewhat) kept to induce the crowds to have a look. The show comes across very much as "House MD" for crime.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/elementary
This sounds like a reasonable thing to do :)
This sounds like a reasonable thing to do :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20931304
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20931304
Megamind® head band!
Megamind® head band!
Is it cheating? The Lance Armstrong of thinking?
Or a scam?
http://flowstateengaged.com/
Is it cheating? The Lance Armstrong of thinking?
Or a scam?
http://flowstateengaged.com/
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