Whish me luck everyone I have a 500m sprint and a 12km marathon on Saturday and I have a 39km changeover race on Sunday. Then on Monday I am going to go for a bit of a bike ride to work out the lactic acid. Should be fun and I'll give an update next week.
Cheers Lewis
Friday, May 04, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A good look at Biofuels
Go to this Story on the Speigel Magazine website and you can read a good in depth look at biofuels and where they are now as well as were they are going.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hinchenbrook
So I thought that if i didn't say something about my trip to Hinchenbrook soon I never would. Here is a breif description of the trip.
This whole trip really started at the end of last year when I was booking the places on the Island and booking the ferry. Karina (from the latest rogaine) decided much later that she would like to come along on the trip as well. the problem was that by thetime that she got organised the were no places left on the Island over easter (as there are only 30 people allowed on Hinchenbrook at any one time). Easter must just be a popular time.
It all worked out in the end though as Karina was able to get a spot from soome one who cancelled there trip.
Min, Karina and I went onto the Island at about 4pm on Easter friday. We were due to leave the Island on 12pm Easter Monday so there wasn't actually all that long for us to do the walk.
On the first afternoon we walked to Mulligan falls. camped and had a swim. Cooked our food and went to bed. You know the usuall stuff. Through the night though the wind came up and there was a breif storm. Not hard to deal with you reckon. Well it wouldn't have been but since there are three of us and I onld have a two man tent I had brought along my experimental (read unfinnished) Hammock. This brilliant piece of work has yet to be give a fly or water proof covering. So that first night I slept sondly untill 6am when the rain started and I woke up to a wet face and had to quickely put away my hammock and sleeping bag.
The walks through the day were brilliant great scenery and two great people to talk to all day. We took some stunning photo's of the walk and you can see them if you click on the Photo's link on the side bar.
The nights on the other hand we not so fun. My hammock, while comfy, was not condusive to a full nights sleep as for the next two nights it rained at least once every hour and a half. so I didn't get much in the way of sleep. At least I woke the other two up as well because i often had to hide in the tent for a while waiting for the rain to stop.
The second night we stopped at Zoe bay, where there is an awesome swimming spot. and the third night we stopped at Little Ramsey bay underneath the imposing presence of Mt Bowen. The walk from Zoe to Little Ramsey was the longest streatch that we had to do (6Hr) and also involved crossing a swamp through which Karina managed to provide suitable entertainment (ie. falling in sinking up to her knees etc.). Min nearly fell over laughing when Karina sank to her knees in mud then lost her shoes in there as well.
I highly recomend the walk but take awaterproof sleeping vessel.
This whole trip really started at the end of last year when I was booking the places on the Island and booking the ferry. Karina (from the latest rogaine) decided much later that she would like to come along on the trip as well. the problem was that by thetime that she got organised the were no places left on the Island over easter (as there are only 30 people allowed on Hinchenbrook at any one time). Easter must just be a popular time.
It all worked out in the end though as Karina was able to get a spot from soome one who cancelled there trip.
Min, Karina and I went onto the Island at about 4pm on Easter friday. We were due to leave the Island on 12pm Easter Monday so there wasn't actually all that long for us to do the walk.
On the first afternoon we walked to Mulligan falls. camped and had a swim. Cooked our food and went to bed. You know the usuall stuff. Through the night though the wind came up and there was a breif storm. Not hard to deal with you reckon. Well it wouldn't have been but since there are three of us and I onld have a two man tent I had brought along my experimental (read unfinnished) Hammock. This brilliant piece of work has yet to be give a fly or water proof covering. So that first night I slept sondly untill 6am when the rain started and I woke up to a wet face and had to quickely put away my hammock and sleeping bag.The walks through the day were brilliant great scenery and two great people to talk to all day. We took some stunning photo's of the walk and you can see them if you click on the Photo's link on the side bar.
The nights on the other hand we not so fun. My hammock, while comfy, was not condusive to a full nights sleep as for the next two nights it rained at least once every hour and a half. so I didn't get much in the way of sleep. At least I woke the other two up as well because i often had to hide in the tent for a while waiting for the rain to stop.
The second night we stopped at Zoe bay, where there is an awesome swimming spot. and the third night we stopped at Little Ramsey bay underneath the imposing presence of Mt Bowen. The walk from Zoe to Little Ramsey was the longest streatch that we had to do (6Hr) and also involved crossing a swamp through which Karina managed to provide suitable entertainment (ie. falling in sinking up to her knees etc.). Min nearly fell over laughing when Karina sank to her knees in mud then lost her shoes in there as well.
I highly recomend the walk but take awaterproof sleeping vessel.
Why can't I own a Canadian
I saw this on the net and I like it alot. It's a brilliantly written letter to counter the arguments against Gay rights in the US.
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
October 2002
/Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:/
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
Hope you like it Cheers Lewis
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
October 2002
/Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:/
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
Hope you like it Cheers Lewis
Monday, April 02, 2007
Adding some spice to life
So i get back from a big weekend regatta in Mackay and the next Morning I wake up to this Warning from BOM:
TSUNAMI BULLETIN
TSUNAMI THREAT TO EASTERN AUSTRALIA and Willis and Barrier Reef Islands, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii has detected an undersea earthquake near Solomon Islands and has issued a Tsunami Bulletin.
The earthquake has also been detected by Geoscience Australia.
UPDATED
*****
Willis Island Meteorological station reported NO noticable affect of waves at 9am by which time the Tsunami should have passed. They are checking to see if there has been any affect to beaches.
At this stage the Threat seems to have eased, will maintain the warnings until after any wave may pass near Cooktown after 9.30am.
*****
AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS
ORIGIN TIME - 6:40 am EST 02 APR 2007
COORDINATES - 8.6 SOUTH 157.2 EAST
LOCATION - SOLOMON ISLANDS
MAGNITUDE - 8.1
Based on the magnitude and location of the earthquake, tsunami could start affecting these locations at the following local time:
Cooktown from 0931am 02/04/2007
Cairns from 0949am
Brisbane 1033am
Gladstone 1139am
Mackay 1144am
This bulletin is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts and the Bureau's website at
www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/
This Certianly add some spice to your morning
TSUNAMI BULLETIN
TSUNAMI THREAT TO EASTERN AUSTRALIA and Willis and Barrier Reef Islands, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii has detected an undersea earthquake near Solomon Islands and has issued a Tsunami Bulletin.
The earthquake has also been detected by Geoscience Australia.
UPDATED
*****
Willis Island Meteorological station reported NO noticable affect of waves at 9am by which time the Tsunami should have passed. They are checking to see if there has been any affect to beaches.
At this stage the Threat seems to have eased, will maintain the warnings until after any wave may pass near Cooktown after 9.30am.
*****
AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS
ORIGIN TIME - 6:40 am EST 02 APR 2007
COORDINATES - 8.6 SOUTH 157.2 EAST
LOCATION - SOLOMON ISLANDS
MAGNITUDE - 8.1
Based on the magnitude and location of the earthquake, tsunami could start affecting these locations at the following local time:
Cooktown from 0931am 02/04/2007
Cairns from 0949am
Brisbane 1033am
Gladstone 1139am
Mackay 1144am
This bulletin is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts and the Bureau's website at
www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/
This Certianly add some spice to your morning
Thursday, March 29, 2007
YES it's REAL
So the Stern report has been published. This report was charged with reporting to the UK government about climate change it's validity the probable outcomes and ways to avoid the worst of the effects. These are the Key messages from the first section.
Key Messages
An overwhelming body of scientific evidence now clearly indicates that climate change is a serious and urgent issue. The Earth’s climate is rapidly changing, mainly as a result of increases in greenhouse gases caused by human activities.
Most climate models show that a doubling of pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gases is very likely to commit the Earth to a rise of between 2 – 5°C in global mean temperatures. This level of greenhouse gases will probably be reached between 2030 and 2060. A warming of 5°C on a globalscale would be far outside the experience of human civilisation and comparable to the difference between temperatures during the last ice age and today. Several new studies suggest up to a 20% chance that warming could be greater than 5°C.
If annual greenhouse gas emissions remained at the current level, concentrations would be more than treble pre-industrial levels by 2100, committing the world to 3 – 10°C warming, based on the latest climate projections.
Some impacts of climate change itself may amplify warming further by triggering the release of additional greenhouse gases. This creates a real risk of even higher temperature changes. Higher temperatures cause plants and soils to soak up less carbon from the atmosphere and cause permafrost to thaw, potentially releasing large quantities of methane. Analysis of warming events in the distant past indicates that such feedbacks could amplify warming by an additional 1 – 2°C by the end of the century.
Warming is very likely to intensify the water cycle, reinforcing existing patterns of water scarcity and abundance and increasing the risk of droughts and floods. Rainfall is likely to increase at high latitudes, while regions with Mediterranean-like climates in both hemispheres will experience significant reductions in rainfall. Preliminary estimates suggest that the fraction of land area in extreme drought at any one time will increase from 1% to 30% by the end of this century. In other regions, warmer air and warmer oceans are likely to drive more intense storms, particularly hurricanes and typhoons.
As the world warms, the risk of abrupt and large-scale changes in the climate system will rise. Changes in the distribution of heat around the world are likely to disrupt ocean and atmospheric circulations, leading to large and possibly abrupt shifts in regional weather patterns. If the Greenland or West Antarctic Ice Sheets began to melt irreversibly, the rate of sea level rise could more than double, committing the world to an eventual sea level rise of 5 – 12 m over several centuries.
The body of evidence and the growing quantitative assessment of risks are now sufficient to give clear and strong guidance to economists and policy-makers in shaping a response.
This obviously states that global warming is real and is happening. I find it difficult to believe that there are still people out there that refuse to believe that this is a real issue. I suppose that it is just a way of ignoring and inconvenient truth.
This is the link to the stern report. If you have some spare time read it. It has dire warnings in it but also alot of hope and optimism
Key Messages
An overwhelming body of scientific evidence now clearly indicates that climate change is a serious and urgent issue. The Earth’s climate is rapidly changing, mainly as a result of increases in greenhouse gases caused by human activities.
Most climate models show that a doubling of pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gases is very likely to commit the Earth to a rise of between 2 – 5°C in global mean temperatures. This level of greenhouse gases will probably be reached between 2030 and 2060. A warming of 5°C on a globalscale would be far outside the experience of human civilisation and comparable to the difference between temperatures during the last ice age and today. Several new studies suggest up to a 20% chance that warming could be greater than 5°C.
If annual greenhouse gas emissions remained at the current level, concentrations would be more than treble pre-industrial levels by 2100, committing the world to 3 – 10°C warming, based on the latest climate projections.
Some impacts of climate change itself may amplify warming further by triggering the release of additional greenhouse gases. This creates a real risk of even higher temperature changes. Higher temperatures cause plants and soils to soak up less carbon from the atmosphere and cause permafrost to thaw, potentially releasing large quantities of methane. Analysis of warming events in the distant past indicates that such feedbacks could amplify warming by an additional 1 – 2°C by the end of the century.
Warming is very likely to intensify the water cycle, reinforcing existing patterns of water scarcity and abundance and increasing the risk of droughts and floods. Rainfall is likely to increase at high latitudes, while regions with Mediterranean-like climates in both hemispheres will experience significant reductions in rainfall. Preliminary estimates suggest that the fraction of land area in extreme drought at any one time will increase from 1% to 30% by the end of this century. In other regions, warmer air and warmer oceans are likely to drive more intense storms, particularly hurricanes and typhoons.
As the world warms, the risk of abrupt and large-scale changes in the climate system will rise. Changes in the distribution of heat around the world are likely to disrupt ocean and atmospheric circulations, leading to large and possibly abrupt shifts in regional weather patterns. If the Greenland or West Antarctic Ice Sheets began to melt irreversibly, the rate of sea level rise could more than double, committing the world to an eventual sea level rise of 5 – 12 m over several centuries.
The body of evidence and the growing quantitative assessment of risks are now sufficient to give clear and strong guidance to economists and policy-makers in shaping a response.
This obviously states that global warming is real and is happening. I find it difficult to believe that there are still people out there that refuse to believe that this is a real issue. I suppose that it is just a way of ignoring and inconvenient truth.
This is the link to the stern report. If you have some spare time read it. It has dire warnings in it but also alot of hope and optimism
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Greenpeace are Stupid
Now I have some reasons for the title of this post. The Government has finally come out and decided that they should support Biofuels. Now biofuels in their current form are not the best at reducing CO2 emissions. This is because we are only using 10% ethanol to 90% Petrol mix this is a mix that allows for the fuel to be put strait into cars as they are now with no modification. There is not a huge reduction in the CO2 emitted per unit of fuel when only 10% of the fuel is from renewable sources. the next problem is that our current source of ethanol is from Cane sugar which is a good source of ethanol. There are better ways such as cellulose digestion to produce ethanol which use waste product to produce ethanol. This makes the agricultural side of the production much more efficient. Due to the farm being able to sell sugar and ethanol.
At this point I should say that Greenpeace has come out stating that there is no point in using biofuels like E10 petrol as there are no real CO2 emission reduction.
However Cellulose digestion and some other biofuels are still in the development stages. Either developing the techniques or developing the scale to be able to supply the quantities needed. To enable this development investment is needed and investment will only come when there is a market. Making that market is the job of entrepreneurs and Government. So Greenpeace coming out against or even dismissing the current biofuel market will slow down the development of better biofuels and real savings in CO2 emissions.
Wake up to your self Greenpeace!!!!!!!!!
At this point I should say that Greenpeace has come out stating that there is no point in using biofuels like E10 petrol as there are no real CO2 emission reduction.
However Cellulose digestion and some other biofuels are still in the development stages. Either developing the techniques or developing the scale to be able to supply the quantities needed. To enable this development investment is needed and investment will only come when there is a market. Making that market is the job of entrepreneurs and Government. So Greenpeace coming out against or even dismissing the current biofuel market will slow down the development of better biofuels and real savings in CO2 emissions.
Wake up to your self Greenpeace!!!!!!!!!
Crazy working conditions
Louise my boss's PA had a bit of bad news today. A bit before lunch she had to race off to hospital to see her husband. He had been beaten up at work. Pete works for the council as a gardener in Queens Gardens. What follows is no yet verified so don't take it as fact yet. Apperently one of his co-workers has attacked him. From the damage that has been done he must of attacked him with and implement ie large stick or shovel whatever. Pete has been in hospital since the attack and will be flowen down to Brisbane tomorrow morning to have people reconstruct his jaw, teeth etc. Louise is leaving this afternoon so that she can get set up in Brisbane for when pete arrives tomorrow.
Every one here at work hope that all goes well and that Pete is up and well soon.
Every one here at work hope that all goes well and that Pete is up and well soon.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Cascade Rogaine
So another Rogaine season has started. Min and I had the pleasure of introducing someone to Rogaining. Karina rows with Min for Townsville and JCU Rowing club. She said that she had fun and that it was nice to see a different part of NQ.
We went in the 6 hour event. did a nice leasurely loop around on the South western side of the map. The terrain was gently rolling hills and open woodland. If anyone gets a chance they should definately go and check out the Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba. It really is lovely countryside
Photo's to come soon
We went in the 6 hour event. did a nice leasurely loop around on the South western side of the map. The terrain was gently rolling hills and open woodland. If anyone gets a chance they should definately go and check out the Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba. It really is lovely countryside
Photo's to come soon
Finishing the Holidays
Ok so the rest of the Holiday story.
After Christmas Day min and I went to Durras with Dad and Judes. i think that this was exactly what we needed. Glen Kiara Min and I all just chilled out went surfing diving and did a bit of exploring. Read lots of books and caught up on sleep. Min and I had bought an expansion pack for the Settlers of Catan game and we played that a bit, as well as Monopoly and some cards for our nighttime entertainment. Min got to stand up on a surf board and decided that she should become a surfy chick.
After Durras we went back to Wollongong and basically spent a week saying goodbye to everyone and doing dinners and a bit more shopping.
We had a great time and I got to meet mins family, not to mention seeing mum and dad again.
I hope everyone out there had a great holiday season and got prepared for this yeasr to come (even if we are nearly a third through it).
Cheers Lewis
After Christmas Day min and I went to Durras with Dad and Judes. i think that this was exactly what we needed. Glen Kiara Min and I all just chilled out went surfing diving and did a bit of exploring. Read lots of books and caught up on sleep. Min and I had bought an expansion pack for the Settlers of Catan game and we played that a bit, as well as Monopoly and some cards for our nighttime entertainment. Min got to stand up on a surf board and decided that she should become a surfy chick.
After Durras we went back to Wollongong and basically spent a week saying goodbye to everyone and doing dinners and a bit more shopping.
We had a great time and I got to meet mins family, not to mention seeing mum and dad again.
I hope everyone out there had a great holiday season and got prepared for this yeasr to come (even if we are nearly a third through it).
Cheers Lewis
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