Monday, May 4, 2020

Rebel Women: Rosalind Miles

REBEL WOMEN
Rosalind Miles

Rebel Women contains all you wanted to know about women’s history from 1800 to the modern-day. This is history as made by women: famous, infamous and little-known, whose actions changed the course of the world.

Rebel Women highlights the age-old injustices suffered by women worldwide which the modern age has done little to challenge or change, while recording every milestone in the long march of women towards equality. Women in space, women in jail, women in skirts, women in burkas, women in power – all female life is there.

ROSALIND MILES is a graduate of Oxford University, has a doctorate from the Shakespeare Institute and is the author of 23 books of fiction and non-fiction. Translated into almost 40 foreign languages, The Women’s History of the World is listed among the top 10 best-ever women’s titles by the London Book Fair.
Trade Paperback 9780349006079 | $32.99
Ebook 9780349006062 | $14.99 | Virago

Spoil Mum this Mother's Day with New Products from Fjällräven


With Mother’s Day coming up and unfortunately many Aussie mums restricted to their homes, we thought some of the new items from leading sustainable fashion brands Fjällräven, Klean Kanteen and Ledlenser, might be of interest for inclusion in any gift guides?

Perfect products for mum’s that love high-quality, sustainable products, all the items below will come in handy now, but also when life gets back to normal.


FJÄLLRÄVEN - KÅNKEN TOTEPACK

The Totepack is the stylish and convertible version of Fjällräven’s iconic Kanken! Whether you’re carrying groceries, work essentials or bits and pieces thrown around by your kids, the Totepack is versatile and can be transformed into a backpack, shoulder bag or laptop holder. Made from durable, water-resistant, heavy duty material, the Totepack comes with a zippered top compartment, an inside padded laptop sleeve and additional straps, both for convenient use on your shoulders or back.
Choose from one of eight bold and fun colours, or alternatively purchase a miniature version. Be sure to write your details on the name label inside the top fold, as everyone will be eyeing off this spin on an old Fjällräven classic.
RRP $169.95
For more information, or to buy visit: Fjallraven.com.au


FJALLRAVEN’S ULVO 23 DAYPACK

If that special lady in your life loves a good hike or outdoor adventure, then Fjallraven’s new ULVO 23 is the versatile daypack for her! A great looking daypack with equally great quality and functionality, the ULVO 23 features a zippered opening and padded computer compartment. The pack's back panel and integrated shoulder straps employ air mesh to provide ventilation and cushioned comfort. A sternum strap helps to dial in fit and side compression straps ensure that the contents of the pack are cinched down and secure. Fjallraven’s prize-winning Bergshell Fabric is water resistant, tear and abrasion-resistant. Simple to pack and just as suitable for light treks and travelling as it is for everyday commuting.
RRP $239.95
For more information, or to buy visit: https://fjallraven.com.au/products/ulvo-23
KLEAN KANTEEN - CLASSIC WATER BOTTLE

With beautiful Autumn temperatures upon us, and many people working from home, it is vital to keep cool and hydrated. The Klean Kanteen Classic 27oz (800ml) original stainless-steel water bottle, is designed for kids and adults with easy hydration in mind. The single wall design is lightweight and easy to bring anywhere. The Klean Coat powder finish is 4X more durable and chip-resistant than their previous finish and formulated for human and environmental health. This durable product is designed with care to stand up to your inspired life.
RRP $39.95
For more information or to buy visit: kleankanteen.com.au
LEDLENSER - iF8R AREA LIGHT

With daylight savings ended and lots of house renos to do, why not purchase your handy mum a new Ledlenser iF8R Area light? Perfect for lighting up garages, backyards and attics, you can control everything about your light just by using the smart app on your smartphone as a remote control. This powerful light provides 4,500 lumens of light, creating optimum illumination for up to 12 hours of continued use. If for some reason your smartphone battery can’t keep up, the iF8R’s built-in power bank feature allows you to charge devices including smartphones via USB!
RRP $$399.95
For more information or to buy visit ledlenser.com.au

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Tech goodies to brighten your home isolation



Home theatre: OW-8 and OW-8 custom outdoor speakers by Dynaudio (AUD$899 and AUD$1,099 respectively)

The OW-6 (28mm soft-dome tweeter; 61⁄2” woofer) and the OW-8 (28mm tweeter; 8” woofer) custom outdoor speakers. Both can be connected to a regular amplifier as a pair of passive 8Ω speakers, or daisy-chained on a single 70V/100V system by using the selector on the rear – an ideal feature for outdoor spaces or commercial applications where customers want multiple speakers creating a consistent sound level across a larger area. The OW-6 and OW-8 can operate in temperatures from -33 ̊C – 40 ̊C. 
Headphones (suitable for working, exercising or entertainment): Falcon by Noble Audio (AUD$259; NZD $299) 


Noble's True Wireless Stereo headphone Falcon features High Precision Connect Technology for outstanding connection stability with Bluetooth devices. The IPX7 sweat and waterproof design can withstand full submersion.

With 10 hours of battery life and fast charging, the Falcon delivers 2 hours of play time on just 15 minutes of charging. But it also sports automatic on/off power modes and automatic pairing. A master-slave setup offers one-ear listening, and even equipped with cVc noise cancelling function to reduce external noise. 



Sound systems: Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation by Naim Audio (AUD$1,399)

The Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen wireless music system evolves the iconic styling of its predecessor, but under its luxury aluminium casing are game changing performance, feature and functionality upgrades. From high-resolution streaming to multi-room music to TV sound; an all-in-one wireless system has never been this good.

The Mu-so Qb features Naim’s unique music-streaming platform to offer the very best performance whether playing digital music collections, internet radio, or music streaming services such as TIDAL and Spotify.

It boasts an illuminated volume dial, complete with a proximity sensor, which lights up in welcome when a hand approaches it. Key features include easy access key playback controls, including favourite playlists and radio stations, Spotify resume and multi-room functionality. Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation can also be controlled via the updated Naim app and a new remote control handset. 



Turntables: TD 201 by Thorens (AUD$799) 

The new Thorens TD 201 is aimed at committed beginners looking for a robust, easy-to-use and immediately ready-to-use turntable. It comes with a smooth-running motor with belt drive and a solid cast aluminium platter with rubber mat. The new Thorens TP 71 tonearm uses a detachable head-shell with preconfigured AT 3600 cartridge and a bayonet lock. Using the switchable integrated phono stage the TD 201 can be connected to any amplifier or receiver even if it does not have a specific input for phono devices. At just $799, this is a great entry level product. 
Music players: hip-dac by iFi (AUD$249)

The hip-dac is the latest addition to UK brand iFi’s award-winning range of portable DAC/ headphone amps with an all-new design. With a sound as flavoursome and richly detailed as a delicious single malt, the hip-dac portable USB DAC/headphone amp delivers the perfect pick-me-up for any music lover on-the-go.

Smartly dressed in petrol blue with a touch of copper, the go-anywhere hip-dac is designed to slip discreetly into a pocket and offers an extensive hi-res specification that belies its eminently affordable $249 price tag. 


Gaming: Mobius by Audeze (AUD$599; NZD $699)

Mobius is the first headphone to provide the unsurpassed level of detail, clarity and positional accuracy afforded by planar magnetic drivers in a feature-rich package oriented specifically around the needs of both professional and casual gamers.

It features full 3D emulation with support for surround sound modes along with a fully integrated 3D cinematic audio and head-tracking system that interfaces seamlessly with today's most popular video games. This means that users will be able to hear a gaming opponent sneaking up behind them as clearly as though they were in the room.

Added features include contoured memory foam ear pads, adjustable memory foam padded headband, flexible and detachable boom microphone with built-in noise attenuation, mute/unmute functionality and independent microphone volume control in order to provide crystal-clear voice quality.

Monday, March 2, 2020

#ArtemisFowl New Trailer and Movie Poster

ARTEMIS FOWL


Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, Colin Farrell, Judi Dench
Australian Release Date:
 May 28, 2020

Synopsis: DisneyArtemis Fowl, based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilizationthe amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his fathers disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous planso dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

Join the conversation:
#ArtemisFowl

Friday, January 31, 2020

The Myths of Shark Attacks

Dr Blake Chapman

Shark attacks are a highly emotive topic, on which people tend to have very intense and definite opinions. Therefore, it is acknowledged straight away that there may be points or sections within this book that you do not agree with. However, the book has been very carefully written to utilise current, and currently accepted, research. Shark attacks are big news events and attract media attention of all degrees and modalities. As a result, there is a wealth of coverage on the topic - but unfortunately, much of this information is partly or largely erroneous. Yet, as a result of not knowing otherwise, and often having information presented to us from only a singular angle, we tend to believe that information. Therefore, I encourage you to read this book with an open mind. Whether you are a novice or expert on the topic, some information within may be considered common knowledge, whereas other information may be considered extreme or incorrect. However, all information presented here is scientifically backed. That being said, I have also endeavoured to lighten the heavy load of scientific fact with stories of my own experience with sharks, as well as the stories of others. All of these stories are true, and they demonstrate both the lighter and more serious sides of interacting with sharks. The accounts that have been included are intended to provide a better understanding of shark attacks for those of us who have not been directly affected by such events. I would like to emphasise that the views and opinions in these accounts are those of the individuals who have provided them. They are designed to not only inform about the intimate details of shark attacks, but also to reflect and provide the scope of the wide-ranging views of the general public.

Sharks are fascinating creatures, and the terror they invoke in our psyche is only a minor characteristic of what makes them such intriguing animals. We humans owe a great deal of thanks to sharks, which have significantly advanced our lives in a variety of fields, including engineering, tourism, medicine, pharmacology and ecology. Not to mention the immense, yet rudimentarily understood, role they play in the functioning of the planet we inhabit. Although humans have rapidly developed the ability for higher cognitive function, we are but a blip in evolutionary history compared to sharks. It is up to us to learn how to better appreciate these animals for what they are, what they do for the aquatic environment, and how they function. And it is up to us to learn how to coexist with them, not the other way around. Although the risk of shark attack on humans is incredibly low, it is a significant concern to many people. And the fact remains that human lives are lost to sharks every year. Thus, more effective, well-developed mitigation methods are warranted and incredibly important. So is education. It is not unreasonable to believe that we will soon come up with methods to reduce shark-human interactions. Indeed, this is already underway and we are starting to have some technological and conceptual wins. However, basic and fundamental education is critical. It is hoped that this book may serve as a step in the right direction.


While I don't claim to have all the answers, I feel that I am at least qualified to present these topics for your consideration. I developed a keen interest in sharks when I was in my teens. From that time on, I have made it a point to learn more about sharks to help to address some of the unknowns and to gain a better understanding of these animals. This mission took me from the US to Australia, where I completed my Honours and PhD degrees in shark neuroscience, ecology, breeding and reproduction. My postgraduate research involved a wealth of laboratory and field research on sharks and rays. Upon the completion of my PhD, I worked at a large public aquarium on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I was initially a diver and aquarist, then took on the role of Animal Health Manager. I worked hands-on with the entire animal collection, including the sharks, on a daily basis. I have since continued to research shark physiology and the science of shark attacks. My ultimate goal is to encourage both the conservation of sharks and the ability for humans to enjoy recreational water activities without the fear of being attacked by a shark.

More about Dr Blake Chapman


Friday, December 20, 2019

Appropriate or not? Rana Plaza theme in fashion show.



Here is a preview of T3CM AW20 collection that is dedicated to the overproduction in the industry.

The main theme of the collection is RANA PLAZA, the factory that is tragically collapsed in 2013. It is still considered as the deadliest structural failure accident and the deadliest garment-factory disaster in history. This season the brand invites us to think about mass-market consumption, industry problems and the consequences.




















Monday, December 9, 2019

A CALL TO THE PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA - 11th November 1951

Click to Enlarge
Remembrance Day 1951 saw the publication of A Call to the People of Australia
Commonly referred to as The Call, it was drafted by Adelaide-based Catholic writer Paul McGuire (1903–1978), a friend and associate of Bob Santamaria. 
There were five Church signatories: the Anglican Primate of Australia, the Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church, the president of the Methodist Church, the head of the World Council of Churches in Australia and Cardinal Norman Gilroy in his capacity as Catholic Archbishop of Sydney). 
When it was pointed out that there was no Jewish representation, Rabbi Danglow was added to the names. The remaining signatories were all senior judges, including the chief justices of Victoria (Sir Edmund Herring), Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.








THERE are times in the histories of peoples when those charged with high responsibilities should plainly speak their minds.

Australia is in danger. We are in danger from abroad. We are in danger at home. We are in danger from moral and intellectual apathy, from the mortal enemies of mankind which sap the will and darken the understanding and breed evil dissensions. Unless these are withstood, we shall lack moral strength and moral unity sufficient to save our country and our liberties.

Our present dangers are a challenge to us: but in meeting the challenges of history. peoples grow in greatness.

The dangers demand of all good Australians community of thought and purpose. They demand a restoration of the moral order from which alone true social order can derive.

We remind all Australians that we are members one of another, dependent even for our daily bread on the work of many. From the community we have our livelihood, culture, protection in a reign of law. To the community we owe a just return of loyalty and service.

WE BELIEVE
  • that each of us has a duty to defend the community against evil designs and aggression and to preserve for our children that which was given to us, 
  • that each of us has a duty to deal fairly with his fellows in the transactions of life, 
  • that each has a duty to himself and to his fellows of honest work, 
  • that the development of a true community amongst ourselves and with all peoples of good will is the one way to peace at home and abroad.
THEREFORE
  • we call for a new effort from all Australians to advance moral standards. 
  • We ask for it from individuals in their personal and vocational relationships; in and through the lives of families; in and through all our voluntary associations: trades unions, employers' and professional groups, the organisations of women, of servicemen, and all the societies which our people have created to express their cultural, social, and economic interests. 
  • We call for an adequate understanding of the nature of law and of its necessity as the principle of order in a free society. 
  • We call on all Australians to take the active concern in public affairs proper to citizens of a free society.
  • We call on each Australian to examine his conscience and his motives in all his associations with his fellows. If each does his part, the whole community will be renewed. 
  • We call on our people to think now of the future into which our children go, that we may shape it well and wisely for them. 
  • We call on our people to remember those whose labours opened this land to the uses of mankind; those who bore and reared the children of a new nation: those who died in battle for us, bringing splendour to Australian arms; those who worked with mind and muscle for the heritage which we, please God, shall hold and enlarge for our children and their children. 

And that this may be so, we ask that each shall renew in himself the full meanings of the call which has inspired our people in their highest tasks and in their days of danger:

FEAR GOD. HONOUR THE KING

More: Santamaria: A Most Unusual Man. Gerard Henderson.