Climate Modelling Middle earth

Here is the link to the you tube -  part one of climate modelling Middle earth.  Climate Model of Middle earth part one

This is part of the mooc, (short course) I am doing.  How much fun.

Fun at the Cirque

Big day out at the Cirque du Soleil.  So much fun.  So much to see every second - and that is before the show starts.  There are clowns roaming through the crowd before the show, generally creating mayhem.   One of the clowns spoke entirely Italiano.  By the time I realized, he was standing right in front of us.  So, of course, I shouted "buona sera". He shot around. We had a lovely chat.  He wondered where I learnt Italian.  Right here.
Bravo Signora, la Maestra molto severa...Dalla scuola Giossue Carducci.

A short Course "Denial 101 X"

Why do smart people deny climate change?  This question has really bugged me.  So I heard John Cook on the local radio and I have enrolled in my first MOOC - (that is a free uni course on-line).  The course is - Denial 101x. Making Sense of Climate Change Denial. This means the course is concerned with the psychology, history and philosophy of climate change denial.  It discusses the various myths one by one and the techniques adopted by the anti-science brigade, like for instance, "Cherry Picking" evidence.

The course is comprised of a series of youtube videos. The course contributors are famous scientists from all over the world.  The course is very user-friendly and it does not lead to a qualification.  I am up to week three and the  course concludes 16th June.  I think you can still join.  Denial 101x

It is very entertaining, .  I think that it might just make a big difference to the world discussion on climate change..... there are now more than 15000 people enrolled in the course.  Oh and did I mention, it is free.

ps:  My friend, Dorothy, is doing an Economics course from Harvard.

She says she has never studied economics.... ha...

Staggerwocky - Chris

My friend Chris just bought a Stag, and he celebrates a big birthday.  So here is a poem:-

Jabberwocky -  the first Draft, by Lewis Caroll.

STAGGERWOCKY

`Twas brillig, and that slithy John
  Did retire and gimble on the waves:
All mimsy on the borogoves,
 And there John’s boat did stay

"Beware the Staggerwocky, my son!
  The jaws that bite, the clutch that catch!
Beware the Top Gear host, and shun
  The frumious Clarksonsnatch!"

Chris took his new Ipad in hand:

  Long time the manxome stag he sought -

So rested he by his bandersaw

  And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,

  The Staggerwock, with eyes of flame,

Came whiffling through a Melbourne wood,

  And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through

  The credit card went snicker-snack!

He BOUGHT the beast, and with his wife

  He came galumphing back.

  

"And, has he slain the Staggerwock?

  ......Och Aye, a brand new toy!

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'

  He chortled in his joy

`Tis brillig, and the Twidle lathes 

  Do gyre and gimble in the shed;

All mimsy is the staggerwock,

  Now home, in Reesville, is its bed.

Expo Milano 2015 Motto Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life

It has arrived.  1st May marked the start of the World Expo in Milan, Italy.  The theme, being Italy is, of course, food. There were protests at the start, unfortunately. However with 140 countries participating and six months to go.  Lots of fun and calories to be had.

Here is a link to the web page.  Milano Expo 2015
It is so exciting
There are Seven sub themes.
There is an app called -  World Recipes. There are very exciting ambassadors.

This is an Italian astronaut; -

Captain Samantha Cristoforetti has announced her commitment as Ambassador for Expo Milano 2015 from the International Space Station.

International Women's Day Debate. Finally Got the video

We finally got the link to our daughter, Amanda's speech in the international Women's Day Great Debate. It took place in the Brisbane Convention Centre to a packed house.


Worth a Look? Best in show I think.  Here's the link:- < I. W D Debate 2015 >