A few weeks ago, the world divided into two groups: People addicted to chasing small fictional creatures around cities Luddites (like me) wondering what all the fuss is about. Whichever group you belong to, there’s no denying the incredible success… Read More ›
Health
Do you take good menstrual hygiene for granted?
Lots of great articles have been published for Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May) to raise awareness of the challenges faced by many women in managing their periods around the world. I was particularly impressed by a story reported by Kimberly Gillan. Would… Read More ›
Serendipity (Part 2) – What role can serendipity play in enhancing environmental and social sustainability?
Anyone can find a few clues, but not everyone can solve a crime Recognising an opportunity or uncovering a new piece of information is only the first step in the journey. You also need to appreciate its significance and be willing… Read More ›
Supercibo – Superfood Italian-style
I have no idea if this cafe in Trastevere, Rome sells healthy ‘superfood’ or unhealthy ‘fastfood’ as it was closed. I suspect the latter given the speed at which Superman appears to be shovelling down this mountain of (lentil?) burgers. ************* This is… Read More ›
Can chopsticks help to solve global obesity?
The other day I ordered ‘Fuh’ in a vietnamese restaurant. As delicious as it was, I struggled to eat this broth (full of beef slices, noodles, bean shoots and thai basil) with only a spoon and a pair of chopsticks. It suddenly… Read More ›
Slavery, human trafficking & exploitation in Australia today (Not sweet at all – Part 2)
In my last post (here), I discussed the trafficking and exploitation of South Sea Islanders (‘sugar slaves’) in northern Australia and the discrimination that these workers and their families faced until only a few decades ago. Unfortunately, practices such as slavery and human trafficking… Read More ›
Decadent desserts, chocolate treats & goal setting
While dining at a restaurant the other day, I was initially delighted when a large portion of tiramisù was placed before me. However, I soon realised that this rich dessert was likely to test my commitment to avoiding and minimising waste. Should I… Read More ›
Surveys are for the birds. Hey, look! A sheepdog!
This post starts out with a ‘citizen’ backyard bird survey and ends with me deciding that a kelpie or other sheepdog is the Australian ADHD equivalent to a squirrel. Confused? You should be… but the connection is actually very straightforward…. Read More ›
Charity begins at home – with a pair of knitting needles or crochet hook
Knitting and crocheting are no longer just for the blue rinse set. These crafts are enjoying a renaissance across all age groups and are being used to help others and to create cheerful and creative temporary art installations. The knitters and crocheters also receive benefits through… Read More ›
When did you last catch a real (or virtual) sunrise or sunset?
I have always loved Michael Leunig’s cartoon ‘TV Sunrise’ – where a father and son sit inside watching a sunset on their television while a real sunset is clearly visible through the window. Oslo Davis did a more recent cartoon… Read More ›
When nature calls: More people in the world have a mobile phone than a toilet
The world celebrates its first UN-sanctioned World Toilet Day on 19 November. The Day aims to raise global awareness of the serious health, privacy and other challenges faced by the 2.5 billion people living without access to clean safe toilets. Check out this animated promo encouraging people… Read More ›
Wet dreams
While I really enjoyed watching the four year old in this video cross lots of things off his bucket list (and hope you enjoy it as well), it is very sobering to think that many communities still dream of having… Read More ›
Do Purple Camels exist?
When I used to talk about supporting a water project in Africa, I always pictured a modest and fairly unremarkable structure (such as the hand-dug and drilled wells built by organisations like Well Wishers and charity: water). Something not very sexy but… Read More ›
There’s a war in there
I was really moved by Greg Fallis’ tribute to a political writer called Molly who died from breast cancer. He quotes her brutal description of the treatment in his post: Having breast cancer is massive amounts of no fun. First they… Read More ›