Maybe we should be careful with nitrogen fertiliser and stick with organics - if this snippet sent on by Brad N. is anything to go by:

Nitrogen Fertilizer Dilutes Antioxidant Levels in Fresh Basil

In the first study exploring the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization levels on the antioxidant and phenolics content of fresh basil, a classic inverse dose-response curve was found by a team of Texas scientists.  For most cultivars tested, the higher the N level, the lower the density of antioxidants and polyphenols.

Remarkably, the concentrations of some beneficial phenolics acids were four times higher at the lowest rate of nitrogen application, compared to the highest rate of N use.   In two of three varieties tested, total antioxidant activity was 2- to 5-times higher at lower levels of N, compared to the high-N plots.
 
Source: Phuong M. Nguyen and Emily D. Niemeyer, "Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, No. 18, pages 8685-8691.

It seems the world's policy planners have been caught flat-footed by a looming global farm and food crisis. The ATTACHED article sent on by Vanda explains the reasons very clearly. By growing a major proportion of our foods on site in the Village and on the farm, we will help to "future-proof" ourselves against the inevitable rising food prices.
Tackling the global farm crisis
[For those without computer access or who do not wish to print out, there is a hard copy of the article in the Library at 14 Hakea Walk.]

The Village PA & Projector Fund has now been put to good use with the purchase of a new Toshiba TW420 projector (plus spare lamp). Many thanks to all who contributed to make this possible.

The key features of this projector are:
- 4000 lumens (meaning projector will still work well even before twilight – good to get the kiddies to bed earlier);
- 3000 hours of lamp life (in ECO mode – which would be the normal mode);
- Electronic and manual zoom and focus;
- Able to be connected to a network;
- Able to use a USB storage card (no laptop) for showing slide shows;
- Able to connect to a computer via wireless;
- Can take just about any media input;
- Has remote mouse and remote control (with laser pointer);
- Instant shutdown protection – for accidently pulled out chords or blackouts.
 
All in all a very neat unit – and in a solid carry case with a long power lead.
 
Now, as for booking the projector, please do one of two things:
1. Email me – I prefer you to send me an outlook calendar item which automatically will book you into my calendar;
2. Call me on 8557 6123, where you can book with myself or Bridget directly, or leave a message.
 
There are two types of bookings allowed:
1. AAEV use i.e. meetings, amphitheatre movies, other village business/functions. Can be used anywhere our Community business requires;
2. Private use on site – the projector cannot be taken out of the Village, and bookers must pay a maintenance fee of $5 to contribute towards an annual service for the projector, estimated at $150.
 
In either case, the user must be trained to use this specific projector – an A4 laminated cheat sheet will be provided, plus a once though guide by Michael or another trained user.
 
Any further questions, please call me.
 
Cheers - Michael Vawser