A Norwegian approach

We can all learn from the response of Norwegian officials to the country's recent tragedy.
From a news article reporting on the flower vigil held in Oslo on Monday:

The mayor of Oslo, Fabian Stang, said: 

"We will punish the guilty. The punishment will be more generosity, more tolerance, more democracy."

This, my friends, is what the world needs today.

Contemplating the crims ...

What a shame the British parliament's select committee doesn't have eminent QC Geoffrey Robertson on their panel as they investigate the Murdoch empire's criminal activities. Robertson pulls no punches with his list of '9 Questions for Rupert', published on Monday at The Daily Beast.

Kapow!

理解できないこと ...

I'm finding it difficult to comprehend the scale of the damage in Japan caused by the recent earthquake, tsunami, and now radiation from the nuclear reactors in Fukushima .... the survivors must be struggling to come to terms with these events, and I'm sure the freezing cold weather and lack of power, food and water are making this experience all the more terrifying. 大変恐いょ!  ~~不安~~!!

It's so sad to think of events like this - the horror of the 2004 tsunami, the devastation in Haiti and Pakistan last year, the recent Brazilian floods and landslides, the flooding throughout eastern Australia, and of course, all the chronic disasters in countries that are culturally and physically more distant from our own, which rarely (if ever) make the news at all.

It's hard to know what to do in the short term, other than donate to the Red Cross or MSF. In the longer term, I guess it's important to be generous with our time and resources at any opportunity, not just in response to extraordinary events. I'm very much aware that the circumstances into which we are born are dictated entirely by chance, and every day I feel grateful for the prosperous life that I enjoy.

My heart goes out to those in need ...

... peace and love to you all.




(image source)

No, Oprah, no!

Are any other Aussie readers dreading the hooplah surrounding Oprah Winfrey's visit?

For some great commentary, check out RRR broadcaster Jess Maguire's thoughts, followed by this satirical little folk story*.


* Notes:

- for Aussies: the story should be read after reading Jess' article.

- for non-Aussies:  my apologies if this tale seems rather obscure  ....  it is written with the highest degree of sarcasm, for the amusement of Australians who don't identify with stupid commercialised stereotypes.

There's something about September ...

Watching the news this evening I was saddened to be reminded of the bigotry and hatred that can arise from ignorance and fear. I guess some people will always amaze us with their stupidity, but that's why I enjoy watching Jon Stewart bring some common sense to the table.

I do worry, though, about the many hateful people that don't seem to have a clue of how ridiculous they are.....

Election woes

As I watch the federal election coverage, my hopes for progressive leadership are increasingly dashed.

This is our home on election night.

Election blues

The Australian federal election is to be held tomorrow.

While I value the priveledge of being able to vote, I can't help despairing at the state of affairs in Australian politics today. The two major parties certainly do not represent me!

I wonder how they're managing over in the UK with the minority government and odd coalition ...

20 years

Click here for information on the Tank Man Tango - a worldwide artistic commemoration of this day of fear and courage.

Bye-bye Sol .... don't you come back now!

Every time I see the evil (newly-ousted) Telstra boss Sol Trujillo on the telly, I think he must be the secret love child of Mr Potato Head and Ira Gobbler's Signor Sandwich....





... only he's not as cute.

Stewart vs. Cramer

Did anyone catch The Daily Show the other day, when John Stewart got really serious with CNBC's Jim Cramer? Ouch!!!

Click here to watch him standing up for common sense - a refreshing challenge to all the dodgy financial news reporting that gets served up to us daily, disguised as expert advice. It's not a short clip, but it's interesting to watch Cramer's woeful attempts to defend the industry gradually getting whittled down to nothing by Stewart's no-nonsense approach....

Hooray for The Daily Show!

Glimmer

Welcome to this historic, brand new day!













I can't help but feel hopeful.

Midnight ponderings

My brain is going tickedy-tick tonight so I'm trying to distract myself in blogland at 1 o'clock in the morning.

OK - here's something sweet....

A couple of weeks ago I sent this bunny out into the world for the Toy Society:

She's made from very thick, soft felt (converted woollen jumpers/sweaters) and vintage tablecloth fabric.


This week I got an email from her new family, assuring me that she's very well loved and settled in at her new home. Her new little friend Charlie is an absolute cutie - check him out here.

It's fun imagining all my toys in their new homes! I've made several more variations of my rabbit and carrot set recently - will post pictures soon. G thinks I should start selling them (?!).

oh. it's nearly 1:30 now - better go to bed. Good night all (and happy inauguration day, America!).

How now, Mr Brown?

Earlier this year I was shocked to hear of Iceland's stock exchange values plunging 75% overnight. Not only is the nation financially devastated, but its future is further threatened by baffling and senseless British 'security' policy.


I encourage you to pop over to this site and offer your support to the people of Iceland, who are, I'm sure, NOT a nation of terrorists. You can also check out a gallery of peaceful protest postcards here.

Well done America!

You said



















..... and you did!!!

"Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change."


Meanwhile, I had fun playing with Sarah Palin's stuff while she dreamt of being in the oval office.

*chuckle!*


Post script: The destinations of the links I posted here seem to have disappeared. Bummer. I still love the 'Yes We Can' musical adaptation of Obama's speeches; you'll probably find it on YouTube.

Haunting ....

....terrifying .... fascinating.


Chris Jordan's photographs are nothing if not arresting. They make me feel scared, but I deeply admire his technical skill and the way he has chosen to communicate his message.

Check out his amazing collections over here.