In Australia, Another Hint of HIV Cure

Posted by Michael_Byrne
From http://www.motherboard.tv/

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If you remember last December, the first ever human went from HIV-positive to HIV-negative. The “cure,” a stem cell transplant fortified with a particular sort of HIV resistant strain, was grueling, brutal, and risky. The patient had a one-in-three chance of dying from each of the two transplants. The therapy took two years, and it’s certainly pricey enough that you can be sure the insurance companies of the world will lobby hard to make sure it never gets beyond being classified as “experimental.”
What I’m saying is that curing someone in this case doesn’t indicate that we’ve found a cure. But, researchers in Australia at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute announced this week via a new study that the answer could be as simple as pumping up your body’s immune system. The potential cure has to do with a hormone called interleukin-7, which “reinvigorates” the body’s immune system when it’s faced with something as hard-core as HIV, or Hepatitis or Tuberculosis.
From ScienceDaily today:

“Viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C overwhelm the immune system, leading to establishment of chronic infections that are lifelong and incurable,” [study author] Dr Pellegrini said. “Despite tremendous efforts, long-lived immune responses for some of these viruses are ineffective, because the body is so overrun by virus that the immune system, in particular T cells, just give up trying to battle the infection. Some people have coined the phrase ‘immune exhaustion’ to explain the phenomenon. Our approach is to discover some of the mechanisms that cause this immune exhaustion, and manipulate host genes to see if we can boost the natural immune response in order to beat infection.”

So far, Pellegrini have been able to eliminate an HIV-like infection from a mouse using interleukin-7. The key seems to lie in a gene called SOCS-3 that interleukin-7 shuts off.

“In an overwhelming infection, SOCS-3 becomes highly activated and suppresses the immune response, probably as a natural precaution to prevent ‘out-of-control’ responses that cause collateral damage to body tissue,” Dr Pellegrini said. “In the case of these overwhelming infections, the immune system effectively slams on the brakes too early, and the infection persists.”

So the general idea then is convincing your body that it can do the damn thing and take the infection down. Sort of a pep talk and a Sparks for your T cells.

How to fly a paper airplane from Germany to Australia

From: http://dvice.com/

The distance from Germany to Australia is approximately 10,000 miles. This seems like rather a long way for a paper airplane to fly. As it turns out, it's really not so hard, if you just launch a hundred of 'em from 20 miles up.

Samsung, in an effort to prove that its memory cards are durable enough for all of your high altitude paper airplane launching needs, has sponsored the launch of 100 paper airplanes from a helium balloon floating 122,000 feet above Wolfsburg, Germany. Each of the airplanes has a memory card as cargo, and the hope is that wherever the a plane lands, someone will fire up the memory card and then check in with where the plane was found. Plus, hey, free memory card!

The planes were launched on January 17, and so far, there are preliminary reports of landings in Australia, South Africa, India, Russia, Canada and even the U.S.


While the stunt is called "Project Space Planes," we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't point out that the launch height of about 122,000 feet isn't technically space. The generally accepted boundary between space and not-space is 62 miles (or 327,000 feet), or the altitude where you basically have to be traveling at orbital velocity to keep yourself aloft.

Even if these aren't really space planes, 23 miles up isn't bad for a bunch of little planes made out of paper, and if the reports of the planes making it as far as they did are confirmed, that's a pretty epic journey. Video of the launch below.


Project Space Planes, via New Scientist

Naked hairdressers offer Hotcuts with topless trims

A gentleman's hair salon Down Under has found a novel way to boost business - all its lady hairdressers are topless.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/

 

 

Hairdressers Anna and Sara in Hotcuts (Pic: Splash)

 

The idea for Hotcuts came from Polish-born owner Wojtek Wasilewski, 26.
But it took him 18 months to find four girls, hairdressers, who were willing to go semi naked as they brandished their scissors.

Wojtek said: 'I wanted to make the salon like a gentlemen's club.
'Business is booming. The phone has been ringing off the hook.
'I'm not surprised. They are stunning girls.'

Giant hammerhead caught off NSW

• By Jeremy Pierce
• From: The Courier-Mail

MONSTER: The hammerhead shark caught off the northern NSW coast. Picture:Claude Williamson, Northern Star Source: Supplied

A MONSTER hammerhead shark caught off NSW's northern coast could soon become a Queensland tourism attraction.

Famed Hervey Bay shark hunter Vic Hislop has bought the 1200kg, 5m monster and this week transported the amazing catch to Queensland.

The huge shark made headlines in northern NSW last month when it was caught by a fishing boat four nautical miles off the coast of Evans Head.

It had eaten a smaller shark hooked by the fishing boat and then became trapped itself.

At 5m long, the shark is longer than a family car and could probably comfortably fit a few family members inside its massive belly.

Researchers estimate the shark was at least 40 years old.

Speaking to The Courier-Mail, Mr Hislop said he had not decided whether to house the spectacular specimen at his Hervey Bay shark show.

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"It's a magnificent specimen that's for sure," he said.

"I haven't decided what I am going to do with it yet though.

"If I keep it there (at the shark museum) I will freeze it first."

Some species of hammerheads are on the global endangered list, but they are rarely implicated in attacks on humans.

Although that would be of little comfort to someone faced with a shark bigger than most Great Whites, the most feared of all sharks.

And Mr Hislop had even more chilling news.

"That's not the biggest one I've seen either," he said.

"I've caught bigger.

The 25 greatest cities in the world for drinking wine

by Willy Volk

from http://www.gadling.com/

Dreaming of sipping wine in a little Parisian cafe? Or picturing yourself in trendy Napa Valley, sampling new vintages straight from the barrel? While these well-known areas indeed spring to mind when thinking about the world's finest vintages, you may be surprised to know that excellent wine is being made and enjoyed just about everywhere.

As a wine judge and hobby winemaker, my favorite wine trips have always been to out-of-the-way places, away from tourists and kitsch. This is where you will find the best wines and the most interesting experiences. Here are dozens of not-to-miss wine experiences to plan into your next trip.

San Gimignano, Italy
San Gimignano is an ancient city in Tuscany whose medieval towers still fill the skyline today. While several grape varieties are grown in the area, the town is famous for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a dry white wine made in the region since the 13th century, and made famous by a reference in Dante's Inferno.

This unique wine is best paired with local fare such as wild boar or mushroom risotto which can be enjoyed in many local restaurants. One of the town's restaurants, Dorand, even serves authentic medieval food paired with local wines. A luxurious and decadent experience, it will not be soon forgotten.

Beamsville, Ontario, Canada
The Niagara Region of Canada has developed into a thriving wine region over the past thirty years. Its micro-climate is perfect for European-style grape growing and this area is known for award-winning Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Merlots.

The region's best product, however, is its Icewine. This naturally sweet dessert wine is made from white grapes that have been allowed to remain on the vine into the winter and are picked and pressed during the first hard freeze.

Forgo the touristy Niagara-on-the-Lake and stay in Beamsville to the west. Beamsville is surrounded by small craft wineries and vineyards producing a number of varietals. From Beamsville, wine tours are an easy day trip. Beamsville restaurants also carry many local wines, so you can sample to your heart's content while planning your trip through wine country.

Beaune, France
On your next trip to France, escape Paris and drive three hours south east to the city of Beaune. Even without wine, Beaune is a beautiful, historical city, with centuries-old cathedrals, ancient ramparts, and world-class cafs and restaurants.

The best place to sample wines in Beaune is the Marche aux Vins. The Marche, located in a 15th century Franciscan church, is a collective run by many of the region's wine merchants. For a mere 10.00 €, you can spend a morning or afternoon sampling a very large selection of Burgundies. You will be provided with a souvenir tasting cup and will make your way through the maze of wines. All of the wines are available to purchase. I most enjoy the heavier, older, and often more expensive vintages which are presented near the end of the tastings. Don't fill up on the cheap stuff first!

Temecula, California, USA
When one thinks California wineries, the exclusive and hip Napa Valley is the first area that comes to mind. While the Napa region produces some amazing wines, California harbors a wine secret farther to the south.

An hour from San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles, Temecula has been quietly gaining a name for itself in the wine industry. The hills to the north and west and the ocean breezes make for a perfect grape-growing climate.

If you enjoy gaming as well as wine, the Pechanga Casino and Resort just outside of town provides both. Or take a self-guided tour through Temecula's small boutique wineries and discover vintages that you will be unlikely to see on your supermarket's shelves.

Mainz, Germany

When you visit other cities, add a new wine to your repertoire. As years go by, when you taste that varietal, it can take you back to your trip.

Mainz sits perched on the banks of the Rhine as it has for almost two thousand years. The surrounding countryside is famous for its Rieslings, Sylvaners, and Muller-Thurgau. The cultivated vineyards encompass over 65,000 acres and, like many wine-growing regions along the Rhine, their soil imparts a unique character to these delicate white wines.

In Mainz, you can sample wines at many of the local vineyards, or take a boat ride down the Rhine with wine glass firmly in hand -- my favorite activity when I visit Germany. Stick with the Rieslings and forgo the more everyday Mullers. They want to be Rieslings when they grow up.

Valencia, Spain
The Mediterranean Sea keeps the vineyards around Valencia at just the right temperature. The Valencia area is famous for paella and its locally-produced wines; two treats that can easily be combined into one outing to one of the city's many Spanish restaurants.

The wineries in Valencia are some of the largest in Spain due to the city's large port and ability to ship large quantities of wine around the world. The area produces deep red Riojas, unique roses, and complex aged sherries.

There are several wine tours, both guided and self-guided that you can sign up for to see the wineries and sample a wider variety than what is available in restaurants.

Bellingham, Washington, USA
Washington is one of the great wine regions of the United States. Although just coming into its own in the past decade, Washington is now the second largest state producer of wine in the country.

While wine towns can be found in most areas of the state, Bellingham, near the Canadian border, is a fun experience and a short trip from the British Columbia wineries to the north.

Bellingham is known for its wine bars and local wine can be found in every one of them. The pace of life in Bellingham tends to be a little more laid back than you may be used to so sit back, enjoy the wine, and listen to live music. If visiting in the fall, include tours of local vineyards in your plans and watch the winemaking happen first hand.

Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane makes the list, not because of its own wine-growing identity, but because of its location. In Brisbane, you can sample the fruit wines produced to the north, on the Sunshine Coast, including pineapple, kiwi, or mango wines. You can also sample more traditional wines from farther south

Australia is known for its Shiraz, a red grape originally from Europe and there are many to choose from in Brisbane restaurants. My favorite way to enjoy wine in Brisbane is to find an outdoor table at one of the restaurants surrounding South Bank park and sip some of Australia's finest while watching kids play on the man-made beach.

Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the center of South African wine-making and both reds and whites have been made here for almost 300 years. All of the great grapes of Europe can be found here including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (called Petit Syrah in France), and Sauvignon Blanc.

Many of Cape Town's upscale hotels offer packages that include tours of the 130+ vineyards (or 'wine farms' as they are called in South Africa), wineries, food pairings and accommodation. This is the best way to see Cape Town's surrounding wine country and an opportunity not to be missed

Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada
Pelee Island is the southernmost tip of Canada and is, in fact, farther south than parts of California. This tiny island is inhabited by only about 500 full-time residents but boasts some of the best vineyards on the continent.

Pelee Island Winery grows all of its grapes on the island (over 500 acres). A weekend on Pelee Island is a great opportunity to get away for a romantic weekend, which I do as often as possible. There are several bed and breakfast inns on the island and the winery offers various wine tours, tastings and educational sessions. And when you tire of drinking wine (an unlikely occurrence), you can enjoy the nature preserve or take a bike ride around the entire island.

-- The above was written by Angie Mohr, Seed contributor.

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Walla Walla, Washington, USA
This small town is a four-and-a-half hour drive from Seattle, and it's a completely different world. Besides having a semi-arid climate and little-to-no traffic, Walla Walla is one of the world's hottest wine regions. Scattered throughout the countryside are vineyards and tasting rooms (highly recommended is Pepper Bridge Winery, one of many great producers in Walla Walla).

In the small but charming downtown there are enough tasting rooms to keep a wine tourist busy for days. Add in a few very high quality restaurants (Saffron and Brasserie Four, for example), and Walla Walla is one of the world's most inviting and laid-back wine towns.

Saint-Emilion, France
The wine-tourism capital of Bordeaux is an obvious pick for this list. The vineyards of Saint-Emilion surrounding the ancient town center (a World Heritage Site) produce some of the world's most sought-after wines. Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Ausone are the only two Chateaux to receive Saint-Emilion's highest ranking, and great vintages of the wines frequently fetch over $1,000 per bottle. There are plenty of more economical choices though, and with nearly all of the 13,600 acres dedicated to wine production, there's plenty to go around.

Portland, Oregon, USA
The largest city in Oregon sits on the banks of the Willamette River and is a mere half-hour drive from many wineries in the Willamette Valley, one of the world's premium Pinot Noir growing areas. If touring the vineyards isn't on the agenda, there are numerous great wine bars and restaurants. Check out Alu Wine Bar, which claims a stellar wine list of both Oregon Pinot Noirs and intriguing imported selections.

Cochem, Germany
Cochem is one of dozens of small towns along Germany's Mosel River, and it is particularly charming. The Mosel is famous for producing some of the world's best -- as well as age-worthy -- Rieslings. The wide range of wine styles guarantees a hit with every palate. The town is surrounded by steep hillside vineyards, and a thousand-year-old castle on a hill overlooking the town square adds to the atmosphere.

San Francisco, California, USA
One of the most diverse cities in the United States also has plenty of choices when it comes to wine. Dozens of wine bars are scattered throughout the city center -- try Yield Wine Bar for an earth-friendly wine list or the aptly named WINE for a constantly rotating glass selection.

Bonus: Outside the bustling downtown, Napa Valley and Sonoma are easy day trips to sample some of the best U.S.-made wines.

Los Olivos, California, USA
Rather than fighting the crowds in Napa Valley try this quaint Victorian town just north of Santa Barbara. The area is now famous as the setting of Sideways. Don't let the Hollywood connection scare you away though: the region is stunningly beautiful and is one of the best Pinot Noir producing areas in the United States (alternatively, swing by Andrew Murray for some killer Syrahs). The historic downtown is home to over a dozen wine tasting rooms in a small area.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
The town name is translated as "new castle of the Pope," from the days when the Pope ruled from nearby Avignon. The Pope no longer lives there, instead you'll find some of the best wines in the world in this on the rise region. The stellar 2007 vintage is getting a lot of attention around the world, so a visit is recommended before the crowds become unbearable, which seems almost inevitable for good reason.

Montalcino, Italy
It's hard to imagine any better place to be in the summer than in Tuscany. This old hilltop town has been booming since the 1970s when its now world-famous wine, Brunello di Montalcino, began to receive praise. It's now surrounded by the world's premier Sangiovese vineyards, and provides a stunning view of the Tuscan countryside.

Tampa, Florida, USA
While this city is not even close to a major wine region, it does have events and restaurants to make it one of the East Coast's best wine destinations. Possibly the biggest draw is Bern's Steak House, which has an absurdly huge wine list. There can't be many other restaurants in the world offering a 1970 Pauillac for $18 per glass. If that doesn't suit your style there are 150 other wines by the glass to choose from.

Pro tip: The Florida Wine Festival is held every April in nearby Sarasota.

New York, New York, USA
If money is no object, but drinking wine is, New York is hard to beat. There's a particularly high concentration of wine bars in the East Village and Midtown. If you're in Midtown, check out Clo WineBar above Columbus Circle for a high-tech, interactive wine experience. The wine list is displayed on a touch screen bar top, and the wines are dispensed automatically throughout the room.

-- The above was written by Steven Washuta, Seed contributor.

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Yountville, California, USA
Tucked into the vastness that is Northern California's famous wine country, is this 5-mile-long, cozy village. Wine country has many excellent dining opportunities to enjoy with their world class wines -- but Yountville beats them all with top restaurants (several are Michelin). It's hard to say which is better -- the wine or the food -- but wine pairing is what this area is all about. Stay at the Villagio Inn, and explore the town's antique shops and art galleries. And at night, get ready for Wine Pairing 101, taught by some of the world's best sommeliers.

Oetigheim, Germany
This quaint town is home to Germany's largest open-air theater, the Volksschauspiele. Nestled along the French border, this area also has it's own understated wine country: many of these vineyards grow the grapes that make German whites so infamous and versatile.

The tiniest restaurants here pride themselves on their schnitzel or other old world dishes. Pair a favorite with one of the regional, world class Rieslings -- some are produced in such small quantity, you may not find this nectar anywhere else in the world.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
When you visit other cities, add a new wine to your repertoire. As years go by, when you taste that varietal, it can take you right back to your special trip. While known for world class skiing, Steamboat is a summer haven -- to enjoy fresh mountain air, wine and music. A tiny specialty grocer, Market on the Mountain, can assist you in packing the perfect picnic basket with your favorite cheeses, crusty bread and a Pinot Grigio, so you may enjoy the majestic beauty of Mt. Werner and the Yampa Valley.

Pro tip: try to visit during "Strings on the Mountain" -- Steamboat's summer music festival (though Strings also runs a winter concert series, as well).

London, England
London has it all -- excellent wines from all over the world to pair with multiple cuisines, entertainment, and easy ways to get around without driving. Start out in one of Mayfair's excellent restaurants (we like the Greenhouse). Ask the sommelier for a brand new release -- or a warming Cabernet before taking the tube to the West End. SoHo's wine tasting and dancing venues top off the night, and grab a taxi back to your place. Wine, food, entertainment and transport are all integral to global scale, "good times" in the London scene.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
Host to the nation's largest music festival (Musikfest), Bethlehem has an historic "Party Hearty" reputation. This may have originated with the 1741 settlers: Moravians (who were wine-makers) moving in alongside Germans (who, even today, remain devoted wine-drinkers).

Gaining recognition is the region's wine industry; Rieslings and Chambourcin are local favorites. Stay in the historic district in one of the B&B's (we like Morningstar Inn) and discover the town. Tour the wineries: Amore', Franklin Hill and Blue Mountain. This area's unique mix of history, music, and party provides lots of good times for Vino Explorers in search of new regional finds.

Pro tip for novice oenophiles: Where ever you live -- your town (and home) can become The Best Place for Wine Drinking. Take time to train your palate by starting with a single varietal, maybe a Merlot, and stick with it for a while. Then add another -- perhaps a Pinot -- and try that for a couple weeks. Soon, you'll be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test. When you're ready, try adding a Cabernet to the mix, but don't push this one. And, when you visit other cities, add a new wine to your wine repertoire. As years go by, when you taste that varietal, it can take you right back to your special trip.

--The above was written by Kris Myers, Seed contributor.

Australian town hit by raining fish

By Simon Crisp
From: http://www.asylum.co.uk/

For residents of a small Australian town, their usually mundane conversations about the weather have just become a whole lot more interesting.

That's because in the outback town of Lajamanu it's started raining fish. Yes, fish. Hundreds of them, falling from the sky.

Over the past two days the town's 660 residents have been bombarded with small white fish which have been falling like rain.

Locals say the fish, mostly spangled perch, have even been alive as they hit the floor. Lucky it wasn't crocodiles then.

Meteorologists believe the fish where sucked up by a tornado - which passed over a river some 300 miles away - before being carried through the sky at 40,000 to 50,000 feet.

They then fell like rain on Lajamanu, 400 miles south of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory, prompting residents to run around throwing them into buckets.

Amazingly it is not the first time the tiny town has seen the freakish 'weather' - this is said to be the third time in recent memory, the previous batterings (sorry) of fish came in 1974 and 2004. Keep reading to see a video of this phenomenon...

'World's best job' man stung by tiny, lethal jellyfish

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/

The Irukandji jellyfish is so miniscule it is almost invisible to the naked eye

The man who landed what was dubbed "the best job in the world" as the caretaker on a tropical island off Australia has been stung by a lethal jellyfish.

Briton Ben Southall, who beat 34,000 applicants to secure the position, was stung during his last week in the job.

The culprit was the peanut-sized Irukandji jellyfish, whose venomous sting can be lethal.

In his blog, which he keeps as part of his job, he describes the incident as "a little sting on the beach".

But it was his progressive symptoms of fever, headache, lower back pain, chest tightness and high blood pressure that led doctors to diagnose the sting.

"I thought I'd done particularly well at avoiding any contact with any of the dangerous critters that consider this part of the world their home," Mr Southall writes in the latest update to his online diary.

Stinger suit

"I've avoided being boxed by a kangaroo, nibbled by a shark and bitten by a spider or a snake - but then in my final few days on Hamilton Island I fell foul of a miniscule little creature known as an Irukandji," his blog continues.

I really should have been wearing a full stinger suit Ben Southall Caretaker of Hamilton Island

The jellyfish - which struck as he descended from a jet-ski - is virtually invisible to the naked eye and can be deadly - in 2002 two tourists died after being stung.

It is so small it can pass through the nets that protect popular swimming spots in Queensland from larger jellyfish.

But Mr Southall - who has fully recovered after a dose of antibiotics and rest - admitted that he had been inadequately dressed for the excursion.

"It's not something to be messed around with. I really should have been wearing a full stinger suit, as is recommended at all beaches here this time of year," he said.

Mr Southall, 34, a charity fundraiser from Hampshire had to undergo a gruelling selection process to get the A$150,000 ($134,000) role - including swimming, snorkelling and one-to-one interviews.

101 hacks & shortcuts for enjoying Australia on a budget

britz.com.au — Hacks and shortcuts to help you enjoy travelling around Australia whilst not burning a hole in your pocket.

click here for this very hand guide: Australia on a budget

Aussie show slammed for blackface Jackson 5 sketch

An Australian variety show has drawn international controversy for airing a sketch that featured performers imitating the Jackson 5 in blackface.

The show was a reunion episode of the long-running series "Hey Hey It's Saturday" that showcased an amateur act called the "Jackson Jive."

Guest judge Harry Connick Jr. gave the performance a "0" score and said, “If they turned up looking like that in the United States it's 'Hey Hey There's No More Show' ... If I knew that was going to be part of the show I definitely wouldn't have done it ... On behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we’ve spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons that when we see something like that we take it really to heart."

Host Darryl Somers apologized to Connick on air, then later said, “To most Australians I think it's a storm in a tea cup."

The five men who performed the skit apparently had done a similar act 20 years ago without controversy.

In the Times Online, one of the performers noted, "I am an Indian, and five of the six of us are from multicultural backgrounds and to be called a racist ... I don't think I have ever been called that ever in my life before. Anyone who knows us as a group, we are intelligent people, we are all from different racial backgrounds so I am really, truly surprised.”

Australian town bans bottled water

Posted on : 2009-09-26 | Author : dpa
News Category : Environment

Sydney - Bundanoon on Saturday became the first town in Australia, and possibly the world, to ban the sale of bottled water. The 2,500 residents voted in July to stop shops from stocking single-use bottles and switch to retailing bottles that are refillable for free at taps around the town. "As politicians grapple with the issue of climate change, we should never forget that each and every one of us can make a real difference at the very local level," shopowner Huw Kingston told local paper the Southern Highland News. "As was demonstrated by the intense media interest from all around the world, it's extremely heartening that our small town has become an international role model for grassroots action."The tourist town of Bundanoon, 120 kilometres south of Sydney, showed it was fun to be green by putting on a parade and a party for the switchover. It also demonstrated that environmentalism and entrepreneurship can coexist. Collectors were picking up souvenir switchover bottles at 29 Australian dollars (24 US dollars) apiece. The standard refillable bottles retail for the same price as the superseded reusable ones. Jon Dee, head of environmental lobby group Do Something, reckons Bundanoon is the first place in the world to impose a ban. "Huge amounts of resources are used to extract, bottle and transport that bottled water, and much of the packaging ends up as litter or landfill," he said. "Bottled water is a menace and a marketing con that's been visited on Australians by the bottled water industry and what we are trying to do is expose that con for what it is."Environmental group Eco Worldly estimates that the energy required to produce bottled water is 2,000 times that to produce tap water. Kingston assured visitors that they would not be run out of town if they arrived with bottled water. "Nobody is going to get lynched for carrying a bottle of prepackaged water down the main street of Bundanoon," he said. Kingston hatched the Bundy-on-Tap idea after soft drinks company Norlex Holdings applied to pump water out of a local aquifer to supply the bottled water market. The initiative was put to the townsfolk and there were 355 votes in favour of banning the sale of bottled water and only one against.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/287312,australian-town-bans-bottled-water.html
© 2009 earthtimes.org. All Rights Reserved.

Scientists clone oldest living organism

Lomatia tasmanica has proved very difficult to successfully propagate. (Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service)

• Video: Tasmania to protect 'oldest living organism' (The Midday Report)

Tasmanian scientists have cloned what is believed to be the world's oldest living organism as part of a battle to save it from a deadly fungus.

The tree species commonly known as King's Lomatia was first discovered in Tasmania's remote south-west wilderness 70 years ago.

Carbon dating revealed the trees were more than 43,000 years old.

Botanist Natalie Tapson from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens says the tree can only reproduce by cloning itself.

And she says all 500 stands of the tree - produced from one original plant - are under threat from the deadly root rot disease phytophthora, which is spreading rapidly through grass plains surrounding its habitat.

She says an insurance population is being established by creating clones through tissue cultures.

"When we first started we lost all the plants almost straight away," she said.

"We now have about 20 plants in tissue culture that have survived for about eight months and we're hopeful that we can keep tubing these on and get more and more plants that way."

7 Stunning Australian Beachfront Homes

What could be better than waking up every morning to a million dollar view of the sun rising over the horizon? Every day, you grab the surfboard and catch some waves before brekkie, maybe throw a few shrimps on the barbie and watch the sunset reflect off the water from your private balcony. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?

From contemporary to traditional, Asian-influenced to downright wacky, the coastline of Australia is dotted with stunning beachfront homes. Some of the homes listed are lived in year-round and some are for sale, while others can be rented by the night, which means a little bit of luxury is within everyone’s grasp, even for a short time.

Check out these 7 stunners below; bets on that you’ll be packing your suitcase by the time you’ve finished reading.

1. Avalon Coastal Retreat, Swansea

Price: $770.00 per night for up to six people
Details: www.avaloncoastalretreat.com.au

The views from Avalon are simply stunning. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows capturing the scene beyond, you won’t miss any of the East Coast’s beautiful Great Oyster Bay. Take a walk down to the beach, swim in the ocean or grab your binoculars check out the birds and sea life. If you’d prefer some quiet time just relax and read on the large terrace overlooking the bay. At night, why not enjoy a nice bottle of Australian red wine next to the glorious fireplace with the one you love.

Designed by award-winning architect Craig Rosevear, Avalon is a perfect fusion of steel girder and glass design, to maximize the impact of its surroundings. It won the Residential Award in 2005 from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for Tasmania. With room for six, you might want to consider rounding up some of your mates for a holiday you’ll no doubt talk about for a long time.

2. 3/148 Brighton Boulevard, Bondi Beach

Price: $2,550,000
Details: www.myhome.com.au

Own a slice of the good life on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach with home loan for just over $2.5 million. Imagine having your lunch outside on that terrace. This two-storey townhouse apartment has both Bondi Beach and ocean views, and with a 100 square metre private terrace and garden the new owners will definitely appreciate the views while soaking up the sun.

Inside are three generous bedrooms, a spa bathroom, granite kitchen and a separate studio/office. A double garage and visitor parking means you can share your lovely home with others, though with the thoughts of sunset cocktails and beach side barbies, you may never be able to get rid of some friends and family!

3. Ron Roozen’s Beach House, Prevelly

Price: from $550 per night
Details: www.ronroozen.com.au

Designed by prominent Sydney architect Dale Jones-Evans, Ron Roozen’s Beach House, near Margaret River, is a surfer’s paradise. With 180 degree views of the Indian Ocean from every room, this home has been featured in international style magazines and the travel section of many newspapers.

The home of local artist and surfer Ron Roozen, it can be rented with all the bells and whistles – a private chef, in-house masseuse and local wine tours. The house is in a secluded setting on a hill side and is in close proximity to world-class surf breaks and stunning beaches. Plus, the award winning Margaret River wineries and restaurants are nearby.

The property features three bedrooms and three separate outside terrace areas from which to drink in the view. You may never want to leave.

4. Beach House, Kingscliff, New South Wales

Price: $6,200,000
Details: www.luxuryrealestate.com

This beautiful beachfront property is on the East Coast of Australia. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, it has been finished to a high standard throughout. The exterior has a deep-pitched gable roof and salt-white weatherboards, offering stylish beachfront living, albeit at a top-whack price. Inspired by Melbourne’s Brighton bathing boxes and the Ralph Lauren styling of the Hamptons in New York State, it successfully combines luxury living with an easy, breezy seaside style.

Modern eco-building has been used to reduce energy and water consumption: environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials have been used throughout – including the use of recycled timbers. The property sits in the sub-tropical community of Salt Village, an easy hour’s drive south of Brisbane. Not only do you have the ocean on your doorstep, but there is a pool with a separate hideaway at the end, which can be used as an office, guest room or granny flat.

5. Mystique Beach House, Newell Beach

Price: $650 per night for up to six people
Details: www.executiveretreats.com.au

This home is designed over one level and makes the most of its beautiful and peaceful beachside location. Cool yourself with the sea breeze off the Coral Sea, while basking in the sunshine, appreciating the glorious setting.

The house boasts uninterrupted views across to Port Douglas, Low Isles and Snapper Island. If you want to venture further out, Newell beach is well situated for exploring the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll never be bored of things to do – the owners provide kayaks for your use and private yoga sessions can be arranged.

Inside, Italian travertine marble floors are laid throughout, there is a designer kitchen plus four bedrooms and three bathrooms. With luxury, space, glorious views and a serene setting, Mystique Beach House would be ideal for a holiday to remember.

6. Beach House, Broadbeach Waters, Queensland

Price: $2,250,000
Details: www.luxuryrealestate.com

This unusual home in the beautiful setting of Australia’s Gold Coast is truly individualistic in its design. Tremendous thought and planning has gone into the design to create a space which works well for many different uses.

The home is built around an outside space – bi-fold glass doors open up the kitchen, lounge and family room allowing for a natural flow between inside and outside spaces. The large outdoor terrace offers 180 degree views of the water and a curved infinity pool makes this property ideal for water babies and sunbathers alike. A few steps down from the pool takes you to the Main River, where residents have fast boat access to the ocean.

This waterfront home features five bedrooms, plus a study. There is a vast, formal living room separate from the other living quarters, too, offering an adult-only space to visit away from the rest of the house but has plenty of room for everyone keen to enjoy the great outdoors.

7. Sydney Beachouse Hostel

Price: From $24
Details: www.sydneybeachouse.com.au

A slice of the beachfront life doesn’t have to be the sole reserve of the rich. This YHA Youth Hostel allows you to experience the best of beachfront vacationing at a fraction of the cost.

Located at Collaroy Beach in the middle of Sydney’s Northern Beaches you have the best of beach life right on your doorstep. The Northern Beaches boast 24 surfing beaches, which are among the best in the world.

Sydney Beachouse offers the following FREE equipment for your use: bicycles, beach volleyball equipment, surfboards, boogieboards and snorkelling sets, so there’s no excuse not to sample the best that the Northern Beaches has to offer. And at this price, you could definitely afford a little more than a few nights of beachfront life.

By:

Knight Hooson was born and educated in Canada before moving to Great Britain in 2002. After surviving several years working with large American Private Equity firms in Mayfair, he now turns his hand to freelance writing for a variety of print and web-based clients. When not working, he enjoys learning about wine and exploring France - especially at the same time. www.knighthooson.com Read more posts by Knight.

The Striking Colours of the Australian Outback

Image: ogwen

The Outback of Australia is one of those great feats of nature that astounds anyone lucky enough to experience it firsthand. Like the Himalayas and the great rainforests of the world, the Australian Outback abounds in myth and legend, yet few people, including many non-indigenous Australians, know the true specifics of the ancient red-earthed island.

But that’s about to change, as we present 20 fact-filled curiosities of the Australian Outback in all its dazzlingly diverse colours!

1. Uluru

Image: ernieski

It seems fitting to start with the most well-known symbol of the Outback – Uluru, or Ayers Rock. Lying 335 km outside the small central town of Alice Springs, the giant red monolith stands 348 m high and is 9.3 km in circumference. As the sun rises and sets, the reflection casts different light upon the sandstone making it appear as if it is changing colour. Its appearance also varies according to the time of year.

The vast World Heritage Site is sacred site to the local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal people, who have campaigned for many years to ban walking on the great red rock as the path crosses a sacred traditional Dreamtime track. It is also being eroded from overtourism, so under a new 2009 government proposal, walking Uluru may no longer be something you can tick off your travel wishlist.

2. Dry Land

Image: beleobus

Much of the Outback is dry, arid land which can’t sustain much plant life. Some is semi-arid and tends to be used for cattle stations like this, though; the grass here has mostly dried out, leaving the cows to forage for whatever plants they can find to eat – an unfortunate regular occurrence in a drought-ridden continent. A bleak, yet beautiful landscape.

3. Derelict House

Image: Zonifer Lloyd

Early pioneers built settlements across Australia. Some thrived. Some didn’t. Many were abandoned for various reasons – lack of irrigation or simply the inability to make a living off of the land. As a result there are abandoned settlements like this one scattered across the great Outback.

If you are into abandoned structures, the Outback isn’t such a bad place to be: there are also many wholly abandoned towns around deserted mining operations in areas where the railway service was cut.

4. Abandoned Railcar

Image: Paleontour

The railway was crucial for opening up Australia and transporting goods interstate. However, just as was the case in other vast nations, such as America or Canada, it was not financially viable to run. As a result, lines were closed, services stopped and towns were cut off from receiving goods by rail. But not all is lost because in 2004 the much anticipated 1420 km long Alice Springs to Darwin freight railway opened, which may see the start of many new mining ventures of this age.

Foot passengers have been able to travel the great distances between Adelaide and Darwin for many years via one of Australia’s treasures – The Ghan. Celebrating its 80th year of service, The Ghan is one of the most spectacular ways to visit the central plains of Australia. It takes just two nights to travel the 2979 kilometres, and leaves twice weekly. At $1286 for the sleeper service return from Adelaide to Darwin, it’s not cheap, but definitely worth it.

5. Fauna

Image: aaardvaark and Wiki Commons

Synonymous with Australia, the Major Mitchell Cockatoo is found in the arid and semi-arid inland areas of Australia. With its pink and white feathers and striking bright yellow and red crest, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful of the cockatoos. The distinctive plaintive yodelling cry is unique only to the Major Mitchell Cockatoo and the true white cockatoos, as is the large crest and rounded wing shape.

The bird was named after Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, surveyor and explorer, who wrote, “few birds more enliven the monotonous hues of the Australian forest than this beautiful species whose pink-coloured wings and flowing crest might have embellished the air of a more voluptuous region.”

6. Flora

Image: pizzodisevo

The Bottlebrush, or Callistemon, is a native Australian plant that looks uncannily like, well, a bottlebrush. They normally flower in the spring or early summer, embellishing their environs with a stunning display of sheer unadulterated colour. The Bottlebruch is one of over 12,000 varieties of wildflowers found across the Aussie Outback, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

7. Red Earth

Image: OzXposure

The red soil of Australia is truly a sight to behold, especially when the sun hits it, creating a fiery glow. An abundance of iron ore gives the soil its vibrant red colour but also, unfortunately, make it less suitable for cultivation. Coupled with a distinct lack of moisture across the continent, it means that much of the Outback remains a dry, barren dustbowl.

8. Indigenous Australians

Image: darthdowney

The Aboriginal Australians, the original inhabitants of the country, today represent only about 3 percent of the population of modern Australia, but as the indigenous peoples they hold a special place in society.

Divided into clans, or groups (the word tribe is often used incorrectly – Australian Aborigines are a race) their culture is diverse, though they share the Australian Aboriginal myth of creation – Dreamtime, or The Dreaming. Some 500 languages belonging to 31 language groups are spoken, and before colonization there were thought to be over 600 different clans across the continent; now the number is much less.

This man, from the Maningrida group, sells his didgeridoos and his artwork in the outback.

9. Cowboys

Image: South Australia Tourism Commission

In Australia, cowboys are known as stockmen or drovers, while trainees are referred to as jackaroos or jillaroos. They work on large cattle ranches, or stations, herding up cattle. It is now not uncommon for women to work as drovers, although historically it was a very male-orientated environment.

In the Outback, cattle stations might exceed 10,000 square kilometres with over 10,000 cattle, so it is essential to have stockmen to round up the herd and keep them from wandering off the station. Fables of the stockman have long been a source of song in the Outback.

10. Kangaroos

Image: b-leam

The kangaroo, which run wild in the Outback, have become an instantly recognisable international symbol for Australia, and a fascination for all who visit. It even appears on the Australian Coat of Arms.

A large male Roo can stand around two metres tall and weigh up to 90 kg. Their powerful back legs and large feet make them well suited to jumping, which they use as a means of locomotion. They can travel at a comfortable 20-25 km/hr and can go up to 70 km/hr for short distances.

Though an indigenous, endangered species, kangaroo are often viewed as pests in Australia as they can devour massive areas of grassland and crops within a very short time.

11. Camels

Image: NTG

Believe it or not, there are more wild camels in the Outback than anywhere else on earth – an estimated 1 million roam freely, and are quickly becoming a nuisance. Introduced in the 19th century by explorers, most of the feral population are of the one-hump variety, though a small number of two-humped camels can also be found. They were originally used for travel and work but by the 1920s, with the introduction of the motorcar, they were surplus to needs and so were released into the wild where their number doubles every nine years.

12. Sunrise

Image: Rob&Jules

With the lowest average annual precipitation in all of Australia, the Outback is bone dry. And with so little moisture, there are also very few clouds to obscure the sun. As a result, there are spectacular sunrises for those who are up early enough to catch them.

13. Sunset

Image: ogwen

As the sun descends behind the horizon it illuminates the day left behind in a deep red. This particular cloudy sky catches the final rays of the sun’s light turning them a pinky/orange hue. The few trees that can survive the hostile climate and harsh landscape are cast in deep shadow against the dying light.

14. Water Tower

Image: ~Prescott

This old water tower is in Broad Arrow, in the Outback. Once a gold rush town with a thriving economy, there are now only 11 residents left, a tavern, and this water tower, which has been refurbished with a plastic liner so it can still function as a water supply. Due to the exceptionally dry climate, any precipitation is trapped for future use. As you would assume, droughts are not unheard of and water is used judiciously.

15. Road Train

Image: The Rocketeer

If you’ve never heard of them before, road trains are simply several carriages pulled by one truck. They are used to transport goods across the great distances of the Outback with some hauling up to 200 tonnes of freight, though the majority are between 80 to 120 tonnes.

Whether it may be coast to coast or to and from extremely remote communities, these workhorses transport all kinds of goods, including cattle, fuel, mineral ores and consumer goods. Coupling up several trailers has proved to be a cost-efficient way of transporting goods, especially to the most remote areas.

16. The Open Road

Image: .ash

The Outback demands journeys. Great distances are travelled for everyday things that city slickers take for granted, like shopping, medical attention or even basic social interaction. Out here you have to hit the highway and see where it takes you.

17. Devils Marbles

Image: Iain Whyte

The Devils Marbles are a collection of large, round, red-coloured boulders, found in the Northern Territory. They are made up of granite rocks of volcanic origin which have eroded over time into their current formations. Some of these magnificent boulders are as much as seven metres in diameter. They also feature in the Dreaming, where they were the eggs laid by the Rainbow Serpent. Aboriginals refer to the spot as Karlukarlu.

18. Aboriginal Rock Art

Image: yewenyi

Australian Aboriginal rock art is thought to be tens of thousands years old. There have been some finds in the Olary region of South Australia that date back some 40,000 years. The rock art generally depicts everyday Aboriginal life as it once was. Examples include carving, as above, but there are also numerous paintings of animals, symbols and significant characteristics of Aboriginal life. These particular images are thought to be stars.

19. Navigating by Starlight

Image: Two Big Paws

The Outback provides one of the clearest views of the heavens above. A combination of low humidity and minimal interference from ambient electric light allow for perfectly clear views of the stars – the sort that most urban stargazers can only dream of! Out here it’s possible to turly grasp the enormity of the heavens as they open up and surround you for as far as the eye can see.

20. Isolation/Connection

Image: Georgie Sharp

A whopping 90% of Australia’s 22 million residents live in the coastal city areas. This leaves just 10% scattered across the vast geographic area which is Australia. As a result the Outback is sparsely populated, at best. Many of the Aboriginal communities still live there, as that is where they originate from. As for the non-Aboriginal inhabitants, some were drawn to work in mines, some on the cattle and sheep stations, and some to escape humanity. It creates a hotbed of stories, myths and legends of the characters that make this bleakly beautiful land their homes.

• Read more posts by Mark Brown.