I am was listening to question time in the Australian Government Senate today.
ABC Radio covers this period.
The level of behaviour was shocking and the President at times was beside herself with the effort needed to control rowdy, raucous interjections and comments shouted willy nilly across the chamber
Never ever should groups of school children and students be taken into the public gallery during this period of exchange. The example being set was one of abhorrence.
Since 2020 how many deaths of children, women and men have been caused by unrest and war in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iran and the Gulf Countries? How many were soldiers and military people and how many were civilians?
Are deaths increasing or decreasing?
Response:
The recent upheaval in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iran, and the Gulf Countries has resulted in significant loss of life. Here are some key statistics and insights based on various sources from 2020 onward:
Death Toll Statistics
Children: Over 1,800 children have been reported killed or injured in the Middle East conflicts since early 2023 alone.
Women and Men: Specific figures for men and women are often intertwined with military and civilian statuses, but reports indicate:
In Lebanon, approximately 687 people have died, including 91 children and 47 women.
In Iran, health ministry reports noted over 1,200 deaths, including around 200 women and 200 children.
Civilians vs. Military: The distinction is often blurred in conflict zones. However, in many cases, civilians have constituted the majority of casualties:
In Gaza, the civilian death toll has surged amid ongoing warfare, with recent conflicts resulting in a substantial proportion of civilian casualties.
Trends in Deaths
Reports indicate an increasing trend in deaths, particularly with the resurgence of conflict in 2023.
The ongoing warfare in Gaza has led to numerous instances of mass civilian casualties.
The situation remains volatile, and despite some ebbs in conflicts, the overall trend shows an alarming increase in fatalities due to wars and unrest.
Conclusion
The situation remains critical, with deaths among children, women, and men continuing to rise as conflicts persist across the Middle Eastern landscape. The numbers reflect not just the immediate violence but also underscore the broader humanitarian crises these regions face today.
For the most detailed and updated statistics, continuing to monitor organizations like UNICEF, crisis groups, and conflict indexes will provide the latest insights.
Approximately what tonnage of debris now exists from the destruction in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Syria? Approximately how long will it take to clear the rubble, and where will it be removed?
Response:
Tonnes of Debris and Clearance Projections
1. Gaza
Estimated Debris: Between 61 million to 68 million tons of rubble.
Clearance Timeframe: It could take anywhere from 7 to 15 years to fully clear the debris under ideal conditions.
Disposal Plans: Rubble removal will involve sorting and potential recycling, with discussions on sustainable debris management underway.
Estimated Debris: Approximately 32 million tons reported.
Clearance Timeframe: There is insufficient data for a specific timeframe, but past evaluations suggest a prolonged process with significant complexities.
Disposal Plans: Plans include safe removal and management of debris, possibly needing temporary storage until suitable disposal strategies are employed.
Estimated Debris: The precise amount of rubble from Israeli conflicts is unclear; however, residential damage has resulted in significant debris.
Clearance Timeframe: Specific estimates for cleanup have not been provided due to ongoing conflicts.
Disposal Plans: Removal would likely involve an environmental impact assessment and appropriate recycling practices.
Source: Various reports analyzed.
4. Iraq
Estimated Debris: Rough estimates suggest about 8 million tons, although this figure varies significantly based on the conflict zones.
Clearance Timeframe: Varies widely depending on funding, safety protocols, and political stability.
Disposal Plans: Debris might be processed at recycling facilities or designated dumps, with initiatives focusing on repurposing materials wherever feasible.
Estimated Debris: More than 40 million tons of rubble, with significant amounts in major cities.
Clearance Timeframe: Efforts to clear rubble have already begun, but timelines are largely speculative due to ongoing conflict and lack of infrastructure.
Disposal Plans: Efforts to sort and recycle rubble are in place, assisting in reconstruction where possible.
The scale of debris in these conflict-affected areas is immense, with Gaza and Syria facing the most significant challenges. The time frame for clearing this rubble is highly variable and will depend on logistical, political, and environmental factors that are currently in flux. Sustainable practices are being discussed and implemented to manage both the cleanup and future construction effectively.
What number of buildings and what percentage of infrastructure have been destroyed by war in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Israel, the Gulf Countries, and Syria since war came to stay in 2022?
Response;
Summary of War-Related Destruction in 2022 and Beyond
Gaza
Approximately 80% of buildings have been destroyed or damaged.
Estimates suggest around 123,000 buildings have been affected.
Nearly 69% of structures were reported damaged by a United Nations estimate.
Damage estimations due to war include around 31,000 buildings affected in total due to missile strikes during conflicts.
Yet the exact percentage of infrastructure damaged from any specific conflict is not consistently reported.
Source: Various reports from local news.
Gulf Countries
Reports mention limited damage to buildings, mainly in Bahrain and Dubai, affecting a few structures due to strikes.
Notably, damage from conflicts has so far been comparatively limited.
Source: News reports.
Syria
An estimated 140,000 buildings, including schools and hospitals, have been either destroyed or severely damaged during the civil war, with widespread infrastructure destruction.
Around 33% of the pre-war gross capital is reported to have been physically damaged.
The destruction across these conflicted regions since 2022 is staggering. Gaza, in particular, suffers the most severe impact with up to 80% of its buildings lost. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Syria also face stark post-war conditions, with significant infrastructure and home damage. Each region exhibits unique challenges and the long path to reconstruction looks daunting.
For more detailed statistics and visualizations, consider exploring dedicated humanitarian reports or news features dedicated to these conflicts.
Recently, interventions led the Commonwealth Department of Health to delay its decision to downgrade funding to the Northern Territory Memory Clinic, thereby reducing staff numbers by 2 full-time nurses. However, it would be dangerous to think of this as a win, because it is not permanent.
The position is that the Commonwealth has been persuaded to delay. It’s a staff reduction in this important service for only 12 months. Thanks to the efforts of those connected with Carers NT, Dementia NT, THE Council Of The Ageing and also the representation through its program by Mix 104.9, this delay eventuated.
It is also correct to say that the Minister for Health in the Northern Territory, Steve Edgington, and his department were very proactive in their persuasion directed at the Commonwealth.
We must not let this matter rest; we must continue to pursue the need to make staff permanent. Indeed, with many – and a growing number of – people who have dementia in the Northern Territory and the greater reliance by growing numbers on the Memory Clinic, the staff cohort connected with the program needs to be upgraded beyond this present retention.
I also wonder why it is that the States and Territory Governments are quite happy to throw the responsibility for Dementia in the Northern Territory and the states squarely onto the shoulders of the Commonwealth.
It is not good enough that these state and territory departments can handball the problem to the Commonwealth and say it belongs solely to the Commonwealth.
Australia is declared to have 460,000 people who have Dementia. However, given that the conversations about dementia are always hush-hush and “under the carpet“, it’s highly unlikely that this number is accurate. In truth, it may well be that at least double the number of people in our country are reflected with Dementia as is recorded officially.
Since my wife became a dementia sufferer, I have quickly gathered an understanding. I’ve just realised how embarrassing and shameful it is. It is for people to discuss this disease openly and objectively. People who have dementia are often reluctant to agree to this in their particular situation. I’ve also discovered that some carers are equally as embarrassed about the fact that they are involved with somebody who has this affliction.
It used to be that cancer sufferers and homophobics had their particular situations discussed in a closed-cabinet way. Now that these issues are out in the open and being dealt with, they are being managed much more effectively and efficiently.
This has to become the norm for dementia and those who are impacted by this affliction.
It’s time to get Dementia out of the closet and into the open. There is no shame in being a sufferer and no handicap in being a carer. Therefore, we all need to stop acting in this way.
Too often, our agenda is set by a vigorous and raucous minority who make sufficient noise to convince authorities that they speak for far more people than is the case.
The majority are ‘middle of the road’ people who are not given to responding—instead, they remain silent and apathetic. So, interest groups influence agendas in an unfortunate manner because authorities react to their suggestions to counter their vociferousness.
Allowing these myriad splinter groups to influence our country unduly is a factor ripping away at the blessings this country should offer
Many Australians are so into the giddy world of social engagement that they have little time for the real world. It often seems we are in a whirlpool of recreational pursuits that hide the real world.
We don’t want to know about the severe side of life. Escapism is the order of the day—every day.
Unless and until we are prepared to confront the real world, denial and an ostrich-like stance will continue to afflict us.
We need recreation, but carrying this to excess destroys our country, culture, and people.
Superlatives to express the great good you do and with such empathy and deep seated commitment fail me.
I may not respond as often as was the case – largely because of circumstances – but I am your number one supporter and disciple of a man in whose footsteps very few could follow.
Henry
This great man wears himself out doing good for and uplifting others.
City of Darwin is proud to operate on Larrakia country. We acknowledge the Larrakia people as the Traditional Owners of the Darwin region and pay our respects to Larrakia elders past and present. We are committed to working with all Larrakia people to care for our community and this land and sea for our shared future.
City of Darwin acknowledges the Larrakia people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways now known as Darwin. Council pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and values the ongoing contribution to enrich and appreciate the cultural heritage of Darwin. Council acknowledges and respects Australia’s First Peoples as Traditional Owners of lands and waterways across Country, and encourages reconciliation between all. The City of Darwin also values the contribution made to Darwin over the years by people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
I am privileged to work and live on the lands of the Larrakia (Gulumoerrgin) people of the Darwin region (Garramilla/Garrmalang). I thank them for their ongoing protection of country, and acknowledge elders past, present, and emerging.
Coles dockets
Charles Darwin University
acknowledges all First Nations people across the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
Imprints Booksellers
is located on the land of the Kaurna people, and we respect their people and culture.
ACEL
acknowledges First Australians, the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing culture, their contribution and connection to land, waters and community, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
NT News
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land in all states and territories on which we work and report. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging, and honour
their history, cultures, and traditions of story telling.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and acknowledge Elders past and present.
Woolworths
Woolworths Group acknowledges the many
Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise their strengths and enduring connection to lands, waters and skies as the Custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
Woolworths Group supports the invitation set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to actively contributing to Australia’s reconciliation journey through listening and learning, empowering more diverse voices, caring deeply for our communities and working together for a better tomorrow.
An individual
I acknowledge and pay respect to the Widjabal people of Bundjalung Nation on whose Land we work, meet and study. I recognise the significant role the past and future Elders play in the life of the University and the region. I am mindful that within and without the buildings, the Land always was and always will be Aboriginal Land
AFL
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Peoples Choice
We acknowledge and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, work and live. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, work and live. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past, present and future.
Luke Gosling
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. I pay respect to them and their cultures and to elders past, present and future.
AEU NT
We acknowledge that our office operates out of the traditional lands of the Larrakia people in Garramilla (Darwin) and acknowledge the many lands across the Territory upon which we all teach, work and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
Jingili Primary School
Woolworths second edition
Woolworths Group acknowledges the many Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise their strengths and enduring connection to lands, waters and skies as the Custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
We are committed to actively contributing to Australia’s reconciliation journey through listening and learning, empowering more diverse voices, caring deeply for our communities and working together for a better tomorrow.
Woolworths in more detail
Our Vision for Reconciliation
Woolworths Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Lands and pays respect to Elders past and present.
As one of Australia’s largest retailers, we have the honour of serving thousands of communities and millions of people across rural, remote and metro areas. Representing the communities we serve, Woolworths Group has a unique opportunity to make positive and tangible changes to the lives of all Australians, including First Nations peoples.
Our latest RAP tells the story of our Reconciliation journey. Supported by our strategic focuses across Indigenous education, employment, sourcing and health, our RAP plays to our organisational strengths in the belief that our actions will make a meaningful contribution toward reconciliation and Closing the Gap within Australia.
Led by our values of ‘we care deeply’, ‘we listen and learn’, and ‘we do the right thing’, our RAP stays true to Woolworths Group’s purpose of creating better experiences for a better tomorrow.
Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia where First Nations peoples have equitable access to the essential products, services and opportunities they need to truly thrive for a better tomorrow.
A brave heart for a better tomorrow.
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Regis
Regis acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
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ARRCS respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live and connect to Australia’s First Nations Peoples. We acknowledge Elders both past and present, whose ongoing effort to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will leave a lasting legacy for future leaders and reconciliation within Australia.
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work
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I acknowledge Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners of the country I work on, and their connection to land and community. I pay my respect to all Traditional Owners, and to the Elders both past and present.
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The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community’s continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.
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McGrath Foundation
In the spirit of reconciliation, the McGrath Foundation acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging who have nurtured these lands and cared for each other for thousands of years. May we learn from their experience and be guided by their wisdom.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trove acknowledges First Australian peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and their continued connection to land, sea, and culture. Trove pays their respects to the resilience and strength of Ancestors and Elders past, present, and emerging and extends that respect to all First Australian peoples.
AFLW
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
ACEL
ACEL acknowledges First Australians, the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing culture, their contribution and connection to land, waters and community, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
CARERS AUSTRALIA
Carers Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land we work on and pay our respects to elders past and present. As an inclusive organisation we celebrate people of all backgrounds, genders, cultures, and abilities
The Northern Territory Memory Clinic, a vital part of the program offered in support of people living with dementia and carers in the NT, is in dire straits. The memory clinic is presently supported by a .5 part-time doctor – with the other half of the position supporting the geriatric program at Palmerston Regional Hospital.
Three specialist nurses support the memory clinic. One full-time NT-funded position will remain unchanged. The Commonwealth currently funds two positions through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and this funding is being cut from July 1.
Staff curtailment will mean that memory clinic support services to the Katherine and Nhulunbuy areas will cease, along with visits to people under the care-at-home program in Darwin and Palmerston.
The Memory Clinic centre and staff support an ever-growing number of clients. Services need to be expanded, not curtailed
Living on Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui, is certainly possible, but it comes with unique challenges and considerations:
Considerations for Living on Easter Island
Location:
Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Population:
The island has a small population, around 7,000 residents, primarily concentrated in the main town, Hanga Roa.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living can be relatively high due to its isolation. Many goods are imported, leading to higher prices.
Employment:
Job opportunities are limited, mainly in tourism, fishing, and local services. It may be challenging to find work unless you have specialized skills or are involved in tourism.
Housing:
Housing options are available, but they can be limited and may be expensive compared to mainland Chile.
Culture:
Rapa Nui has a rich cultural heritage. Participating in local customs and understanding the culture is essential for integrating into the community.
Access and Transportation:
The island is accessible mainly by air from mainland Chile, with limited flights. There are no major roads or public transportation systems.
Healthcare:
There are basic healthcare facilities, but for serious medical issues, evacuation to the mainland may be necessary.
Utilities and Resources:
Utilities may be limited compared to urban areas. Water and electricity can sometimes be an issue, depending on the season.
Environment:
The island’s environment is fragile, and residents are encouraged to follow sustainable practices.
Conclusion
If you’re considering moving to Easter Island, it’s essential to plan carefully, research the local lifestyle, and consider the logistical aspects of living in such a remote location.
Do ladies or girls with the name ‘Hettie’ have a greater propensity for tears than others?
The propensity for tears or emotional expression in individuals is influenced more by personality traits, upbringing, and individual circumstances rather than their name.
Considerations:
Cultural Influence: Names can sometimes carry cultural or familial significance, which may influence a person’s identity and behavior, but this varies widely among individuals.
Individual Differences: Emotional expression, including the likelihood of crying, can differ greatly regardless of name. Factors such as temperament, life experiences, and social environments play a significant role.
Stereotypes and Generalizations: There may be stereotypes associated with certain names, but attributing emotional characteristics to names can lead to overgeneralization and may not accurately reflect individual traits.
Conclusion:
There is no scientific evidence or research to suggest that individuals named “Hettie” have a greater propensity for tears than anyone else. Emotional responses are complex and vary widely from person to person.
I don’t overly think on these things and stories a lot more when younger. I am not foolhardy but take chances things will generally be okay.
If I needed hospitalisation that would be impossible because I am carer for my wife who has dementia. If I had to go to hospital there would be no one to care for her.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol but am no fitness freak I try to keep my weight down But my body looks yuk and in my old age I am but a caricature of my former physical self .
Someone once said if you take care of someone with dementia you lose them more and more everyday. When they get the diagnosis, when they go through different stages, when they need treatment and when they pass away. This is called “ambiguous loss”. As the brain slowly dies, they change physically and eventually forget who their loved ones are. They could end up lying in bed, not moving and not eating or drinking. There will be people who will scroll past this post because Dementia has not touched them. They may not know what it’s like to have a loved one who has battled or is still battling dementia. To raise awareness of this cruel disease, I would like my friends to put this on their page today. Hold your finger on the post to copy and paste to your timeline. A special thank you to anyone willing to put this on their timeline for Alzheimer Awareness Week! 💜🙏
Revisiting past personal, family, community and wider history.
Remembering key learnings and the impact they had on my personal, family and professional life.
Pondering my past studies, readings, community contributions, the value of my mission statement and the focus of my priorities.
Thanking my Father for the wisdom of his advice and his impact upon the shaping of my foundations and underpinning values of emergence from youth into manhood.
All in all, without overlooking the present, I get lost in the repository of my mind
At the government and private levels, Australia is so wrong to be in the game of selling off assets and companies into overseas control. We used to be a country identified as ‘Australia’ regarding asset ownership and management. No longer.
Increasingly, we have sold off segments of our birthright for cash advantage. Sadly, that cash is soon wasted, generally squandered on some ‘quick fix’ and wholly unsustainable project. We keep selling, and we keep wasting.
Increasingly, we Australians are tenants in a country owned and controlled by overseas principals. We have allowed ourselves to become bankrupt yet continue to sell off whatever bits of the farm remain.
What was added to the water when King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth ! were taking a bath? Were the baths for a long or short period of time?
Response:
In the time of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, bathing practices were quite different from today. The water in their baths was typically heated and might be infused with various substances such as:
Herbs and Essential Oils: Lavender, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs were often added for fragrance and potential medicinal properties.
Milk: Sometimes, milk was added to baths for its believed skin-softening qualities.
Honey or Oils: These were also occasionally added for moisturizing effects.
Regarding the duration of the baths, both monarchs typically bathed infrequently by modern standards. Bathing was not a daily ritual; it was more common to bathe once every few weeks or even longer. When they did bathe, the water was usually changed after use due to hygiene concerns, as allowing multiple people to use the same bathwater was common. The actual time spent in the bath would vary, but it would generally be for a shorter duration compared to today’s standards of relaxation and self-care.
We are blessed to live in Australia, but I suspect we are somewhat extravagant about our birthright. Over the following few entries, I thought to outline what we might do differently and better. This does not come from an expert, but rather from an aging Australian-born and raised citizen whose next ‘major’ birthday centenary will take me to the threescore and ten—getting closer by the year.
Older adults see things differently, possibly more reflectively than the young. We have experienced what is yet to unfold for them, albeit in a different world. The constant is that we all have youth and then grow older.
I worry about this country and will share some thoughts about it.
I am revisiting and extending my observations in 2026. Having just turned 80 gives me licence to revisit these issues.
Do ladies or girls with the name ‘Hettie’ have a greater propensity for tears than others?
The propensity for tears or emotional expression in individuals is influenced more by personality traits, upbringing, and individual circumstances rather than their name.
Considerations:
Cultural Influence: Names can sometimes carry cultural or familial significance, which may influence a person’s identity and behavior, but this varies widely among individuals.
Individual Differences: Emotional expression, including the likelihood of crying, can differ greatly regardless of name. Factors such as temperament, life experiences, and social environments play a significant role.
Stereotypes and Generalizations: There may be stereotypes associated with certain names, but attributing emotional characteristics to names can lead to overgeneralization and may not accurately reflect individual traits.
Conclusion:
There is no scientific evidence or research to suggest that individuals named “Hettie” have a greater propensity for tears than anyone else. Emotional responses are complex and vary widely from person to person.
Which place on earth has the coldest temperatures for the longest periods of time?
The place on Earth with the coldest temperatures for the longest periods is typically considered to be Antarctica, specifically at a high point on the East Antarctic Plateau.
Key Facts about the Coldest Place:
Location: The area known as the Dome Argus on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Extreme Temperatures: Satellite measurements have recorded temperatures as low as −128.6°F (−89.2°C) at Vostok Station on July 21, 1983, which is the lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth.
Coldest Months: The winter months (May to August) see the most extreme cold, with temperatures often remaining well below freezing for extended periods.
Long Duration of Cold: Due to the high elevation and the polar climate, parts of Antarctica can experience continuous cold for most of the year, especially during the long polar nights.
Other Notable Cold Places:
Oymyakon, Russia: Known as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, with temperatures dropping below −50°C (−58°F).
Yakutsk, Russia: Often cited for extreme winter temperatures but not as cold as the highest points in Antarctica.
Antarctica remains the most extreme in terms of sustained cold temperatures over long periods.
Since the year 1 ad, had there ever been total worldwide peace for at least the period of a week?
The concept of total worldwide peace is complex, especially since the year 1 AD. Throughout history, there have been numerous conflicts, wars, and societal upheavals across various regions of the world.
While there may have been brief periods of relative peace in localized areas, it’s highly unlikely that there has ever been a week where the entire globe was free of conflict, given the continuous nature of human disputes and differing interests among nations, tribes, and groups.
Historically significant periods, such as the Pax Romana (27 BC to 180 AD) or the Pax Britannica (1815 to 1914), involved relative peace within certain empires or regions but did not eliminate conflict elsewhere in the world. Thus, finding a time frame of total worldwide peace, even for a week, appears improbable based on historical records.
Which is the most important invention and advancement in the field of communications and why?
The most important invention in the field of communications is arguably the Internet. Here’s why:
1. Global Connectivity
The Internet enables instantaneous communication across the globe, transcending geographical barriers. This interconnectedness allows people from different countries to interact, share ideas, and collaborate like never before.
2. Information Access
It serves as a vast repository of information, making knowledge accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. This democratization of information has transformed education and learning.
3. Real-time Communication
Technologies such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing have revolutionized how we communicate. They allow for real-time interaction, facilitating both personal and professional communication.
4. Social Media Platforms
Social media has changed interpersonal communication, creating new ways for people to connect, share experiences, and mobilize for causes. It has also played a critical role in shaping public discourse and social movements.
5. Economic Impact
The Internet has spurred the growth of new industries and economic models, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and remote work. This has significantly changed how businesses operate and engage with consumers.
6. Innovation Catalyst
It has enabled technological advancements in other fields, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and IoT (Internet of Things), thereby pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
While there have been many significant inventions in the field of communications, the Internet stands out due to its profound impact on how we connect, share, and collaborate in an increasingly digital world.
Which is the most important invention of all time and why?
Determining the most important invention of all time is subjective and can vary based on different perspectives. However, a common contender for this title is the wheel. Here’s why:
Importance of the Wheel
Fundamental to Transportation: The wheel revolutionized how people traveled and transported goods, leading to the development of carts, chariots, and eventually vehicles.
Catalyst for Trade: The ability to move goods over long distances more efficiently facilitated trade, which was crucial for economic development and the rise of civilizations.
Enhancement of Machinery: The wheel is integral to many machines. Its principles are applied in countless inventions, from simple devices like water wheels to complex machinery in modern manufacturing.
Cultural Exchange: Improved transportation enabled cultural exchange and interaction between different societies, contributing to the spread of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices.
Foundation for Future Innovations: The concepts associated with the wheel have influenced numerous other inventions, including gears and engines, ultimately shaping the industrial and technological advancements we see today.
In summary, the wheel’s impact on transportation, trade, and technology has made it one of the most transformative inventions throughout human history.
Listening to the Senate in Canberra this afternoon during question time, all I can say that this chamber of debate resembles and reflects a bloody awful mess of misplaced, patriotism, foolish and stupid questions, and quite inane answers. Not that anyone would hear the answers for all the squawking that is going on.
I have listened to this chamber before and it was a disgrace. It is always a disgrace.
What is happening in the middle of the world from west to east is horrible Terror rules and missiles are doing the talking. Peace has gone Armageddon is spreading across the globe. What a transformation; it is literally a case of hell on earth.
Given some of the places we had to shop during years of outback appointments, I consider us lucky to have the choice of either Woolworths or Coles in Darwin. We shop in both, but I confess—a swing in preference to Coles in the past few years.
While prices are comparable, Cole’s offers outstanding opportunities for customers to earn credits toward some quality kitchen and dining extras. Since 2024, Coles has offered credits (One credit for every $20 spentand with bonus crdit opportunities) for kitchen knives, stone glass containers, European glassware, and now kitchen aid cookware. I have been able to obtain some quality items that help support members of our family in their business.
These days, Woolworths offers incentives of a less durable nature (cards and things) with appeal to children, but nothing of a long-lasting and practical nature.
In terms of comparison, it is Coles every time for me.
The issue of school attendance in both remote and urban school situations is one continuing to attract attention. That has been so for the past 40 years. Solutions are proposed but often not followed up by authorities.
In 2009 the enrolment of school age children became compulsory. However, there are still many school aged children in the Territory who have never been enrolled.
For children in urban schools, absence for a host of reasons occurs during term time . A major factor is that of families taking holidays during school terms when airfares and accomodation are cheaper. Attendance can be a problem for all schools.
Lead from the front.
Principals, school leadership teams and school councils need to be proactive when dealing with attendance issues. One strategy that works, is to encourage students on term time holidays, to develop a travelogue covering their experiences. This helps reinforce the learning children do while on family travels. Using media (photos and videos) to embellish adventures, adds to the written word. Trip diaries can be shared with classes and may even attract commendation and awards from classroom teachers and principals.
With a little imagination and by recognising travel as providing learning opportunities, these times away from school can become significant learning journeys for children.
While some parents request holiday assignments and worksheets, these are often not completed. That does not justify the time and effort taken by staff setting up these individual programs.
More than legislation needed
Legislating to solve attendance problems can be pretentious. The Tasmanian Government has decreed that from the beginning of 2018, no family holidays during term time will be allowed. Families will be liable for penalties of up to $2000 if they fail to follow this attendance directive.
Tasmania could have learned from the NT. We have legislation about school attendance, but when tested in court it has had very limited success. Further, the many steps that have to be actioned prior to any court hearing, are both lengthy and onerous.
There needs to be some follow up for all students on this issue, including recognition of children with outstanding attendance records. Mention in school newsletters and the presentation of merit certificates are two ways of acknowledging conscientious attenders. However, absences which result from family circumstances ought not be punitively treated. Encouraging children toward educational enrichment through their travels is
Teachers, particularly Primary School teachers often wonder whether schools are schools. It seems that many including parents, politicians and the community at large think of them as creches. Accord hij ing to the Macquarie Dictionary a school is a place where instruction is given for children. A creche is a nursery where children are cared for while their parents work. It seems to many educators that parents and primary caregivers are muddled between the two.
I am not blaming parents for the social malaise of the early 21st century. Talking about parents, schools and children Jeff Wells (Weekend Australian 20-21 April 1991) wrote it is a sign of the economic times that many families have to offer their children to be brought up by institutions alternate the nuclear family because of economic imperatives.
Changes in Educational Perception and School Definition
During the past fifteen to twenty years, for instance, teachers and office staff have become increasingly the minders for sick children, They are sent to school when unwell because parents cannot afford the time off work to care for them. The phenomena of unwell children spending their days in school medical rooms is exacerbated by industrial relations laws that either don’t recognise or are unkind to the needs of parents. This is still the case, notwithstanding the changes to legislation that has lead to some apparent enlightenment and added employee entitlement under the Fair Work Act.This puts school staff into a position of being minders, with school too often like unto health centres.
Front and centre to this are children who will endure as much as they can when sent to school ill, because they fear consequences if parents are contacted by the school about their unwellness. Over my years as a school principal, I became all too aware of this phenomena.
It is during the past twenty odd years that vacation school care, outside school hours care (before and after school) homework centres, school extracurricular programs for sport and so on, have sprung up. I have the greatest respect for the support these programs offer, but make the point that their necessity has been occasioned by parents who are increasingly obligated to work and occupational commitment. The modern world and economic necessity have prioritised their time, largely taking family destiny out of their parental hands.
Expecations coming down from On High
Added to this role expansion (some would say distortion) are in-school imperatives increasingly driven by Australian Government compliance requirement setting detailed agendas which put a real squash on school, learning and teaching time. principals and teachers in schools are feeling the squeeze like never before. Be it wise or not, school based educators appear to be increasingly supplicant to these demands; rarely if ever is debate about the wisdom or otherwise of imposed agendas initiated at school or system level. Schools and staff are expected to ‘stretch’ and cover curricular demands.
I recall Jim Spinks, a prominent Tasmanian school Principal and ‘practical academic’ advising that if things are added onto the school curriculum, items have to be dropped off in order to enable sensible accommodation. This exhortation is rarely followed meaning that schools and staff members become overwhelmed by requirements.
Metaphorically, schools are like sponges, given more and more to soak up: The capacity to endlessly absorb responsibility is reaching toward a perilous end-point. Confirming this is both anecdotal and empirical evidence attesting to teachers leaving the profession in increasing numbers. There is only so much a body can take and there is a huge lack of appreciation offered schools and staff members.
Aspiration and Actuality
Caring educators believing in and practising quality education always aim to meet the needs of learners. However there is an onus on society, its governments and its institutions to make sure schools and educators are affirmatively recognised and appreciated. Meeting the needs of children and students will be more likely to happen if education’s key servants – teachers and support staff – are given support, credit and recognition deserved for they role they play in educational and developmental partnerships.
EDUCATION, A LIFE FORCE 