You thought you’d got rid of me didn’t you! :-) Well, I thought so too! Collectively, however, the Comms team thought one more reminder might be needed from the old Feed about the new service, and so long as this extra Feed is happening, I might as well use it for another important reminder - Elizabeth H:

We really need all the SECOND ROUND votes we can get to determine what is to be done with the Village Savings Fund!
 
Here’s the short list of 6 items for the final round of voting:

1. Combustion heater / wood oven for the future Community House [to be installed in the meantime (together with ceiling insulation) in Sharing Shed]  
2. Commissioned artwork / signage for Village entrance  
3. Two new (reliable, safer) barbeques for the Pizza Oven area 
4. A mulcher for use of all Neighbourhood Groups and villagers
5. Shade for some of the play areas, e.g., the sandpit and one seating area for the parents
6. Keep saving to equip / furnish the Community House

Please send me your votes by email or phone (8556 6892) by 8 pm THIS Saturday 12 February giving:

• Your lot number
• Your first choice (its number in the new list and brief description)
• Your second choice (its number in the new list and brief description)

Please make sure you send in a vote. We’d like the decision to be as representative as possible.

Just a reminder that our Village Playgroup kicks off for the new term THIS Friday 11 February, 9:30-11:30am at the Sharing Shed

All pre-school kids from 0-4 and grandparents, dads, mums, tea makers and loud nursery rhyme singers are all welcome.

Any questions email Christy Spier or call on 0402 677 502

Hi everyone,
 
Thanks for sending in your first-round votes for use of the Village Savings Fund. We now have a short list of 6 items for the final round of voting. The list is:

1. Combustion heater / wood oven for the future Community House [to be installed in the meantime (together with ceiling insulation) in Sharing Shed]  
2. Commissioned artwork / signage for Village entrance  
3. Two new (reliable, safer) barbeques for the Pizza Oven area 
4. A mulcher for use of all Neighbourhood Groups and villagers
5. Shade for some of the play areas, e.g., the sandpit and one seating area for the parents
6. Keep saving to equip / furnish the Community House

Now, for the final round of voting:  Please send me your votes by email or phone (8556 6892) by 8 pm THIS Saturday 12 February giving:

• Your lot number
• Your first choice (its number in the new list and brief description)
• Your second choice (its number in the new list and brief description)

[If you are interested in how the short list was arrived at, I allocated 2 points for a first choice and 1 point for a second choice. Using the old first-round list the scoring against the list numbers was: (1) 11, (2) 18, (3) 10, (4) 2, (5) 12, (6) 0, (7) 12, (8) 4, (9) 15, (10) 1, (11) 2, (12) 0, (13) 0. There was a clear gap between the six short-listed items and the remainder.]
 
Elizabeth H

Looking for one adult's bike and two children's bikes for an 8 year old and 6 year old - second hand to buy. Contact Liana on 0488 999 614

QS Sealy Posturepedic mattress; good condition.

Phone Ann C on 0419 849 394

A pair of shoes were left on my doorstep recently but they are not mine. Whose are they? :-) Size 40 women's El Natura Lista; dark maroon ankle boots with a heel. Contact Anita P on 7220 5664 or come to 8 Tetragonia Walk.

Just a reminder for those of you wanting to attend THIS Saturday’s 12 February fundraising event at Penney’s Hill for cancer treatment for AAEV resident Kym Pilkington (see ATTACHMENTS):

You can still obtain tickets from Leonie Hick at AAH clinic for only $20. It will be a lot of fun with live music, food, wine and auctions. A lot of our villagers are attending so let’s get along, have some fun and get behind a good cause.
 
There have been amazing donations listed for the live and silent auction including rare releases of original local and International artwork e.g (Dryden, Bridget Olson, Christian Lock, Dale Bromley….),holidays on Kangaroo Island, special reserve local and imported wines, entertainment and catering packages for functions (perfect for this year’s Xmas or corporate events) to name a few.
 
For those of you that aren’t able to attend email Leonie lkh@internode.on.net to have a catalogue of items sent to you and arrange an absentee bid.
 
If anyone has a surplus of fresh home grown vegetables or pickles to put toward catering platters for the night, contact Leonie on 85566226 or email.

110120 KymboChinaJourney

Hi everyone,
Georgia and some of her performance chums have won a grant at Westminster to produce a theatre piece for the Fringe....take a look below and would love it if you could forward to your friends, come along and support them!

Leonie H

*********************************

Hi all,
We're trying to rustle up as many theatre enthusiasts as possible to come out and see our fantastic show 'The Sacred Few' starring Jack Atherton, Daniel Brown, Fiona Chen, Stephanie Cogno, Monica Guilhaus, Georgia Hick, Liam Klenner, Joe Meldrum, Yen Yen Stender, Lara Sveinsson and Jenna Warren in the Adelaide Fringe this year. So save the dates: 28 February to 6 March - 6th March (excl. 2 Mar)

See ATTACHED flyer.
Sacred Few

It's guaranteed to be a great show, and we would love to have you all out to support us. Hope to see you in the crowd!!!

More Information about the show and tickets:
See Fringe guide, tickets at FringeTix,
http://tix.adelaidefringe.com.au/ticketing/EventDetails.aspx?EventGuid=19c79999-4c90-46a7-96b0-a68c4d3f97a6

On Facebook;
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1853165088094&set=a.1853158647933.110003.1209808339&ref=nf#!/event.php?eid=158013914248311

Please help us out and do your friends a favour by spreading the word and sending this on!!

Georgia Hick

Summer is here and what better time to be active in the City of Adelaide and enjoy
all the benefits that physical activity can bring.

The Adelaide City Council, with the support of the Office for Recreation and Sport, is providing an opportunity for city workers to be active with FREE Zumba and FREE group personal training after work in the heart of the City.

See the ATTACHED notice for details:

Active in the City

Sensational news from Leonie H: A croc found in the river Murray - see below:

Thanks to our regular humourists, Malcolm Dispain and John H for the following two “smiles” (ATTACHED):

You just gotta love the Irish!
Gotta love the Irish

Grumpies of the world unite!
Grumpies Unite

Great video of Christie Walk - Must See! Change Media worked with members of the Christie Walk eco-housing project and Urban Ecology Australia to document alternatives about sustainable inner-city living and produce this educational resource about Christie Walk as an example of sustainable urban development. See:
http://vimeo.com/17753806

Thou Shalt Not Breed: Anglicans: The Anglican Church wants Australians to have fewer children and has urged the federal government to scrap the baby bonus and cut immigration. The church has warned that current rates of population growth are unsustainable and potentially out of step with church doctrine - including the eighth commandment, ''Thou shall not steal''. Concerned Christians have been warned that remaining silent ''is little different from supporting further overpopulation and ecological degradation. Read more at:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/thou-shalt-not-breed-anglicans-20100508-ul2f.html

The Art of Rapid Transition - New FREE e-book: We are living in “interesting times”: a debt-fuelled economic crisis, the looming peak and decline of global oil production, and the potential loss of a climate system conducive to stable, flourishing societies. The event behind the book was inspired by the admission by the former Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan that: “I discovered a flaw in the model that I perceived as the critical functioning structure that defines how the world works”. However, there are a range of positive examples, both past and present, which provide a rich source of inspiration for the Great Transition to a new economy. See:
http://www.neweconomics.org/publications/the-art-of-rapid-transition

Has our society become too complex to sustain? What happens if a solar eruption trashes all our global communications? It could happen, says Monbiot. Read more at:
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2010/04/20/an-eruption-of-reality/

Living well on a low footprint - in Tuscany: This is not the 100-Mile diet, it’s the 100-metre diet. It’s lifestyle plus very low impact. Read more at:
http://www.zerofootprintfoundation.org/press/single/living-well-on-a-low-footprint

Living without money: Former teacher Heidemarie Schwermer has lived without money in Germany for 13 years. How does she do it. Read more at:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/article6928744.ece

Express free market principles - Phone in sick: Phoning in sick is the responsible way to participate in a market economy which is unable to register demand for leisure in any other way. To describe it as “fraud” is stretching legal definitions to absurdity. What an interesting idea! Check it out at:
http://www.anxietyculture.com/sick.htm

Green Spaces On City Rooftops - Growing trend: An aerial view of most major Australian cities shows only the occasional green patch, stark against the grey concrete roofs, paths, car parks and bitumen roads. Now gardeners are joining forces with architects to restore greenery to our cities by taking advantage of rooftops. One of the most significant benefits of green roofs is their immediate cooling effect. Read more and see pics at:
http://www.gmagazine.com.au/node/2100/full

“Better than Growth” report launched by ACF: The Australian Conservation Foundation has launched its new report, Better than Growth: The New Economics of Genuine Progress and Quality of Life, a primer for policy innovation. It sets out a path for Australia to transform our economy into one that is truly sustainable. Read more and read the report at:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3040

How Goldman Sachs gambled on starving the world's poor - and won: By now, you probably think your opinion of Goldman Sachs and its swarm of Wall Street allies has rock-bottomed. However, there’s more! It turns out the most destructive of all their recent acts has barely been discussed at all. Mass murder by food speculation is a sad indictment on the moral bankruptcy of these large traders in futures and derivatives. See:
http://johannhari.com/2010/07/02/how-goldman-sachs-gambling-on-starving-the-worlds-poor-and-won

Food Costs At Record High As U.N. Warns Of Volatile Era: Record high global food prices showed no sign of relenting following a rash of catastrophic weather, highlighted by a major U.S. snowstorm and a cyclone in Australia, which could put yet more pressure on prices and spark further unrest around the world. Rough road ahead! Read more at:
http://planetark.org/wen/61100

Herbal weight loss pill warning: People are being warned to stop using a weight loss pill sold over the internet and in Chinese medicine shops. The MHRA has issued a warning about Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol). Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12348178

The invisible man: Some great pictures featuring a camouflaged man (or men) standing in each one. They’re pretty hard to see in spite of standing right in front of the camera. Check it out at the following link. Click “vorige” to go forward to the next pic and “volgende” to return to the previous one (it’s Dutch):
http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/2825/nieuws/photoalbum/detail/566087/80417/9/Ziehier-de-onzichtbare-man.dhtml

Chernobyl birds now smaller brained: Birds living around the site of the Chernobyl nuclear accident have 5% smaller brains, an effect directly linked to lingering background radiation. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9387000/9387395.stm

Diabetes and virus link confirmed: Children with Type 1 diabetes are nearly 10 times as likely to also have a viral infection than healthy children, Australian research suggests.
Childhood diabetes has been linked to enteroviruses, which can lead to cold, flu and even meningitis. However the review of 26 existing studies by a group in Australia, published in the BMJ, does not prove that the virus causes diabetes. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12354032

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, ACF & Zero Carbon Futures for the links.]

Hi everyone,
 
Votes are coming in well for the first round of voting on use of the Village Savings Fund - but we still need more!

If you haven’t sent me your first and second choices, please do it now and make sure your selections reach me by 8 pm THIS Saturday 5 February so I can get the short list out for final voting in the next News Feed.

Take a look at the following list and email me your first and second choices, giving both a brief description of the item and its number in the list. Also include your lot number (one vote per lot, please). Alternatively, you could phone your selections through on 8556 6892.

Reminder: Bear in mind that this particular savings pot was set up for the following purpose:
 
“The Village Savings Fund is to assist in equipping our community facilities with items which, while not part of the basic built infrastructure, will benefit the greatest possible range of villagers and Village activities.” 

1. Combustion heater / wood oven for the future Community House (to be installed in the meantime, together with ceiling insulation, in the Sharing Shed)
2. Commissioned artwork / signage for Village entrance
3. Two new (reliable, safer) barbeques for the Pizza Oven area
4. Two metal braziers for the Pizza oven patio
5. A mulcher for use of all Neighbourhood Groups and villagers
6. Timber to build a “boat humpy” for Village kids.
7. Shade for some of the play areas, e.g., the sandpit and one seating area for the parents
8. Patio Chess set plus appropriately paved area in central facilities area
9. Keep saving to equip / furnish the Community House
10. Commercial kitchen equipment (e.g., cooker, refrigerator) [Could be supplied by Jacqui G if appropriate space made available.]
11. Patio gas heater for Pizza oven area [One has now been donated by Andy Coe]
12. Contribution to the CFS [Worthy cause but not a good fit to the purpose for which funds have been given by donors]
13. Employing the services of CACET Global to host a seminar ($500) in the village on child protection e.g. identifying sexual predators, online safety, methods for educating children [Worthy cause but not a good fit to the purpose for which funds have been given by donors]

Elizabeth H - 8556 6892

Our Village Playgroup kicks off next Friday

Friday 11 February (and every Friday for the school term)
SHARING SHED - 9:30-11:30am

All pre-school kids from 0-4 are welcome, we will be keeping to the lovely rhythms that Jane Sanderco set in motion last year. A big THANKYOU to her and Amy Vale for setting such a lovely foundation...

Grandparents, dads, mums, tea makers and loud nursery rhyme singers are all welcome.

Any questions email Christy Spier or call on 0402 677 502

There were 9 un-named / communal? bins left on Port Road at 5.30pm tonight (Wed 2 Feb) so we stopped and brought them off the road and have left them on one of the commercial lots next to the cottages.

Possibly some members of the 'Trash Team' may have forgotten it was their turn on Monday?

Can we suggest / ask that if other members of the Trash Team or other users of the communal bins see 'their' bins on the road after Monday night, that they please move them back off the road, preferably back into the recycling compound. If any other villager sees these bins, perhaps just bring them off the road to help to keep our village looking beautiful. (Please don't assume that someone else will do it!)

Maybe the 'Bin Boys' might like to help with this occasional service as community work?

Thanks - Jacqui and Toby Good

Does anyone have a 3/4 classical guitar they no longer need? We're looking to buy one before lessons start on Tuesday 8 February.

Chris Worsman  - 0414 900 399

Hello there all Villagers,

Thought I'd take the moment to say that Jay, Jespa, their Dad Darren and I have returned from our 4 week holiday in Europe and had a wonderful time. The children got to visit Euro Disney with their Grandparents (Walter and Nola Van Dam) caught up with all their wonderful cousins, travelled to France in a campervan and went up the Eiffle tower. But after all those experiences there is no place like home. We have now settled  back to work and school, oh, and of course the beach!! See you there no doubt.

Pressure Cooker - I am in need of a pressure cooker; would anyone have one they would like to sell to me? Please call Billie-Joe on 8556 5620

North facing, 3-Bedroom home, large private garden, solar power, rain water, undercover parking & more. Available furnished or unfurnished; no cats or dogs. Aldinga Beach - situated between the Aldinga Community Centre and the Aldinga Medical Centre. Available from mid March 2011

Contact owner - Steve - on (08) 8556 6379

From the past few gatherings there are some good glasses and dishes left in the Shed, including a rectangular blue platter.  Please check to see if you are missing something from your kitchen.

Gillian C

SA Country Arts has assembled a great showcase night of varied entertainment to aid flood victims. Please help fill the theatre and raise as much money as possible:

WHEN: Saturday 19 February, 7:30 pm
WHERE: Hopgood Theatre, Ramsay Place, Noarlunga

Tickets are $15. More information at: http://www.hopgoodtheatre.com.au

Playback Willunga will be holding Auditions on Saturday the 12 February from 2-4pm in St. Lukes hall on St Georges Terrace, Willunga.

We are a professional company that enjoy's performing peoples stories back to them using improvisation, music, voice and fun. We meet every Monday night in the school term to rehearse. So if you're the kind of person who loves to tell a story, this may very well meet your need for keeping the tradition alive!

Please contact Billie-Joe on 8556 5620

The following Term 1 programs at Onkaparinga Youth Services Aldinga, Pridham Boulevard, may be of interest to some of our families - see ATTACHED flyers:

Fun Fresh Fit (FFF) - Active fun for 8-14 year-olds
Thursdays 3:30-5:30 pm starting 10 February

FFF Flyer

Homework Hive - A quiet work space with intensive support for 8-15 year-olds
Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 pm starting 15 February

Homework Hive Term 1

Food Safari - Free 6-week cooking program for 8-12 year-olds; learn to cook meals from other countries.
Mondays from 21 February to 11 April

Food Safari Flyer

Social Enterprise Development and Investment Fund Grants
Applications close 18 February 2011.

This new government program is calling for grant applications. If you would like to check its possibilities, see the ATTACHED guidelines and following link for more info:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Pages/SEDIF.aspx

SEDIFGuidelines

In a recent News Release entitled “SOUTH AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS NATIONAL FOOD LABELLING REVIEW”, Health Minister John Hill has welcomed the release of the independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy final report.

The review was commissioned by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council and includes 61 recommendations including:
 - The recognition of food labelling has a role to play in preventative health outcomes
 - That mandatory declaration of all trans fatty acids above an agreed threshold be
introduced in the Nutrition Information Panel
 - Energy labelling on the menu/menu boards or in close at vast food outlets and vending machines
 - The introduction of colour-coded traffic light labelling on the front of food packages and at fast food outlets.

See the ATTACHED release for more information:

Food labels

Sandy McCathie, one of our EcoVillage “Friends” group, sent in the ATTACHED beautiful story of the birth of her son Callum. In her message Sandy says:

“Finally, I’ve gotten around to finishing our story of Callum’s birth. Callum is going really well and its lovely having a baby in the house again, I’d forgotten how yummy they are to cuddle, smell, nuzzle etc.
 
So if you’d like to read our birth story and see some pictures see the pdf ATTACHED. I am sending it because I think it’s really important to share the powerful, positive no regrets birth stories that can happen as too often (for so many reasons) it’s not what Australian women / families get to experience. Feel free to circulate to friends  / family you feel would like/benefit from reading it.
 
For those pregnant or knowing people who are, I found that reading books by American midwife Ina May Gaskin (her first book, plus Spiritual Midwifery) were really useful in understanding how important our mind is in labour, how to activate our love hormones and also the importance of relaxing the lower body and welcoming the labour contractions.
 
Xxx - Sandy”
 
Sandy McCathie, Sustainability Consultant - email
ecoSAVVY - Tropical design and sustainability for people living in North Queensland

Birth Story for Callum

If you thought seniors were silly enough to be conned, think again. Thanks to the following little gem contributed by Richard C we now know they’re not so silly at all!

Seniors breakfast special

And how about some funny word games courtesy of the Washington Post and contributed by Sue Wiseman:

Word games

Walking 'boosts memory power’: Walking for 40 minutes a few times a week is enough to preserve memory and keep ageing brains on top form, research shows. Moderate exercise increased the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain that makes memories, in 120 volunteers. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12325285

Fifty people who could save the world: Who would you list? See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/05/activists.ethicalliving

Eco Voice Eco News issue 82 February  2011 now posted at:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/ 

Making stairs more fun than the escalator? How about a little creative music. See:
http://www.boozemonkey.com/blog.php?user=Matt&blogentry_id=1051 

Best wishes for Lughnasad, Lammas, or Thing-tide on 2 February: Never heard of these terms? How about ‘harvest festival’? Read more at:
http://www.users.on.net/~arachne/Lammas-Brigid2011.html 

[Thanks to Steve P, John H, Kymbo P, Malcolm Dispain and Eco Voice for the links.]

Hi everyone,
 
Having received another couple of suggestions for use of the Village Savings Fund ($3,246), it is now time for the first round of voting to establish a short list.
 
Reminder: This particular savings pot was set up for the following purpose:
 
“The Village Savings Fund is to assist in equipping our community facilities with items which, while not part of the basic built infrastructure, will benefit the greatest possible range of villagers and Village activities.”
 
Bearing in mind the purpose of the fund, from the following list (also ATTACHED), please select your first and second choices for spending this money:

1. Combustion heater / wood oven for the future Community House [to be installed in the meantime (together with ceiling insulation) in Sharing Shed]
2. Commissioned artwork / signage for Village entrance
3. Two new (reliable, safer) barbeques for the Pizza Oven area
4. Two metal braziers for the Pizza oven patio
5. A mulcher for use of all Neighbourhood Groups and villagers
6. Timber to build a “boat humpy” for Village kids.
7. Shade for some of the play areas, e.g., the sandpit and one seating area for the parents
8. Patio Chess set plus appropriately paved area in central facilities area
9. Keep saving to equip / furnish the Community House
10. Commercial kitchen equipment (e.g., cooker, refrigerator) [Could be supplied by Jacqui G if appropriate space made available.]
11. Patio gas heater for Pizza oven area [One has now been donated by Andy Coe]
12. Contribution to the CFS [Worthy cause but not a good fit to the purpose for which funds have been given by donors]
13. Employing the services of CACET Global to host a seminar ($500) in the village on child protection e.g. identifying sexual predators, online safety, methods for educating children [Worthy cause but not a good fit to the purpose for which funds have been given by donors]

Next - send your first & second choices to me giving your Lot number (one vote per lot please), the list number of the item, and a very brief descriptor so I can be doubly sure of your choices.

You can send them on the ATTACHED 'Voting paper', OR in an ordinary email, OR by phone to 8556 6892 
 
I need to receive your top two choices by 8 pm THIS Saturday 5 February so we can do a final round of voting on the short list a week from now.
 
Elizabeth H - 8556 6892

Use of the Savings Fund 2
Voting paper

Mosaics will continue every second Tuesday afternoon at Violet and Charlie's place, 21 Yacca Way.

The next session is Tuesday 8 February at 1pm. All welcome!

We have over 200 classic Commando comics from the 1970’s to give away to an appreciative home.

Contact Wayne ‘Ammo’ Allen by email.

G’day concerned citizens of planet earth,
 
Here is some good news: there will be another Earthship workshop on 12 February from 1-5 pm (although if it is over 36 degress it will be postponed).
 
Flyer ATTACHED. Let me know if you are keen.
 
Cheers - Marty Freney - email

Earthship Workshop Feb 12

Hi everyone,

I thought it might be of interest to villagers to see how a 1988 EcoVillage of quite similar principles to ours, is presenting itself to the world.

Cheers - Vanda R

From their website - http://crystalwaters.org.au/ - and see also some additional features at:
http://www.seedinternational.com.au/Crystal_Waters_Features.html

About Crystal Waters
Crystal Waters (established in 1988) is a socially and environmentally responsible ecovillage located 100kms north of Brisbane.

In 1995, Crystal Waters received the United Nations WORLD HABITAT AWARD for its "pioneering work in demonstrating new ways of low impact, sustainable living". In 1998 it was included in the UN's World's Best Practices database, having reached the finals in this prestigious competition.

Crystal Waters has eighty-three residential lots (approx 0.5 ha each). Most of these are freehold and occupy only 14% of the entire 259ha (640 acre) property.

The Crystal Waters Community Co-operative owns 6% of the land. This includes the Village Centre that is zoned for commerce, light industry, tourism and educational activities. At this point in time, the village centre contains a commercial kitchen where regular Friday night and Sunday brunch cafes are held, a bakery, a cheesery, rural fire brigade and an information centre. The Co-op also owns the visitors camping area which is situated amongst tall grey gums and is alive with bird and wildlife. This area contains a bunkhouse, ablutions block, and camping sites.

The remaining 80% of the property is owned in common by residents. It includes the best agricultural land, all waterways and steep forested ridges. It can be licensed for sustainable agriculture, forestry, recreation and habitat projects.

The land was first cleared in the 1960's and due to heavy grazing of horses and cows it became degraded and eroded. Through the permaculture design and ongoing efforts of the 200 residents, Crystal Waters has been transformed into a vibrant place to live with a multitude of businesses, food producing gardens and wilderness habitat. The forests along the steep ridges and riparian zones are being restored using species endemic to this area. A dramatic increase in the diversity of flora and fauna has been observed as well as significant improvement in land quality. A balance is being established between food production, housing and wilderness and the land productivity has been dramatically increased.

The by-laws encourage residents to be ecologically responsible for the provision of their needs and the disposal of waste. These by-laws are guidelines for sustainable living, but even more effective is the reality of living where your decisions affect 'your own backyard' -where there is directly observable relationship between consumption and waste. At Crystal Waters, you can't just flush the problem away - if chemicals are poured down the sink, it flows into the adjacent garden or orchard thus contaminating the food supply. The effects of careless actions are seen very quickly and clearly, reinforcing the notion that "there is no away".

Many thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds come from around Australia and the world to learn about sustainable living and environmental design at Crystal Waters. The Crystal Waters College offers a range of programs throughout the year. Most programs are practically based and offer the opportunity to learn by experience.

Here, thanks to Malcolm Dispain and John H is a true story about ‘Carnation Milk’ from 65 Years Ago: A little old lady from Wisconsin had worked in and around her family dairy farms since she was old enough to walk, with hours of hard work and little compensation. When canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores around the 1940s, she read an advertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan. The producers wanted a rhyme beginning With “Carnation Milk is best of all.”  She thought to herself, “I know all about milk and dairy farms. I can do this!” She sent in her entry, and several weeks later, a black limo pulled up in front of her house. A man got out and said, “Carnation' LOVED your entry so much! We are here to award you $2,000 even though we will not be able to use it!”

Now see the ATTACHED version of the story for why it couldn’t be used. (Caution: some language might be considered a little coarse.)

Carnation Milk slogan

Virtual spider - very clever indeed! If you are afraid of spiders, better give this site a miss. Their spider is very lifelike! But if you are fascinated by how computer technology is developing and what it can do, check out the link below. You can poke and prod the spider with your mouse, also 'grab' one of its legs with your mouse and drag it around  the screen -- tell me it's not alive! Also anywhere on the virtual floor, double tap the space bar or double click your mouse and it leaves little bugs for the spider to eat.  Watch the spider go after the bugs and eat them.  This is clever and creepy too!
http://www.onemotion.com/flash/spider/

GetUp campaign to prevent payment climate disasters of today killing the renewable energy projects of tomorrow: If you disagree with the Government’s short-term plan to rob renewable energy projects to fund flood relief in Queensland; and if you would prefer to see the establishment of a long-term disaster relief fund, you many want to sign the petition at:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/ClimateActionNow&id=1518

[Thanks to Malcolm Dispain, John H, and GetUp for the links.]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone may have a metal detector that I may borrow briefly... I very sensibly buried our "sewer point thing" under our pebble driveway and forgot to take note of where it was!!... We now need to find it and I thought a metal detector may be the best way to do so.

If you are able to help, please call me on 0415 399 380 or 8557 8028.

Cheers - Amy V

LOT 133 (14 Kennedia Walk) is for sale; 450 sqm. If interested, phone Deborah on 0439 847 658

I am renting out my house for a year and would like to stay in the Village and house sit. I'm happy to look after pets and gardens, walk dogs etc.

If you're planning a holiday this year and interested in having a house-sitter please phone Sue E: 8556 6441

We are a family travelling Australia and we will be in Adelaide until the end of May. We are organic foodies and we home school our two children of 9 and 12.

If anyone needs their home and animals to be looked after in the above time frame, we would love to make contact. As we are travelling in a caravan, we would be happiest to stay in our little home on wheels. The only facilities we would ask to use would be the bathroom. Our family has just looked after another family’s home and their many animals for a month while they were in India.
 
If there might be a way, we can serve your needs. Please call Lisa on 0413 23 8886.

I am interested in employing the services of CACET Global to host a seminar in the village on child protection e.g., identifying sexual predators, online safety, methods for educating children.  The CACET website (www.cacetaustralia.com.au) is more directed at the professional level but they also deliver to community groups and can be customised to whatever we want.
 
With over 50 children now living in the village, I think now is a critical time to develop awareness of this issue.  Although it is not the most pleasant subject matter to address, I believe the community has a responsibility to be well informed and proactive in our approach to such an important issue.  As lovely as village life can be, it can offer a false sense of security.  Unfortunately, the places we believe our children to be safest, can actually be where they are most at risk.
 
At this time no date has been set.  I am determining how much interest is out there and then how we will fund it.  The seminar costs $500 - don't worry, this is not for the individual but the entire group, regardless of how many people attend.  If the suggestion is supported, I may look to access village savings.
 
If you would be interested in attending a seminar, please email me.
 
Beau S

You are invited to two film events at the Black Cockatoo Arthouse - FLICKERFEST and CINEMA IN THE VALE (part of the ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL).

FLICKERFEST:
The Internationally acclaimed Short Film Festival Best of 2011 Fest. This is another amazing Festival with a wonderful set of films including the incredible animated short, THE LOST THING by Shaun Tan. 

Friday 18 February: Best of Australian Shorts
Saturday 19 February: Best of International Shorts 1

Tickets are $15 / $12 for each night. Doors are at 7.30pm with films commencing at 8.15pm.
This event will be widely advertised so booking in advance is recommended to secure yourself a seat(s)

CINEMA IN THE VALE:
As part of the Adelaide Film Festival the Black Cockatoo Arthouse is a venue for Cinema in the Vale, a presentation of KITCHEN STORIES.

Saturday 26 February: Doors at 6pm Movie at 6.30pm

Enjoy a night of Fine Film, Food & Wine in McLaren Vales' very own 'gold class' cinema - the Black Cockatoo Arthouse. Sit back in comfy armchairs, watch KITCHEN STORIES accompanied by mouthwatering appetizers showcasing the best of local seasonal produce. After the film, head 5 minutes south to the Salopian Inn where you will enjoy a main course and bottle of Vale Ale as a conclusion to your night out amongst the vines.

$15 - Film and Appetizer only; $50 - Film, Appetizer, Main Course & Vale Ale

For information and bookings call 8323-9294 (please leave message) or email blackcockatooarthouse@gmail.com

Here are a few of interesting things to think about - a little numbers game and an ‘anything-but-boring’ history lesson (ATTACHED), thanks to Malcolm Dispain and John H:

A Little Numbers Game - one for you to muse over:
 
This year we have 4 unusual dates i.e.,
1/1/11
1/11/11
11/1/11
11/11/11
 
Now figure this out:
 
Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born, then add the age you will be this year and it will equal  111.
 
Yep, that's right. Check it again if you don't believe me.
 
BOY, AIN'T FIGURES  FUN !

History Lesson

Responsible recycling of E-waste in South Australia: Good to see e-waste being recycled for recovery of valuable components and removal of toxic materials from land fill. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/responsible-recycling-of-e-waste-in.html

More questions about micro-credit schemes in developing countries:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11664632
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11997571

Hong’ Kong Ecological Footprint report: Hong Kong residents are living beyond the Earth’s means, according to a report released Sunday by Global Footprint Network and WWF. As a society that relies extensively on resources from abroad, Hong Kong is particularly vulnerable to growing global constraints on resources, the report says. But in spite of its unsustainable consumption, there are a number of readily available measures that would enable Hong Kong to reduce its pressure on ecological services, and enable it to achieve a one-planet Ecological Footprint. Read more and access the report at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/hong-kong-ecological-footprint-report.html

A ‘Big Australia’? Surely we don’t need a bigger Australia - look at what we have already:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/jan/26/australia-festivals?picture=371076210

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Even a short loan.  Anyone got a spare phone I can use?

Thanks - Kat - 8556 5855

A beautiful piece of granite is looking for a home. We loved it and bought it, wanting to incorporate it into our new home in 2009. It didn't work out.

It measures 830 X 1175 and would make a lovely island benchtop or indoor / outdoor tabletop. Price is $150.

Phone Chris or Paul on 0414 900 399 to View at 16 Yacca Way.

1040 mm glass top cane table. View at 16 Yacca Way.

Chris W - Ph: 0414 900 399

As a result of the Library working bee on Sunday, a number of magazine / periodical holders have become surplus. So too have several perspex display stands for A4 and 3-fold information leaflets and brochures. These items would clean up well for a home office, market stall, or information stand.

For convenience, they have been placed in the sunroom at 14 Hakea Walk along with the residue of office stuff advertised last week. Come in and help yourself whenever the door is unlocked. All items will be junked by THIS coming Sunday 30 January if not taken.

Elizabeth H - 8556 6892 

Here’s a message from our Mayor, Lorraine Rosenburg inviting volunteers in the City of Onkaparinga to come along to enjoy the Volunteers’ Cinema Day:

WHEN: Monday 9 May
WHERE: Wallis Noarlunga Cinemas.

Free tickets for volunteers who regularly provide services within the City of Onkaparinga - this includes any of our own volunteers who provide services to AAEV.

If you are a community volunteer - e.g. Coordinator or regular Committee member - and would like to take up this offer, please see the ATTACHED information flyer and ticket application form.

To apply for tickets, please fill in an application form and send to Jane O’C by email.

Volunteer Cinema invite
Ticket request form

Three-bedroom terrace home in Tetragonia Walk at the Aldinga Arts EcoVillage available for long term rental from 22 January 2011.

If you are interested, please contact Karen on 0402 348 301.

Do you have Children aged 0-5 years? Would you like to know more about services and events for your family in the area?

Then come and join ’Mobile Family Connections’ for fun play, activities and a chance to chat with others. We provide a FREE Play and Chat session and have information and resources about services within your local community!

WHEN: Every Friday, 10:30-11:30 am
WHERE: John Nicholl Reserve, Storey Ave, off Aldinga Beach Rd

Groups cancelled if raining or over 36 degrees
For more information see the ATTACHED flyer (with map) or contact Olga on 8159 1400

Mobile Family Connections Aldinga

See the ATTACHED flyer for information and contacts for various types of City grants and sponsorships:

Onka Grants & Sponsorships

If you enjoyed Menopause the Musical and Busting Out, then Breast Wishes is for you.

It is a funny, tender, and fully clothed musical celebration of breasts and the people who support them.

WHEN: Saturday 26 February, 8 pm
WHERE: Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga

See the ATTACHED flyer for details:

Breast Wishes

For the first time in Australia, an organic farmer has lost their organic status because of contamination by GM canola. Kojonup farmer, Steve Marsh, confirmed in January that his oat and wheat crops have been downgraded to conventional crops because 70 per cent of his property has been contaminated with Monsanto's Roundup Ready Canola.
[Thanks to Vanda R for the alert.]

See ATTACHED letter of protest to Tony Burke, MP WA from local physician John Graham:

Monsanto yet again

Thanks to Steve P for sending in the ATTACHED tips for driving on wet or icy roads. We don’t know how accurate they are but, hey ..... it wouldn’t hurt to give them a try:

Driving tips

How about a few laughs - thanks to Michael W, Steve P, and Malcolm Dispain:

[All three are ATTACHED as PDF files to share with friends.]

Miss Daisy Driving:
Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22 KPH. He says to himself, "This driver is just as dangerous as a speedster!"

So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies - two in the front seats and three in the back - wide eyed and white as ghosts.

The driver, obviously confused, says to him "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?"

"Ma'am," the officer replies, "you weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers."

"Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly. Twenty-two kilometres an hour!" the old woman says a bit proudly..

The Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that 22 was the highway number, not the speed limit... A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error.

"But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask.. is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken and they haven't made a peep the whole time we’ve been talking,” the officer asks.

"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute officer. We just got off Highway 189."

Miss Daisy Driving

New contemporary fashion from Queensland:
Fashion from Qld

Seven good reasons not to mess with children:
Don't mess with children

Mitzubishi Magna V6 1999; manual; airconditioning; in  good condition. (See pic below and more pics in the ATTACHMENT.)

I am going back to Italy and so I must sell this car before 26 February. The car is very reliable and I have used it only for two months.

If interest please contact Mario on 0467 067 615

Mitsubishi Magna V6 for sale

Give away:
- Ausmedic shower chair and shower stool.
- Two green leather arm chairs.
- Brown cord two seater sofa.

Contact Tricia O’D by email - Collect from 7 Hakea Walk.

The 2-br cottage at 9 Seaberry Walk is available for rent from end January.  $260 per week, negotiable. Contact John Turner on 0413 565 874. 

Everyone’s invited to take part in the 2011 Port Willy Big Swim
(or half swim, paddle, walk, your choice - no rules!)

WOW 7 years – can you believe it??!!

Port Willunga Jetty to Lion’s Head (approx 700m)

WHEN: Sunday 27 February, 9.45 am for a 10 am start
WHERE: Meet at the Jetty

All levels welcome – just for fun - and stay for a while afterwards at the Star of Greece gazebo. (See ATTACHED flyer for more info.)

Enquies to Jacqui Good on 0412 182 365 or 8556 6459 or email

The Big Swim '11

Hi everyone,

I would like to encourage your support for Kymbo’s China journey (See ATTACHMENT).

We would very much welcome any responses of donations or requests for tickets to attend and support “one of own” who works tirelessly for her immediate community and many state fund raising ventures……….Kym actually gave up her Xmas day helping out in a soup kitchen for Adelaide’s street people, to give some idea of this girls generous heart.

Right now she needs our support to make the next important step of her journey with cancer therapy in China happen.

Thanks - Leonie H

KymboChinaJourneyA4

We should all be congratulating our Mayor and Council (elected members and senior staff) whenever we have the opportunity, for rolling out the now snowballing push for World Heritage status of the Adelaide region’s beautiful agrarian landscapes – the City of Onkaparinga led the discussion through 2010 and were the first council to vote to support the feasibility study this week.

As there have been changes in Council since the local election, a new list of email contacts is ATTACHED for anyone wanting to convey thanks this way.

Stephanie Johnston

CityOnka email contacts

I enjoyed the ATTACHED article that landed in my inbox this morning - a lot..!

Andrew McNamara the former Queensland Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change explains how democracy and technology are failing us when it comes to urban design.

Stephanie Johnston

City we build vs city we need

ELVIS has entered the building!

On Saturday 12 February at 7:30pm, join us at the Hopgood Theatre when Mark Anthony, one of the world's most accomplished Elvis tribute artists, shows onstage just why Elvis Presley is the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" in the major production, “ELVIS - If I Can Dream.”

See ATTACHED flyer and invitation for details:

Elvis Show flyer
Elvis Show Invite

Hello everyone,

For those of you interested in living in an ecovillage or supporting the development of an ecovillage, the Sydney Coastal EcoVillage (SCEV) team has created the attached flyer inviting people to join the planning/development group and contribute money to buy land at Narara on the NSW Central Coast.

Regards - Sarah West

Sydney Coastal Ecovillage Flyer

'Between the Lines' is The Australia Institute's selective analysis of the policies and politics affecting the wellbeing of Australians.

This first edition for 2011 considers what the role of government ought to be. Despite some spectacular failures of government policy in 2010 there is still a valuable and important place for bold ideas and the ambition to act collectively:

110118 Between the Lines

Parents of teens and future teens may be interested in the ATTACHED press release from the State Attourney-General’s office flagging tighter rules for tattooing and body piercing.

tattooingpiercing

Thanks to Malcolm Dispain and John H for the ATTACHED light relief:

Marital Bliss
Seniors Texting Code

Think you’re in control of your bike? Think again! Watch this amazing video about Danny MacAskill, a very talented bike rider.  He's Scottish and it's set in Scotland with lovely scenery too. See:
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/video-danny-macaskills-long-awaited-way-back-home-film-28440

Monsanto’s Roundup Triggers Over 40 Plant Diseases and Endangers Human and Animal Health: This article reveals the devastating and unprecedented impact that Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide is having on the health of soil, plants, animals, and human population. Read more at:
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/blog/664

Apple secretive about 'polluting and poisoning' supply chain, says report: Apple comes joint last among IT firms in a transparency study drawn up by leading Chinese environment groups. Apple is more secretive about its supply chain in China than almost all of its rivals, according to a new report by anti-pollution activists who accuse the company's products of degrading the environment and poisoning workers. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/20/apple-pollution-supply-chain

[Thanks to Jacqui G, Vanda R, and John H for the links.]

Stainless Steel Fisher and Paykel Dish Drawer. As new / used only once or twice. $375
 
Contact Stefan Dispain on 0407 502 740

Dear all - Lets help with this very worthy petition to save bees worldwide from toxic pesticides. Blessings - Amy V
__________________________

Silently, billions of bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Bees don't just make honey, they are a giant, humble workforce, pollinating 90% of the plants we grow.

Multiple scientific studies blame one group of toxic pesticides for their rapid demise, and some bee populations are recovering in countries where these products have been banned. But powerful chemical companies are lobbying hard to keep selling these poisons. Our best chance to save bees now is to push the US and EU to join the ban -- their action is critical and will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. See ATTACHMENT for more information.

We have no time to lose -- to outlaw these killer chemicals and save our bees and our food. Go to the link below and sign the emergency petition. Then send the link to anyone you think will be interested. Avaaz will deliver it to key decision makers:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees/?vl

Petition to Save Bees

Thanks to ‘Photoshop’ and similar software for manipulation of picture files, we can no longer believe any picture we see on the internet or in print media. Check the ATTACHMENT for some classic examples (forwarded by Malcolm Dispain):

Photoshop fiction

“Garbage Warrior” - The story of Michael Reynolds, Earthship pioneer: What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you're renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century. See:
http://www.garbagewarrior.com/about.html

The impossible toaster: It takes an entire civilization to build a toaster. Designer Thomas Thwaites found out the hard way, by attempting to build one from scratch: mining ore for steel, deriving plastic from oil ... it's frankly amazing he got as far as he got. A parable of our interconnected society, for designers and consumers alike.' See the TED video at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_thwaites_how_i_built_a_toaster_from_scratch.html

Reinventing our Economic GPS: Watch Chuck Berger, Australian Conservation Foundation’s Director of Strategic Ideas, at TEDx Melbourne discussing how to integrate the environment and community into Australia’s key measures of economic progress:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/reinventing-our-economic-gps.html

The Globe's Limitations - How Peak Oil Threatens Economic Growth: In the second video in the series “Peak Oil and a Changing Climate”, Richard Heinberg, discusses how depleting oil supplies threaten the future of global economic growth. Historically there has been a close correlation between increased energy consumption and economic growth. If the economy starts to recover after the financial crisis and there is increased demand for oil but not enough supply to keep up, we may hit a ceiling on what the economy can do. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/globes-limitations-how-peak-oil.html

Smoking 'causes damage in minutes', experts claim: Smoking damages the body in minutes rather than years, according to research showing that chemicals which cause cancer form rapidly after smoking - a stark warning to people considering smoking. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12193602

Climate secrets of Marianas Trench: The climate secrets of the deepest part of the ocean, the Marianas Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, have been probed by scientists. Their early results reveal that ocean trenches are acting as carbon sinks. This suggests that they play a larger role in regulating the Earth's chemistry and climate than was thought. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12183244

Take a ride on an ekranoplan: Ride on a what?! James May of ‘Top Gear’ explains that although the ekranoplan looks like an aircraft it operates solely on the principle of ground effect. See 3 video clips, including the Caspian Sea Monster, at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7635441.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7635474.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7635551.stm

Greenpeace says Renewable Energy CAN suffice: In all the spin from fossil fuels and nuclear industries, it is easy to start believing that renewable energy can't get us out of the climate change hole. Think again - not only is an Energy [R]evolution happening, it's already underway. (1) Europe DECOMMISSIONED more coal, fuel oil and nuclear capacity than it installed in 2009. (2) Solar energy is now working at night on a commercial scale. A plant in Spain has seven hours of heat storage. (3) In the space of just 5 years, Portugal's electric grid leapt from 15% to 45% renewables. (4) Price Waterhouse Cooper says Europe and North Africa could run on 100% renewable energy by 2050. (5) Subsidies to fossil fuels worldwide outweigh renewable energy support by a ratio of 12:1. (6) West Virginia could replace all its electrical capacity with just 2% of its geothermal power potential. (7) Solar photovoltaic could account for 5% of global power demand by 2020, and up to 9% by 2030. (8) Iceland's power supply went from 75% imported coal to more than 80% local geothermal and hydro in 30 years. (9) China built (roughly) one windmill an hour in 2009. (10) Our energy needs can be met by 95% renewable energy by 2050. Want to know more? Read about the Energy [R]evolution and find out more amazing facts about renewable energy.

[Thanks to Deb Harding, John H, and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Hi everyone, My sister and brother-in-law and their son having been living with me for a few months. They are now looking to rent a house / unit in the village or surrounding area preferably from about the end of January for a year. If you hear of anything, can you please call Nicki on 0415 770 364. Anita P - 8 Tetragonia Walk

Does anyone have, or know of, a spare room or room to share where I could put a bookcase and small- to medium-sized desk and work at my computer?  

I'd probably use the space two or three days a week, mainly during school hours.  Willing to pay rent, pay in-kind or a combination.  Needed until we can move into the house we're building (sometime later this year).  

Contact Maarten R - 8557 6046 or 0409 696 360

Floor mat suitable for shed floor or weed retaining, available to pick up from 1 Seaberry Walk, on the north side verandah. Call and let me know if you would like it.

Jane S - Phone: 0439 067 258

Hi all,

Perhaps you or someone you know would be keen to attend the audition below - for actors, musicians, or those wanting to come and try.  Improvised theatre telling people’s real live stories....so meaningful and fun. Opportunity to develop confident performance and presentation skills.  Paid work opportunities available.

If this excites you, come and see!!!

Let’s Watch! - Jane S

--------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends

Here's your chance to audition for Playback Willunga. It’s fun and it's FREE.  You'll learn lots of new theatre games and techniques in a safe, friendly atmosphere with Billy Jo van Damme and I facilitating the audition.  It will be more like a workshop than an audition.

Check out our website at http://playbackwillunga.tumblr.com/ for more information about Playback.

The date for the audition is Saturday 12 February 2pm - 4pm at a venue to be advised.

If interested, call me for an Audition Form and make my day.

Don Chapman - Phone: 8556 2998 or 0488 092 508 or email

Village parents may be interested in the ATTACHED FREE 3-week courses in March-April on understanding teenagers to be held at Centacare Adelaide:

Sugar & Spice - What’s your teen girl made of
Explore the stages of development and needs of teenage girls
What does it mean for us as parents?
Consider the important roles mum and dad play in the lives of teen girls

Inside his head - Understanding Teen Boys
Explore the development needs of Adolescent boys
What does that mean for parenting?
What might it mean for their education?
Consider the important roles that Mum and Dad play in the life of their teen son

Sugar Spice 2011
Inside His Head - Term 1 Mar11

Bet you can’t guess how this picture of the Mona Lisa on a Sydney Street was
achieved.... You have been given a clue!



Check the ATTACHED sequence of increasingly close-up shots for the answer.

Mona Lisa in the street

[Thanks to Sue Wiseman for sending it in.]

Donate to Queensland’s disaster relief fund: Aren’t you glad it’s raining gently here! Spare a thought for those whose lives have been washed away. Visit:
http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

It’s not just people who are suffering in the floods: Heavy rain and swollen rivers bring chaos to wildlife too. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/going-into-bat-for-orphans.html

“Survival Day” activities in Adelaide: For indigenous Australians, 26 January is not Australia Day but Survival Day. Tandanya Cultural Centre in Adelaide will mark the day with a variety of events and exhibitions. See”
http://www.tandanya.com.au/ed78/survival-day-2011/

The human (‘nude-men’) clock: Click anywhere in the clock and it becomes digital, another click and it returns to analogue. It’s extremely clever and actually works to give the correct time. Fascinating to watch!
http://lovedbdb.com/nudemenClock/index2.html

Stroke recovery boosted by a course of Prozac: Giving stroke patients Prozac soon after the event could help their recovery from paralysis, a study has found. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12135536

Inside Job - “The film that cost $20,000,000,000,000 to make”: Unravel the complex story of how Wall St’s big operators defrauded millions of investors. See the film trailer at:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/insidejob/

How to find Real Food in the supermarket: For a laugh - and thoughtful moment - see:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-it-food.html

Resurgence Magazine Issue 264, Jan-Feb 2011: Features concepts of true Leadership focused on inspiration, motivation and right action - and much more! See:
http://www.resurgence.org/magazine/

Antimatter seen streaming from thunderstorms on Earth: It can be exciting enough underneath a thunderstorm, but new science shows it is more exciting up above. Such storms have long been known to give rise to fleeting sparks of light called terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, but results from the Fermi telescope show they also give out streams of electrons and their antimatter counterparts, positrons. See interesting pics at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12158718

[Thanks to Francoise C, John H, Steve P, Cruxcatalyst, Resurgence Magazine, and The Australian Greens for the links.]

Dearest Aldinga Arts EcoVillage Residents:
Please accept this as your official invite to my fundraiser event:

WHEN: Saturday 12 February, 7 pm
WHERE: Penny’s Hill Winery.

Please see the ATTACHED notice and invitation.

I hope you can save the date and bring along some friends or donate and auction item…

Much Love - Kymbo J x



KymboChinaJourney

3 bedroom terrace home in Tetragonia Walk at the Aldinga Arts EcoVillage available for long term rental from 22 January 2011.

If you are interested, please contact Karen on 0402 348 301.

New Book - “The Naked Presenter” by Garr Reynolds - focuses on preparation and delivery of presentations, regardless of whether you use multimedia and other visuals or not. If you have ever experienced a bad PowerPoint presentation or boring lecture, this is for you: Restraint in preparation, Simplicity in design, and Naturalness in presentation. Read more at: http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2011/01/heres-to-a-happy-and-naked-new-year.html and see Garr’s video lecture at: http://vimeo.com/14493347

Credit card exorcisms: It could only happen in America where there are more shopping malls than high schools! Anti-consumerism campaigner “Reverend Billy” of the “Church of Life After Shopping” conducts credit card exorcisms for shopaholics. Watch the video clip at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq-6fe817fo
or http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/credit-card-exorcisms.html

The Tyranny of Entitlement - article by Derrick Jensen: “I’m continually stunned by how many seemingly sane people believe you can have infinite economic growth on a finite planet. Perpetual economic growth and its cousin, limitless technological expansion, are beliefs so deeply held by so many in this culture that they often go entirely unquestioned. Even more disturbing is the fact that these beliefs are somehow seen as the ultimate definition of what it is to be human: perpetual economic growth and limitless technological expansion are what we do.” Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/tyranny-of-entitlement-derrick-jensen.html

Stroke recovery boosted by a course of Prozac: Giving stroke patients Prozac soon after the event could help their recovery from paralysis, a study has found. Researchers discovered more improvement in movement and greater independence after three months in patients taking the antidepressant (also known as fluoxetine), compared to placebo. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12135536

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Hi Villagers,

Do you need a good mechanic? One you can trust and offers you the best deal. And who comes to you house to work on your car.

Call Bernard! He is an overseas qualified mechanic from Belgium who recently moved to Aldinga and wants to set up his own business. He worked on our Pajero and did an excellent job. Much cheaper than your normal mechanic and with the personal advice and assistance you need. He can do servicing, check-ups, repairs,... and does it all on your driveway.

Tell him that you live in the Ecovillage and that you know me and he will make you the best quote ever!

You can contact Bernard on 0432 433 053

Cheers, - Tom D - 7 Dianella Walk

The Value of Sleep: Great talk on TED by Arianna Huffington! Interesting connection between leadership, lack of sleep and one-upmanship of sleep deprivation... See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/value-of-sleep.html

Want the Good Life? Your Neighbors Need It, Too: New research shows that, among developed countries, the healthiest and happiest aren't those with the highest incomes but those with the most equality. But surely inequality has little impact on the lives of those who find themselves on top of the pile? Not exactly, says British epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson. For decades, Wilkinson has studied why some societies are healthier than others. He found that what the healthiest societies have in common is not that they have more—more income, more education, or more wealth—but that what they have is more equitably shared. In fact, it turns out that not only disease, but a whole host of social problems are worse in unequal societies. In his latest book, The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better, co-written with Kate Pickett, Wilkinson details the pernicious effects that inequality has on societies: eroding trust, increasing anxiety and illness, encouraging excessive consumption. Read more at:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/want-the-good-life-your-neighbors-need-it-too

Building the neighbourhood we want: “That’s public space. Nobody can use it.” This was one Portland city official’s response when Mark Lakeman and his neighbors first began building unauthorized gathering places in their neighborhood in 1996. To Lakeman, an urban designer, this seemed like a fundamental misunderstanding of public space. Together with his neighbors, he formed the City Repair Project, a volunteer-run nonprofit that set out to change the way Portlanders think about the places where people come together. They started by reclaiming their own intersection, and were eventually organizing neighbors, building benches, and painting streets throughout the city. Read more at:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/building-the-world-we-want-interview-with-mark-lakeman

Radical homemakers - the lifestyle wheel goes full circle: Increasingly, families are achieving ecological, social, and economic transformation... starting under their own roofs. Many of us born in the mid-1970s learned from our parents and our teachers that women no longer needed to stay home, that there were professional opportunities awaiting us. In my own school experience, homemaking, like farming, gained a reputation as a vocation for the scholastically impaired. Those of us with academic promise learned that we could do whatever we put our minds to, whether it was conquering the world or saving the world. I was personally interested in saving the world. That path eventually led me to conclude that homemaking would play a major role toward achieving that goal. Read more at:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/meet-the-radical-homemakers

Artist Chris Jordan bears witness to the tragedy of consumerism: We have featured the works of Chris Jordan in this column before but, if you have not yet seen them, it is surely time to check them out at:
http://www.chrisjordan.com and read more at:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/bearing-witness-chris-jordan-on-art-grief-and-transformation

7 Billion - National Geographic Magazine: Watch National Geographic’s catchy but thought provoking video promo for its coming major series on global population:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/7-billion-national-geographic-magazine.html

January issue (No. 81) of Eco Voice “Eco News” now online at:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

[Thanks to Cruxcatalyst and Eco Voice for the links.]

Just for interest, I have ATTACHED an unofficial Village rainfall record from our rain gauge at 14 Hakea Walk. The monthy data and annual total look nearly average for this past year.

Elizabeth H

AAEV Rainfall 2010

Debtris - the Tetris of Debt: Mind-blowing illustration of financial slavery: Says Cruxcatalyst, “The last two blocks to fall into place in the US version are just mind-blowing...makes a mockery of keeping an entire continent enslaved by debt, when so much more can be conjured up to fix the mess made by bankers. Appalling! See:
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2010/debtris/

The Fixers’ Collective: In a “throw-away society” this is good news. The Fixers’ Collective (USA) is a social experiment in improvisational fixing and mending. Its goals are to increase material literacy in our community by fostering an ethic of creative caring toward the objects in our lives, and to displace cultural patterns that alienate us from our things, by collectively learning the skills and patience necessary to care for them. See the video clip at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/fixers-collective.html

The Empathic Civilisation: Over time, human empathy has evolved to extend our sense of identity to larger and larger groups - from our tribe through religious groupings to nation states. Can it evolve fast enough to include all humankind and other species? See the interesting animated video clip at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/empathic-civilization.html

New film - “The Economics of Happiness” - to be released January 2011: Economic globalization has led to a massive expansion in the scale and power of big business and banking. It has also worsened nearly every problem we face: fundamentalism and ethnic conflict; climate chaos and species extinction; financial instability and unemployment. There are personal costs too. For the majority of people on the planet life is becoming increasingly stressful. We have less time for friends and family and we face mounting pressures at work. The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization. See the trailer & read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/01/economics-of-happiness.html
http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/

Nintendo issues warning on 3DS games for children: Electronic 3D games are proving hugely popular with kids. Unfortunately, however, the eyesight of children under six could be harmed by 3D games played on Nintendo's forthcoming handheld console, the company has warned. The games giant posted the health warning on the website devoted to the 3DS handheld. It said specialists had warned of possible damage that could be caused by 3D games which present different images to the right and left eye. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12100925

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

A Big Australia? Interesting article by Economics Editor Ross Gittins in the SMHerald: The Big Australia issue has gone quiet since the election but it hasn't gone away. It can't go away because it's too central to our future. This year Rebecca Huntley of Ipsos, a global market research firm, and Bernard Salt of KPMG, a financial services firm, conducted interviews with business people and discussions with 13 groups of consumers, showing them two markedly different scenarios of what Australia could look like in 2020. In the ''measured Australia'' scenario, governments limited population growth, focused on making our activities more environmentally sustainable and limited our economic links with the rest of the world.
In the ''global Australia'' scenario, governments set aside concerns about the environment, promoted rapid economic and population growth, and made Australia ever more a part of Asia. Not surprisingly, the business people hated measured Australia and loved global Australia. But even though global Australia was described in glowing terms - ignoring the environment apparently had no adverse effects - ordinary people rejected it. And although measured Australia was painted in negative terms - all downside and no upside - there were aspects of it people quite liked. The message I draw is that if governments keep pursuing rapid growth to please business they'll encounter increasing resentment and resistance from voters. The switch of political leaders (“followers”) away from overt “big Australia” statements begins to make sense! Read more at:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/punters-well-aware-of-economic-case-against-more-immigration-20101123-185ij.html

No community consultation in 2011! Sourced from David Engwicht's “Creative Communities” newsletter. (Subscribe at http://www.creative-communities.com/ ) “Let’s face it. Community consultation is a failed experiment. All it has done is train-up professional axe grinders, then given them a forum in which to grind their axe. In spite of the best intentions of dedicated, hard-working public servants, the community consultation experiment has resulted in disengaged residents (apart from the professional axe grinders), lowest-common-denominator solutions, and decision-making mired in endless debate... ‘But,’ I hear you ask, ‘What are we supposed to do if we don’t do community consultation?” It’s a good question, and David has ten really excellent and interesting suggestions. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/no-community-consultation-in-2011.html

Clever / funny YouTube video clips - “The Digital Story of the Nativity”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA
“Everything’s Amazing and Nobody’s Happy”:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/everythings-amazing-and-nobodys-happy.html

Beijing City To Limit New Car Quotas In 2011: Beijing will cap its new small passenger vehicle quotas at 20,000 a month in 2011 as it moves to tackle the city's chronic traffic gridlock. The monthly quota will be distributed among fleet buyers and first-time private buyers, according to a posting on the municipal government's website. Read more at:
http://planetark.org/wen/60685

The End of the Functional Family - Interesting article in Yes! Magazine: Consumer society has put an end to the functional family. We normally think of consumerism as buying stuff we want but don’t need, but it runs deeper than that. The essential promise of consumerism is that all of what is fulfilling or needed in life can be purchased—from happiness to healing, from love to laughter, from raising a child to caring for someone at the end of life. What was once the task of the family and the neighborhood is now outsourced. Aunt Martha is forgetful? Little Arthur is restless? Get them a diagnosis and a prescription. In this simple act, we stop being citizens—we become consumers. Read more at:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/what-happy-families-know/the-good-life-its-close-to-home

Magic in the rain at Uluru: Photographer Peter Carroll waited 20 years to capture these beautiful shots of Uluru in the rain. See:
http://petercarroll.visualsociety.com/?p=936
or http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/10/20/3043874.htm

Older people who eat healthy diets lead longer lives: Older people who follow healthy diets may live longer, a study suggests. Research in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found those who ate a low-fat diet that contained lots of fruit and vegetables lowered their risk of dying over 10 years. Volunteers in the 'healthy food cluster' ate more fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish and low fat dairy. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12038794

Alternative remedies 'dangerous' for kids says report: Alternative remedies can be dangerous for children and even prove fatal if taken instead of conventional drugs, according to a new study. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12060507

[Thanks to John H, Deb Harding and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Hello everyone,
 
Just letting you know that my Cottage 19 is for sale and has been recently reduced to $210,000 - 215,000. It is less then 12 months old. For more information please have a look at: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-aldinga-106848838 or contact Sam Sharman at Smallacombe Southern on 0403 369 384. I am looking to move closer to my family :-)
 
Thank you - Kristy M

If you have air conditioning, here (ATTACHED) are some tips from Energy SA on how to run it as efficiently as possible this summer:

Air condition efficiently

Australians Planning to Waste Hundreds of Millions this Christmas: Last year six million, or one in three, Australians received one or more Christmas presents that they never used or later gave away, a new survey by The Australia Institute reveals. The Australia Institute's Executive Director Dr Richard Denniss said that unwanted Christmas presents represent a staggering $798 million worth of wasted money, wasted time and wasted resources. The survey also found that around one quarter of Australians expect to give presents to people that they would prefer not to. Alarmingly, around one quarter of these reluctant givers are unable to pay off their credit card. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/australians-planning-to-waste-hundreds.html

Placebo effect works even if patients know they're getting a sham drug: Patients can benefit from being treated with sham drugs even if they are told they contain no active ingredient, scientists have found. This suggests that the placebo effect could work without the need for any deception on the part of the doctor, as had been previously thought. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/dec/22/placebo-effect-patients-sham-drug

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

1-3 year olds......1.45 - 2.45 pm on Thursday Feb 17 - Thursday April 7
4-6 year olds......4 - 5 pm on Thursday Feb 17 - Thursday April 7

Group size is limited so book in early
$12 per class or $10 for blocks of 4 classes
Aldinga Institute Hall

Kids Dance are fun and creative workshops for children and their parents / caregivers to explore different ways of moving and expressing themselves. They involve dance, yoga and song. Creative dance also supports the development of speech, coordination, confidence as well as wonderful bonding between parent / carer and child.

For info and bookings please call Kat on 0412 992 513 or email

Heard the one about the blind bunny who stumbled over a blind snake? Here (ATTACHED) Is one version, thanks to Malcolm Dispain:

The Blind Bunny

Looking for more “apps” for your iPhone and iPad? Here’s a whole new horizon of possibility!! Just look at this christmas video from the North Point iBand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9XNfWNooz4

The story of WikiLeaks and Julian Assange - a video documentary:
http://svtplay.se/v/2264028/wikirebels_the_documentary
OR http://tinyurl.com/33x479h

Nudge, Think or Shove - Shifting values and attitudes towards sustainability:
Pursuing sustainability requires widespread shifts in public behaviour. This briefing builds on a recent House of Lords roundtable jointly organised by the DEA and Involve to consider three broad approaches to influencing public behaviour: ‘nudge', ‘think' and ‘shove'. It finds that: (1) ‘Nudge' is effective for specific, limited shifts in behaviour such as recycling; (2) ‘Think' is effective at building support, legitimacy and motivation for the big, transformational changes that we need in society, such as decarbonising the economy; and (3) ‘Shove' often helps to create the conditions under which ‘nudge' is most effective. Read more at:
http://www.involve.org.uk/Nudge-think-or-shove/

Lighthouse becomes an ice sculpture after US arctic blast: If you think we’ve had a cold week, pity the folks in the eastern USA! it has been so cold that frozen water sprayed from a lake in the US State of Ohio has transformed a lighthouse into something more like an ice sculpture. The Cleveland building was almost unrecognisable as ice built up and covered it entirely. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12006012

Huge sinkhole appears in German housing estate: Wow - what an excuse for being late to work! A large sinkhole has opened up overnight in the middle of a housing estate in central Germany. The hole, which is around 20m deep, swallowed a car and left a crater of about 40m wide. Investigations have begun to find out what has caused the huge hole, which has forced 25 people to leave their homes over fears for their safety. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11668012

[Thanks to Vanda R, John H, Cruxcatalyst & the CDIRO staff newsletter for the links.]

Hi everyone,
 
I have ATTACHED a flyer for you all for our "Be Heard & Understood Part 1 & 2" Non Violent Communication (NVC) workshop dates for 2011.  Email or call me on 0439 067 258 (note new number) if you would like to register. 

I pray that you all find peace in your lives, particularly over this holiday season.  May we all see beyond the world of the consumer, to the true value of the celebration and meaning of Joy and Peace at this time of Christmas.  This can also be a time of grief for those of us who have lost, so I pray for an astonishing serve of Grace as we remember those that we love, complete release from the bondage of our regrets, and eyes that can look forward to a future bathed in warmth, generosity and true freedom.
 
May our cup runneth over...
 
with much Love - Jane Sanderco

NVC Flyer for 2011

Our “touch of humour” in this issue is more like a big push, thanks mainly to Malcolm Dispain and John H. Check these out:

Rolls Royce has fixed the problem of engine failure on the Airbus A380:
Airbus engine fix

And while we are on the aviation theme - do be cautious about talking to kids on your next airline flight:
Conversation with a kid

Now we come to the “Blonde Joke of the Year” - well so far, anyway:
Blonde Joke of the Year

If you are worrying about over-eating and over-indulgence this Christmas, this one’s for you:
Lifestyle Choices at Christmas

And finally, a cigar-chomping Seasonal Greeting to set you up with the right expectations for the New Year:
New Year Greetings

The sixth extinction: In the Last 500 million years, the earth has experienced five mass Extinctions. We are at a critical moment. What happens over the next 50-100 years will determine what the earth looks like for the next ten million. Through interlocking stories, this short video documentary will probe the extinction crisis and examine solutions to protect the earth's gift of biodiversity. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/sixth-extinction.html

Urban food growing could revitalise local economies: “Edible Todmorden” began with herb gardens, graduated onto planting and growing vegetables and trees around the town and then planted orchards.  They are working with the council and other official bodies to find spaces of land – like the fire station and the railway station and local social landlords – to find tracts of land where things can be grown.  Every school in town is now involved. Read more at:
http://www.neweconomics.org/blog/2010/12/13/the-energy-of-edible-cities

An Irishman Abroad Tells It Like It Is: Contains very coarse language but is too much of a “bulls-eye” not to share. God bless the Irish! There should be more of this calling a spade a spade..! See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/irishman-abroad-tells-it-like-it-is.html

Going to Victoria for the holidays? Don’t stay in a luxury hotel! A recent report has found Luxury hotel rooms in Melbourne's five-star hotels are "stomach-churning" because of unsafe hygiene standards, an independent report says. Read more at:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/travel/news/luxury-hotel-rooms-in-melbourne-filthy-report-finds/story-fn3015fd-1225970691196

“New book: “Leaving Neverland" (Why Little Boys Shouldn't Run Big Corporations): The Global Financial Crisis was proudly brought to us all by little boys in designer suits that convinced suggestible authorities that they should be left in charge of the banking cookie jar. Of course they helped themselves to our cookies because “self regulation” to a child means “grab every cookie you can while no one is looking.” The only real surprise is that people are surprised at all the missing cookies. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/leaving-neverland-why-little-boys.html

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Get the truth on power prices: Question: What impact will Australia’s target for 20% renewable energy by 2020 have? Answer: The cost of the renewable energy target averages out to around 80 cents a week per household. As we build more clean energy, economies of scale mean it will become cheaper.

As power prices rise for many Australian households, a scare campaign from the big polluters - is being rolled out. They’re fighting to delay putting price tag on pollution, even though delay is hurting families because it’s pushing up the price of electricity. They’re criticising clean energy programs for being expensive -- while fighting laws that would deliver the same benefits more cheaply. Scare campaigns on costs of living are an old political tool. Unchecked, they eat away at people’s confidence and appetite for change. We can’t let that happen. Your word counts among your friends, so let’s spread the truth, and kill these myths before they get traction. Watch the ACF video at the link below to get the real story on what’s influencing power prices. And then share it with your friends. You’ll  hear from the Australian Conservation Foundation's climate campaigner Claire Maries, who understands clean energy laws inside out, and the ACFs own economist-in-residence Simon O’Connor, who knows plenty about who pays for what, and why. And we’ve gathered a bunch of other resources so you can understand what is  impacting power prices, what impact a price on pollution would have, and what you can do to cut those power bills at home. A price tag on pollution will create incentives to cut pollution and make clean energy cheaper. It has widespread support from business, but a minority of big polluting businesses want to delay things again. Meanwhile, they will try to negotiate exemptions for themselves -- leaving households to pick up their tab. This isn’t fair. Big  business needs to take responsibility for shifting to a cleaner economy  and clean up its own pollution. All Australians will benefit from a  smarter, cleaner economy and a healthier environment. We’re all in this together, so let’s get the facts straight. Watch our video on power prices, and when you’re done, share it with your friends.  We’re counting on you to counter the scare campaign. We may not have  the front pages of the highest circulating papers in the country, but our network has power because there’s someone your friends are more likely to listen to than a newspaper -- and that’s you. Read more and see the video at:
http://www.climateconnectors.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:electricity-prices&catid=8:kits&Itemid=4

Get the truth on power prices: What impact will AUN Development Programme adds Footprint to suite of indicators: Sustainability is an intrinsic part of people’s ability to live satisfying lives according to the United Nations Development Programme—which is why, for the first time it has included the Ecological Footprint in its annual Human Development Report. Read more at:
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/newsletter/det/
un_development_programme_adds_footprint_to_suite_of_indicators

[Thanks to Michael V and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

For those with an interest in finding appropriate low-salt and low-phosphate laundry detergents for use with our wastewater system, John H has found the attached information sheet, which gives tables of salt and phosphorus content on page 3.

LookingafteryourBiolytixBioPod

Taming the Vampire Squid: Bring on the calamari! "A great vampire squid, wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." That was how journalist Matt Taibbi described Goldman Sachs in a Rolling Stone exposé from 2008. Now, after what is perhaps the biggest example of private-sector market-failure the world has ever seen, the banking system that fuelled the crisis is fundamentally unreformed. Even on its own terms the banking system is broken. See the humorous animated video and read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/taming-vampire-squid.html

Aspirin a day helps to keep cancer at bay, say scientists: Low-dose of drug has powerful preventive action against a range of cancers, study shows. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/dec/07/asprin-cancer-health-benefits

GetUp call for democratic rights to defend Wikileaks founder in the US: See:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/Wikileaks&id=1489

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst and GetUp for the links.]

I have been looking through the Directory today for the latest statistics on Village growth for Ray M, and thought villagers generally might find it of interest:

Total residents = 210  This comprises 152 adults and 58 children (under 18)

Total number of residences now built and occupied = 99 (plus a shed on lot 10 and 5 homes currently in process of being built)

Current total number of titled private lots = 169  This comprises 11 commercial lots in the Port Rd frontage environs plus 158 residential lots (and will increase when the Cluster Housing Lot (143) is subdivided)

Elizabeth H

Important new book - Healthy Home Healthy Family - by Nicole Bijlsma: What can be more important than the health of your family? Healthy Home Healthy Family is a compilation of ten years of research. Within its pages you will discover how your home can affect your family’s health and, most importantly, what you can do about it. In the past twenty years childhood allergies and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have increased by 400%, one in four children have asthma, breast cancer has more than doubled since the 1960s, the age of puberty is dramatically declining, sperm count has dropped by 50% and IVF is where you go to have children. Could these conditions be linked to our homes? Building Biologists (investigators of the health hazards in and around the built environment) certainly think so! Read more and purchase the book at:
http://www.buildingbiology.com.au/index.php/Biology/healthy-home-healthy-family.html

DIY natural swimming pool: Watch the YouTube video on how to build a natural swimming pool that uses nature rather than chlorination to keep the water pure. See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfD9fgE1UDY

Permaculture Magazine (UK): The online website for Permaculture Magazine is:
http://www.permaculture.co.uk/ 

Australia Faces Food Insecurity: Australia faces a future of food insecurity unless urgent action is taken to transform the nation's production and processing systems, according to an expert review. “If our population grows to 35-40 million and climate change constrains food production, we can expect to see years where we will import more food than we export," warns a group of industry and scientific experts. Read more at:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/australia-faces-food-insecurity-review/story-e6frg8y6-1225964201628

Letting Go of Bananas: This is great food for thought! In the context of the article, a banana is a fixation or a compulsion, which dictates inflexible, repetitive, self-defeating behavior. Some people get upset when you question their bananas! There is a lot in the article to explain why it is hard to shift individual, let alone societal behaviour...and why the cult of growth is arguably our biggest banana!
http://reversethinking.typepad.com/weblog/2008/01/obsessional.html

A vision for sustainable restaurants: If you've been in a restaurant kitchen, you've seen how much food, water and energy can be wasted there. Chef Arthur Potts-Dawson shares his very personal vision for drastically reducing restaurant, and supermarket, waste - creating recycling, composting, sustainable engines for good (and good food). This guy is a lot more than just a chef! See:
http://www.ted.com/talks/arthur_potts_dawson_a_vision_for_sustainable_restaurants.html

Thanks to Vanda R, Deb Harding and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Amazing Backyard Adventures - At the South Australian Museum 
 
From 4 December 2010 to 14 March 2011 

This summer discover what goes on in your own backyard in an amazing interactive exhibition for children! 

See the world through the eyes of a bee.
Watch a year of garden growth in seconds.
Walk through grass at the same height as an ant, and so much more!

Open daily (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm
Adults $8, children under 16 and concessions $6, family $25 (2 adults, 2 children)

Produced by Scitech, Perth, Western Australia; for more info visit:
http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au or call 8207 7377

If, when you eat seafood meals, you would like to make choices that lead to more sustainable fisheries and oceans, then the ATTACHED mini-guide to Australian fish and seafood may be a help:

AMCS_MiniSeafoodGuide

Hi everyone,

I have been going through all my files on computer, and came across the ATTACHED book extract on Earthships. As there was an item in the last newsfeed about Earthships, I thought maybe this would add to the theme :-)

Deb Harding - email

Earthships book extract

Here’s a good one from Malcolm Dispain!

WALKING THE DOG

A woman was flying from Perth to Brisbane. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sydney along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. A man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Guide Dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sydney for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?' The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs.'

Picture this:
All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Guide dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses!

People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story...!

Have a great day and remember......Things aren’t always as they appear; and a day without laughter is a day wasted!

Lammas - Welsh EcoVillage Pioneering "Low-Impact Development" - with a combination of land-based livelihoods, carbon-neutral houses which blend into the landscape, and a positive contribution to society. Lammas recently attained planning permission to build an ecovillage in Wales which combines the traditional smallholding model with the latest innovations in environmental design, green technology and permaculture (see the web link below). They also have some innovative ideas for attracting volunteers (see attachment):
http://www.lammas.org.uk/index.htm
Lammas volunteer scheme

The UK Monetary Reform Party: This is a British political party, whose sole aim is to see that the monetary system is reformed (see web link below).  They have some innovative ways of getting their message across, such as the attached money quiz (with answers) and the attached rules for a new game of Credit Monopoly.  They say that if you are bored with playing monopoly, credit monopoly is a good way to breath life back into the game and it will educate you on the way our current monetary system works:
http://www.moneyreformparty.org.uk/
The Money Quz
CreditMonopoly

Climate change could push staple food prices up 130% - Report warning comes as many countries fear instability caused by rising food prices and shortages. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/01/climage-change-food-prices

Give Resurgence Magazine for Christmas: Treat your family and friends to a unique gift that they can enjoy throughout the year - send them 6 issues of Resurgence magazine and we'll send a free Fireside Chats CD as an extra gift! Resurgence is the magazine for people who care about the environment and the arts, love reading, enjoy new ideas and are looking for inspiration on sustainable living. More information at:
http://www.resurgence.org/

December 2010 issue of Eco Voice (No. 80) now online at:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

ACF Magazine Habitat accessible online at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/41951228/Habitat-Vol-39-Number-3-October-2010

SAcommunity (formerly Infosearch) is South Australia's community information resource. Its purpose is to enable you to: find out about help available from government, non-government and community services throughout SA; and find out how you can connect with and get involved in your community. You can subscribe to their email newsletter. See:
http://sacommunity.org/

[Thanks to Deb Harding, John H, SAcommunity, Resurgence, and ACF for the links.]

Creative Houses from Reclaimed Stuff: In this funny and insightful talk from TED, Houston, builder Dan Phillips tours us through a dozen homes he's built in Texas using recycled and reclaimed materials in wildly creative ways. Great ideas for an ecovillage! See the video at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_phillips_creative_houses_from_reclaimed_stuff.html

21st Century Enlightenment - fostering a greater empathic capacity: This animated video clip explores the meaning of 21st century enlightenment, how the idea might help us meet the challenges we face today. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/21st-century-enlightenment.html

Economic Growing Pains: In the middle of a recession renewed economic growth is always considered the great panacea that will get us out of the mess we are in. However, is this really the way to tackle the problems of a finite world? Peter Day wonders if our reliance on growth is not a snare and a delusion. Listen to this 28-min BBC audio broadcast at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w228b

Beginning of a monetary revolution? Slowly the world is waking up. The monetary and banking system as it stand breaks all the rules of the free market and at the same time utterly fails to deliver socially just and ecologically sustainable outcomes. The alternatives will no doubt be discussed and argued over for some years to come. But it appears that a monetary revolution has just begun. Quoting the Governor of the Bank of England: “Of all the many ways of organising banking, the worst is the one we have today." Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/beginning-of-monetary-revolution.html

AidArena - Online Auction Platform for Donated Goods: Australian community organisations are benefiting from AidArena - an initiative, which enables people and companies to donate and sell goods and services online with the proceeds going to their preferred charity. The scheme helps charities by capitalising on the value of items often thrown or given away by householders. Read more at: 
http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2010/11/aidarena-online-auction-platform-donated-goods

Latin American Nations Declare: Nature Has No Price Tag! Latin American nations are bucking the trend to try to value “ecosystem services” in monetary terms. They believe we can find a way to make decisions to protect our life support systems without having to give them a monetary value. Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela declare: “Nature is our home and is the system of which we form a part, and therefore it has infinite value, but it does not have a price and is not for sale.” Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/latin-american-nations-declare-nature.html

Fresh Food Rescue: Each year households, retailers, restaurants and businesses throw out millions of tonnes of food, much of it of good quality, that can be rescued and turned into nutritious, meals for the needy. The Woolworths Fresh Food Rescue program aims to rescue surplus fresh food from the waste stream and turn it into meals for the needy.
http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Website/Woolworths/Community/05Other-Projects/

Climate change scientists warn of 4C global temperature rise: Experts say this increase would cause severe droughts and see millions of migrants seeking refuge. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/29/climate-change-scientists-4c-temperature

A severe North Sea storm could spell disaster for the English fens: If you are familiar with the fens of England, you might be interested in how the geological history of the area could work together with more extreme weather events to cause a disaster. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2010/nov/29/weatherwatch-natural-drainage-systems-flooding-fens

[Thanks to John H, Deb Harding, and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

From Crop to Swap - the story of a pair of jeans: The way we dress reflects our personality and our lifestyle choices, and increasingly, we're thinking about the environmental and social impacts of our clothes. What really goes into making them? What are they made of, who made them and how were they made? How can they best be used after we no longer need them? This short video clip follows the journey of a pair of jeans from crop to swap and promotes the “Swap Party” as a great way to recycle. See:
http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/bas/CropToSwap.cfm

Revisiting Donald Appleyard’s Livable Streets: Donald Appleyard was a scholar who studied the neighborhood environment and the ways planning and design can make life better for city residents. In 1981, he published "Livable Streets" based on his research into how people experience streets with different traffic volumes. A major finding was: The less cars in your street, the more friends you have. See an interesting video on this finding at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/revisiting-donald-appleyards-livable.html

Who Creates Money? Dire Straits were closer to the truth than everyone thought when they wrote 'Money for Nothing’! This short video gives a clear explanation of how banks create money from nothing, how they determine what it is used for, and how they profit from it. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-creates-money.html

Indian minister says American way is 'recipe for disaster’: The Indian environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, has attacked the growing Indian taste for the American lifestyle, which he called the "most unsustainable in the world today". "It is a paradigm fraught with grave risks. I shudder to think what will happen if we [in India] follow the suburban model of urbanisation," said Ramesh, who has established a reputation as one of the most proactive Indian environment ministers for many years. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/23/india-environment-american-way-disaster

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Making Australia Happy: Science claims that happiness is easily within our reach. This claim is being tested for 8 unhappy Australians in the above program on ABC TV. The results are more than startling. Here’s a villager recommendation: Howdy all, are you aware of the program that’s been running on Monday nights on ABC on Happiness? Check out the link to their website and maybe take part in the questionnaire to rate your happiness. There are some great activities with in the website as well. Hope you enjoy. Vikram H.
http://makingaustraliahappy.abc.net.au/

Resurgence Magazine - at the heart of earth, art and spirit: ‘Resurgence,’ published in the UK, is a magazine for people who care about the environment, love reading, enjoy new ideas and the arts, and are looking for inspiration on sustainable living. The editorial of the current issue featured in our last news bulletin. For more, see:
http://www.resurgence.org/magazine/

The secrets of Britain’s abandoned villages: The ghosts of thousands of long-forgotten villages haunt Britain, inhabitations suddenly deserted and left to ruin. As a new campaign begins to shed further light on these forgotten histories, the BBC Magazine asks - what happened and why? Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11765712

GetUp Forestry Reform Campaign: With the Tasmanian State government now on board with forestry reform in Tasmania, we're on the edge of an historic agreement to secure the future of Tasmania's native forests. Send your Labor representative a message to let them know you want the federal government to join the Tasmanian state government, environmentalists, workers and industry in protect our forests. See:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/NoPulpMill&id=1470%20?

[Thanks to Vikram H, John H, Cruxcatalyst, Resurgence, and GetUp for the links.]

For anyone who plans to send Christmas cards this year – please support our work meeting the needs of people with a mobility disability – by buying Motivation Australia Christmas Cards.

Visit our website to see this year’s unique designs: http://www.motivation.org.au; or simply drop by 8 Hakea Walk. Feel free also to call: 8556 6703.
 
Kylie Mines - Asia Pacific Programme Director, Motivation Australia
Email: kyliemines@motivation.org.au

House for rent in Aldinga Arts-Eco Village: $280 p/w; Available 27 Feb 2011 (partly furnished negotiable). Fully landscaped private block overlooking Willunga creek; just a short walk to Port Willunga Beach.

A comfortable, energy efficient home with two good sized bedrooms, study and open plan. Air-conditioning (heat/cool), grid connected solar, solar hot water, rainwater and mains. Natural building materials used, low toxicity; Bio paints and varnishes, solid wood kitchen. Outdoor living areas with barbeque and wood oven. Established fruit trees, vegie garden beds with a chook shed and a 3x3m garden shed. (See the ATTACHMENT for pictures.)

This is a great opportunity to experience living in The Aldinga Arts-Eco Village!

For more information please contact Heidi on 0434 895 335 or email

Brochure with pictures available by email

Both of the following snippets of humour came in via “Laugh-n-Craft” - yes, we do have a laugh over the needlecraft and knitting!

First - Thanks to John H - Check this out for a really well planned retirement!

Well Planned Retirement

And, if you don’t like “blonde jokes”, thats too bad, because here’s a good one from Jill W:

Ventriloquist & the Blonde

Time to stop selling off the farm: Every farm sold to foreign investors will be tracked and details published on a national register in a plan to ensure Australia does not run out of viable land to grow food. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/time-to-stop-selling-off-farm.html

Call to Build a Dubai-style oasis in Australian Outback: Of course, in a world approaching (or at) peak oil and a country where water is a serious limiting factor, this idea would have to come from those paragons of wisdom, economists...! Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/call-to-build-dubai-style-oasis-in.html

“Enough is Enough”: Hot off the press from the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, this report evolved from the proceedings of the Steady State Conference held in Leeds in June. It is the single most complete collection of policy initiatives, tools, and reforms for an economy that makes enough its goal instead of more. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/enough-is-enough.html

New drug-resistant superbug ‘NDM 1’ challenges anti-biotic treatments. Read more at:
http://www.delhispider.com/resources/3041-Superbug-NDM.aspx

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the the links.]

Here’s a good one from Steve Poole: Share it with friends.

Only in Canada could you see a sign in a wildlife park like the one in the ATTACHMENT from Fort Steele in British Columbia.

Warning of bears

Warning over anti-virus cold calls to UK internet users: Internet users in the UK are being warned about cold callers who offer to fix viruses but then install software to steal personal information. And it could easily happen here. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11754487
And for how to avoid the fake security tool scam, see:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9161218.stm

The Native Plant Guide iPhone App: All the info you need on Australian native plants in your pocket! Based on the respected book and desktop application ‘The Australian Native Plant Guide’ we are excited to bring this information to your iphone / ipad / ipod touch. See:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/native-plant-guide/id402131549?mt=8

The dark side of volunteer work in “third-world” countries: Before you volunteer abroad, think of the harm you might do. A damning report says that well-intentioned westerners do little to alleviate the lot of poverty-stricken children in developing countries. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

The dark side of agricultural subsidies: The desperate plight of Africa's cotton farmers reinforces the need for “Fair Trade” systems. The skewed nature of cotton production means that American and European growers receive subsidies while many Malian growers are earning barely £200 a year. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/14/mali-cotton-farmer-fair-trade

Using Visual Stories: A short video explaining how to use visual emotive content for powerful presentations. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/using-visual-stories.html

The End of Growth: Richard Heinberg's new book, due mid 2011. The central assertion of this book is both simple and startling: Economic growth as we have known it is over and done with. For an excerpt of the book see:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/end-of-growth.html

Sydney 'Could Be Free of Traffic’: As transport commissioner of New York, Janette Sadik-Khan was charged with easing the congestion crisis in the Big Apple, which she has done with more than 320 kilometres of bicycle paths, new bus and ferry routes and ambitious projects such as turning the once jammed Times Square into a plaza. Now, she is helping the Sydney council, which is trying to implement its radical cycle and pedestrian-friendly reform. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/city-could-be-free-of-traffic.html

Top 100 questions for global agriculture: Despite significant growth in food production over the past half-century, the challenge ahead is how to feed an expected population of some 9 billion by the middle of this century. To meet expected demand for food without significant increases in prices the world will need to produce 70-100% more food. This means there are some big questions to be answered by agriculture. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/top-100-questions-for-global.html

ACF Campaign for Australian marine sanctuaries: Less than 5% of Australian oceans have been given high-level protection from the key threats of overfishing, offshore petroleum extraction and climate change. The Federal Government is soon to decide which marine areas are to be given protection and at what level. Help ensure good decisions at:
https://support.acfonline.org.au/SSLPage.aspx?pid=318

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, Eco Voice, and ACF for the links.]

Hello all,

I have been reading up on companion planting for vegies and fruit trees and was wondering if there are others within the village who have an interest in the same thing. If so how about sharing knowledge, maybe a place on the website for resources, ideas, suggestions, experiences such as what works and what doesn’t.
 
Here is a link to one resource I found:
http://www.figtree.org.au/companion_planting.html

If you are interested, how about emailing me and let me know your thoughts so as to see if its worth doing. Please send to my home email.  

Vikram Howard

The Story of Electronics: Here’s another short video from Annie Leonard and the “Story of Stuff” team, using the same style of simple but punchy and amusing animation to make the point that the “design-for-the-dump” philosophy of the electronics industry has to change. Well worth viewing at:
http://storyofstuff.org/electronics/

The Secret Powers of Time: This short video is not only a great example of an innovative communication approach, but an important message for anyone concerned with our relationship to time. See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3oIiH7BLmg&feature=player_embedded

History of fossil fuels in five minutes: Fossil fuels have powered human growth and ingenuity for centuries. Now that we're reaching the end of cheap and abundant oil and coal supplies, we're in for an exciting ride. See this short animated video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-J91SwP8w

Call to stop fossil fuel subsidy: A global energy think tank has urged nations to stop subsidising fossil fuels as soon as possible. It says that last year governments, mainly in the developing world, spent $312bn subsidising coal oil, gas and coal. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11718304

The Hub Melbourne – an incubator inspiring people, innovative places, world-changing ideas. Find out more at:
http://www.hubmelbourne.com

So what if we did have “Green Police”? Laugh at the very idea with the Audi 2010 Green Car Super Bowl Commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq58zS4_jvM&feature=player_embedded

GetUp Campaign to hold the big banks to account:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/bankonit&id=1449

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, Hub Melbourne, and GetUp for the Links.]

“Symbionomics” - Stories of New Economy: Check out what the creator of The Money Fix, is up to with his new film Symbionomics - stories of a new economy. Is the economy just in a recession or is a bigger transformation afoot? Symbionomics is a media project about the new economy. Read more and check the video intro at:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1658818436/symbionomics-stories-of-a-new-economy

New Book - Steady State - Alternative to Endless Economic Growth: The economic growth obsession that dominates our lives cannot go on for ever. Our world is finite and has limits. Sooner or later, one way or another, this way of life must end. But what is to replace it and how can we make the change? Geoff Mosley, former CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation and steady state economics advocate, has released a book available through Envirobook (ISBN(13) : 9780858812390). See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/steady-state-alternative-to-endless.html

Change outcomes - minds can follow: An interesting counterintuitive take on getting people to change their behaviour with respect to climate change. It could no doubt work on other issues as well. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/lesson-of-kansas-change-outcomes-minds.html

The Power of Enough - Free Seminar Tele-Series: The Global Sufficiency Network invites you to participate in a unique tele-seminar series entitled The Power of Enough: Embodying Exquisite Sufficiency in Your Life and in the World. Join this FREE Interactive Tele-Series and learn from leading sufficiency teachers and experts so you can experience the feeling of having, and being, enough. See:
http://maestropath.com/poe

Fate of the World is an online global strategy game that puts our future in your hands. Decide how the world will respond to rising temperatures, heaving populations, dwindling resources, crumbling ecosystems and brave opportunities. See:
http://www.fateoftheworld.net/index.html

Dangerous Memes: The spread of ideas can be a double edged sword..... an interesting TED presentation. Starting with the simple tale of an ant, philosopher Dan Dennett unleashes a devastating salvo of ideas, making a powerful case for the existence of memes -- concepts that are literally alive. See:
http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_dennett_on_dangerous_memes.html

Jamie Oliver: 'No one understands me. No one’: The TV chef and campaigner explains why nothing will deter him in his fight to improve school dinners, even though his fight for change means everyone hates him! Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/11/jamie-oliver-chef-school-dinners

An Urban Orchard - Adelaide: The first South Australian homegrown and gleaned produce swap was held on Saturday 3 November 2008, at the Clarence Park Community Centre. The Urban Orchard is a homegrown fruit and vegetable exchange, enjoying a brisk trade and much discussion over the morning. Read more and see the video at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/11/urban-orchard.html

A Ghost Agreement: George Monbiot gets stuck in! The declaration agreed at the summit in Japan last week to protect the world’s wild species and wild places was proclaimed by almost everyone a great success. There’s only one problem: none of the journalists who made these claims has seen it. “It strikes me that governments are determined to protect not the marvels of our world, but the world-eating system to which they are being sacrificed; not life, but the ephemeral junk with which it is being replaced. Read more at:
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2010/11/01/a-ghost-agreement/

[Thanks to Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Hi Friends of the EcoClassroom!
Do you know of any mature age students who are interested in learning more about their local environment? Please spread the word. Certificate 1, taught this year, was very successful with positive feedback from students. Please circulate the attached through your networks.

Thanks - Dolores Amos, Environmental Resource Officer, Tatachilla Lutheran College
Phone: 8329 4408 or email: damos@tatachilla.sa.edu.au
Web: http://www.tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at
TATACHILLA LUTHERAN COLLEGE 2011
REGISTRATIONS OF INTEREST DUE NOW - See ATTACHED brochure
Wednesdays - Semester 1 & 2, 2011
- Nationally accredited qualification
- Credit towards SACE
- Increase employability skills
- Increase confidence
- Hands on experience
- Skills/knowledge needed to restore and maintain natural and modified habitats
- Focus on local indigenous flora and fauna

Applications are invited from senior high school students and
interested adults.

This course may lead to further study in specialist areas of Environmental Resource Management and opportunities to gain employment in areas such as local government, natural resource management, nursery industry, national parks and mining, etc.

TLC Cert11CLM11

Here - ATTACHED - is another of life’s true incongruities. Thanks to Steve P for sending it in.

Think about this

Finally - thanks to Malcolm Dispain - we can access the wisdom of a Doctor who answers the hard questions!

Here’s the first question. See the ATTACHMENT for more.

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise.
Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.

Ask Dr Hard-Case

Concepts for traffic calming in neighbourhood streets: Just read the News Feed item on roads and speed reduction methods. I have heard of a group of guerilla artists and cyclists who "reclaimed" their streets by painting beautiful artworks in the junctions. They painted roundabouts that were so beautiful that motorists slowed down to see what was painted. The council were initially unimpressed with these artworks, but as time went on they realised that the effect of these paintings were to reduce speed, reduce accidents, and bring more community harmony and connectedness. The same group also did other groovy things like set up tea houses and swap stations on verges that encouraged people to hang out in the street more, and more beautifying sprang from this. You could say it transformed their community from being car-centered to being human centred. I would love to see that sort of thing happen here. Here are a couple of links as background. Bridget O’D:
http://www.streetfilms.org/intersection-repair/
http://www.streetfilms.org/category/traffic-calming/

Solar power from roadway surfaces? As petroleum-based asphalt becomes more expensive, could we imagine it becoming feasible to lay our roadways in solar PV cells? Some people think so. See the video at:
http://www.wimp.com/solarhighways/

Latest Eco Voice News - No. 79, November:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

Many Brits think "biodiversity" is laundry detergent! When 2010 was named as the "year of biodiversity" by the UN, it began with a plea to save the world's ecosystems. So, nearly a year later, where do we stand? ... Recently, members of the UK public were asked what biodiversity is. The most common answer was "some kind of washing powder". See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11546289

How can we ever get a straight answer on climate change?! Even established scientists are resigning in protest at the politicisation of the debate. See:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100058265/us-physics-professor-global-warming-is-the-greatest-and-most-successful-pseudoscientific-fraud-i-have-seen-in-my-long-life/

GetUp campaign against unfair penalty rates: See the ad the banks don’t want you to see and help build consumer demand to change greedy practices:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/NoMoreGreed

[Thanks to Bridget O’D, Steve P, Hugh R, Zero Carbon Future, Eco Voice and GetUp for the link.]

Gives a whole new meaning, doesn’t it, to the term “panda-monium”!



Sourced from: http://planetark.org/wen/60029

The Permaculture Research Institute: This site and the articles posted may be of some relevance to the possibilities for our own AAEV Permaculture Education Centre. Jeff Lawton and his small team are really putting both money and a new international website behind their efforts to promote Permaculture to a new level worldwide. I would love to see our own AAEV site involved. Steve P. See:
http://permaculture.org.au/2010/10/27/permaculture-for-keeping-cosy/

More action in the push towards a “New Economics”:
Students demand renewal of economics teaching and training:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/student-manifesto-for-new-economics.html
Does the UK need a Minister for Green Economics?
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/uk-needs-green-economics-minister.html

Solar “PassiveHaus” construction gains momentum in Europe:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/passivhaus-construction-future-of-uk.html

UN seeking a historic deal to save Nature:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/un-talks-to-save-nature-zero-in-on.html

New Eco-Filmmakers challenging established conventions: See FREE film:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-generation-of-eco-filmmakers.html
Watch “Green” the film: http://www.greenthefilm.com/

‘Rare Earths’ - the next gold rush: This could be the great stimulus for e-waste recycling!
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/rare-earths-next-big-thing-or-will.html

Will pricing Nature save the world? Will valuing nature in monetary terms help end its destruction by human commerce? And are accountants the last hope for saving nature?
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/world-bank-launches-scheme-to-green.html
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/are-accountants-last-hope-for-worlds.html

Back to the future for rubbish collection: French towns swap rubbish trucks for horse-drawn carts. No more roaring motors, just the clip-clop of hooves.
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/french-towns-swap-rubbish-trucks-for.html

Cities under pressure to balance people and their ecosystems:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/cities-under-pressure-to-balance-trees.html

[Thanks to Steve P and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Food industry reels as imports overtake exports: A new national food and grocery report has found the nation is importing more than it is exporting, for the first time in decades. The Federal Industry Minister has launched a plan to try to resuscitate the ailing food and grocery industry, after a new report found a $6 billion deterioration. Factors include increasing costs, the Australian dollar, issues around power and water,"Read more at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/27/3050080.htm

Go Home On Time Day - Wednesday 24 November: The dat to make a statement about better work / live balance. Get your leave pass and get out of there on time! See:
http://www.gohomeontimeday.org.au/

The Crisis of Life: We do not burn down the Louvre. We do not set fire to the Library of Congress. So why do we go on erasing the database of life itself? By exploiting the living world, we are dangerously impoverishing our planet, putting our own welfare in danger. Every day, species are dying, never to come back. Ecosystems around the world are unravelling, leaving many people without access to healthy food, clean water, and other essentials for their daily needs. This is a Crisis of Life, and it is up to us to stop it. In the „Crisis of Life“ video project, ecologists and activists talk about ways to stop the ongoing biodiversity crisis to ensure the survival of all living beings, including ourselves. See introductory video at:
http://www.crisisoflife.net/

[Thanks to Kevin C, The Australia Institute and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Vision is a powerful sense - so powerful it can send the other senses reeling at times. Thanks to Steve P for the ATTACHED mind-blowing pictures with their quirky sense of humour!

Mind-bending pics

Farmers Hurt As Pressure On Arable Land Grows: Land purchases by foreign investors in poor countries and the growing use of biofuels are boosting pressures on agricultural farmland and helping make 500 million small farmers hungry, a U.N. envoy said on Thursday. Olivier De Schutter, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the right to food, said the combination of environmental degradation, urbanization and large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors formed an "explosive cocktail" for small farmers. "The plots cultivated by smallholders are shrinking year after year. Farmers are often relegated to soils that are arid, hilly or without irrigation," he said in a new report presented to the U.N. General Assembly.
"This poses a direct threat to the right to food of rural populations." Read more at:
http://planetark.org/wen/59953

[Thanks to Cruxcatalyst for the link.]

Thanks to Michael V for this humorous ad for windpower. It’s a cracker! See:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTLO2F_ERY

Do you want to be a Change Agent? Check out the link below to an Ode Magazine article that discusses Gen Y and their passion for leading change.
http://www.odemagazine.com/exchange/1474/
new_social_network_for_change_agents_and_supporters
And by following the links to the “Changents” web site you will see some inspirational stuff:
http://www.Changents.com
Share this one with your kids - Vikram H

New book - “American Wasteland”: Journalist Jonathan Bloom has a brand new book out called American Wasteland, which looks at why we waste so much perfectly edible food. What is it about our relationship to food that's changed so drastically since the Depression-era hoarding of our parents or grandparents? Bloom goes through the entire food chain, from gathering to garbage bin, to show where food is wasted and to offer suggestions why. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/american-wasteland.html

On the road with “OzHarvest” - Australia’s food rescuers! A bird's eye view...from “Not Quite Nigella.” See:
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2010/10/18/ozharvest-food-rescue/

A big Australia? Here’s another salvo in the argument. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/get-facts-before-decrying-idea-of-big.html

A bigger Australia as certain as death and taxes! And another ..... See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/bigger-australia-as-certain-as-death.html

A Melbourne of 8 million? And yet another ..... See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/melbourne-of-8-million.html

Help ACF promote the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to return the river system to health:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3180

To support GetUp’s campaign to decriminalise abortion in Queensland go to:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/my_choice_is_no_crime&id=1409

[Thanks to Vikram H, Cruxcatalyst, ACF and GetUp for the links.]

The Ecology of Growth: New economic thinking is challenging traditional economic models, offering refreshing pathways out of the crash. One of the few good things about the current financial crisis is the extent of serious soul-searching about the right way to deliver economic success. Business, politicians and the media are all calling for a rapid return to growth to create jobs, repair public finances and pay for a creaking welfare state. More profoundly, however, there is a dawning recognition that the growth model adopted by the industrialised countries over the past half-century no longer works. Our model of growth has simply become uneconomic, with more stuff not only failing to bring additional wellbeing in the so-called rich world, but also storing up impending environmental shocks, most notably peak oil and runaway climate change. Read more at:
http://www.neweconomics.org/blog/2010/10/13/the-ecology-of-growth

Break the Habit is a new commercial - along the lines of the infamous “Grim Reaper” ad, that aims to draw attention to the epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia. The commercial - intentionally controversial in subject matter - directly targets parents who continue to feed their children junk food regardless of the damaging effects it is known to cause them. By comparing junk food to drug abuse, the commercial aims to make parents stop and think about their actions and remind them that junk food is a major contributor of childhood obesity, which is linked to a variety of chronic illnesses. The imagery is scary and could distress some viewers. See the video at:
http://scaryideas.com/content/19851/

GetUP’s campaign to de-criminalise abortion in Queensland: If you would like to help the GetUP campaign, see:
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/my_choice_is_no_crime&id=1405

Thanks to Vanda R, Cruxcatalyst and GetUp for the links.]

'Safe for Septic Systems' & 'Greywater safe' products

In response to the recent feed item regarding the WasteWater Treatment Plant, here are some brands we believe to be suitable. They clearly state on the packaging 'Safe for Septic Systems' & 'Greywater safe'

• Neways http://www.neways.com.au/products/household/homecare/ (dishwashing, washing machine, bodywash)
• Earth Choice range (natures organics product) (Toilet, shower, general purpose, shampoo & conditioner)

We are distributors for the Neways products.  Please let us know if you are interested and we can order them for you. 

Take a look at their website for more info or contact Jodie on 0401 343 170 or by email.
 
Jodie & Beau Summer

The Values of Everything - another excellent philosophical piece from George Monbiot, writing in the Guardian: Society needs to change so that it values the intrinsic (community and family) over the extrinsic (work, money, status, power) and foreign policy so that it’s always based on values, not just alliances. We must shed old thinking and stand up for those who believe there is more to life than the bottom line. But there’s a paradox here, which means that we cannot rely on politicians to drive these changes. Those who succeed in politics are, by definition, people who prioritise extrinsic over intrinsic values. Their ambition must supplant peace of mind, family life, friendship - even brotherly love. So we must lead this shift ourselves. People with strong intrinsic values must cease to be embarrassed by them. We should argue for the policies we want not on the grounds of expediency but on the grounds that they are empathetic and kind; and against others on the grounds that they are selfish and cruel. In asserting our values we become the change we want to see. Read more at:
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2010/10/11/the-values-of-everything/

Humanity is now using nature's services 50 percent faster than what Earth can renew, reveals the 2010 Living Planet Report, released Oct. 13 in Bristol, UK. Produced by WWF in collaboration with Global Footprint Network and the Zoological Society of London, the report examines the state of our natural world, and our impacts upon it. The report reveals humanity’s Ecological Footprint has more than doubled since 1966. In 2007, the most recent year for which data are available, humanity used the equivalent of 1.5 planets to support its activities. Yet change is possible. This edition of the report presents scenarios based on actions that could change the curve, as well as the outlook if we remain on our current course. See the interactive graph to explore how the typical Ecological Footprint in your country compares to that of others. Read more at:
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/2010_living_planet_report/

A once in a lifetime opportunity - returning the Murray-Darling to health: Read why the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) sees the recently released Murray-Darling Basin plan as such an important step forward for our Australian environment:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3180

[Thanks to Vanda R, Cruxcatalyst, and ACF for the links.]

What is Peace? An interesting and powerful article giving one teachers perspective on teaching this subject to his students. Its well worth a read and some thought about how we as a community teach others (villagers, our kids and others in the wider community) through our actions in informing them of who we are and how we interact. Vikram H. 
http://www.odemagazine.com/blogs/readers_blog/22636/how_teaching_peace_creates_peace

[Thanks to Vikram H for this valuable link.]

Thanks to Charlie and Jacqui for the following laugh to share at the next barbie:

Rural Australian Computer Terminology - A little bit of Aussie Kulcha.....!

LOG ON: Adding wood to make the barbie hotter.
LOG OFF: Not adding any more wood to the barbie.
MONITOR: Keeping an eye on the barbie.
DOWNLOAD: Getting the firewood off the Ute.
HARD DRIVE: Making the trip back home without any cold tinnies.

See the ATTACHED PDF for these and and lots of other funny ones to share with friends.

Rural computer lingo

ACF National Day for a Global Work Party on Climate Change: Circle 10/10/10 on your calendar. That’s the date. The place is wherever you live. And the point is to do something that will help deal with global warming in your city or community. What are you doing on 10/10/10? Join a work party near you to help progress action on climate. See:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp

UK town sees human waste used to heat homes: Householders in Didcot, Oxfordshire, have become the first in the UK to use biomethane gas made from their own human waste and supplied via the national grid to heat their homes. Up to 200 homes will be using biomethane made from sewage they had flushed away three weeks earlier. British Gas, Thames Water and Scotia Gas Networks now hope to roll out the process across the UK. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11433162

Wind farms, especially big ones, can affect local weather patterns: New research has showed that, depending on the natural air conditions, local turbulence from the rotors would either result in a warming near the surface at night and a cooling during the day. Crops grown around turbines could be affected. One of the solutions would be changing the rotor design. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11470261

Alarming oily legacy from sunken ships: 'Thousands of ships sunk in the second world war are seeping oil – and with their rusty tanks disintegrating, "peak leak" is only a few years away.. There may be huge uncertainties about exactly how much oil is out there, but no one doubts that it dwarfs any single previous maritime spill. Read more and see a spectacular map of “slicking time bombs” at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/10/peak-leak.html

Modern-day slavery - Horrific conditions on board ships catching fish for Europe: When environmental campaigners began tracking a hi-tech South Korean trawler off the coast of West Africa, they were looking for proof of illegal fishing of dwindling African stocks. What they uncovered was an altogether different kind of travesty: human degradation so extreme it echoed the slavery they thought had been abolished more than a century ago.Crews marooned at sea off Africa found in squalor, with cardboard bunks, 18-hour shifts, and payment in fish! Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/sep/30/modern-day-slavery-fishing-europe

Mental Health Week 10-16 October 2010: The theme for 2010 is Open your mind: what you do can make the difference. Did you know that over the next year one in five people will experience a mental health problem? Events will be held throughout South Australia during Mental Health Week. Details are available from the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia website at:
http://www.mhcsa.net/?catID=36

Eco Voice Eco News - October issue No. 78 now posted at:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, ACF, SA Community, & Eco Voice for the links.]

Below and ATTACHED are some amazing, creative artworks composed of human body images. Thanks to Pat F for sending them in.

[Note: The PDF is a rather large file (750 KB). If you would like one or more of the original images, let me know by email - Elizabeth H]

Creative body art

Are There Too Many Eco-Labels and Green Ratings? Every day, we faced with an overwhelming number of choices. From when we wake up in the morning until we go to bed, we make hundreds of decisions among the thousands of choices we have. But having so many choices isn't always good for us - and this also applies to the proliferating range of eco-labels and green ratings. Read more at:
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/09/23/are-there-too-many-eco-labels-and-green-ratings?

Water map shows billions at risk of 'water insecurity’: About 80% of the world's population lives in areas where the fresh water supply is not secure. Researchers compiled a composite index of "water threats" that includes issues such as scarcity and pollution. Results are presented as a water map showing grades of threat. In western countries, conserving water through reservoirs and dams works for people, but not nature. They urge developing countries not to follow the same path. Instead, they say governments should invest in strategies that combine infrastructure with "natural" options such as safeguarding watersheds, wetlands and flood plains. Read more and see the water map at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11435522

Wasteful Technology Habits - Think Before You Buy: (This applies to computers or anything else!) In America many people are always buying things they don't really need. That fifteenth pair of shoes, a third car, a second house... Well you get the idea. I guess it should really be no surprise then that people in America are also over paying for computer hardware and software they do not need, nor will they ever come close to fully utilizing. How can we better understand the problem and kick the habit of getting saddled with more than we need? See:
http://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/2010/10/wasteful-technology-habits-think-before.html

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Parks and Leisure Australia are once again offering their popular workshops on sustainable garden design.

Private gardens along with the parklands are an essential part of our States ‘lungs’ and it is therefore essential that the long term survival of private gardens is ensured so we maintain the mantle of the garden city and our quality of life is retained. With the success of these sessions in February 2009 and 2010, this year’s emphasis will be placed on sustainable design taking into account the difficulties of living in regions outside of mains water supply.

For details of dates, times and venues, see the ATTACHED notice.

Bookings are expected to be heavy so don’t delay.

Sust Garden Design Wkshps

This incredible picture was taken in Sitka, coastal Alaska. The kayaker is a local Sitka Dentist - and believe it or not, he’s in the whales MOUTH!!!


Sitka dentist, Dr Richard Kraft, during one of his routine oral examinations!

Richard Kraft’s story:
The photo was taken at the entrance to Katlian Bay at the end of the road in Sitka. The whale is coming up to scoop up a mouthful of herring (the small fish seen at the surface around the kayak). Yep, that is me in the picture. Yep that is a whale that was just around the corner from the ferry terminal.

"Paddle really fast" is the only thing I could think of at the time.. Also thinking that I don't look like a herring, don't smell like a herring but with the same herring instinct of "get the hell out of the way of that big mouth!!"

Still living to tell yet another story... Rich K

[Thanks to Michael V for sending this in - also ATTACHED as a PDF to share.]

OOPS

For Facebook fans! Here’s a link to the new Friends of Port Willunga Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Pt-Willunga/126326804082487?ref=mf

Time for another population summit? Housing is “the last crop.” My farmer friend tells me that the decline of the Roman Empire can be attributed to overpopulation and urban expansion. Deforestation and excessive grazing led to erosion of meadows and cropland. Increased irrigation caused salinisation. Population growth resulted in fertile land becoming nonproductive and increased desertification. Many animal species become extinct. High taxes forced small farmers out of business and into the cities, where disease, water shortages and food shortages became common. Does that sound ominously familiar? The population bomb is the growth lobby’s baby. See Stephanie Johnston’s article in ‘InDaily’ of 29 September at:
http://www.indaily.com.au/?xml=indaily_v2&iid=40986&sr=0#folio=006

Pace e Bene Australia - Nonviolence Service - Promoting the spirituality and practice of active nonviolence: Join Pace e Bene on a journey exploring nonviolent living at:
http://www.paceebene.org.au

The Power of 10 is a concept the organisation “Projects for Public Spaces” uses to highlight principles of the Placemaking Process. The basic idea is that it’s not enough to have just one great place in a neighborhood—you need a number of them to create a truly lively neighborhood. And it’s not enough to have only one top-notch neighborhood in a city—you need to provide people all over town with close-to-home opportunities to take pleasure in public life. And then it’s not enough to have a single livable community in a region—you need a collection of interesting cities and towns to offer a high quality of life the wider area... There could be wisdom here for us at AAEV as we develop our common spaces. The Playgrounds Group are already on board, it seems! Read more at:
http://www.pps.org/the-power-of-10/

The Cohousing Association of the US: Cohousing communities are old-fashioned neighborhoods created with a little ingenuity. They bring together the value of private homes with the benefits of more sustainable living. That means common facilities and good connections with neighbors. All in all, they stand as innovative answers to today's environmental and social problems. Learn more at:
http://www.cohousing.org/

New York City To Curb Water Runoff With Blue And Green Roofs: New York City wants to catch and store rainwater temporarily in new roof systems to stop heavy storms sending sewage spilling into city waterways. The catchment systems would consist of "blue" roofs that have a series of drainage pools and "green" or grass- or ivy-covered roofs, under a plan unveiled by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg estimates the city could save $2.4 billion over 20 years if the state allows it to use this kind of green technology instead of relying on so-called grey infrastructure, such as storage tanks and tunnels. Read more at:
http://planetark.org/wen/59687

Making sharing irresistible: Lisa Gansky is an author, instigator & entrepreneur dedicated to making a real mesh of things. Her latest book is “The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing.” The ‘Mesh’ describes businesses and organizations that share stuff, fueled in part by the mobile web & social networks. Mesh lifestyles and businesses embrace a world in which access to things trumps owning them. Gansky says, “In my book, I talk about dozens of these new outfits, and why they are growing at such a prodigious rate. There are a couple of thousand more at http://www.meshing.it. Well-known examples include car & bike sharing, and vacation home-sharing services. But there are lots of more surprising ideas brought to market ... ... Read more at:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/09/23/making-sharing-irres.html

Provocative GrowthBusters Film about the 'End of Growth' Taps Crowd Power: A groundbreaking documentary about the end of growth promises to shake things up when released next year. But it’s already turning heads by virtue of the way it’s being made. A few recent films, such as Age of Stupid, have been “crowd-funded,” in which the general public pitches in to finance films they want to see made. “Crowd-distribution” of independent films has also come into vogue. Robert Greenwald’s Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, was seen by 500,000 people in one week by way of 7,000 house parties and community screenings. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/provocative-growthbusters-film-about.html

Vulnerable Arab World Lags On Climate Change Action: The Arab world will be one of the regions worst hit by climate change but still lacks any coordinated response to its potentially devastating effects, experts said at a conference this week. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/vulnerable-arab-world-lags-on-climate.html

Democratizing Money: Amid all the talk about financial reform, we rarely stop and think about what money is, and how it's made. And yet money is just as much a social institution as a bank or a political party. Learn more about the social implications of monetary systems at:
http://www.neweconomics.org/blog/2010/09/28/democratizing-money

Treasury admits GDP used inappropriately: A senior Treasury official has admitted that his department has been guilty of overusing gross domestic product (GDP), after recognising that it is a flawed measure of economic wellbeing and social progress. Read more at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/17/3015176.htm

Migraine cause 'identified' as genetic defect: A flawed gene found in a family of migraine sufferers could help trigger the severe headaches, a study in Nature Medicine suggests. The discovery is a step forward in understanding why one in five people suffers from migraines. It could help in developing more effective treatments. The World Health Organization rates migraine as a leading cause of disability. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11408113

[Thanks to Stephanie J, John H, Vanda R, and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Largest UK offshore wind farm opens off the coast of Kent: The world's biggest offshore wind farm off Kent has been officially opened. Swedish energy giant Vattenfall said the 100 turbines are expected to generate enough electricity to power 200,000 homes. Read more and see a video clip at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-11395964

Climate risks greater for long distance migratory birds: Birds embarking on long distance migrations are more vulnerable to shifts in the climate than ones making shorter journeys, a study suggests. Scientists say the increasingly early arrival of spring at breeding sites in Europe makes it harder for the birds to attract a mate or find food. The researchers warn that the "increasing ecological mismatch" can lead to a decline in bird populations. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11408439

[Thanks to John H for the links.]

“Fun Theory” states that more people will do the right thing more of the time if they have fun doing it. Here’s an adaptation to getting folks to put their rubbish into the bin in public places:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbEKAwCoCKw

[Thanks to Cruxcatalyst for the You Tube link.]

An Inconvenient Sandwich: The British appetite for quick, cheap, convenient food that we can eat wherever we happen to be has hidden costs to society, public health and the environment. The economic pressures facing independent cafés and sandwich bars often force social justice, sustainability and health off the menu. Read more at:
http://neweconomics.org/publications/inconvenient-sandwich

Warning: Your Reality is Out of Date: When people think of knowledge, they generally think of two sorts of facts: facts that don’t change, like the height of Mount Everest or the capital of the United States, and facts that fluctuate constantly, like the temperature or the stock market close. But in between there is a third kind: “meso-facts” that change slowly. These are facts which we tend to view as fixed, but which shift over the course of a lifetime, so what we learned as facts during our education be seriously out of date and impair our judgment. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/warning-your-reality-is-out-of-date.html

Securing Human Well Being in a Resource-Constrained World: In this short video, Mathis Wackernagel, Founder and Executive Director of the Global Footprint Network, challenges attendees at a recent lecture to consider the ecological consequences of current consumption and development patterns. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/securing-human-well-being-in-resource.html

Japan tries reward points to promote local food: During an experimental campaign in Japan, consumers who purchased domestic foods were given purchase points, which they were then able to trade in for prizes, including seasonal local foods, gift certificates, and meal tickets, as well as farming experience tours for families. Would it work at our community farm level? Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/japan-launches-point-awards-trial-to.html

The Sustainable Side of Job Sharing: “It sounds great but it would never work for me." This is the initial reaction many people have when they hear about job sharing. However, upon further exploration, this could be an option that would overall increase work life balance, loyalty to the employer, job satisfaction, and sustainability. Read more at:
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/09/15/sustainable-side-job-sharing?

Growth may be good now, but what of the future? Economic growth is unquestioningly assumed by mainstream economists to be a ‘good thing’, and essential for world economic stability. In the short term they are right. In the long term, however, prolonged economic growth might be the cause of far more instability than meets the eye. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/growing-problems-on-road-to-recovery.html

Robert Rapier explains “peak oil”: Chemical Engineer and Technology Officer Robert Rapier speaks to raise awareness of the serious implications of “peak oil” for world development. See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjOFCegjoik

Population growth explained with IKEA boxes: Explaining population growth requires simplification, but not oversimplification. In this 10-min TED video, statistician Hans Rosling explains why ending poverty - over the coming decades - is crucial to stop population growth. Only by raising the living standards of the poorest, in an environmentally-friendly way, will population growth stop at 9 billion people in 2050. See:
http://www.gapminder.org/videos/population-growth-explained-with-ikea-boxes/
See more of Rosling's visualizations at http://www.gapminder.org

“Shag Bands” - parents’ worst nightmare: They look like a symbol of childhood innocence, but these colourful bracelets are behind an "insidious" craze of primary school kids performing sex acts that it is feared will soon sweep through Queensland. Rather than a mere fashion statement, the so-called "shag bands" are linked to gradations of sexual behaviour. The game involves a boy or girl trying to break the rubber band off the wearer's wrist. If it snaps, the wearer has to perform the favour corresponding to the colour. Read more at:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/shag-bands-are-a-parents-worst-nightmare/story-e6frer7o-1225780002576

GetUp tackles the big banks on unfair fees: Traditionally, GetUp campaigns have focused on holding politicians accountable - but of course we know that power doesn't reside with government alone. So when 96% of GetUp members said they support GetUp campaigning for greater social responsibility by business and corporations, we knew we had a mandate to think big. As a first step, we're backing a class action lawsuit against the big banks to recoup for consumers over $1 billion dollars a year in unfair bank fees - fees that hit the most vulnerable Australians the hardest. Do you want to add your name to the case?
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/jointheaction

[Thanks to Vanda R, John H, Cruxcatalyst and GetUp for the links.]

Thanks to Tricia O’D for the following “smile” - also ATTACHED as a PDF to share with friends.

PECANS IN THE CEMETERY

On the outskirts of a village, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two children filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.

'One for you, one for me; one for you, one for me' said one boy.. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me; one for you, one for me.'

He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old  woman with a cane, hobbling along.

'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls.'

The  woman said, ' Not now luv, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the woman hobbled slowly to the cemetery.

Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me; one for you, one for me.'

The old  woman whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord.'

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old  woman and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.

At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done.'

They say the old woman made it back to the village a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike!

Pecans in the Cemetery

Too big to fail? Here’s a humorous twist on the notion that the big banks are too big to be allowed to fail:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/too-big-to-fail.html

E-waste: spring clean your tech junk: Very topical after the recent city-wide e-waste muster! This ZDNet site offers an excellent short video about the problem of e-waste, how it is growing, and what we might do about it. See:
http://www.zdnet.com.au/e-waste-spring-clean-your-tech-junk_p7-339305330.htm

Governments of the US and UK attempting to go ‘green’: Big government plans for going green seem to be the latest thing in both the USA and the UK. Best of luck to them - it won’t be easy trying to steer all those big vested interests! See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/white-house-releases-sustainability.html
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/becoming-greenest-government-ever.html

“Positve Money” - a push to reform the banking system: Money and banking are at the root of most of our social and economic problems. The global economy currently runs on a system called ‘fractional reserve banking’, this system causes huge recessions and piles incredible amounts of debt upon the ordinary people. It is unstable, unsustainable, unproductive and unfair. We could do better! Read more and watch an excellent short video clip on how the backs create money through loans at:
http://www.positivemoney.org.uk/

Old-tech nuclear power is not the answer: In this essay, Scott Ludlum (Greens senator for Western Australia and Greens' national spokesman on nuclear issues) claims nuclear power is an uneconomic 1940s military technology and carries unacceptable risks. See:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/old-tech-nuclear-power-is-not-the-answer/story-e6frg6zo-1225925023935

Eco-friendly fur? How about using pest animal fur for clothing? Wearing the furs of rare, endangered or cruelly confined animals has rightly gone out of style. But is all fur off the list? How about the fur of an environmental pest animal where the pelts are taken as part of a national control program? Read more at:
http://www.thegreenpages.com.au/index.asp?page_id=1695

Outcome of GetUp post-election issues survey: The top 10 issues for GetUp members are: (1) Investing in renewable energy (83% strongly support), (2) Indigenous rights (72%), (3) Native forest conservation (71%), (4) Securing Australia’s water supplies (69%), (5) The fair and humane treatment of refugees (67%), (6) Access to and investments in public transport (66%), (7) Improving the provision of mental healthcare services (62%), (8) Continued parliamentary reforms (62%), (9) No new polluting coal fired power stations (62%), (10) A price on carbon pollution (61%). More information at:
http://blog.getup.org.au/2010/09/18/your-voice-your-vision/

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, Green Razor, and GetUp for the links.]

If you have trouble with English spelling, take heart. Help is on its way. See the ATTACHMENT for how this might pan out over the next few years.

Thanks to Rita B and Jacqui G - and a reassuring pat on the back to villagers of German extraction. It’s not personal! We love you!

Fixing up English

Mind boggling world clock! This online clock gives you the time in cities all over the world - but it does much, much more. It shows, in real time, the statistics for global births, deaths, diseases, deforestation, revegetation, and a whole host of other parameters. Awesome!
http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

Rediscovering Simplicity - The Cyclists of Italy: One of the paradoxes inherent in the realities of peak oil and climate change is that we have to take action while at the same time slowing our pace. But he challenges we face will not be met by politics and technology alone. In order to change the infrastructure of our cities and towns, we have to change the “infrastructure” within ourselves. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/rediscovering-simplicity-cyclists-of.html

“Wasted Food, Wasted Energy: The Embedded Energy in Food Waste in the United States”: A new research report from University of Texas, Austin, uses energy from agriculture, transportation, processing, sales, storage, and preparation to estimate the energy embedded in wasted food annually in the United States. As the embedded energy of food is large, the impost of some 27% of food wastage is very high in terms of energy lost. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/wasted-food-wasted-energy.html

Share-cropping the backyards of New York: 'New York City is dotted with more than 10,000 acres of unused land and Stacey Murphy, architect-turned-urban farmer, has seen the opportunity and started a business, “B K Farmyards” in Brooklyn that's turning backyards, vacant lots, and school property into organic garden plots. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/communities-get-gardening-bug.html

Lloyds of London wakes up to the threat of Peak Oil: The Lloyd's insurance market and the highly regarded Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, say Britain needs to be ready for "peak oil" and disrupted energy supplies. Lloyds has warned of "catastrophic consequences" for businesses that fail to prepare for a world of increasing oil scarcity and a lower carbon economy. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/lloyds-adds-its-voice-to-dire-peak-oil.html

UK Conservative Push to End Fractional Reserve Banking: This is intriguing, particularly as it comes from the conservative right in the UK - this bill would stop private banks being able to create money as debt, which is a key driver of the need to keep an economy growing. Could it be an tiny unexpected sign of sanity in the modern economic system? Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/uk-conservative-push-to-end-fractional.html

Capitalist storm clouds loom over Cuba: After massive job cuts in the public sector, a million Cuban workers have been told to become entrepreneurs in bid to boost island's private sector. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/14/cuba-government-job-cuts-private-sector

Republican 'climate zombies' could claim the US Senate: All but one of the 48 Republican hopefuls for the Senate mid-term elections in November deny the existence of climate change or oppose action on global warming, according to a report released this week. The strong Republican front against established science includes entrenched Senate leaders as well as the new wave of radical conservatives endorsed by the Tea Party activists. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/14/republican-hopefuls-deny-global-warming

Restaurant dishcloths 'full of bacteria’: Dishcloths used in restaurants and takeaways harbour unsavoury and possibly dangerous bacteria. In a survey of 120 kitchens in north-east England, researchers found 56% of cloths tested were unacceptable, carrying faecal bacteria or in some cases dangerous bugs such as Listeria. An environmental health expert said it was "pure luck" that spared more customers from illness. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11304439

The Centre for Policy Development: The short-term thinking of the election cycle is damaging Australia’s long-term interests. The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) is a public interest think tank dedicated to seeking out creative, viable ideas and innovative research to inject into Australia’s policy debates. We give a diverse community of thinkers space to imagine solutions to Australia’s most urgent challenges, and we do what it takes to make their ideas matter. See:
http://cpd.org.au/

Join the community consultation on South Australia’s Strategic Plan: All South Australians are encouraged to get involved.Listen to views from the community, share your ideas, attend an event or comment online. You can join a group or just tune in as a casual observer. Comment on the website at any time or please contact us for further information. Please make a formal submission about the Plan until 15 October 2010 (download form from website):
http://www.saplan.org.au/

[Thanks to Pat Fraser, John H, Cruxcatalyst, CPD, and SA Community for the links.]

Let The Environment Guide Our Development - An important presentation from TED: Human growth has strained the Earth's resources, but as Johan Rockstrom reminds us, our advances also give us the science to recognize this and change behavior. His research with the Resilience Centre has found nine "planetary boundaries" that can guide us in protecting our planet's many overlapping ecosystems. See the video at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/let-environment-guide-our-development.html

The Happy Planet Index - Another important presentation from TED: 'Statistician Nic Marks of the new economics foundation asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity - instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/happy-planet-index.html

Societies without God are more benevolent: The pope's visit to Britain has been the perfect excuse for many commentators to traduce secularism. Here’s another take on the debate encompassing religion, atheism, and secularism. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/sep/12/pope-benedict-atheism-secularism

Sex movie ‘worm’ spreads worldwide: A booby-trapped e-mail that promises free sex movies is racking up victims around the world, warn computer security firms. Some variants of the Windows worm contain a link to PDF that a recipient has been told to expect. Those clicking on the link get neither movies nor documents but give the malware access to their entire Outlook address book. When installed, the worm sends copies of itself to every e-mail address it can find. The malicious e-mail messages have a subject line saying "Here you have" and contain a weblink that looks like it connects to a PDF document. Instead it actually links to a website hosting the malware. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11258795

“Chill Out” for health’s sake! High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are closely linked to death from cardiovascular disease, a Dutch study suggests. In a six-year study of 860 over-65s, those with the highest levels of cortisol had a five-fold risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, no link was found between high cortisol levels and other causes of death. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11247222

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Flyover of the Christchurch earthquake fault and interactive fault map: An aerial video of the fault line, and interactive map showing location and intensity of main and after shocks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npqx3WmNkv4
http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/

Shmeco - the online home of sustainable living: Shmeco.com provides a community forum and directory, for people to exchange their ideas, stories and experiences on sustainable living choices. Getting involved costs nothing, but the knowledge you can gain will be invaluable. Plus the community can benefit via shmeco credits. Read more at:
http://www.shmeco.com

Solar energy from jellyfish juice! Silicon solar cells are so, well, dead. Dollops of green goo made of living cells – from jellyfish to algae - are now being recruited to produce cheaper solar power. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden are developing a photovoltaic device based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) from a jellyfish
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19416-green-machine-squeezing-solar-juice-from-jellyfish.html

Get involved in South Australia’s Strategic Plan through community discussion: See:
http://www.saplan.org.au/

GetUp Petition against compulsory acquisition of Aboriginal land for a gas processing facility: Read the details and sign the petition at:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/Homelands&id=1386

GetUp “Where to from here” issues survey: The Prime Minister may be the same but this Parliament is going to be very, very different! The opportunity to influence policy directions in open discussion in the house will be greatly increased. As a people, we have some important decisions to make - and we need to make them together. Help GetUp with defining next steps in the campaign by answering a few questions:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5TVNTKG

Vitamin B 'puts off Alzheimer’s’: A new study suggests high doses of B vitamins may halve the rate of brain shrinkage in older people experiencing some of the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. Brain shrinkage is one of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to dementia. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11232356

[Thanks to Steve P, John H, SA Community, GetUp, and Margaret Gordon (NZ) for the links.]

Pencils are a frequent tool of artists - but not normally in this way (see ATTACHMENT). Thanks to Vanda R for sending in the photos.

Pencil Lead Art

Here’s a bit of humour with a twist in the tail - and some food for thought. Thanks to Vanda R for sending it in.

How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator? Intrigued? See the ATTACHMENT.

How to put a giraffe in the fridge

When Sea Levels Attack - cities could go under! See this interesting map of sea level rise in relation to some of the world’s familiar cities:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/when-sea-levels-attack.html

Leaked military study warns of drastic oil crisis: A study by a German military think tank has analyzed how "peak oil" might change the global economy. One wonders whether we are going to WAKE UP in time, or sleepwalk our way to global collapse?! Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/09/military-study-warns-of-potentially.html

Seed Savers Australia: See an overview of activities, resources and information on preservation of natural traditional plant seed lines. Read more at:
http://www.seedsavers.net/

UN calls special meeting to address food shortages amid predictions of riots: Poor harvests and demand from developing countries could push cost of weekly shop up by 10%. In developing countries themselves, food riots have already taken place. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/sep/05/commodities-food-drink-industry
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/sep/05/mozambique-food-riots-patel

Antarctica has lost its ice before! British Antarctic Survey researchers have found the dispersal of minute marine animals called bryozoans suggests a sea passage once divided Antarctica 125,000 years ago. Are we going there again? Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/05/climate-change-ice-caps-antarctica

The Greens agreement with Labor: You can read the agreement in full or in summary at:
http://greens.org.au/greens_labor_deal

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, Seed Savers, and the Australian Greens for the links.]

Exercise can help prevent cancer, researchers say. World Cancer Research Fund says even moderate exercise such as brisk walking can reduce risk of cancer. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/aug/31/exercise-help-prevent-cancer

U.S. Economy Grinds To Halt As Nation Realizes Money Just A Symbolic, Mutually Shared Illusion: The U.S. economy ceased to function this week after unexpected existential remarks by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke shocked Americans into realizing that money is, in fact, just a meaningless and intangible social construct. Trust “The Onion” to make people weep! Read more at:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/us-economy-grinds-to-halt-as-nation-realizes-money,2912/

The facts of climate change have made even Bjorn Lomborg, one of the most vehement climate skeptics, change sides. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/30/bjorn-lomborg-climate-change-u-turn
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/31/climate-change-bjorn-lomborg

Ancient coral reef uncovered in South Pacific may provide clues to what will happen to coral when sea temperatures rise. Researchers from Australia and New Zealand have discovered a huge 9,000-year-old reef surprisingly far south. Lord Howe Island is 600km east of the Australian mainland and has a small modern coral reef - the furthest south in the world. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11153193

New Climate & Energy Policies Could Create 2.5 Million Jobs, Hold Down Energy Costs: New greenhouse gas emissions and energy policies at the Federal level could generate as many as 2.5 million new jobs and $134 billion in economic activity in the United States while keeping energy costs down, according to a new report from the Center for Climate Strategies, published with Johns Hopkins University. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-climate-energy-policies-could.html

Help GetUp campaign to reform political donations: View the “funny ad” video at:
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/PoliticalDonations&id=1384

South Australia’s Strategic Plan - Join the conversation:
http://community.saplan.org.au/
http://www.youtube.com/YourFutureSA

South Australia’s community news, events & services:
http://sacommunity.org/

Eco Voice - latest Eco News - Issue 77:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, GetUP, SA Community, and EcoVoice for the links.]

Could parents please encourage their children to protect the vegetation in the mounds.  It is hard enough, and a lot of work, to encourage the growth in the mounds, but even harder when children clear swathes across them for bike jumps.  

The mound at the bottom of Yacca Way is regularly targeted as a bike jump, and last weekend, a whole swathe was cleared, with ground cover ruthlessly cleared out down to bare earth. 

The boys who did it, were in the process of also of digging up a sheoak tree when they were very politely asked to stop, but they argued that they "were allowed to dig it up & replant it". After further argument, they were finally chased away, and the tree was saved, but the ground cover is gone. 

Please, parents, point out that they must respect the mounds and the work that has gone into trying to establish them, and that they are not play areas. 

Annette 

With researchers increasingly turning their attention to the social and environmental impacts of community gardening, the Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network (ACFCGN) has just published a fully revised and expanded second edition of its Annotated Bibliography of community gardening research and analysis. The new edition provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research right up to August 2010 including how-to manuals as well as publications in academic and professional journals, books and theses.

The Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network has produced the Bibliography in response to requests from students and researchers, and to assist gardeners seeking evidence of the benefits of community gardening to support their applications and submissions. We hope it will meet their needs and encourage further research.
Copies of the 50-page booklet are available for free download from:
http://communitygarden.org.au/bibliography [pdf 676 KB]

Monbiot sees the politics of climate change as a self-fulfilling prophecy: Quietly in public, loudly in private, climate scientists everywhere are saying the same thing: it’s over. The years in which more than two degrees of global warming could have been prevented have passed, the opportunities squandered by denial and delay. On current trajectories we’ll be lucky to get away with four degrees. Mitigation (limiting greenhouse gas pollution) has failed; now we must adapt to what nature sends our way. If we can! Read more at:
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2009/03/17/a-self-fulfilling-prophecy/

The longer you sit, the earlier you die: Unlike most bad news, this one is best heard standing up: people who sit more than 6 hours a day are more likely to die earlier. That's even for people who exercise regularly after long sit-a-thons at the office and aren't obese. That's the sobering news from a new study that tracked more than 100,000 adults for 14 years. See:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-health-healthy-aging-sitting-early-death,0,6105710.story

Friends of the Earth urges end to 'land grab' for biofuels: European Union countries must drop their biofuels targets or else risk plunging more Africans into hunger and raising carbon emissions, according to Friends of the Earth (FoE). In a campaign launching today, the charity accuses European companies of land-grabbing throughout Africa to grow biofuel crops that directly compete with food crops. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/30/biofuels-land-grab-friends-of-the-earth

“Human kind still has a lot to learn about the nature of value, and the value of nature,” says Pavan Sukhdev - head of the UNEP Green Economy Initiative and an expert on the natural capital that gets left off today’s corporate balance sheets. His pioneering work considers what it would take to put nature on the balance sheet - so that we do not continue borrowing from the future to pay for the present. In an interim report released by the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Project, he pointed out that we’re trying to navigate this complex terrain using a defective economic compass.  He also referred to Adam Smith’s observation that prices are often out of whack with what things are really worth.  Water is essential for life, yet incredibly cheap.  Nobody dies without diamonds, yet diamonds are expensive. At the link, you can WATCH Pavan Sukhdev’s Sydney lecture filmed for the ABC's Big Ideas Program, or READ the transcript, or LISTEN and download the podcast:
http://cpd.org.au/2010/08/value-of-nature-pavan-sukhdev/

‘Deepwater Horizon’ fears resurface as rigs probe for oil under Arctic ice: In a few days' time, officials at the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum in Greenland will reveal the winners of a new round of licences to drill for oil and gas in its waters. The announcement promises to be explosive. Among those waiting to drill are most of the world's leading oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell and Norway's StatOil. Watching with equal attention will be the planet's leading green groups, who have pledged to block every effort to drill in the Arctic, fearing a broken well could gush for years in such a challenging environment. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/29/deepwater-horizon-greenland-oil-drilling-arctic

Crybaby Capitalists! The big guys on Wall Street, they can't take their losses - they're crybaby capitalists, they preach capitalism for everybody but themselves! See this excellent ABC program - 'Overdose', a documentary on global financial crisis (43 mins total):
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/crybaby-capitalists.html

The price of Britain's disappearing wildlife: Food is relatively cheap and plentiful in Britain today, but will that still be the case in 50 years? Overfishing and the decline of species on land has left some experts saying it is getting both harder and more expensive for the UK to feed itself in the long term. That decline also opens up questions about the sort of countryside being left to future generations as nearly half of Britain's native land mammals are now considered a priority for conservation. See:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8950000/8950389.stm

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, and The Centre for Policy Development for the links.]

Thanks to Pat F for the following good laugh:

Kulula is a low-cost South-African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously. Check out the ATTACHMENT to see their new livery! And have a read about their Customer Relations. For example:

"Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments." Now read on:

Kulula Airways

Stop wasting food - save the world’s energy! The energy footprint of food is enormous. We could save an enormous amount of energy by tackling the huge problem of food waste. Doing so is likely to be quicker than many of the other options on the table, while also saving money and reducing emissions. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/stop-wasting-food-save-worlds-energy.html

Think Australia’s cities have traffic jams? Try China! China’s hellish 10-day-old traffic jam now stretches 100 km and could last another three weeks. It's a metaphor for a nation that sometimes chokes on its own breakneck growth. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/chinese-traffic-jam-extends-60-miles.html

A cup of cold undies - how silly can you get!!! This is surely one of the more ridiculous examples of unnecessary consumption and packaging! In reaction to one of the longest heat waves in Japan’s history stores everywhere have been stocking ice cold panties in disposable cups. To see how dumb marketing can get, see:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/cup-of-cold-undies.html

New eco-philosophy to permit new “One Planet” homes in rural Britain: In areas of Britain, the construction of new homes has long been forbidden in rural areas. However, there is now a radical new policy being implemented in Wales to permit qualifying homes in which people will live nearly self-sufficiently with an eco-footprint that uses on their fair share of our one planet’s resources. Read more at:
http://www.pembrokeshire.econews.org.uk and http://www.ecocymru.org

19th Century economist had a better idea for valuing natural resources: Herman Daly, US Professor of Ecological Economics, says nineteenth century economist Henry George has much to teach us about how to share the value of common natural resources... Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/modernising-henry-george.html

Calling all ‘Future Eaters’! The human species during its brief time on Earth has exhibited a remarkable capacity to kill itself off. And now we sit passive and dumb as corporations and the leaders of industrialised nations ensure that climate change will accelerate to levels that could mean the extinction of our species. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/calling-all-future-eaters.html

The politics of climate change denial: It was Australia's second climate change election. Climate change deposed the former leaders of both main parties: Kevin Rudd (Labor) because his position was too weak, Malcolm Turnbull (Liberal) because his was too strong. When Julia Gillard, the new Labor leader, also flunked the issue, many of her supporters defected to the Greens. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2010/aug/23/deniers-climate-change-rightwing-handout

Amazon, droughts driving drop in plants' ability to store carbon: Recent observations have led to worries that land use changes and rising temperatures themselves might start inhibiting the natural carbon sinks (plants and oceans). A new science study provides some evidence that this may be taking place: droughts over the past decade have caused the amount of CO2 taken up by land plants to drop. Read more at:
http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2010/08/amazon-droughts-driving-drop-in-plant-ability-to-store-carbon.ars

“Your Development”is a new website for sustainable urban development: It allows assessment of a development and provides information as Fact sheets; Case studies; Brief case studies; Links to other sites; News articles and more. See:
http://yourdevelopment.org/about/

Climate Change Science - Questions & Answers: This PDF publication from the Australian Academy of Science gives the latest on peer-reviewed climate change science. See:
http://www.science.org.au/reports/climatechange2010.pdf [Large file 1.2 MB]

[Thanks to Vanda R, John H, Deb Harding and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

I'm sure that most of us have seen and read this Desiderata piece at some point (ATTACHED). I have not read it for many years, and it is so beautiful and relevant.  Take a couple of minutes to read it if you can.

Jacqui G
Go placidly

Thanks to Annette I for sending in the ATTACHED set of hilarious quotes from a book called “Disorder in the American Courts.” They are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters who suffered the torment of staying calm and straight-faced while these exchanges were actually taking place.

Here’s a preview:

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.

Now read on:
Silence in Court

Population: The Multiplier of Everything Else: When it comes to controversial issues, population is in a class by itself. Advocates and activists working to reduce global population growth and size are attacked by the Left for supposedly ignoring human-rights issues, glossing over Western overconsumption, or even seeking to reduce the number of people of colour. They are attacked by the Right for supposedly favouring widespread abortion, promoting promiscuity via sex education, or wanting to harm economic growth. Others think the problem has been solved, or believe that the real problem is that we have a shortage of people (the so-called “birth dearth”). One thing is certain: The planet and its resources are finite, and it cannot support an infinite population of humans or any other species. A second thing is also certain: The issue of population is too important to avoid just because it is controversial. Download this Post Carbon PDF reader (1.5 MB) at:
http://www.postcarbon.org/Reader/PCReader-Ryerson-Population.pdf

UK also has open day for Eco-Houses - much like our Sustainable House Day: See:
http://ecoopenhouses.org/

Privatisation of beaches for the wealthy causing angst in Italy: Class war breaks out on Italy's beaches, as the ultra-rich carve out their patch of sand. Private beach clubs are taking over the country's coastline, forcing average families onto crowded patches of shoreline. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/22/italy-beach-berlusconi-rossi-zucchero

Rising temperatures reducing ability of plants to absorb carbon: Research shows warming over past decade caused droughts that reduced number of plants available to soak up carbon dioxide. Droughts have wiped out plants that would have absorbed the carbon equivalent of all the man-made greenhouse gas emissions from the UK every year. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/19/rising-temperatures-plants-carbon

Critical plant bank in danger: Plant scientists around the world are warning that hundreds of years of accumulated agricultural heritage are in danger of being ploughed under after a Russian court ruled on 11 August that the land occupied by a world-renowned plant genetic resources collection on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg may be transferred to the Russian Housing Development Foundation, which plans to build houses on the site. Read more at:
http://www.the-scientist.com/blog/display/57617/

[Thanks to Deb Harding, John H, Steve P and the Post Carbon Institute for the links.]

The Climate Change Elephant-in-the-Room gets a TV interview: A little comic relief amongst all the hype and spin of the election campaign - from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. See the video clip, and listen to the news anchor start giggling when the reporter begins to interview 'the elephant'!!
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/climate-elephant-in-room.html

GetUp’s Election Issues scorecard: An independent guide to where the parties stand on the issues. See:
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/election2010&id=1354

Win Australia’s Greatest Train Journey: To celebrate the launch of Great Southern Rail’s new and improved user-friendly website, we are giving people the opportunity to experience Australia's greatest train journey with three of their friends. It's easy, simply click on the link, choose your dream itinerary, enter your details and you're in the running:
http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/site/competitions/win_australias_greatest_train_journey.jsp

New political party, Stop Population Growth Now fields an election candidate for Mayo: Stop Population Growth Now, a body of Australians seeking to reduce Australia’s population growth, has formed a new political party in time to field a first candidate, Bill Spragg, for the SA seat of Mayo. This is a direct response to recent polls that show a majority of Australians do not support a “big Australia”. Read more at:
http://www.stoppopulationgrowthnow.com/ and http://www.billspragg.id.au/

Earth is officially in overdraft from Saturday: Data from the Global Footprint Network reveal that, as of this Saturday 21 August, humanity will have demanded all the ecological services – from filtering CO2 to producing the raw materials for food – that nature can provide this year. From now until the end of the year, we will meet our ecological demand by depleting resource stocks and accumulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/overdraft-notice-served-on-earth-21.html

Confessions of a recovering environmentalist: This is one of those rare pieces that lays down the gauntlet to the climate change movement - in essence it asks the question are we concerned for the planet or merely concerned to hold on to what we have?  Can we continue a consumption driven lifestyle and still claim to be concerned for the environment? Without stating it this piece highlights the problem of removing population growth from the sustainable equation. This is a very moving essay for anyone truly concerned for our global environment:
http://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-kingsnorth/confessions-of-recovering-environmentalist?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=201210&utm_campaign=On-Demand_2010-08-16%2013%3a27

[Thanks to Deb Harding, Cruxcatalyst, GetUp, and Zero Carbon Future for the links.]

Want a good laugh about “ocker” shed culture? Try the “Institute for Backyard Studies”:
http://www.ibys.org/shed/?page_id=7
especially Hoke’s Tool Co: http://www.ibys.org/shed/?page_id=101
and Deep Shed Culture: http://www.ibys.org/shed/?page_id=17

A different system of ‘eco burial’: An Australian company is claiming to be the first in the world to offer a watery grave. The new service will present bereaved families with an alternative to burial or cremation that involves essentially dissolving a body in hot water. A newly registered business, Aquamation Industries, aims to appeal to people who want to eliminate the 200 or so kg of greenhouse gases associated with a typical cremation. The first ''aquamation'' unit is expected to be declared operational on the Gold Coast today. See:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/dissolve-a-loved-one-and-save-the-planet-20100811-11zqe.html

Weird buildings - Who said buildings had to be straight or perpendicular! See:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225904799702

The Greens famous “Gruen Nation” ad: Watch it as a YouTube clip:
http://greens.org.au/content/have-you-seen-ad-everyone-talking-about

GetUp’s Climate Change T-Shirts: Show your support for climate change action:
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/election2010&id=1312

Thoughts on ‘peak population’ for Dick Smith: With his documentary 'The Population Puzzle', Australian entrepreneur and adventurer Dick Smith has done something very brave, and very important, in working to break the taboo on speaking about population. Read more:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/thoughts-for-dick-smith.html

Dick Smith’s $1 Million Wiberforce Award for population action:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/wilberforce-award.html

Nurture not nature makes boys and girls think differently: A new slant on whether boys and girls brains are really wired differently. Seems they hardly differ at all! Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/15/girls-boys-think-same-way

Portugal’s clean energy makeover. If they can do it, why can’t we? Nearly 45 percent of the electricity in Portugal’s grid will come from renewable sources this year, up from 17 percent just five years ago. Land-based wind power — this year deemed “potentially competitive” with fossil fuels by the International Energy Agency in Paris — has expanded sevenfold in that time. And Portugal expects in 2011 to become the first country to inaugurate a national network of charging stations for electric cars. Read more at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/science/earth/10portugal.html?_r=1

Sun’s quiet period explained: Solar physicists may have discovered why the Sun recently experienced a prolonged period of weak activity. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10967292

[Thanks to Sue E, John H, Malcolm Dispain, Cruxcatalyst, and The Greens for the links.]

Thanks to Malcolm Dispain for passing on this piece of “food for thought.”

The ATTACHED pictures of a day at the beach in China might well be an image of our future if If Government policy favours a “big Australia”:

Future of a Big Australia

Turning sterile housing estates into vibrant villages: We are, to a surprising extent, what the built environment makes us. Many of the problems we blame on individual behaviour are caused in part by the places in which we live. Build loose suburbs carved up by busy roads and without green spaces and you help to create a population of fat, lonely people plagued by criminals. Build dense, leafy settlements with mixed uses, protected from traffic, and you help to create safe, fit and friendly communities. Read more at:
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2010/08/09/turning-estates-into-villages/

Greenwell - a way of making sure trees get the water you give them: Greenwell is a simple-to-assemble “dam” of recycled plastic that makes a water-saving collar around trees. Read more at:
http://greenwellwatersavers.com/

Extreme weather around the world consistent with climate change: Regions across the world have been buffeted by extremes of weather, drought and floods. The extremes of rainfall are getting heavier and are entirely consistent with climate change predictions. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/09/floods-mudslides-drought-extreme-weather

Greenland ice sheet faces 'tipping point in 10 years’: Scientists warn that temperature rise of between 2C and 7C would cause ice to melt, resulting in a 7m (23ft) rise in sea level. Signs are that it could happen sooner than first thought. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/10/greenland-ice-sheet-tipping-point

China deals with polluting industries by edict from the top: China has ordered more than 2,000 highly polluting, unsafe or energy inefficient plants to shut down within two months, state media reported today. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/09/china-orders-pollution-factories-shut

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

How about powering our cars with poo?! A "poo-powered" VW Beetle has taken to the streets of Bristol in an attempt to encourage sustainable motoring. The Bio-Bug runs on processed methane gas generated as part of the raw sewage treatment process. See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-10881080

Dick Smith’s “Population Puzzle”: As Smith sees it, population growth is the thread that links myriad issues that the Australian public - if not its policymakers - has grave concerns about: urban growth, housing affordability, a stretched health system, environmental destruction and the impact that has on food and water supply and border protection. See:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/dicks-population-puzzle.html

Nature's choreography - desert and rainforest dance together: A world heritage meeting has hailed one of the most remarkable discoveries of the last decade: the role of deserts as deliverers of nutrients to the rainier parts of the planet. Around 40m tons of dust is carried by prevailing winds from the Sahara to fertilise the Amazon basin each year. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/09/editorial-environmental-research-amazon-sahara

GM plants are now well established in the wild! Researchers in the US and Japan have found new evidence that genetically modified crop plants can survive and thrive in the wild, possibly for decades. A US research team has found proprietary herbicide-resistance transgenes in 80% of wild canola plants surveyed. They suggest the GM traits may help the plants survive weedkillers in the wild. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10859264

‘Alien horrors’ in our homes: The little critters in our homes are totally shriek-scary when seen with the help of modern electron microscopes. See some amazing ‘scary’ pictures of such domestic wildlife as flies, fleas, silverfish, dust mites and daddy-long-legs, etc, at:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gallery-e6frer9f-1225901601728

“The Secret Life of Things” is a set of short animated videos exploring the hidden environmental impacts of everyday things. See, for example, “Life Pscycle-ology - the secret life of a little mobile phone:
http://www.thesecretlifeofthings.com/

Australian agriculture faces climate upheaval: 'Land available for agriculture in Australia, one of the world's largest food exporters, is in danger of shrinking because of climate change, a leading scientist said on Tuesday. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/australia-agriculture-faces-climate.html

Europe to step up “raw materials diplomacy”: An EU expert group has identified 14 raw materials seen as "critical" for EU high-tech and eco-industries and suggested that the European Union's global diplomacy should be geared up to ensure that companies gain easier access to them in future. 'Materials diplomacy?' That sounds ominous...seems a resource constrained world is sneaking up on us faster than we think... Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/eu-to-step-up-raw-materials-diplomacy.html

Planning the new sounds of the city: Urban design is only really concerned with abating noise made by public transport or industry: the subtle and interesting sounds that can enhance cities are overlooked. With the internal combustion engine on its way out, though, the acoustic fog created by cars, buses and trucks will finally lift and other sounds of the city will emerge. Will we like what we hear? Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/beyond-decibels-planning-new-sounds-of.html

Arthritis patients 'may benefit from weight training’: A regular weight training regime may help treat rheumatoid arthritis, research suggests. A study of 28 patients funded by Arthritis Research UK found those who pumped iron saw improvements in basic physical function. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10864601

Beating dementia - there much we can do to help: Preventing diabetes and depression could have a dramatic impact on cutting cases of dementia, a study suggests. Boosting levels of education and upping fruit and vegetable consumption would also have a big effect, the British Medical Journal said. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10881685

Ecuador cashes in on NOT drilling forests for oil: Ecuador signed a deal on Tuesday creating a trust fund to hold donations from Germany and other rich nations willing to pay the Andean country to refrain from drilling for oil in an Amazon wildlife reserve. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/ecuador-will-not-drill-in-amazon.html

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Thanks to Michael V for this “Friday Funny”.

Terms of dismissal - an interesting essay by Paul Kingsnorth: Terms Of Dismissal – let’s call them ‘TODs’ for short, are a crucial feature of all political and cultural debate. Humans are social creatures and tribal animals. We exhibit a need, apparent in every human culture, both to band together with others and to mark ourselves out from other, opposing tribes. This behaviour spills over into politics daily, where it is disguised, often very thinly, as rational disagreement about policies or positions. The function of TODs is to delineate tribes, so that other tribes may be easily dismisssed without the need to respond seriously to any arguments they might be making. Read more at:
http://www.energybulletin.net/node/53651

Economics dumbed down for the election: Notice something strange in the opinion polls? Essential Media polling has surveyed Australians on a number of specific issues, asking which party they would trust to handle various issues. On education, jobs, industrial relations, housing affordability, climate change and the environment Labor easily scores ahead of the Coalition. Yet on the question “management of the economy”, the Coalition still leads by a comfortable margin. There is a strange contradiction in these figures. If economic management isn’t about ensuring high employment and harmonious labour relations, conserving scarce environmental resources, keeping housing affordable, and investing in education, what is it about? Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/economics-dumbed-down.html

US Food Waste Worth More Than Offshore Drilling! More energy is wasted in the perfectly edible food discarded by people in the US each year than is available in oil and gas reserves off the nation's coastlines. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/us-food-waste-worth-more-than-offshore.html

New Climate & Energy Policies Could Create 2.5 Million Jobs, Hold Down Energy Costs: New greenhouse gas emissions and energy policies at the Federal level could generate as many as 2.5 million new jobs and $134 billion in economic activity in the US while keeping energy costs down, according to a new report. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-climate-energy-policies-could.html

'Conflict-Free' Electronics Bundled in US Financial Reform Law: The Washington Post reported late last week that the 2,300-page financial reform bill contained a provision focused on eliminating the use of four materials that are commonly sourced in war-torn Congo: Gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/conflict-free-electronics-bundled-in.html

Labour promises national Food Strategy: Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has announced a national food plan that would investigate food security, quality and affordability from paddock to plate, including possible regulation of foreign ownership of farms. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/08/labor-promises-national-food-strategy.html

Man poisoned by mail-order Ayurvedic medicine: The severe lead poisoning of a Sydney man who bought traditional medicines from India has sparked warnings from NSW health professionals. Read more at:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/warnings-as-man-in-hospital-with-poisoning-from-traditional-ayurvedic-medicine/story-e6frea7l-1225901186686

SA Community - the hub of community information: Find local organisations and services, and subscribe to an email news service at:
http://sacommunity.org/

Eco Voice Eco News - issue 76 August 2010:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/eco-news

GetUp Campaigns:
GetUp women speak out on Tony Abbott’s statements:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/WomenSpeakOut
GetUp’s mental health vigils next Tuesday 10 August:
www.getup.org.au/campaign/vigils

Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) election issues: Follow the link below to find ACF election statements, and to subscribe to ACF email news:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/

[Thanks to John H, Cruxcatalyst, SA Community, EcoVoice, GetUp & ACF for the links.]

On Saturday at the Arts & Cultural meeting, “eco-awareness” was talked about as a potentially important theme for arts in the Village. Now, in a very timely contribution, Steve P has sent in a good example of art in the environment encompassing what must truly be an intimate knowledge of, and respect for, local biodiversity. See the ATTACHMENT.

Art on African tree

London saddles up for new bike hire scheme: A bike hire scheme designed to encourage thousands more cycle journeys in central London has begun. So far, more than 12,000 people have signed up to the idea, far outstripping the 5,000 bicycles which will be available at special docking stations. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-10810869

Calcium pills 'increase' risk of heart attack: Calcium supplements taken by many older people to ward off bone fractures could be increasing their risk of a heart attack, research shows. The study, in the British Medical Journal, said people who took supplements were 30% more likely to have a heart attack. Data from 11 trials also suggested the medicines were not very effective at preventing bone fractures. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10805062

Getaway or Get Away! Do Aussies do it any better? In the UK, millions are setting off on their summer breaks, but for many the experience will be anything but relaxing. Why do we persist with the ordeal of family holidays? The kids are squabbling on the back seat, and beside you, your partner is getting increasingly agitated at the prospect you might miss your flight - pushing up your blood pressure even further. Right on cue, you remember that you left your passport at home. And that's before you've even had the chance to face sunburn, dodgy accommodation and your luggage ending up who knows where. The family holiday may be a byword for mishaps, rows and the overwhelming pressure to have a good time. Yet each year we put ourselves through the ordeal - and pay good money for the privilege. Why? See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10790074

Chernobyl zone shows decline in biodiversity: Scientists say contamination in the Chernobyl exclusion zone has affected biodiversity. The largest wildlife census of its kind conducted in Chernobyl has revealed that mammals are declining in the exclusion zone surrounding the nuclear power plant. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10819027

Plankton decline across oceans as waters warm: Phytoplankton is essential for life in the oceans. The amount of phytoplankton - tiny marine plants - in the top layers of the oceans has declined markedly over the last century, research suggests. Writing in the journal Nature, scientists say the decline appears to be linked to rising water temperatures. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10781621

[Thanks to John H for the links.]

Selling off the Farm: Foreign interests including state-owned companies from China and the Middle East are increasingly looking to Australia to secure their food production by purchasing key agricultural assets. In recent years, and especially since the global food shortage in 2008, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have all been engaged in massive agricultural purchases around the world inclucing Australia. New South Wales Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan says Australia risks losing control of its wealth-creating agricultural assets. He believes the Federal Government is not paying sufficient attention to the issue of global food security. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/selling-farm.html

Defining an EcoCity: As the consequences of climate change and resource depletion manifest themselves more and more clearly, the way we have built our cities, particularly in the past half-century, has come into question. Building more ecologically sustainable cities has become a necessity - but what sort of city qualifies genuinely for the term “ecocity”?
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/defining-ecocity.html

UK’s first city-wide reuse and repair service: Funding has been announced for creation of the world's largest 'reuse network', helping household items find a new home rather than being chucked away.The London Reuse Network will be made up of 'clusters' of organisations, including local authorities and charities who will work together to deliver an easy-to-access and consistent reuse service to residents and businesses within their area. It will collect, store, refurbish and sell on everything from furniture, books, carpets and bikes through to cookers and fridges. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/uks-first-city-wide-reuse-repair.html

Naming the nameless: The problem is this: that it is hard to persuade people to care about something they can’t pronounce. English species are disappearing at the rate of two a year. But many are vanishing unnoticed and unmourned by almost everyone, partly because we have no cultural connection to them. Scientific names, which are given in Latin or ancient Greek, are essential to proper classification, but to most people they are cold, incomprehensible and offputting. The answer? New names. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/naming-nameless.html

Drinking alcohol can 'reduce severity' of arthritis: Drinking alcohol can not only ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis it appears to reduce disease severity too, research suggests. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10776758

Smart houses key to keeping the elderly at home: SMART houses equipped with movement sensors and intelligent systems are the key to keeping aged people well and living in their own homes. Elderly-friendly smart homes would use built-in systems for movement detection, fall prevention, home diagnostic equipment, medication management and simple communication devices for linking to family and support networks. Read more at:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/smart-houses-key-to-keeping-the-elderly-at-home/story-e6frgakx-1225897190017

[Thanks to John H and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Well, here’s a turn-up! Deb Harding, former resident of one of our Terraces townhouses showing us how to cut grass - the quiet, peaceful, sociable, and sustainable way.



Deb says:

Perhaps people at AAEV may also be interested to hear from me that I have just moved in to my newly bought Herefordshire home - the purchase has been ongoing since mid Feb! Typical uk scenario :-( 

But it is just a mile from my fields, where the hay has just been mown (.... local farmer with a tractor). I've ordered the top fruit trees for the mixed orchard for planting this late autumn in November, and hopefully have shed and polytunnel going up by September. All keeping me very busy.

I went over to west Wales for a day learning to use a scythe, and helped to mow some meadow by hand. See attached photos. I was using an 'Austrian Scythe' as I have, I think, mentioned in a previous email. http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk/  I was surprised at what an enjoyable experience it was.
 
I learned there are 4 points to good scything 1) skilled and regular blade sharpening with a wet stone every 5-10 mins or when the blade is dull, 2) blade sharpening 3) blade sharpening 4) skill.
 
I was taught how to use my body in an unstressed and upright stance to swivel through 180degrees + with the blade. You get into a regular momentum, sweeping the blade round in a semicircle and inching forward repeatedly. The scythe was set up with the adjustable handles suited to my height etc, and the blade fitted specifically for me; I didn't get any aches and pains, though I don't know if I was standing quite as one should. As you'll have seen the weather was wet, but the work was very sociable, and peaceful with no machinery noise and just the swishing of each blade through the grass. Very labour intensive of course ...!
 
I understand people who know Tai Chi or Yoga would be able to apply that knowledge to the correct body movement required.
 
I hope things are going along well at AAEV. I read the newsfeed when it drops into the inbox, so pick up on some of the 'happenings'.
 
Best wishes - Deb H

Hoarding 'an anxiety disorder', expert says: The psychological disorder of "hoarding'' is poorly understood by the expert community, and often not adequately treated. And while it is commonly associated with those extreme cases of homes filled with rubbish, the disorder involves "compulsive shopping'' as well as the "collecting of free objects''. Read more at:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/hoarding-an-anxiety-disorder-expert-says/story-e6frea73-1225890819367

The “Low-Impact Living Initiative” (LILI) is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to help people reduce their impact on the environment, improve their quality of life, gain new skills, live in a healthier and more satisfying way, have fun and save money. The site also features resources, fact-sheets, books, magazines, and an electronic newsletter. See:
http://www.lowimpact.org/

Germany’s “Mother of all Street Parties”: About three million people recently turned a busy motorway into one of the biggest open-air festivals in Germany's history. A 60 km (36 mile)-long section of the A40 Autobahn between the western German cities of Dortmund and Duisburg was closed to motorists and turned over to pedestrians, cyclists, skaters and picnickers. Some 20,000 tables were set up on the motorway for what organizers called "the longest banquet in the world." Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/germans-hold-60-kilometres-long-party.html

Beancounters strike again: The British coalition government is intending to axe its sustainability watchdog in order to meet targets for public sector spending cuts. Perhaps it was just too effective!!! Proponents of the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) argue that its remit to advise government on reducing its carbon emissions and other resource use saves far more money that it costs. It costs 3 million pounds to run, and its work has helped govt save 70 million pounds!! Cruxcatalyst says, “This is **JUST TYPICAL** of the myopic stupidity of bean counters and razor gangs!!” Read it and weep!
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/bean-counters-strike-again.html

The Great Hunger Lottery: ‘Risky and secretive' gambling on the price of coffee, cocoa and wheat is leading to unstable food prices and exacerbating poverty and malnutrition but creating billions of pounds for the banking sector. Banks such Goldman Sachs are making huge profits by gambling on the prices of key commodity crops such as coffee, cocoa and wheat. By creating funds to allow investors to speculate on the price of food, in the same way they would invest in the shares of a company, banks are able to bet on the price of food. However this is leading to higher and more volatile prices which make it more difficult for farmers to plan and invest and also lead to damaging price rises which hit the poorest families in less industrialised countries hardest. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/great-hunger-lottery.html

BP accused of 'buying academic silence’: Bob Shipp said BP wanted to hire his entire marine science department. The head of the American Association of Professors has accused BP of trying to "buy" the best scientists and academics to help its defence against litigation after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. "This is really one huge corporation trying to buy faculty silence in a comprehensive way," said Cary Nelson. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10731408

Cut down on meat to lose weight: Eating less meat may be the key to keeping a healthy weight, say researchers. A European study of almost 400,000 adults found that eating meat was linked with weight gain, even in people taking in the same number of calories. The strongest association was found with processed meat, such as sausages and ham, the Imperial College London team reported. It suggests that high-protein diets may not help slimmers in the long run. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10726414

Bone 'turnover' link to blood sugar and diabetes: The skeleton has a key role in regulating blood sugar and may be the underlying cause of diabetes in some people, say US researchers. A study in mice found that the breakdown of old bone to make way for new bone growth also helps to keep a healthy level of glucose in the blood. A hormone called osteocalcin seems to be the link. Read more at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10727169

GetUp climate action campaign: GetUp says, “We’re running out of time to solve climate change and reduce our rising carbon pollution - and we can't settle for policies that don't even veer close to the kind of strong action the science demands. Now is the time to step up our climate change ad campaign.” See the ad at: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/StopRisingPollution

GetUp’s High Court challenge on electoral enrolment: In a recent poll, GetUp canvassed the question: should we pursue legal action to defend Australians' right to vote? An overwhelming 86% of GetUp members voted yes - so GetUp has filed a case for online enrolment in the Federal Court. You can find out more and follow progress at:
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/DontLetThemStopYouFromVoting&id=1223

[Thanks to John H, Deb Harding, Cruxcatalyst and GetUp for the links.]

Climate Change and the Food System: What is simultaneously one of the greatest contributors to climate change and one of its greatest potential solutions?  Believe it or not, it’s how we farm and eat.  Indeed, food and climate change are inextricably linked.  The same global food system that is making us sick, increasing food insecurity, and polluting the environment is also contributing to climate change.  Climate change, in turn, is contributing to rising rates of hunger and food insecurity.  But the good news is all of us can be part of the solution.  WHY Hunger has released a brand new online film called “The Food and Climate Connection: From Heating the Planet to Healing It,” Check it out:
http://www.whyhunger.org/programs/fslc/topics/climate-change-a-the-food-system.html

Africa looks to its forests for Carbon Credits: Will placing a value on pristine rain forests through carbon trading schemes help the conservation of these vital “lungs-of-the-Earth”? In Africa, it seems there are some hopeful signs of new awareness. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/africa-looks-to-vast-forests-for-carbon.html

Are you suffering from apocalypse fatigue? Aapocalypse fatigue n. Reduced interest in current or potential environmental problems due to frequent dire warnings about those problems. Are you beginning to suffer from it? So are many others. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/word-spy-apocalypse-fatigue.html

New UN Body To Put Value On Planet: The world relies on a range of services nature provides - water filtration by forests, pollination by bees and a supply of wild plant genes for new food crops or medicines. If nature charged for these, how much would it cost? Most such values are excluded from measures of national economies and from prices and markets which would force businesses and governments to recognize them, and the result has been a bias toward development over conservation. UN states have proposed a new body, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), to advise on valuing nature and conservation targets. Says Cruxcatalyst, “All well and good, but I do wish we could find some way of making decisions and understanding values without having to reduce everything to dollars...! Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-un-body-to-put-value-on-planet.html

‘Transformer Man’ - the biggest scrap metal statue in the business! Check it out:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/transformer-man.html

[Thanks to Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Here (ATTACHED, thanks to Steve P) is the third instalment of crazy reasons we love our kids:

Why we love kids 3

The Crises of Capitalism: Clever animation: This short lecture video is not just a talking head, but a animation showing why capitalism lurches from crisis to crisis. David Harvey, geographer and Professor of Anthropology, looks beyond capitalism towards possibilities for a new social order that would allow us to live within a system that could be responsible, just and humane. See the video at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/crises-of-capitalism.html

Dangerous new phone / computer scam: If someone (especially with an Indian accent phones you, quoting your name and address, and says, "I'm calling for Microsoft. We've had a report from your internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer,” don’t believe it!!! Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/18/phone-scam-india-call-centres

Palestinians put solar-powered cars on the road: Visitors to the West Bank town of Hebron this summer might find a strange-looking white vehicle motoring through its streets – the first Palestinian solar-powered car. The product of an environmentally friendly project for Palestinian engineering students, the car is bedecked with banks of solar panels and doesn't manage to reach a speed much above 19mph (30kph) – but it is being lauded as a feat of creative engineering in the face of limited funds and scant resources. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/18/palestinian-territories-solar-power-car

We need a new science of physical economics: It's time we put economics into some sort of physical scientific context that makes sense. Economists have drifted off into a disconnected world where, blinded by massive amounts of money and mystery, they see themselves as a kind of high priesthood calling the shots for practically everything. Meantime they are not developing anything like a strategy for a recovery that actually fits the situation on our oh-so physical planet Earth. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/we-need-new-science-of-physical.html

One man’s dream of a perfect city: There’s an old joke that you know you're in heaven if the cooks are Italian and the engineering is German. If it's the other way around you're in hell. In an attempt to conjure up a perfect city, TV frontman David Byrne imagines a place that is a mash-up of the best qualities of a host of cities. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/talking-head-dreams-of-perfect-city.html

Britain trails China in dash to low-carbon economy: Britain and other western countries are in danger of being left behind by China which is investing "furiously" in low carbon technology, aiming to profit from tough climate change targets in the next 20 years. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/19/britain-trails-china-low-carbon-economy

Update your Electoral Roll details: If you recently moved into the Village, you may need to update your enrolment details before THIS Thursday if you intend to vote in the upcoming election 2010. You can do it at:
http://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/Update_enrolment.htm

And if you missed it last time - Check out the funny video “BP Spills Coffee”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AAa0gd7ClM&feature=PlayList&
p=7D8AA104E179945B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=13

[Thanks to John H, Michael V, Steve P and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Oh those crazy kids - why do we love them so? Here’s the second instalment of Steve’s funny reasons! (ATTACHED)

Why we love kids 2

Fabulous art - Driftwood horses: Hey neighbours, A great Idea for decorating our hill! When the horses go, we could remember them! See the link below. Bridget O’D
http://www.rense.com/general70/drift.htm

We’ll never see dancing like this again .... just sit back & enjoy: It  seems as if Eleanor Powell was just too good for Fred Astaire, as he never wanted to be paired with her again. He evidently was upstaged by her, but they were both great. Eleanor Powell is fully clothed, with a dress below her knees. Sadly, a bygone era of civility and grace. The year: 1940 (70 years ago) The narrator is Frank Sinatra. It was filmed in ONE unedited camera shot! It is considered by many as one of the best dance scenes ever filmed. See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toDl2hXt8BM

What would BP’s oil spill look like closer to home? To put the sheer size of the BP oil spill into perspective, these guys have created a program to let you measure it against the land mass surrounding your home town.  Click on the link, then enter your town, state and country in the location box top of page, and 'move' the oil spill:
http://www.ifitwasmyhome.com/

‘Hippo Rollers’ - Women’s lib for the developing world: Hippo rollers, a simple water transport device, have proved to be life-changing in Africa. By using them, poor villagers cut down on the number of trips to their water sources. Most African men think going for water is women's work, so many young girls miss school to help their mothers make multiple trips to rivers or lakes. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-to-bring-hippos-to-haiti.html

Eco Voice has just posted its 75th issue - featuring “Say No to junk mail” and many other topics of interest. See:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au

National Waste Policy Implementation Plan Adopted: The National Waste Policy Implementation Plan has been endorsed by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC). The National Waste Policy itself aims to avoid the generation of waste; reduce the amount of waste (including hazardous waste) for disposal, manage waste as a resource and ensure that waste treatment, disposal, recovery and re-use is undertaken in a safe, scientific and environmentally-sound manner. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/australias-national-waste-policy.html

The UNEP Green Passport is an initiative of the UNEP International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development. The aim of the Green Passport website is to introduce potential travellers to some of the things they can do to help make tourism a sustainable activity, by which we mean an activity that is not only respectful of the environment but that is also good for the economic and social development of the host communities. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/unep-green-passport.html

GetUp dares politicians and the electorate to be credible on climate change. Check out their new spoof ad at: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/StopPollutionRising

GetUp Election Get-Togethers: On Thursday July 22 from 7pm - 8.30pm, GetUp members will be getting together to discuss major election issues. Click on the link below to find an 'Election Action GetTogether' already organised in your neighbourhood - or host your own: http://www.getup.org.au/community/gettogethers/series.php?id=28

The Greens new campaign ad: Check it out at:
https://greens.org.au/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=59

[Thanks to Bridget O’D, Sue E, Steve P, Cruxcatalyst, GetUp and The Greens for the links.]

Why do we love our kids? For a myriad reasons - many hilariously funny!

Thanks to Steve Poole for the ATTACHED first instalment of very good reasons:

Why we love kids 1

Check the toxicity of your cosmetics: Here is a fabulous website database tool where you can enter your cosmetic products and check out any toxic ingredients and their levels: 
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

On Thursday 22 July, GetUp will be holding Election Action GetTogethers - short 90 minute gatherings of local GetUp members - to develop local action plans for the 2010 election. Our goal is to have at least one GetTogether in every electorate. That's why we're inviting you to host a GetTogether. It's fun and easy - we'll provide you with everything you need on the night (even the guests!). All we need from you is to pick a venue, whether it's a local cafe, pub or community hall, or your living room. Find out more: http://www.getup.org.au/community/gettogethers/series.php?id=28

GetUp’s funny enrol-to-vote video: Featuring Julia Gillard as James Bond, Tony Abbott as Bruce Willis and a cameo by Bob Brown, our hilarious action-hero enrolment video is going wild online and in the news. But there's a serious message too. Incredibly, there are still 1.4 million Australians - especially young Australians - not enrolled to vote. Hundreds of thousands more may be unable to vote because they've moved house or changed their name since the last election. Know someone who should be enrolled? Send them this link:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/Enrol

[Thanks to Kym P and GetUP for the links.]

WOW - My kind of shopping - check it out! Wouldn't this be great? No climbing in and out of clothes to try them on; no messed up hair. And no one else would have actually tried on your garment! No more makeup smears on your favorite selection either! Great invention! And they already have this tech in Japan.... See:
http://www.flixxy.com/future-shopping.htm

Imagining Ecocities: Uses an “imagining” technique to show how badly we have lost the logic of human activity in today’s vase cities. Interesting - and makes a point well. “Cities are the main things we human beings build: the homes, offices, factories, schools, streets and parks gather there, as do the vast supply lines pumping in water, food, lumber, gasoline - and pumping out waste. And yet, the way cities are built, the logic of their internal functions and their connections with resources and natural environment are virtually ignored - they are not seen as potentially whole, living organisms. We can see houses as homes, and so it should be with cities, but even more so.” Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/imagining-ecocities.html

Defining what an ecocity is - and what it is not: “Ecocity” is becoming a buzz word like “green”, but what defines a genuine ecocity? Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/ecocities-setting-standards.html

This Side of Paradise: Discovering Why the Human Mind Needs Nature: As awareness of humanity's relationship with the environment has increased - buoyed of late by the larger popular concern about climate change - so has empirical evidence for nature's psychological benefits. Scientists now know that nature has a remarkable ability to restore attention, that it soothes aggression, and that it may even ease mild depression. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/this-side-of-paradise-discovering-why.html

Launch of “Love Food Hate Waste” in Australia: The NSW State Government has launched Love Food Hate Waste - an internationally successful campaign to help thousands of households and businesses reduce growing amounts of food waste (now a massive 40% of the total rubbish in our household bins). Love Food Hate Waste is a partnership programme based on a successful campaign in the United Kingdom which supports households to adopt simple and easy behaviours that work to reduce food waste. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/love-food-hate-waste-launches-in.html

40 Years of Earth Day - The Planet then and now: Heralded as a success, the first Earth Day 40 years ago resulted in the implementation of a number of U.S. environmental policies, and the movement quickly went global. But what have we really achieved in those 40 years? World population has almost doubled, from 3.7 billion to 6.9 billion. The amount of land paved over to build houses, cities and roads has increased 75 percent, from 228 million global hectares to 400 million global hectares. The amount of productive forest land required for fuelwood, paper and timber products, has gone up 53 percent to close to 2 billion global hectares. The productive land and sea area we need for food – for fishing, crops and grazing our livestock – has increased 69 percent, to 5.6 billion global hectares. In spite of Earth Day and similar efforts, we are clearly loosing the sustainability battle. Read more at:
http://cruxcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/07/40-years-of-earth-day-planet-then-and.html

Tea a 'healthier' drink than water: Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers. The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates. Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found. Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5281046.stm

[Thanks to Pat F, John H, and Cruxcatalyst for the links.]

Ecovillages vs. Big Cities: What’s Better for the Planet? I was surprised when I first entered Earthaven Ecovillage in North Carolina and immediately heard the rumbling sound of a tractor on a barren patch of land that had obviously been forest not long before. How can an “ecovillage” have heavy machinery and clear its forests? And when it came to answering the question of who has a smaller carbon footprint—an Earthaven resident or a New York City resident - the answer is not as clear as you might think. In the end, the most significant role of ecovillages is their contribution “to a radical transformation of values… that may make the transition to sustainability easier and more graceful.” They do this in four ways: “delinking growth from well-being, reconnecting people with the place where they live, affirming indigenous values and practices, and offering a holistic and experiential educational ethic.” read more at:
http://blogs.worldwatch.org/transformingcultures/ecovillages-vs-big-cities-what%E2%80%99s-better-for-the-planet/

Help dump the radioactive waste dump! Imagine for a moment how you would feel if the Government decided to dump radioactive waste in your community without listening to your concerns. Well, this is exactly what it is trying to do at Muckaty, near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Muckaty is being pushed by the Federal Government as the site of a new radioactive waste dump, without the consent of local Indigenous communities. Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is seeking your help with a petition to “Dump the Dump.” See:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=2917

GetUp’s mental health funding campaign: Public pressure has got the pollies attention, but this is no time to let up. If you wish to help, please visit:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/mentalhealth

Using gravity as a cosmic zoom lens! Did you think gravity was just a force that makes things fall down - think again. It has now been used as an astonishing cosmic magnifying lens. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10481197.stm

[Thanks to Jenni M, John H, GetUp and the ACF for the links.]

Thanks to Pat Fraser for sending in the following piece of humorous wisdom (also ATTACHED as a PDF to share with friends:
_______________________

A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in... In the middle of the room was a large round table, and in the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

But the people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, 'Now you have seen Hell.

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one.
There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water... The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking together.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.” 'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill.

You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'

[And could the moral of this little story possibly be that too much “me” and not enough “we” might make a place Hell to live in?]

Heaven and Hell

How wonderful to know that one of our newest Community members is an inspirational local conservationist! Congratulations to Paul Rosser of Lot 33 on Yacca Way, whose award has earned a write-up in the latest (June) edition of “On the Coast”:

Hi guys,

Just found this new concept of cheap accommodation which already exists in the UK and Ireland.

Wouldn't it be nice to have this in our Village?

Please let me know if you are also interested. It is easy to set up and I think our Village is an excellent spot for it.

Cheers - Tom D - 7 Dianella Walk

******************************
http://www.bedandfed.co.uk

Welcome to bed&fed, the UK and Irish directory of 'home from home' affordable informal dinner, bed and breakfasts from £30 (35€) per person, per night.

We're here to help you make money and save money: no single supplements and no booking fees. Additionally bed&fed offers an opportunity for any homeowner with a spare room to benefit from this innovative & flexible system.

Bed&fed is the no-fuss solution to cheap, convenient, friendly accommodation.

Dear villagers

We are pleased to announce the exciting news that six villagers have recently formed Evolution Trading Pty Ltd.

The mission statement of the new venture is:
 
"By enabling innovation and activating entrepreneurship, Evolution Trading will create a group of social enterprises which operate Sociocratically, for the benefit of the participants and the local community."

The Directors of Evolution Trading Pty Ltd are Michael Vawser, Ray Mines, Wayne Allen, Adrian Oakey, Bradley Nott and Kevin Chan. Our intention is to help enable development and innovation both within the Village and the wider local community. This is separate to our current roles on various Village committees and we see the company's work as complementing the whole of village plan.

We'd like to collaborate with other interested parties to form a small number of ventures per 
year in key priority areas. If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of us.

Best regards - Evolution Trading Pty Ltd"

Bearing in mind our collective concern over keeping salt levels down in AAEV waste water, how about a laundry cleaner that is a simple natural plant material with NO added salt, that cuts down the requirement for rinse water, and that can be tossed straight into the compost bin after a few washes? Too good to be true? It seems not. Soap nuts from the tree Sapindus mukorossi can do just this. See the ATTACHMENT for more information.

There are local sources so it is definitely worth a trial. (Elizabeth H.)

Soap Nuts

Hi everyone,

Let’s start recycling our aluminium foil and food containers rather than putting them into the general waste stream.

Please put suitable items (see below) into the green bin with black lid labelled “Aluminium” in my carport. I will pass them on to Chas Martin who is running a collection scheme.

Below is a message from Chas that explains why and what to recycle this way.

Sue Eltahir - 24 Dianella Way - 8556 6441

Chas writes:
I have been collecting aluminium materials for fundraising for Friends of Willunga Basin (F.O.W.B.) for 3 years now for the following reasons: Although aluminium is a very energy intensive material to produce, it is not covered by kerbside recycling unless it is a container deposit item, so if it goes to landfill there is a lot of energy wasted. The embodied energy in a 5 gram meat pie dish is 1⁄4 of a killowatt hour. The electricity taken to produce 1 killogram of aluminium from ore is of the order of 50 killowatt hours, but it takes less than 10% of that to recycle aluminium.

The price of salvaged aluminium is low because of the outrageous subsidies via super low electricity prices to aluminium refiners. I feel that by recycling our aluminium we can highlight the issues involved, minimize our own carbon footprint from using this material and make a bit of income for community groups.

The photo below shows some of the items which are suitable. As a general guide if you scrunch it up and it holds the crumpled state it is suitable. If it mostly bounces back it is probably a plastic and unsuitable. Whilst recycling aluminium is good, reducing its use where possible is even better.

Remember it takes approximately one whole unit of electricity (1Kg carbon emission) to produce the aluminium for the takeaway dinner containers for one person for one meal if it is produced from alumina. Put another way, if you have a 1 Killowatt solar array feeding into the grid, those containers take equivalent to about 1/6 of your daily electricity output. Aluminium is extremely undervalued if we consider the very high energy cost (i.e., fossil carbon release) per kg to produce it. A carbon tax would give it its proper value and dramatically increase recycling rates.


Examples: Pie plate, food tray, coffee tin sealer, tops of yoghurt containers, chocolate wrappers, small bottle caps

Can you believe that this photo (below) is of Port Willunga Jetty?  It is an undated photograph that I found on the City of Onkaparinga library website where they are progressively digitising all old photos of the council area.  There are some fascinating pictures of the Onkaparinga River in flood and families on ‘our’ beach  wearing clothes that I am glad are not required any more! See: http://www.onkaparingacity.com/libraries/localstudies/index.asp

Jenni M

Ever had a speeding fine? If so, you will love this one - very nearly a bit of exquisite revenge!

[Thanks to Hugh R for sending it in.]

Top this speeding ticket

Too often the elderly in our society are treated as peripheral, as nuisances, like children, or even as though they have somehow become invisible as real people. The ATTACHED poem, currently in general circulation through the internet, strikes a blow for better visibility and appreciation for elders in our society. [Thanks to Anne W for sending it in.]
Grumpy Old Mans gift

From today's ‘Indaily’ of the The Independent Weekly (Thanks to Jane O’C):

Rainwater declared safe for daily drinking 
A major study of Australian households with a water tank has found drinking rainwater had no impact on their health.

The study was based in Adelaide, the nation's tank capital, and took in 300 homes that used rainwater as their primary drinking source. All of the homes were given a benchtop filter and told it would remove any potential gastroenteritis-causing bugs from their water, but half of the devices intentionally did not work. The rate of gastro cases recorded across the households over 12 months was found to match that seen across the broader community, who drank treated tap water. "There were just under 770 episodes of gastroenteritis reported during the study or 0.77 episodes of gastro per person," said Associate Professor Karin Leder, head of the infectious diseases unit at Monash University's department of epidemiology. "Interestingly, this rate is very similar to the rate of gastro reported in other studies both in Australia, and in ! other industrialised countries, amongst non-rainwater drinkers." Gastroenteritis rates were the same for families who used the working filters and those who had the dummy devices. The research contrasts with official advice from state health departments that discourages rainwater drinking where treated water is available. (AAP)

Thanks to Vanda R for sending on the following letter and ATTACHMENT sent in to the Natural Earth Burial Society (NEB):

Dear NEB - The Hunter Organic Growers Society Inc produces a magazine for which I am the editor, designer etc. I thought you might be interested in adding to your list of publications the ATTACHED article I put together for the magazine last year about natural burial. I drew on various resources, including ABC radio, to put the article together.

It seems that a number of our members (drawing on the Hunter Valley)  were very interested in the article and it has done the rounds. Some people (including me) changed their will to include this sort of burial even though it is not available in this area .... yet.

Cheers - Angela Finney
Bury, burn or compost

English is a funny language! There are so many nuances of meaning - so easy to get hilariously wrong if English is not your native tongue! See examples ATTACHED.
Signs of our times

Good ideas are so precious - how come everyone seems to want to kill them! See the ATTACHED list for 50 ways to kill creativity. Funny? Yes - but possibly tragic too because we recognise just how commonly they are used.
How to kill creativity

Our historic namesake - the good ship Aldinga from the earliest days of steam:
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shipping/2/1

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S - Ideas to fire up creativity and action with an interesting e-newsletter you can subscribe to:
http://www.bankofideas.com.au

Food production is going to have to rise 70% to feed the Earth’s future population. Where will we grow it all? Does this mean the end of ornamental gardening is approaching?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8303434.stm

Union Climate Connectors: The Australian Conservation Foundation is joining forces with Australian Unions to help raise awareness of the climate change crisis in workplaces and beyond:
http://www.climateconnectors.org

TEAR Australia’s Gift Catalogue for gifts that help all over the World:
http://www.usefulgifts.org/

GetUP tackles the Coal Lobby: Their latest satirical TV ad is quickly becoming a hit. Funded by everyday Australians, it has the nation's media in a spin. On Monday it featured as the lead story on ABC 7pm TV News, and now it is scheduled to be shown and discussed on this Sunday's Meet the Press - and all this coverage before the ad has even formally gone to air. What makes this a story is thousands of everyday Australians, making small donations to put an ad on the air that challenges the bloated marketing budget of the coal lobby. If you haven't already seen it, you can check it out here: www.getup.org.au/campaign/NewNameSameOldCoal

[Thanks to Erik R, John H, and Vanda R for the links.]

Save water and grow beautiful plants with a clever efficient means of watering: A “Wetpots” system uses as little as 1/2 a litre per emitter pot per week compared to 1 litre every 15 minutes for some "efficient" drip irrigation systems. Wetpots can be used for all types of gardens, small to large - flowers, vegetables, pot plants, planter boxes and for establishing trees. Not cheap, so probably best for small intensive gardens. Read more at:
http://www.wetpots.com/

There is a "significant risk" that global production of conventional oil could "peak" and decline by 2020, a report has warned. The UK Energy Research Centre study says there is a consensus that the era of cheap oil is at an end. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8296096.stm

A scary message from the past: Researchers have used ocean sediments to plot CO2 levels back 20 million years. The CO2 levels commonly regarded as adequate to tackle climate change were associated in the past with sea levels 25-40m (80-130 ft) higher than today. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8299426.stm

Children can 'imagine away' pain! Abdominal pain with no identifiable cause is common in children. However, children can be taught to use their imagination to tackle frequent bouts of stomach pain, research shows. A relaxation-type CD, asking children to imagine themselves in scenarios like floating on a cloud led to dramatic improvements in abdominal pain. The US researchers said the technique worked particularly well in children as they have such fertile imaginations. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8299719.stm

Oh no! A web mail scam that propagates itself: The industry-wide phishing scam that has affected popular web mail services such as Hotmail and GMail, is spreading, according to experts such as Security firm Websense. This is because infected accounts are sending personalised e-mails to contacts suggesting shopping sites, which are in fact fakes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8294714.stm

[Thanks to John H and Tony G for the links.]

The “bionic ear” was an amazing breakthrough for the deaf. Now there might be a new technology in the pipeline that allows blind people to see with their tongue! See:
http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,28348,26016956-5014239,00.html

For babies suffering the dangers of oxygen starvation at birth, there is a new simple breakthrough that could prevent brain damage. See:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8283738.stm

In Holland, it seems, Camel’s milk is the latest agricultural novelty. Watch a short video of the first commercial camel milk production farm at the following link. (Note you will need to endure a short commercial video first!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8287540.stm

And here’s a very different map of Australia - based on population numbers:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46477000/jpg/_46477189_australia.jpg

[Thanks to John H for the links.]

If you were interested in the work of artist Chris Jordan, featured in the News Feed earlier this month under the headline: Art as a strong environmental statement, then you might also be interested in “meeting” the artist via a You Tube video clip at the following link, and learning more about the intention behind and making of is art.

http://opaleye.blogspot.com/2009/08/intolerable-beauty-chris-jordan.html

Every year, farmers in the rural town Inakadate, Japan create rice field art by using red rice in with their regular rice in special patterns. A few others fields in rural Japan have also followed the trend of this beautiful rice field art. Inspiration for art on the Village farm perhaps? Could be quite a hit with a small-aircraft aerodrome close by!

To see more of the process, check out “Hemmy.Net” at: http://www.hemmy.net/2007/09/23/rice-field-art/

The answer it seems, depends on the angle at which the panels are mounted. In a nutshell: panels mounted on a steep angle are cleaned pretty well by the rain but those on a flatter roof may need occasional cleaning. Read more at:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/should-you-spring-clean-your-solar.html

[Thanks to Kevin C for the link.]

The residents of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs in Victoria are in process of funding their own private community wind farm. See the ATTACHMENT:

Could we look to using our abundant wind for something similar here in the future?
Hepburn Wind initiative

Check out the website below to turn an idle moment into someone’s meal:

It is a multiple-choice quiz on a variety of subjects. Every time you get an answer right you get a harder question. If you get it wrong, you get an easier question.

For each answer you get right, 10 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations World Food Program.

WARNING: This game may make you smarter!
http://www.freerice.com/index.php

New book: “SpeakOut: the Step-by-step Guide to SpeakOuts and Community Workshops” - www.speakoutplanning.com

How-to manual for innovative and highly effective community engagement by authors:

Dr Wendy Sarkissian, widely acknowledged as a leading authority in community engagement, has co-authored seven books on community engagement, including Kitchen Table Sustainability (Earthscan, 2008) and SpeakOut: A Step-by-step Guide to SpeakOuts and Community Workshops (Earthscan, 2009). She is Adjunct Professor, School of Sustainable Development, Bond University, Queensland.

Wiwik Bunjamin-Mau, a qualified Indonesian-born community and social planner. After a career as a community facilitator who utilizes the arts as engagement tool, she is establishing a community engagement consulting firm in Honolulu.

Is Local Food Better?

This excellent article by Sarah DeWeerdt from the WorldWatch Institute looks at all the angles.

The answer is yes, probably - but not in the way many people think. See: 
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6064

Rent-a-Chook - some good laughs on this one!
www.rentachook.com.au

Grandma’s Bottle Village - look what creativity can do with junk - at any age!
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/03/grandma-made-village-out-of-tens-of-thousands-of-bottles/

Solar powered handbags - the solar panels on the front of the bag allow you to charge cellphones, cameras, and other small devices. On a bright, sunny day the battery should be fully charged in 6-8 hours. When fully charged, the battery pack will hold the sun's energy for several days.
http://www.inhabitatshop.com/home.php?merchant=NoonSolar

Renewable energy - Actually, Rudd DOES Break Promises! Despite proudly asserting that his Government mostly keeps his promises, Rudd's track record on climate change commitments is appalling. Mark Diesendorf lifts the lid on dirty dealings of politicians in cahoots with the fossil-fuel-based industries to limit growth of renewable energy! Read more at:
http://newmatilda.com/2009/08/05/actually-rudd-does-break-promises

Utne Reader online - US online magazine with plenty of “front” for the pursuit of controversial subjects:
http://www.utne.com/daily.aspx

EcoVoice - Australian ecoNews and product info free online:
http://www.ecovoice.com.au/index.htm

How I became a “Locavore” - the latest cool idea to find local seasonal foods (but probably not in Oz yet)
www.takepart.com/blog/2009/05/21/how-i-became-a-locavore/

Consumerism is eating the future - ‘New Scientist’ opinion piece by Andy Coghlan
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17569-consumerism-is-eating-the-future.html 

Did you know that fluorescent energy saving globes contain mercury and so should not be thrown in your bin?  They can be recycled locally though, so store them away until you have a few and then drop them off at the:

• Environment Centre, High St, Willunga
• City of Onkaparinga Field Operation Centre, Railway Road, Seaford Meadows, 8.00 am to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday. 

Ordinary light globes can be wrapped in paper & put in your red-lidded waste bin.

Making the point about the nightmare of floating plastic trash and other human abuses of the World’s oceans, art doubles as a strong environmental statement.

See artist Chris Jordan’s creation “Gyre” made from a mind-blowing number of bits of ocean trash, and also the other works shown that make daunting statements about the human harvest of sharks and tuna:

http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=9
[you will need to scroll down the page for the actual artworks.]

Blogger Don Arthur has coined a new term for a rising segment of society - the “Post-Materialist Consumer” or POMER for short. These folks have bought into the notion that unfettered consumerism and constant demands for “stuff” do not bring happiness and are damaging to the environment. The paradox is that they are earning and spending as much if not more than many of the consumerist souls they so earnestly criticise. How can this be?

They are concerned, even anxious, about doing all the right things for the right reasons, but find their expenditures ratcheting up as a result. How does it happen? The three main areas that contribute are:

1. Choosing a home location to minimise commuting and buy time for themselves
2. Buying services (e.g., organic foods, farmers market produce, fair-trade products, etc)
3. Buying “moral necessities” that make them feel they are making the family safe and sheltered (e.g., heavier car with multiple airbags)

Listen to Don Arthur in an interview clip on Radio National’s Counterpoint program of Monday 22 June: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/counterpoint/default.htm

[Thanks to Malcolm and Judy Dispain for the link.]

For an awe-inspiring look at our beautiful blue planet, this online movie by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is tops! a combination of satellite and aerial photography shows us in incredible beauty just what it is we have to lose if we do not learn fast to respect our only “Home”. Be sure to watch it if you have broadband download capability on your computer:
http://www.home-2009.com/us/index.html
OR http://www.youtube.com/homeproject

“The Great Disruption” by Paul Gilding is a 'must listen / must read'. Best exposition I've heard. See links below:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/ [Sunday 14 June 2009]
http://paulgilding.com/writing/scream-crash-boom-2

Paul Gilding has been an activist for sustainability for 35 years, working for NGOs, business and government. He explains why physics and biology have determined that our current model for economic growth is finished, and how the human race will face its biggest challenge ever.

Cheers??? - Vanda R

Here’s a really good book - of special interest if you are just joining the Village and want to get into growing your own food one step at a time:

One Magic Square: Grow your own food on one square metre

By Lolo Houbein (2008) published by Wakefield Press

One Magic Square shows how, with a ten-minute effort, you can start your own productive food garden on a single square metre. By following these plot designs you can keep your labour pleasurable as your self-sufficiency increases. Take control of your own fresh food supply! Food gardening is the most intelligent adult endeavour on earth – Lolo Houbein, a resident of the Adelaide Hills, gives lots of relevant information for our region, shows you how to do it, and why you should. See: http://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/books/onemagicsquare.html

It’s on our Library interest list for purchase but, in the meantime, you might like to get a copy. It is almost sure to become an ongoing valuable reference.

[Thanks to Sue E for the alert.]

It is a myth that native plants do not need maintenance and now is a great time to prune.  Pruning encourages plants to grow into a more dense form that is both more attractive and provides a greater windbreak.  If the plants are small, pinch out the new growing tips much as a kangaroo would - this encourages side shoots to develop.  In an older plant – cut out any dead stems, and cut back new growth by around a 1/3, and if it is a flowering plant - wait until flowering has ended. The ATTACHED photos show the difference between village plants that have been pruned lightly since planting and those that have grown leggy.

Jenni McGlennon
Pruning Natives

Because it is the season for salting and preserving olives, it is a good time for a reminder about not putting spent brine into our wastewater system or onto our land. Here are the relevant portions of text from our Welcome Pack instructions about wastewater:

“You are probably aware of problems that can be caused by high levels of salt and phosphates in treated wastewater that is returned back into the environment.  These substances come primarily from detergents and other cleaning aids, and some food preserving and pickling processes also produce large amounts of waste salt.  Salt can build up over time in soil that is irrigated with wastewater, and blue-green algal blooms can be caused by high levels of phosphates in waste water discharged into rivers and waterways.  In our Village system, where the discharge is onto land, phosphate is less of a problem as it can be taken up as a ‘fertiliser’ by plants.  Salt, however, will potentially lower the fertility of the land over time, especially in our low rainfall zone where there is barely enough rain to wash salt through the soil, so it is best to minimize the salt level in our AAEV wastewater.” 
 
“And please, if you are dehydrating or pickling with salt (e.g., olives, cucumbers, egg plant, etc) never dispose of the waste salty water down the drain or on to land. If you absolutely have to pickle with salt, consider taking the spent pickling solution down to the sea where a bit more salt is not a problem!  We ask that you try to find low-salt and salt-free ways to dehydrate, pickle, and preserve food. Our land will thank you for it in the future.” 

Check out the west wall of the Sharing Shed near the main entrance - it now has a fabulous new mosaic sign.

What a classy contribution to Village life and facilities - thanks mainly to Vi Carpenter, who led the mosaic team and did the lion’s share of the work.

Well done - it looks great!

Following up on the invitation to Transition Towns seminars in the last Feed (posted 19/3/09), here is an information sheet that will give you more background on Transition Towns and what they are about.
What is a Transition Town

Following on from mention in the last RSS Feed, of 'Building with Strawbale at the Food Forest', I had coincidentally previously been looking on the internet to see what came up when I used keywords like 'strawbale' 'australia' 'workshops'. The first I went to was
http://glassford.com.au/main/ and was so packed full of good information, that for now I have not gone any further. Especially see the section on 'How is it done?'
 
A linked UK website, leaders in their field are 'Amazonails' - there is an inspirational photo gallery at http://www.strawbalefutures.org.uk/projects.html (sample below)
 
Deb H

Hearty congratulations to Kat Worth who has received an award at the Adelaide Film Festival for “Necessary Games”, a tryptich of 3 short dance films. Kat is co-director and choreographer of “Sixteen”, one of the films.

Necessary games was an investment of the Adelaide Film Festival and premeiered at the Festival on 22 February. It won best short film at last week's SA Screen Awards and took out 3 additional awards as well!

A local screening will be coming soon!

This is fantastic news as, in comparison with our “eco” image, our “arts” image has been a bit quiet recently. Well done, Kat.

Elizabeth H.

The Transition Handbook - Australia & NZ Edition: Creating local sustainable communities beyond oil dependency - by Rob Hopkins

Finch Publishing is excited to announce the Australian release of Rob Hopkin’s “The Transition Handbook (Australia & NZ Edition): Creating local sustainable communities beyond oil dependency. See:
http://www.finch.com.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?art_id=277&nav_cat_id=220&nav_top_id=70

Around the world, societies are facing the prospect of a future with dwindling oil reserves, an unstable climate and unpredictable food production. The Transition movement, already well established in the UK, is now in initial but rapid development here. It provides an effective model for ways we might engage our local communities to create a more sustainable future and move away from dependency on oil.

This new edition of The Transition Handbook includes profiles of Australian and New Zealand initiatives currently underway and shows the necessary steps to establishing a transition town in a local area, providing an achievable model for people who would like to transform the life of their community. These local accounts (together with inspiring reports from the UK) show how individuals have responded with their local communities to the twin threats of Peak Oil and Climate Change.

This practical book explains how we can ‘transition’ from fossil-fuel based communities to ones that are more self-reliant and generate less carbon emissions. It shows how such changes will result in a greater development of local food, local economies, local water harvesting and energy generation – and so create more sustainable communities in the longer term.

Hi to everyone at AAEV,

I finished my thesis late November, and with it my degree in economics. I have been growing my own business since then, in delivering certified organic fruit and veg to Sydneysiders. I am also now involved with a Permaculture group and a committee intent on connecting local growers with local eaters. 

So it is only now that I am able to offer what I promised last April when the community Sharing Shed had not a brick laid down... a summary of my research efforts (ATTACHED). 
Scott Xu EcoVillage QOL Summary

Please forward this on to all hose people at AA who helped me on my journey... my research adventures  has helped inspire me here in Sydney. 

I am completely open to any questions, thoughts, feedback, opinions, critiques of my work.

Thank you and thanks to everyone at AAEV who has given a role model for those improving suburban communities.

With much gratitude - Scott Tsung Xu - email

[If you are interested in Scott’s actual thesis and its data, you can access it from a link a few lines up from the bottom of the “About” page of the Community website at: http://www.aaev.net/about/index.html]

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
 

Did you know that if you spend more than $150 on garden items that help save water you can get $50 rebate from SA Water?   Eligible items include mulch and compost, tap timers, soil wetting agents, compost bins, and drip watering systems. For more information see:
http://www.sawater.com.au/NR/rdonlyres/E7CE95CB-E4E7-495E-9E4C-54409BC6EB33/0/HomeRebateGardenOutdoor.pdf
or phone the SA Water Rebates Hotline on 1800 130 952.

Jenni McG.

Thanks to Tricia O'D. for sending in the attached PDF cutting of a feature in this week's Messenger on Tony and Franka's home - The Straw Barn - at 5 Clematis Walk. You can be they are going to be busy this Sunday on Sustainable House Day!
Gerlachs eco-home

Check out this website for a very innovative static or rotating dome-home concept and beautiful use of mezanine design!
Thanks to Leonie H. for the link.
www.solaleya.com

Hi everyone - I think this article is brilliant. Michael V.

Going All-Electric - http://www.nanosolar.com/blog3/?p=93 

"The following is one of my favorite charts: How far a car can drive based on either of the following forms of energy, each produced from 100m x 100m (2.5 acres) of land:



How come that biofuel does not really cut it? Electric cars are about four times more energy efficient than fuel based cars. This is because fuel engines create mostly heat and thus waste the majority of the energy units available. Combine this with biofuel plants not being very efficient solar energy harvesters relative to semiconductor based solar electricity, and the result is this huge difference.

In other words, it is clear that if the goal is to maximize energy efficiency, the end point to go after is all-electric cars everywhere. Moving all of transportation to all-electric would essentially cut in half our overall energy consumption without compromising on distance to go.

I for one have vowed that the Prius I bought six years ago will have been the last fuel powered car I’d buy in my life. (Given that I may very well own the highest-mileage Prius on the planet, this presumably reflects my confidence in the quality of this vehicle and the near-term readiness of electric car technology). Presently, it is baking in the sun all day while I’m at work. My future all-electric car would charge up while idling under a solar carport."

Villagers might be interested in this article from 'Online Opinion' - an analytical critique of spiritual eco-communities from Dr Chris James, an artist, writer, researcher and psychotherapist who lives in regional Victoria. It contains some food for thought around a number of issues we have not really considered for our community as yet. (Maybe you can do better with a posted comment in response than those already there!)

See: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=7822
 [Thanks to Brad N for the link.]

Measure your carbon footprint with a fun new calculator!!

Earth Day Network - http://www.earthday.net/ - has just released its newest tool to combat climate change: The new, updated, and much more fun Ecological Footprint Calculator: http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.html

In this new tool created by Global Footprint Network, you can create a three-dimensional avatar of your choosing, and tour your virtual neighborhood. Then you will be asked a series of questions about your food consumption, energy use, favorite mode of transportation, type of residence, recycling commitment, and spending habits. You can even choose to take a long version or a short version of the quiz! The Footprint Calculator will tell you how many "planets" would be necessary to sustain human life - if everyone lived just like you, and how many acres of land and tons of carbon necessary to sustain your lifestyle. You can even revisit your quiz to see where she "went wrong", and find out how to reduce your carbon footprint.

From a distance, the agenda of the current US Government seems obvious - to maintain the American way of life at any price (i.e., political domination and hyper-consumption regardless of environmental impacts). But what do the American people actually want? Do they share this agenda? The answer might surprise you.

'Yes' Magazine - www.yesmagazine.org - has recently done a comprehensive survey of the opinions of ordinary Americans in 10 areas: Economy, Constitution, Energy & Climate, Health Care, Foreign Relations, Iraq & Iran, Elections, Criminal Justice, and Immigration. One can only hope their politicians are listening. See: www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?id=2836 

If you have a broadband internet connection, and have ever had concerns about the interactions of religion, politics, money, lies, hatred and fear in bringing about mass manipulation, the online movie "Zeitgeist" might be of interest. It appears a little slow to start with, but is confronting, intense and persuasively argued. It is about 2 hours long but contains much food for thought. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will have peace. We have a choice, right now, between fear and love!" [Thanks to Vanda for the link]

www.zeitgeistmovie.com/index.html  

If you would like to see a nice little synopsis of how capitalism is not quite working so well toward the best interests of human and environmental health, have a look at the following link: http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Allow about 20 minutes for viewing, but I think it's worth checking out.

Cheers - Tricia O'D

[If you would like to see it as a DVD so you can share the viewing with family and friends, you can borrow it from the Village Library (at 14 Hakea Walk). It has plenty of laughs but does get the message across big-time! Elizabeth H.]

Vanda Rounsefell, in the course of a contract research project for CSIRO, has produced an excellent new case study of our eco-village. You can find a copy on our website at:
http://www.aaev.net/about/assets/CaseStudyAAEV_VRounsefell.pdf [2.2 MB]

Congratulations, Vanda. This will be a very useful reference for us - and a good one to point people to if they are enquiring about our Village.

Hi everyone - I just found this funny old historical summary document that I received from Richard Askew in 2001. Current Villagers might like to read it for the interesting perspective.

Vanda R.
AAEV Early History

Here for enjoyment is a link showing some truly creative body painting - "hand art". Thanks to Vanda R. for the link: http://yoke.cc/handart.htm

Peak Oil and Peak Water (the point in time when public need begins to exceed supply and continues to diverge causing critical shortage) are familiar concepts - but "Peak Phosphorus" is unheard of. Nonetheless phosphorus is critical to our survival and mine-able quantities are looking scarcer. A discussion on Bush Telegraph, ABC Radio National: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2006/s2280862.htm

Regards - Hans B.

Thanks to Vanda for sending in the ATTACHED interesting short article (2pp) on cohousing from the writings of the late sustainability author, Donella Meadows.
Donella Meadows on Cohousing

The website of the SA State Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation can be a good source of information and resources for those interested in natural resource management and ways of "going green":
http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/nrm/

Hi everyone,
 
A friend here in the UK told me about this local Suffolk art work, which I plan to see at its next venue. Here is the web address: www.flyintheface.com/46000.html. I thought it might interest people.  
 
Deb H.

Yesterday, two Village toddlers were observed, on separate occasions, inspecting, playing with, and redistributing the mail in mailboxes close to the ground while their minders' backs were turned for a few milliseconds! It's hard for even the most beady-eyed parent to provide 100% supervision of this age group - and hard for them to understand the importance of what goes into which box so, if your mailbox is close to the ground, you might want to consider a lock for it.

The ATTACHED PDF article is well worth reading. It is a personal account by co-housing author, Chuck Durrett, about his own experiences in avoiding a corrosive aspect of living in community.
Gossip-CoH article

If you don't want to download the PDF you can read the article on screen at: http://www.cohousing.org/cm/article/gossip

AAEV Friend, Sarah West is now the Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer of The Ecovillage and Co-housing Network of Australia(ECNA) Inc. - http://www.ecna.org.au

The Network site allows you to sign up for forums, access to information and articles, and more.

You can contact Sarah in her Coordinator role by email or phone on 0406 086 681

Yes - it is possible to "retro-fit" suburban streets for more sustainable living. Here's an inspirational story of how sustainable living in the suburbs can be built out of restored community.

Below is a link to an article published by the Sunday Age Colour Magazine “M”, a few weeks back, publicising the Sustainability Street Approach (SSA), namely, the power of building local, human scale relationships for sustainability. An important point made in the article is that ... “after a while, Sustainability Street is not something the community does, it becomes something the community is!”
http://www.voxbandicoot.com.au/images/stories/Sustainability%20Street
%20approach/media%20release/Sustainability%20Street%20Age%20story.pdf
(The article is also ATTACHED as a PDF)
Sustainability Street story

There are now scores and scores of SSA Villages, around Australia, who have long since “finished the course”, but whose group identification and sense of belonging to each other is ongoing, based on their commitment to a sustainable future.  The very first ever Sustainability Street Village is now six years old and still hangin’ out together.

You can find out more about this great movement for urban sustainability through the Vox Bandicoot website at:
http://www.voxbandicoot.com.au/

Hi everyone - Vanda has sent in the following article of interest (ATTACHED). It contains good background stuff on the origin of ecovillages by Hildur Jackson, one of the famous founder/namer people of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), and some useful statements about what an Ecovillage is.
071231 WhatIsAnEcoVillage
It also contains a diagram for self-audit to assess if we can call ourselves an ecovillage(!) and to collectively identify where improvements could be worked on. An obvious critical issue is having a common identity.

To find out more about GEN and check links to other ecovillages, see:
http://gen.ecovillage.org/

Congratulations to Maarten Ryder (Lot 102) who, in his capacity as a CSIRO scientist, has recently received a prize for international Scientific Collaboration from the Shandong Government of the People's Republic of China. (See ATTACHED) news item.
Well done, Maarten.
071217 Award to Maarten Ryder

Pinakarri is an Aboriginal (Nyangamarta) word meaning "deep listening". The Nyangurmart aboriginal communities live north of Port Hedland. Our community was established in 1991 and we are the first housing co-op with public rental and home ownership in Western Australia. See: http://www.pinakarri.org.au/

Loving More Completely - a Pinakarri story
It took nine years for the community in which I live to come clean about its purpose - 'through Pinakarri we learn to love more completely'. Erich Fromm says that our greatest fear is not of rejection but of loving. We planned for 8 years to live together, we faced our fears of being rejected as we entered into the process of becoming members of Pinakarri and then we began to face our fears of being accepted! What did it mean to be part of this community, this group of people that had made a commitment to share their lives together? What was required of us?

It was nearly a year after we began to live together that we came up with the simple statement - 'through Pinakarri we learn to love more completely'. I couldn't really tell you how those few words came to us, in some ways it feels as they were an amazing and unexpected gift. Almost as if a hand reached out from some other world to offer it to us, a world we only have glimpses of in our daily lives but hold in our innermost hearts.

Read the rest of this inspirational story at:
http://members.iinet.com.au/%7Epinakarri/archives/lovingmore.htm

Those with an interest in using pedal power might like to check out some simple concepts for pedal generators. Keep fit and charge things up! The third link might be of special interest for anyone thinking DIY.

 http://www.los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html 
http://www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=06.06.01&article=pedalpower
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Self-Powered_20Health_20Clubs

Dear participants in the Social Dimension Survey,
 
First of all, many thanks again for your collaboration in this study. As promised, here I send you a report with the results for your community (I apologise for the wait, but I had to finish the MSc Thesis this questionnaire was part of first, and that took me a good few weeks).
 
 The PDF ATTACHED includes the final scores for each category, your community scores compared with the other two communities analysed, a table showing the weights assigned to each answer option and the range of values covered by each indicator and, finally, the answers to some other questions that are not included in any indicator.
 
Due to low response rates, these scores cannot be considered statistically representative for the whole community. Nevertheless, they may well provide useful information to reflect on in order to improve the social aspects of our communities. I hope you will find this topic as fascinating as I have done.
 
Please, keep this report for your personal use only. For any comments you may wish to make about this research, do not hesitate to contact me at info@planning-sustainability.org.
 
Yours sincerely - Javier Montero
071108 Results Report Aldinga

Colin Endean has sent in a useful link to Sustainable Gardening Australia:
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/growyourown.html

Congratulations to Anthony Steel of 19 Dianella Walk (Lot 65) who recently received the Lifetime Award for his work as Festival Director. Anthony's award was highlight of the night at the Australian Business Art Foundation Awards in conjunction with the Ruby Awards, South Australia's annual, pre-eminent arts and cultural awards program.

Well done, Anthony! You are adding a shine to the "Arts" of our Arts EcoVillage.

Thanks to Vanda Rounsefell for sending in this thought-provoking snippet:

Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses? Think about it - obsessing about money and materialism is a symptom of "affluenza" and our teenagers seem particularly susceptible to this condition.
 
Got five minutes? Maybe you can help stop the spread of teenage ‘affluenza’ in Australia. Watch this thought-provoking video clip. With its ironic humour and powerful message, the video has quickly become a monster hit. It received more than 200,000 hits in its first four days on the web!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFZz6ICzpjI&NR=1
 

As the winter has now officially ended and the time is near that we have to start watering our plants and trees again I would like to pass on some information about our water situation.

Thanks to the fact that we have our own Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), we are in fact much better of than people in the suburbs. We can water our fruit trees with recycled water and reap the benefits of this. The fruit trees have now been in the ground for several years and we saw a dividend from the investment during this last year by being able to pick peaches, nectarines, apples, olives, apricots, etc.

I am perturbed, therefore, by hearing talk about which trees should be left to die to reduce money spent on watering etc.

Currently, we have the WWTP output of treated water connected to the irrigation system in 3 orchards: one at the end of Hakea walk, one at the end of Clematis Walk, and one at the end of Dianella Way. This takes care of about 160 fruit trees out of the total of about 600 planted in all the neighbourhood orchards. The treated water from the WWTP is very suitable for use with trees as the irrigation can be done below the soil surface. (If there are concerns about using reclaimed water in particular areas, the clean water currently in the big tank in Market street could possibly be used for watering trees in areas where Village kids tend to play.)

The output of the WWTP has been 48,000 liters per week over the last month. Considering that every tree needs approximately 10 liters of water per week during the summer, we could potentially water 4800 trees. This shows that water is not the problem.

Our problem at the moment is that we need to extend the delivery system to all neighbourhood orchards. This might sound like a big issue but, in fact, could be very manageable if the job is done in-house. Having observed the installation of the storage and pumping equipment at the WWTP, and the subsequent digging of the trenches plus the laying of the pipes, I would suggest that extension to the other orchards could be done by a group of villagers. We could also include the watering of the newly planted trees at Bowering Hill Road by extending the current irrigation system for the woodlot on the farm. With all this installed we would not have to worry about paying contractors to water neighbourhood fruit trees, or about paying for an increasingly scarce and costly SA water supply.

I see the bringing together of our reclaimed water resource with our fruit-tree resource as a matter of "essential maintenance" in the face of a rapidly drying climate. What do you think? Any ideas how to do the above project quickly and within a reasonable budget? I would like to hear from you. Respond from the News Feed via the "Email the author" function, or by direct Email.

John Heij

While we are thinking of Levies it may help to contemplate what rates and charges we do not pay in The Village and the benefits this brings. See the attachment to find out how lucky we are.
 Kind Regards - Lou de Leeuw
070809 Water and Sewer Rates

Thanks to Bridget O'Donnell for forwarding this valuable reference - It is really great.

Dear Aldinga Arts EcoVillage,

All of you who live at AAEV have chosen to live closely with other people. Excellent choice! There is so much to be said for that. It is spiritually very supportive, and environmentally very efficient. We wish more people would do the same.

We would like to offer you all a gift, a short e-book that we wrote called, "Toward Enlightened Community." Please forward this e-mail to the inhabitants of AAEV.

Everybody knows that what the world needs now is love. And most people long for a sense of community. Yet, few people know, realistically, how to implement those dreams. One of the biggest challenges humanity is facing today is the challenge of learning to live together cooperatively.

We are a successful community who has been around for over 20 years now. Most of our members have been with us for at least 10 years. In those years we've learned a great deal about what it really takes to live together harmoniously. It has certainly been a challenge -- a very HEALTHY challenge. We've discovered a lot about ourselves, about human nature, and about what
makes community really WORK, in the process.

Now, having learned, we want to share what we know with others. Our e-book describes the many advantages of community living, and explains in detail the essential success factors that would permit any community to flourish. Here is the link to the e-book page of our website, where you will find it online:

http://www.soulprogress.com/html/eBooks/eBookMain.html

Once you get to the page, click on the link that says, "Toward Enlightened Community," and you will be given the option to either view a black and white printable version or a color version suitable to read onscreen only.

If you find the things you read to be beneficial, then please feel free to share this e-book. We would be very happy if you did. The information in the book is helpful to people both inside and outside of actual communities.

And if you have any questions, or want to talk about it, feel free to write to us.

Good luck with the extremely worthwhile and wonderfully beneficial challenge of community living!

Sincerely,

The Living Love Fellowship

[I have both versions as PDF documents so, if you cannot access the book online and would like me to email a PDF to you, please let me know - Elizabeth H. - Email. I will also be seeking to have a hard-copy printout made for the Library in due course.]

Check out this inspiringly creative EcoVillage in the USA - sent in by Bridget O'Donnell:
http://www.ourecovillage.org and their photo tour at: http://www.ourecovillage.org/photo_gallery/tour/pages/5-PA230037_jpg.htm

Reinforcement for not using herbicides on our site is not that hard to find. Now it appears that the plant "disease" called "Mundulla Yellows" that affects many native trees in settled areas is not actually an infectious disease at all but a result of herbicide spraying for "maintenance" of open space. You can check this out at: http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/APOL27/sep02-5.html
Thanks to Steve Poole for sending in the link.

Thanks to Steve Poole for sending in the following:

"What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet.” - David Suzuki

Hi everyone,
Do you all know about Freecycle - http://www.freecycle.org/ ? I have just tried it out here (UK) after a friend told me about it. It is for recycling for free any items you don't want any more to other people who do want them - items that might otherwise have to go to landfill and the rubbish tip. There seems to be an international network, of local groups. I looked up what groups are around Adelaide - the biggest is
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freecycle_adelaide/ 
I leave you to judge it for yourselves. So far my experience of it is good.
Deb Harding - Lot 112.

Many of you will have seen the very positive article in the Southern Times Messenger this past week. Thanks to Trevor for facilitating the visit by showing the press reps around and pointing out village features. For those who haven't seen it yet, Bridget has sent in the attached scanned copy, with thanks to Carole at Sustainable Property Developments!
 070411 Welcome to village life on our doorstep Southern Times

For anyone out there who is attracted to natural and "organic" building techniques and definitely doesn't want a boring house, Hans Banens of Lot 137 has sent in the following weblink describing a new "tree house" concept:

News in Science - Architect plans living tree house - 23/01/2006
http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s1553264.htm
Growing a home from living trees instead of building a home from felled timber is the goal of an architect from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology ... ...