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Super fine hemp to rival traditional wool
A Western Australian farmer hopes to export super-fine 'baby hemp' that he claims gives merino wool a run for its money.
Kim Hough is growing hemp at a time of the year when it grows quicker and has longer fibres than conventional hemp, making it ideal for the premium textile market.
He says the export market is keen.
"A lot of people get the wrong idea that hemp is coarse like your bags and things," he says.
"Now hemp has been refined to an extraordinary degree and now we're looking at super-fine fibres with the baby hemp.
"Japan is the place we're looking at at the moment but also China is looking at more high quality fibre." A Western Australian farmer hopes to export super-fine 'baby hemp' that he claims gives merino wool a run for its money. ... more -
Heroic rabbit saves couple from certain death
A pet rabbit saved his owners from perishing in a house fire in Melbourne, Australia earlier today. The rabbit, named 'Rabbit', scratched at the couple's bedroom door as they slept and alerted them to the raging fire, which later caused substantial damage to much of their home.
That bunny's gonna be getting a LOT of rabbit food treats after this ... A pet rabbit saved his owners from perishing in a house fire in Melbourne, Australia earlier today. The rabbit, named 'Rabbit', scrat... more -
Underwear chicken dare puts man in hospital
An 18-year-old Australian's dare went horribly wrong when he tried to play chicken wit hcars on a freeway wearing nothing but his underwear. He was critically injured after being hit by a four-wheel drive. The driver and passenger in the car were unhurt, though the vehicle was a write-off.
According to a police statement, "it was lucky nobody was killed as a result and police couldn't believe anybody would be foolish enough to take such grave risks with their personal safety and that of other road users." An 18-year-old Australian's dare went horribly wrong when he tried to play chicken wit hcars on a freeway wearing nothing but his unde... more -
Mystery as dead birds fall from the sky over Western Australia
Dead birds are falling from the sky in Australia for the second time in seven months, raising fears of a possible public health threat.
At least 200 seagulls have been found dead in Perth's popular beachside suburbs of Woodman Point and Henderson this week, baffling local authorities.
Post-mortem examinations have failed to determine the cause of the birds' deaths. Last December 5,000 birds died in the coastal town of Esperance, 500 km south of Perth, after being poisoned by lead carbonate blowing through the town as it was being exported through Esperance Port.
The latest incident of dropping birds has led to a major investigation of local industries but government officials admit they are at a loss to know what is killing the gulls. A Department of Health spokesman admitted they could not rule out a risk to public health until the cause of the birds' deaths had been established.
When the Esperance birds began dying, tests showed that local children and adults had potentially dangerous levels of lead in their blood. A local company, Magellan Metals, escaped prosecution over the way it handled the transportation of lead through the town, but fears remain over the potential threat to humans.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DoEC) believes the latest deaths may have been caused by a chemical or pollutant. The birds were found on Monday and Tuesday near water outfall pipes at Woodman Point, south of Fremantle and at nearby Henderson which has a large boat-building industry. Water and sediment samples have been taken from the area for testing.
Kevin Morrison, from the DoEC, said the birds appeared to die a quick and painless death.
"The birds, when they are showing signs of having been poisoned become a bit wobbly on their feet, they sit down and within 10 to 15 minutes they're dead," he told the Australian Broadcasting Coproration. He said it was particularly puzzling that the deaths were confined to seagulls. In Esperance, wattle birds, yellow throated miners and honey-eaters died.
Although many of the birds were found near the outflow pipes, Mr Morrison said the birds may already have ingested something toxic at a rubbish or landfall site before going there for water as they died.
The beach at Woodman Point, a popular sailing and fishing area, has been closed as a precaution until further notice. Officials do not expect the test results on the birds for a week. Dead birds are falling from the sky in Australia for the second time in seven months, raising fears of a possible public health threat... more -
CSIRO Scientist's GM Deception
Health scientists have accused CSIRO Plant Industry Deputy TJ Higgins of making innacurate claims, following a CSIRO campaign urging Australian chefs not to boycott genetically modified (GM) food products.
As reported in last week’s Crikey, Higgins wrote on CSIRO letterhead to more than 50 chefs who had signed Greenpeace's GM-free Chef's Charter. But his letter campaign has "backfired spectacularly", according to Greenpeace spokesperson Louise Sales, who says health scientists and chefs are angered over public resources being used for pro-GM lobbying.
Sydney restaurateur and cookbook author Holly Davis told Crikey some chefs are "very concerned. I thought that CSIRO was an impartial research organisation."
Dr Higgins, whose promotion of GM foods is strongly supported by Australia’s Chief Scientist Jim Peacock and Victoria’s Chief Scientist Gus Nossal, is CSIRO’s co-inventor of the GM Field Pea, abandoned because toxicologists found it caused immune problems and lung damage in mice.
Does this finding contradict Dr Higgins' assurances to chefs that "independently reviewed tests have not found any connection between health problems and GM"?
No, according to Dr Higgins. In a letter to Crikey, he wrote:
My GM pea research emphasises the effectiveness of case-by-case evaluation of GM plants and the important role science can play in decision-making around the introduction of GM crops. The research does not imply that all GM plants are inherently bad. Food Standards Australia New Zealand undertakes comprehensive evaluation of GM foods to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
But these claims are "simply wrong" says nutritional biochemist and epidemiologist Dr Judy Carman, whom the West Australian government commissioned to undertake independent studies into the safety of GM foods.
Carman told Crikey: "TJ Higgins' GM pea provides a clear example of the failings of our current GM food regulatory regime. The pea failed miserably on all the [independent health] tests conducted.” And despite Higgins' claims, “these tests are not required by our food regulator".
Her assertions are backed by health advocate Dr Kate Clinch-Jones, a director of the Institute for Health and Environment Research, who is concerned that preliminary independent studies, which suggest allergic responses, organ damage and precancerous growth in mice fed GM foods, have not been followed up.
Dr Higgins is also accused of making innacurate claims on two other fronts.
First, his claim to chefs that:
It is untrue to say that GM food has not been tested for human safety. It has, and very widely. These independently reviewed tests have not found any connection between health problems and GM.
This is disputed by toxicologist Dr Aprad Pusztai, who co-authored a study on Higgins' GM Pea.
"There is only one partial clinical study with one GM crop (RR soybean) done in Newcastle and published in 2004," says Pusztai.
This study apparently produced worrying evidence that GM material might survive in the human gut -- a finding which, says Pusztai, is "hardly a resounding confirmation of Dr Higgins' claim. No other human study has been published."
Higgins, as a plant industry scientist, is not qualified to make the claims in his letter campaign to chefs, says Dr Pusztai.
"He has no background or track record in nutritional research and thus he should refrain from making comments on the safety or otherwise of any GM product."
Health scientists have accused CSIRO Plant Industry Deputy TJ Higgins of making innacurate claims, following a CSIRO campaign urging A... more -
In Australia il primo villaggio per gli omosessuali anziani. Riposo nel lusso
Non chiamatela casa di riposo. Il villaggio che si sta costruendo a 90 chilometri da Melbourne, in Australia, avrà tutte le caratteristiche di lusso e poco quella di una casa di riposo. Il complesso avrà 120 villette a due o tre camere da letto e verrà dotato di tutti i comfort e divertimenti: campo da tennis, bocce, un teatro all'aperto, piscina, una raffinata spa, palestra, un caffè-ristorante, una sala da musica e un business centre.
Il villaggio, denominato Linton Estate, sarà riservato a gay, lesbiche e transessuaii, non importa se soli o in compagnia.
Il villaggio si trova nei dintorni di Daylesford, dove attualmente ci vive una delle maggiori popolazioni omosessuali dell'Australia rurale.
C'è da immaginarsi che i costi per una villa non saranno proprio da pensionati. Ma la società costruttrice non è affatto preoccupata: forse, non basteranno, e ce ne vorranno di nuove. Non chiamatela casa di riposo. Il villaggio che si sta costruendo a 90 chilometri da Melbourne, in Australia, avrà tutte le caratteris... more -
Second rare white whale spotted in Australia
A white humpback whale has been spotted off the east coast of Australia: The whale was filmed by a TV news helicopter.
It is thought to be the offspring of 'Migaloo' ('White fellow' to the Aboriginies), another white whale which was sighted in the area two years ago: The two sightings off Byron Bay are thought to be the only two examples in the world.
A white humpback whale has been spotted off the east coast of Australia: The whale was filmed by a TV news helicopter. ... more -
More rights for fathers? Australia wants to protect dads
Australia's sex discrimination commissioner has gone in to fight for the country's men who complain that their careers suffer if they take time out to be dads.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick said Australia needed to change laws to better protect men who choose the "daddy track" and to ensure men and women have equal access to flexible work arrangements and time-off for family duties.
Many Australian companies were reluctant to allow men to work part-time so they could take a bigger role in looking after their children, she added. "Men told of the pressure that they felt to be the primary breadwinner and the long work hours that prevented them from sharing time with their partners, children and other family members," Broderick said on Tuesday. "Men can only bring a complaint if they are sacked."
Broderick released a report on key areas needed to improve gender equity which found women were still paid less than men, had less retirement savings, did more unpaid work and child caring, and were subjected to more sexual harassment.
But she said that although both men and women complained about trying to juggle work and home responsibilities, Australia's laws offered more protection to mothers than fathers.
Appointed to the position last September, Broderick said reducing the incidence of sexual harassment, and helping Australians balance work and family commitments, would be key areas for time in the job.
(Reuters) Australia's sex discrimination commissioner has gone in to fight for the country's men who complain that their careers suffer if they ... more -
Renegade of the '70's
In the Gold Coast of Australia we find Michael Peterson shredding up some Down Under. Peterson was known for his renegade style of riding in the 70's. In the classic film "Super Session" by Hal Jepsen, Peterson showcases his radical form. In the Gold Coast of Australia we find Michael Peterson shredding up some Down Under. Peterson was known for his renegade style of rid... more
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‘misogynistic and demeaning’ vans banned
A campervan company has agreed to ditch sexist slogans aimed at the backpacker market.
The Advertising Standards Board has upheld complaints over slogans painted on the company's vehicle's that claim "if God was a woman, sperm would taste like chocolate" and "women are like banks - once you withdraw you lose interest".
Advertising Standards Bureau chief executive officer Alison Abernethy said Wicked Campers will remove the slogans which the board deemed offensive.
"The board considered the slogans to be misogynistic and demeaning to women and that they served to commodify women and could not be considered humorous or acceptable," Ms Abernethy said.
A campervan company has agreed to ditch sexist slogans aimed at the backpacker market. ... more -
Pope holds private meeting with Australian clergy abuse victims
At the end of his pilgrimage to Australia Pope Benedict XVI met privately on Monday with Australians who were sexually abused as children by priests. The pontiff held prayers and spoke with four abuse victims — two men and two women — in the last hours of his 9-day visit to the country. Critics say it was a public relations stint. What do you think? At the end of his pilgrimage to Australia Pope Benedict XVI met privately on Monday with Australians who were sexually abused as child... more
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The Most Magnificent Wonders of the Natural World
Mother Nature's creations inspire awe and humility in all who witness her greatest wonders.
Mother Nature is a powerful and awesome force. Here are some examples of her most spectacular creations. Mother Nature's creations inspire awe and humility in all who witness her greatest wonders. ... more -
Drought threatens drinking water for a million Australians
Up to a million people in Australia could face a shortage of drinking water if the country's drought continues, a report on the state of the nation's largest river system revealed Sunday.
The report said the situation was critical in the Murray-Darling system, which provides water to Australia's "food bowl", a vast expanse of land almost twice as big as France that runs down the continent's east coast.
"We are in real trouble in the Murray-Darling basin," Climate Change Minister Penny Wong told Channel Nine television.
"We've had very low inflows, we've had a very dry June and the focus absolutely has to be critical human needs, that is the needs of the million-plus people who rely on the basin for drinking water.
"It just reminds us, yet again, the way in which this country, Australia, is particularly vulnerable to climate change."
Australia is in the grip of the worst drought in a century, which has stretched for more than seven years in some areas and has forced restrictions on water usage in the country''s major cities.
The report said the Murray-Darling system, accounting for more than 40 percent of the gross value of Australia's agricultural production, should provide enough drinking water for 2008-09.
But the report from senior federal and state government officials warned there could be problems supplying drinking water after that if rains did not come.
"If inflows are less and losses greater than expected, further contingency measures may be required to be implemented to secure critical human needs," it said.
The Murray-Darling Basin, which stretches from Queensland in the north, through New South Wales to Victoria in the south and South Australia, is the country's key food growing area.
A report by the nation's top scientists this month said Australia was in for a tenfold increase in heat waves as climate change pushes temperatures up.
It found exceptionally hot years, which used to occur once every 22 years, would occur every one or two years, virtually making drought a permanent part of the Australian landscape. Up to a million people in Australia could face a shortage of drinking water if the country's drought continues, a report on the state ... more -
Pope urges Australian youths to spurn materialism
Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday a "spiritual desert" was spreading throughout the world and he challenged young people to shed the greed and cynicism of their time to create a new age of hope for humankind.
Speaking at a Mass before some 350,000 Roman Catholic pilgrims and a likely television audience of millions more, Benedict wrapped up the church's six-day World Youth Day festival. He urged the young people in his more than 1 billion-strong flock to be agents of change because "the world needs renewal."
"In so many of our societies, side by side with material prosperity, a spiritual desert is spreading: an interior emptiness, an unnamed fear, a quiet sense of despair," the pontiff said.
The appeal came as Benedict finished a visit to Australia that touched on the themes that have defined his three-year-old papacy, including the struggle to rejuvenate a crisis-battered Church, reaching out to other faiths and raising global warming as an important issue.
The 81-year-old pope said it was up to a new generation of Christians to build a world in "which God's gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished — not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed."
They must embrace the power of God "to let it break through the curse of our indifference, our spiritual weariness, our blind conformity to the spirit of this age," he said.
The aim was "a new age in which hope liberates us from the shallowness, apathy and self-absorption which deadens our souls and poisons our relationships," he said.
The Mass came a day after the pope made a forceful apology for the sexual abuse of children by Australia's Roman Catholic clergy, keeping up efforts begun in the United States to publicly atone for what he called evil acts by priests.
The Mass was delivered at a horse racetrack filled with pilgrims who had camped out overnight.
Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said 350,000 attended Sunday's Mass. Australian organizers surmised a global television audience of up to 500 million during big World Youth Day events.
The pope flew over the scene early Sunday in a helicopter — dubbed "the holy-copter" by bleary-eyed pilgrims below — to see the assemblage swarmed all over the track in a jumble of sleeping bags, backpacks and other personal items. Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday a "spiritual desert" was spreading throughout the world and he challenged young people to shed the greed... more -
Australia: cannabis DNA test
Cannabis suppliers will be easier to track after the compiling of a national genetic database of cannabis samples. The database of 500 plants, seized in drug busts across Australia, culminates 15 years of research by the Australian Federal Police, the Australian National University and the Canberra Institute of Technology.
It could help break organised crime rings and identify legal hemp plantations being used as a cover for the production of drugs.
AFP forensic and data centres national manager James Robertson said he believed the database was the first of its kind in the world.
''In our view, it's the first time that forensic botany's reached this stage from a validation viewpoint,'' Dr Robertson said. ''That's important, because if forensic botany in the future is going to become a more important part of the forensic scene, then we need to produce the sorts of tools that reach the standard.''
Scientists built the database of DNA profiles from plants grown in fields, hydroponic operations and pots. They analysed DNA from root, stem and leaf samples seized in raids around Australia, focusing on 10 characteristics of DNA called short tandem repeat markers. They showed there was enough genetic diversity in Australian cannabis to identify individual plants from the 10 markers.
The results of their work will be published in the July edition of the Journal of Forensic Science.
The ANU school of botany and zoology's Professor Rod Peakall said establishing links between the plants was a complex process. Professor Peakall said the database would become more powerful as samples were added, but the genetic evidence would have to be combined with other evidence to support a conviction.
''DNA evidence never stands alone, but the database is another tool to be used in the legal process,'' Professor Peakall said.
The ANU is looking to set up a new Master of Molecular Genetic Analysis program to meet the growing demand for experts in the field. The AFP hopes the database will be ready for police operations in just over a year. Cannabis suppliers will be easier to track after the compiling of a national genetic database of cannabis samples. The database of 50... more -
Dog saves woman from kangaroo
Rosemary Neal, 65, was walking through a mob of kangaroos to look after some horses in a paddock at the farm near Mudgee, 160 miles northwest of Sydney.
Her son Darren said the area was overrun with the large marsupials, which rarely attack people, and she had felt entirely safe in their company.
But then, a large male kangaroo inches taller than the 5’6 foot Mrs Neal, suddenly lunged at her.
“The kangaroo has just jumped up and launched straight at her,” he told local newspapers. “He hit her once and she just dropped and rolled. My dog heard her screaming and bolted down and chased him off.
“If it wasn’t for the dog she’d probably be dead.”
Mrs Neal was discharged from hospital, but her son said she was in “a bad way”.
“Her face has been ripped apart, her hand has been mauled, and she’s got scratches all over her back and concussion,” he said. “Her whole body is sore where she has dropped to the ground.”
Kangaroos are common across the whole Australian landmass and there are dozens of species ranging from tiny, 17-ounce potoroos to Red Kangaroos, the world’s largest marsupial that can grow past 6 feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds.
Mr Neal said there were lots of the animals in the area of Mudgee.
“There would be a couple of hundred kangaroos within a hundred metres of the house,” he said. Rosemary Neal, 65, was walking through a mob of kangaroos to look after some horses in a paddock at the farm near Mudgee, 160 miles no... more -
Skippy vs Fido - Pet Dog saves Granny from Rampaging Roo
An elderly woman was attacked by a large kangaroo on a farm in Australia and was lucky to be alive after a pet dog leapt to her aid, her son said Saturday.
The 6-foot-5-inch kangaroo lunged without warning at 65-year-old Rosemary Neal as she went to check on some horses in a paddock on the property near Mudgee, 160 miles northwest of Sydney on Friday, son Darren Neal said.
The kangaroo "just jumped up and launched straight at her," Darren Neal said. "He hit her once and she just dropped and rolled. My dog heard her screaming and bolted down and chased him off.
"It wasn't for the dog she'd probably be dead."
Rosemary Neal was hospitalized for for deep cuts to her face, hands and back and a concussion, he said.
Kangaroos are widespread across Australia and there are dozens of species in the family, ranging from tiny, 17-ounce potoroos to Red Kangaroos, the world's largest marsupial that can grow past 6 feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds.
Most species are not considered aggressive toward humans, and attacks are extremely rare. But males fight each other for mates, rearing up on their tails to scratch at the soft belly flesh of their rivals with the powerful legs they more commenly use for their trademark leaps.
Darren Neal said mobs of kangaroos had become common on their farm and his mother thought nothing of walking through them in the paddock. Usually, they just jump away.
"My mum is 65 years old and about five-and-a-half foot," he said. "Her whole body is sore where she has dropped to the ground." An elderly woman was attacked by a large kangaroo on a farm in Australia and was lucky to be alive after a pet dog leapt to her aid, h... more -
The Dark Night’s Insane Joker: Heath Ledger Touted for Oscar
Handsome is as handsome doesn't in "The Dark Knight." Of the three male actors who have major roles the movie, Heath Ledger with his face hidden behind twisted clown makeup, whose perfect features and fair brow are never seen, has proven to be the most memorable one.
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in "The Dark Knight" is both a demonic creation and a three-ring circus of one. Ledger's performance is so intense and lasting in part because, despite his insane mask, it's a subtle and nuanced performance that is so powerful it almost erases all memories of the handsome Australian actor behind the Joker's mask.
The makeup seems to have liberated Ledger. Ledger's body movements are flexibly agile, he's expressive using only his eyes and his voice has astonishing oscillating surges of irony, mockery and psychopathology in it.
While the Academy Awards are more than six months away, the late Heath Ledger already is being touted for an Oscar nomination for his demonic and terrifying portrayal of the Joker. His stunning performance is pure magnetic charisma.
This article also presents photographs and three videos about "The Dark Night" (including an interview with Heath Ledger). Handsome is as handsome doesn't in "The Dark Knight." Of the three male actors who have major roles the movie, Heath Ledger with his ... more -
Pope says sorry for 'evil' of clergy sex abuse
Pope Benedict XVI apologized Saturday to victims of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, describing their acts as "evil" and a grave betrayal of trust.
"I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country," Benedict said during an address at a Mass in Australia.
"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," the pope said. "I assure them as their pastor that I too share in their suffering."
He said those responsible for these "evils must be brought to justice."
Support groups for victims of church abuse in Australia, whose numbers are not known but who activists say are in the thousands, had demanded the pope make a full and open apology for clergy abuse and do more to prevent future abuse.
There was no immediate word whether Benedict would meet with victims of clergy abuse, as he did during his trip to the United States in April, when he also expressed his shame for the scandal.
Pope Benedict XVI apologized Saturday to victims of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, describing their acts as "evil" and a gr... more -
Plea To Spare Death Row Terrorists
Brian Deegan - whose son Joshua, 22, was among 202 killed in October 2002 - said killing the trio risked turning them into martyrs.
He wants their death sentences commuted to life in prison.
Mr Deegan, in an open letter to Indonesian authorities, wrote: "Nothing will return my son to me, to his mother, his family and his friends.
"But the execution of a selected few who were responsible for his death and the death and maiming of hundreds more will not cure the pain.
"I see that no good will come from their execution. I see only harm.
"I will not beg for their lives to be spared. But I seek that which I consider more appropriate. A penalty which will serve as a constant reminder to others. A penalty which will not destroy the lives of their families."
Mr Deegan, a barrister and magistrate in Australia, said he and his footballer son were opposed to the death penalty in all cases.
Authorities have convicted more than 30 Islamic militants over the attack and the three are the only ones on death row.
An Indonesian court has this week rejected a final appeal by the trio - they can still appeal for clemency to the president, but have said they will not do so.
None has shown any remorse and maintain their acts were sanctioned under Islam as revenge for Muslim deaths in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Islamic militants have carried out three other major attacks on Western targets in Indonesia since then.
The last, in 2005, was also on Bali when three suicide bombers killed 11 people in restaurant attacks.
It is feared the execution of the men could trigger a backlash in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation.
But most analysts expect any reaction to be small and most likely limited to a show of solidarity at their funeral. Brian Deegan - whose son Joshua, 22, was among 202 killed in October 2002 - said killing the trio risked turning them into martyrs. ... more
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