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This is old news, well, old by about two weeks but:
An entirely new species of dolphin was found in Australia a little while ago. It is known as the Burrunan dolphin. It wasn't even geographically isolated!
Booyah.
An entirely new species of dolphin was found in Australia a little while ago. It is known as the Burrunan dolphin. It wasn't even geographically isolated!
Booyah.
[Media] News Interest Index.
Aug. 29th, 2011 11:28 amHi folks,
I have a completely anonymous, 9 question survey on news interest and news consumption that I'd love for you to fill out if you have the time (if you don't; no worries). Over 18s only, pretty please. :) Feel free to share around, though considering it's a survey on news consumption, I will completely understand if you can't be assed.
Click here to take survey
I have a completely anonymous, 9 question survey on news interest and news consumption that I'd love for you to fill out if you have the time (if you don't; no worries). Over 18s only, pretty please. :) Feel free to share around, though considering it's a survey on news consumption, I will completely understand if you can't be assed.
Click here to take survey
[News] Huzzah for animism.
Apr. 13th, 2011 03:55 pmMother Earth to be granted human rights under new Bolivian law in a world first.
"Perhaps most beautifully, the law will enshrine nature’s right “to not be affected by mega-infrastructure and development projects that affect the balance of ecosystems and the local inhabitant communities”.
The proposed law underlines 11 new rights for nature. These include: the right to life and to exist; the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration; the right to pure water and clean air; the right to balance; the right not to be polluted; and the right to not have cellular structures modified or genetically altered."
"Perhaps most beautifully, the law will enshrine nature’s right “to not be affected by mega-infrastructure and development projects that affect the balance of ecosystems and the local inhabitant communities”.
The proposed law underlines 11 new rights for nature. These include: the right to life and to exist; the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration; the right to pure water and clean air; the right to balance; the right not to be polluted; and the right to not have cellular structures modified or genetically altered."
[News] Fire warning.
Feb. 6th, 2011 07:49 amFuuuuuuuuuuuuu - we JUST drove through these streets on Thursday night.
*
Sunday 6 February 2011 – 6:05 AM
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people in Brigadoon, Baskerville, Millendon, Red Hill and Herne Hill, in the City of Swan.
Homes in Range Road, Weir Road, Joshua Mews and Daniel Place, in Baskerville will be impacted by fire now.
...
The fire is expected to impact homes on the following roads in the vicinity of Brigadoon, Baskerville, Millendon and Herne Hill:
•Campersic Road, Macham Road, Cymosa Street, Loton Road, Hardwick Road, Swannell Trail, Abraham Close, Daniel Place, Hadrill Road, Kings Row, Hardwick Road, Bisdee Road, Logue Road, Padbury Avenue, Robinson Road, William Street, Lefroy Avenue, Moore Road, Macham Road, Railway Parade and Stock Road.
There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
WHAT TO DO:
* If you have not left yet and the way is clear, leave immediately for a safer place and take your survival kit with you.
* If you have not prepared your home, it is too late to do it now, your safest option is to leave.
* Do not relocate at the last minute in a vehicle or on foot as this is deadly.
* It is not safe to stay and actively defend, your best chance for survival is to leave.
* If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to take shelter in your home and actively defend it.
* If you are away from home, do not try to return as the road conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
RELOCATION POINTS:
The Department of Child Protection has set up a relocation point at Swan Park Leisure Centre on Gray Drive, Midvale, off Morrison Road.
RELOCATION ROUTE:
If you are going to the relocation point leave in a westerly direction towards the Great Northern Highway.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable.
Embers are likely to be blown around your home and spot fires are starting up to one kilometre ahead of the fire. Flames are higher than roof tops.
The fire started at 9.14pm on Saturday 5 February and currently there has been 750 hectares burnt.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
One hundred and fifty career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Department of Environment and Conservation firefighters are on the scene.
Two helitacs and two fixed wing water bombers have been sent to protect crews and homes.
Firefighters are protecting houses in Range Road, Weir Road, Joshua Mews and Daniel Place, Baskerville.
*
MORE FROM FESA: https://internet.fesa.wa.gov.au/alerts/Pages/Alert.aspx?ItemId=2006
I know people directly affected by this (on Loton and Range Rd, and in Brigadoon); so keeping my fingers crossed they all stay safe. There's a lot of families and horses and loved animals out there. :(
*
Sunday 6 February 2011 – 6:05 AM
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people in Brigadoon, Baskerville, Millendon, Red Hill and Herne Hill, in the City of Swan.
Homes in Range Road, Weir Road, Joshua Mews and Daniel Place, in Baskerville will be impacted by fire now.
...
The fire is expected to impact homes on the following roads in the vicinity of Brigadoon, Baskerville, Millendon and Herne Hill:
•Campersic Road, Macham Road, Cymosa Street, Loton Road, Hardwick Road, Swannell Trail, Abraham Close, Daniel Place, Hadrill Road, Kings Row, Hardwick Road, Bisdee Road, Logue Road, Padbury Avenue, Robinson Road, William Street, Lefroy Avenue, Moore Road, Macham Road, Railway Parade and Stock Road.
There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
WHAT TO DO:
* If you have not left yet and the way is clear, leave immediately for a safer place and take your survival kit with you.
* If you have not prepared your home, it is too late to do it now, your safest option is to leave.
* Do not relocate at the last minute in a vehicle or on foot as this is deadly.
* It is not safe to stay and actively defend, your best chance for survival is to leave.
* If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to take shelter in your home and actively defend it.
* If you are away from home, do not try to return as the road conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
RELOCATION POINTS:
The Department of Child Protection has set up a relocation point at Swan Park Leisure Centre on Gray Drive, Midvale, off Morrison Road.
RELOCATION ROUTE:
If you are going to the relocation point leave in a westerly direction towards the Great Northern Highway.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable.
Embers are likely to be blown around your home and spot fires are starting up to one kilometre ahead of the fire. Flames are higher than roof tops.
The fire started at 9.14pm on Saturday 5 February and currently there has been 750 hectares burnt.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
One hundred and fifty career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Department of Environment and Conservation firefighters are on the scene.
Two helitacs and two fixed wing water bombers have been sent to protect crews and homes.
Firefighters are protecting houses in Range Road, Weir Road, Joshua Mews and Daniel Place, Baskerville.
*
MORE FROM FESA: https://internet.fesa.wa.gov.au/alerts/Pages/Alert.aspx?ItemId=2006
I know people directly affected by this (on Loton and Range Rd, and in Brigadoon); so keeping my fingers crossed they all stay safe. There's a lot of families and horses and loved animals out there. :(
[News] Food glorious food.
Feb. 4th, 2011 07:54 amLink round-up - food shortages.
Authoritarian governments start stockpiling food in order to stave off violence and and food related conflict.
The unstable Middle East is facing a massive phosphate shortage which could limit global food security.
China faces more difficulties meeting food demands.
Global fish consumption reaches record high.
Bananas wiped out in Australia because of Cyclone Yasi, and the storm on Carnarvon's front. As we don't import, prices could go up to a speculative $11 a kilo for a year.
Cyclone Yasi devastates the sugar industry.
Authoritarian governments start stockpiling food in order to stave off violence and and food related conflict.
The unstable Middle East is facing a massive phosphate shortage which could limit global food security.
China faces more difficulties meeting food demands.
Global fish consumption reaches record high.
Bananas wiped out in Australia because of Cyclone Yasi, and the storm on Carnarvon's front. As we don't import, prices could go up to a speculative $11 a kilo for a year.
Cyclone Yasi devastates the sugar industry.
A scale map of what Cyclone Yasi would look like over the USA:
Over Western and Eastern Europe:
Rest of the article, including a scale map of what it would look like over Asia, and explanations of the devastation.
Over Western and Eastern Europe:
Rest of the article, including a scale map of what it would look like over Asia, and explanations of the devastation.
News.com.au comparison JPEG:
Greater storm surge / wind gusts / and rainfall than Hurricane Katrina. Blows Cyclone Tracy out of the park. :/
Live coverage / updates here at news.com.au
Greater storm surge / wind gusts / and rainfall than Hurricane Katrina. Blows Cyclone Tracy out of the park. :/
Live coverage / updates here at news.com.au
[News] Jeebus.
Feb. 2nd, 2011 07:01 amSevere Tropical Cyclone Yasi has been upgraded to a Category 5 as 'the most catastrophic storm ever to hit Australia' takes aim at one of the most heavily populated areas in Queensland.
Residents told to prepare for '24 hours of terror.'
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi was upgraded to category five this morning as the weather bureau warned it was likely to be "more life-threatening" than any storm seen in Australia in living memory.
Tens of thousands of people are fleeing their homes ahead of the monster storm, which is expected to hit the coast between Cairns and Innisfail with winds of up to 295 kilometres per hour near the core.
Premier Anna Bligh says the storm's expected landfall at about 10:00pm AEST is the worst possible news for a state which is already reeling from recent flooding.
She says Cyclone Yasi is the "most catastrophic storm to ever hit our coast".
"Frankly, I don't think Australia has ever seen a storm of this intensity in an area as populated as this stretch of our coast," she said.
"Whether it's cyclonic devastating winds, storm surge, or torrential rain further west as a result of this, we are facing an extreme event that will not be over in 24 hours, but will possibly take several days before the full flooding effect is felt across the region as well, potentially right through to Mount Isa.
"We are facing a storm of catastrophic proportions in a highly populated area. You've heard all of the statistics and what it all adds up to is a very, very frightening time for people and their families.
"This is not something that passes over the coast and is over in an hour. This is 24 hours of quite terrifying winds, anywhere up to 300 kilometres per hour, torrential rain, likely loss of electricity and mobile communications. People really need to be preparing themselves mentally as much as anything else."
The weather bureau says Cyclone Yasi poses an "extremely serious threat" to life and property within the warning area, especially between Port Douglas and Townsville."
*
My cousin has been unable to get back to Perth; so wishing her (and her kids, and her house) the best.
Residents told to prepare for '24 hours of terror.'
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi was upgraded to category five this morning as the weather bureau warned it was likely to be "more life-threatening" than any storm seen in Australia in living memory.
Tens of thousands of people are fleeing their homes ahead of the monster storm, which is expected to hit the coast between Cairns and Innisfail with winds of up to 295 kilometres per hour near the core.
Premier Anna Bligh says the storm's expected landfall at about 10:00pm AEST is the worst possible news for a state which is already reeling from recent flooding.
She says Cyclone Yasi is the "most catastrophic storm to ever hit our coast".
"Frankly, I don't think Australia has ever seen a storm of this intensity in an area as populated as this stretch of our coast," she said.
"Whether it's cyclonic devastating winds, storm surge, or torrential rain further west as a result of this, we are facing an extreme event that will not be over in 24 hours, but will possibly take several days before the full flooding effect is felt across the region as well, potentially right through to Mount Isa.
"We are facing a storm of catastrophic proportions in a highly populated area. You've heard all of the statistics and what it all adds up to is a very, very frightening time for people and their families.
"This is not something that passes over the coast and is over in an hour. This is 24 hours of quite terrifying winds, anywhere up to 300 kilometres per hour, torrential rain, likely loss of electricity and mobile communications. People really need to be preparing themselves mentally as much as anything else."
The weather bureau says Cyclone Yasi poses an "extremely serious threat" to life and property within the warning area, especially between Port Douglas and Townsville."
*
My cousin has been unable to get back to Perth; so wishing her (and her kids, and her house) the best.
Update from Bureau of Meteorology:
Jan. 29th, 2011 04:41 pm@2.15pm Saturday the 29th, Perth time.
FESA advises you to prepare an emergency kit and emergency plan, including a relocation plan for your family and pets. Store or weigh down loose objects, trim branches around your home and clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain. Do not go boating, fishing, swimming or surfing in affected areas. Ensure boats in pens and on moorings are secure. If you live in an area with severe or extreme fire danger you need to have a bushfire survival plan and get ready to act. For SES assistance call 132 500. To report a fire or for a life threatening situation call 000. Keep up to date by calling FESA's Information Line on 1300 657 209 or visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml
Glen and I got a bit of the storm activity earlier (not the cyclone, just you know...storm activity nearby), it was alright; not nearly like the storm of 2010. Blew our power out, but we got it back on. We also moved as many loose objects out the back as we could but honestly; we're screwed here in Ellenbrook. At the bottom of a hill, in a new suburb (lots of shorn off pieces of tin roofing!) and bulk rubbish due on Tuesday (and a lot of people not putting it away or taking anything seriously despite a bulletin by the council to remove it and put it back out again later). Fuck that shit, man.
FESA advises you to prepare an emergency kit and emergency plan, including a relocation plan for your family and pets. Store or weigh down loose objects, trim branches around your home and clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain. Do not go boating, fishing, swimming or surfing in affected areas. Ensure boats in pens and on moorings are secure. If you live in an area with severe or extreme fire danger you need to have a bushfire survival plan and get ready to act. For SES assistance call 132 500. To report a fire or for a life threatening situation call 000. Keep up to date by calling FESA's Information Line on 1300 657 209 or visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml
Glen and I got a bit of the storm activity earlier (not the cyclone, just you know...storm activity nearby), it was alright; not nearly like the storm of 2010. Blew our power out, but we got it back on. We also moved as many loose objects out the back as we could but honestly; we're screwed here in Ellenbrook. At the bottom of a hill, in a new suburb (lots of shorn off pieces of tin roofing!) and bulk rubbish due on Tuesday (and a lot of people not putting it away or taking anything seriously despite a bulletin by the council to remove it and put it back out again later). Fuck that shit, man.
[News] Perth people!
Jan. 28th, 2011 11:16 amPerth People - we are currently on a tropical cyclone watch for Sunday. It's no longer just the North of the state that's in trouble. As you can see.
Source - Bureau of Meterology: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Bianca is expected to gradually weaken as it takes a more southerly track overnight. On Saturday Bianca will move in a southeasterly direction towards the southwest corner of the state while weakening steadily. However there is a significant risk that Bianca will maintain tropical cyclone intensity as it approaches the coast early on Sunday. If this scenario eventuates, coastal areas between Jurien Bay and Albany could experience DAMAGING WINDS with gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.
On Sunday tides between Jurien Bay and Cape Naturaliste are likely to rise signficantly above the normal high tide mark with VERY ROUGH SEAS, DANGEROUS SURF and FLOODING of LOW LYING COASTAL AREAS. SIGNIFICANT COASTAL EROSION is possible. Heavy rainfall is also possible on the southern side of the system. FLASH FLOODING is possible but extensive flooding is not expected.
SEVERE to EXTREME FIRE DANGERS are likely across a broad area south of a line from Geraldton to Esperance on Sunday."
Please keep a watch on the news and the radio, and stay safe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Cyclone_Bianca_%282011%29#Severe_Tropical_Cyclone_Bianca
Source - Bureau of Meterology: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Bianca is expected to gradually weaken as it takes a more southerly track overnight. On Saturday Bianca will move in a southeasterly direction towards the southwest corner of the state while weakening steadily. However there is a significant risk that Bianca will maintain tropical cyclone intensity as it approaches the coast early on Sunday. If this scenario eventuates, coastal areas between Jurien Bay and Albany could experience DAMAGING WINDS with gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.
On Sunday tides between Jurien Bay and Cape Naturaliste are likely to rise signficantly above the normal high tide mark with VERY ROUGH SEAS, DANGEROUS SURF and FLOODING of LOW LYING COASTAL AREAS. SIGNIFICANT COASTAL EROSION is possible. Heavy rainfall is also possible on the southern side of the system. FLASH FLOODING is possible but extensive flooding is not expected.
SEVERE to EXTREME FIRE DANGERS are likely across a broad area south of a line from Geraldton to Esperance on Sunday."
Please keep a watch on the news and the radio, and stay safe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Cyclone_Bianca_%282011%29#Severe_Tropical_Cyclone_Bianca
An international housing survey has shown that Australian houses are the most expensive in the English-speaking world.
(And of course, Perth is one of the more expensive states, out of Australian states).
"The Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey puts Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide in the top 3 per cent of the world's most unaffordable housing markets.
The survey compared affordability by measuring median house prices against average household incomes.
It looked at 325 housing markets in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong.
Australia has what the report describes as the most intense housing stress, with homes costing six times the average household income.
Report co-author Hugh Pavletich says it is an outrage that Australia's house prices are greater than the world's most populated cities.
"Melbourne and Sydney are far more expensive in relation to wages than what London and New York are, so it's completely absurd. In fact, it's a national disgrace," he said."
(And of course, Perth is one of the more expensive states, out of Australian states).
"The Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey puts Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide in the top 3 per cent of the world's most unaffordable housing markets.
The survey compared affordability by measuring median house prices against average household incomes.
It looked at 325 housing markets in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong.
Australia has what the report describes as the most intense housing stress, with homes costing six times the average household income.
Report co-author Hugh Pavletich says it is an outrage that Australia's house prices are greater than the world's most populated cities.
"Melbourne and Sydney are far more expensive in relation to wages than what London and New York are, so it's completely absurd. In fact, it's a national disgrace," he said."
National Geographic has pictures of the floods in Queensland which cover a size of land equalling all of France and Germany put together.
I think my 'favourite' is the wallaby.
I think my 'favourite' is the wallaby.
For those who regularly visit, you may need to press refresh to see the new build. It's shinier. Simpler. More user-friendly. Hope you like it!
Now I am going to sink into a coma foreeeeever.
Oh! Feel free to pimp the new build around. :) Hey, it's a free totem animal dictionary after all, right?
Now I am going to sink into a coma foreeeeever.
Oh! Feel free to pimp the new build around. :) Hey, it's a free totem animal dictionary after all, right?
Ganked from ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
tsukikokoro
Unbeknownst to like... most of the rest of the world, Australia has its election for a new Prime Minister on Saturday. However, many people, including many Australians, find our political system confusing.
So here it is:
THE HARRY POTTER PRIMER OF AUSTRALIAN POLITICS
tsukikokoroUnbeknownst to like... most of the rest of the world, Australia has its election for a new Prime Minister on Saturday. However, many people, including many Australians, find our political system confusing.
So here it is:
THE HARRY POTTER PRIMER OF AUSTRALIAN POLITICS
[News] Hey guys, Finland is awesome!
Jul. 10th, 2010 10:15 amFinland makes broadband a 'legal right.' - Finland has become the first country in the world to make broadband a legal right for every citizen.
(I give Australia approximately 3,567 years to catch up.)
(I give Australia approximately 3,567 years to catch up.)
