Sunday, April 30, 2006

Banana Economy

An interesting fallout from cyclone Larry, which flattened Innisfail and its surrounds about a month ago.

Since 'surrounds' consisted of a large chunk of Australia's banana crop, the laws of supply and demand have had their wicked way, with prices soaring 3-400% over the last fortnight to ~$10.00/kg.

The interesting fallout is that 'organic' bananas (as opposed to the inorganic variety sold in craft shops), which were usually double the price, are now the same ie they only doubled in price.

I can only presume that, wherever they come from wasn't affected, so they can increase their profits *and* be more competitive at the same time!!!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Me and My Big Mouth

I have just added the following to the PledgeBank:

"I will contribute $500 US to the WorldChanging fund but only if 4 other people (or groups) will too."

One day on, and with ten days to go, I need just 3 more people to join me... any takers?

(Update: the pledge target has been reached, and my hip pocket is feeling the sting!)

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Footloose and Fancy Free

... or should that be Torino 8: ground zero?

Anyway, we condemned men convened for a lunchtime sendoff at the local pub, said our goodbyes, and went our ways into the world, with the usual noise about keeping in touch.

To that end, I've set up a simple wiki touchstone site (shakehands), where we can trade experiences, tips, and shoulders in general.

How much it gets used is ... well, to be honest, wikis just don't seem to invite participation. I don't know what it is but, on several occasions, I have 'built it' and, contrary to what that quote from "Field Of Dreams" would have you believe, no-one has come!

As ever, we shall see...

Meantime, until some kind provider of salary says 'yes', what am I going to do?

Blog?

Hopefully there's more to life than that! Besides, you've got to have done something before you can write about it.

Like gardening... and house maintenance!

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Torino 8

Level 8 (red): impact is certain with localised devastation.
Well, the axe has finally fallen, and I've been shown the door, as of next Thursday.
I don't know who else is being laid off yet. Guess I'll find out with everyone else.

Monday, April 03, 2006

World Changes

While waiting for an incoming event* to register as a Torino 8, it is with a little irony that I note that Jamais Cascio has left WorldChanging.

Nothing is forever, and I suppose a three year stint as chief editor is a pretty good innings.

Such changes are often associated with a tinge of sadness and loss. But I choose to look at it this way: the Worldchanging team is all about picking up the pieces for a better world. What sort of future would the site have if it was predominantly Jamais?

It seems it's time to find out!
* I was informed on Thursday that I was high risk, and I am due to find out for certain tomorrow.
None of which surprises me in the least. Which is why the Torino level remains at 5, where I put it a week ago.