Sudha Hamilton

Tagged Barack Obama, car makers, eco living magazine, global crisis, global economy, international policy, President Obama, sudha hamilton, trillion dollar package, US economy, US President

Jan 29 2009

Blog Posts

Retrenched After Two Days

The global economic crisis just bit me on the bum. I was recently employed on contract as a senior journalist for the local newspaper in my town. My wife had just started as their editor three days before me and we were both over the moon to be working in the field we loved and locally. Every night we would sit up planning editorial content and creating new Google docs for the pagination. Meetings in the day at the office had that stimulating high, which only comes from a very new job – where you feel that you can do anything no matter how long the hours.

The owners were a small team of people, formerly employed by the town’s original local paper before it was bought up by a conglomerate and lost it’s soul. They had already brought out a dozen issues and we were replacing an earlier editorial team. We asked them at the interview if they had the money to run this business (as we have been running our own publications and know how tough it can be) and they assured us they had local bank funding. They loved us and kept telling both of us they were so happy that we were now on board.

Well I was out on the street doing vox pop interviews when I got the call from my wife and editor, that something weird was going on and that no one at the office was answering her calls. We are the parents of a two and four year old and the work/family life balance is always a challenge. Writing and publishing is one of the jobs we find that we can combine effectively. So we both soon discovered to our complete dismay that these same people who had interviewed and briefed both of us with confidence, were pulling the pin and going into voluntary insolvency.

I was gobsmacked, I was seriously pissed off, I could not believe it – my wife was crushed – she had worked tirelessly to pull their shambles of an editorial system into the twenty first century and now it was over. It was like a desert mirage or a bad acid halucination – we both felt bad. Yes we still have not been paid and I don’t like to say out loud what part of me already knows but it is more than just being ripped off.

That a group of people can question your committment over a series of interviews and ask for your full blooded service as an employee. You know the usual jumping over hoops that the interview process involves and then to have them be so naive that they were unaware of their very imminent demise. Talk about a one night stand.

Of course none of them bothered to let the dozens of editorial contributors know about the paper’s demise and it was left to us to tell everyone. We are in the invidious position of having to go on doing their work to maintain our own professional reputations. Still no pay. Of course we were promised that they would fix us up and that is why they were pulling the pin now so that they could leave gracefully without unpaid creditors.

Probably what stung the most in retrospect was the gutlessness of this group of people – you know running a small business challenges and changes you if you if you really run the course. My wife and I both know – it toughens you and demands that you put it all on the line – if you want to make your passion work in the real world.

We attempted to revive this group and in several meetings by phone, email and then in the flesh said we would join them and have a go at making this work. But their leader, the ad sales guy was happy to go gently into the night, rather than ruffle the feathers of all the advertisers who still had not paid their bills – because of course this was the root cause of the problem – a cash flow crisis born out of the fact that nobody paid on time and nobody signed a contract. It was all done on a handshake – well my hands been shaken but my pocket is still empty.

©Sudha Hamilton

Jan 24 2009

Poems & Songs

If I Sleep

If I Sleep

If I sleep, will you remember me?

This night, is waiting, wanting you,

Always wanting you.

Lay back in bed, and listen to,

Soft murmurings, intent on loving you.

In a thousand dreams, of loving you,

I remember, all the pain, and pleasures too.

Let this night be true.

Remember all my loving you,

Wanting to be part of you.

I love to touch your skin,

Won’t you let me in?

Kiss your ever wet lips,

Please let me in.

I love to stroke your hair,

Have someone to care.

Feel you everywhere,

Your in my prayers.

If I sleep, will you remember me?

This love, is eating me,

Always eating me.

Lay back in bed, and come for me.

She cries for God, in her infancy.

If I dream, I always dream alone.

Love leaving, leaving me alone.

She lies, back in bed alone.

Cries for love, but not for me,

Alone, desperately.

If I sleep, will you remember me?

If I sleep, who will remember me?

©Sudha Hamilton and Philip Korn

Tagged love, love song, lyrics, obsession, poem, poetry, recorded song, sleep, song, sudha hamilton

Jan 24 2009

Poems & Songs

Reptiles

Reptiles

In the spider’s grip, we speak of love,

With words - such worthless, weightless stuff.

Promise this and swear thy heart,

Side by side we shall never part.

Moistened eye to moistened eye,

The rational buckles, burns and bends.

Woman weeps, her tears will flow.

Mankind watches and doesn’t know,

That fear drifts through hands that hold,

Fairer, softer, smoother skin.

For beneath the surface, upon the ocean floor,

Lies cold blooded crustacean’s claws,

Exacting vengeance for crimes unknown.

Mother nature turns on phallic fools,

Who believe the witches have a mind.

When feelings fail her instinct finds,

The naked male asleep in bed.

Wraps her coils still glistening wet,

Around his heart and limpid prick,

To feed in savage lust till sick.

©Sudha Hamilton

Tagged gothic, love, loves shadow, poem, poetry, sudha hamilton

Jan 19 2009

Blog Posts, New Ideas, Uncategorized

Child Care Solutions

Aged care and child care synergies for a better world.

By Sudha Hamilton.

An idea that I have been carrying around for sometime is to do with two similar needs from two disparate subsections of our communities – the old and the very young both require care and company. What if we combined these two institutions – the retirement village and the child care facility – or at least placed them next door to each other with connecting access? We would have two groups of cared for people who could, under qualified supervision, provide well meaning contact with each other.

How many times have we observed our older members of the community deriving rejuvenating joy from reaching out to toddlers and other little people who are just beginning their journey. Is this not the DNA plan once fulfilled within our extended families, which have unfortunately fallen away with changes within our modern communities – divorce, broken families and today’s mobility of the workforce creating geographical challenges . Why not have a community or state led program which brings grandparent age people and little ones together at their most vulnerable times of their lives to give to each other.

Older people reaching the concluding stages of their lives are often reviewing their pasts with a wisdom born of experience and an innate understanding of things based on their very real time life clock. Something inside them rejoices at new life in all its innocence and wishes to reach out with love. Little children are developing and theirs is a synergy of timing between the very old and very young – their parents are often rushing around and paying the rent but grandparents are in retirement and moving at the same unhurried pace. Why not bring these two groups together?

Obviously qualified carers servicing both groups would still be required but the numbers of these could be reduced in real time and a more substantial interaction between groups could be achieved. There would also be older individuals who might not wish to interact with little ones and my coexisting facility would respect their wishes. Older patrons of retirement villages would not become involuntary child carers, but rather would have the experience as an optional extra. This idea is all about the exchange of warmth, friendship and care, based on free will.

Our state sponsored facilities and programmes would best serve all of us by bringing sections of our communities and humanity together, rather than separating everybody. This separation continues to be propagated by the arbitrary academic separation of community groups via the stages of their lives in research and development programs, in areas of sociology and in the vital areas of social policy. It is time for governments to become user friendly rather than forever servicing academic/public service fuelled specialisation.

If we can bring an appreciation of humanity – a natural sense of our world – to dealing with the challenges we face within our community – child care and aged care in particular – perhaps bring some common sense to a situation – then we can unite shared purposes.

Please feel free to comment and make your contribution regarding this idea!

©Sudha Hamilton.

Tagged aged care, child care, eco, eco living magazine, health aware, living, solutions, synergy

Jan 14 2009

parenting, Reviews

Book and CD Reviews

Book and CD Reviews

Heart to Heart Parenting

By Robin Grille

ISBN: 9780733322983

Heart to Heart Parenting is a book on nurturing your child’s emotional intelligence from conception to school age. For anyone who enjoyed the expansion and wisdom of Parenting for a Peaceful World – this is the developmental sequel. Practical in application, but still with the historical context and psychological understanding that is characteristic of Robin Grille’s creations.

Raising your children can be the most fulfilling thing you ever do. But your children can also challenge you like no one else ever will. To make it through the sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, it is fundamental that you develop an understanding of what makes your child tick.

An empowering book for parents, Heart to Heart parenting is more than just a ‘how to’ book about raising happy and resilient children – it aims to help you create a deep and lasting relationship that is unique to you and your child. Using techniques that are based on connection rather than shaming, manipulation or punishment, Robin Grille introduces you to insightful and practical ways to benefit your child’s emotional wellbeing and development. Available from ABC Shops / Centres, selected bookstores and online at www.abcshop.com.au RRP $35.00

The River Runs Free – Exploring and Defending Tasmania’s Wilderness

By Geoff Law

ISBN: 9780670072453

Geoff Law first rafted the dangerously beautiful Franklin River on a whim. He was inexperienced and in a leaky raft, the weather was treacherous, and his travelling companion was someone he didn’t know and who hated the place. But that eventful trip drew him into the historic battle to save the Franklin from being dammed. It was a struggle that brought down a federal government, and one whose ecological reverberations, twenty-five years on, are more commanding than ever.

In The River Runs Free Geoff Law gives a lively and witty account of that flagship campaign, weaving it around stories of his wilderness travels. Drawn since childhood to wild places, he is an experienced solo bushwalker, one who can never resist a challenge. He writes powerfully about the connection between humans and landscape, the source of inspiration for his life’s work. Travel with him and you never know what’s coming next – but you’ll arrive exhilarated. RRP $32.95

The Conscious Cook

By Giselle Wilkinson

ISBN: 9781921221385

Giselle Wilkinson has been a social and environmental activist for over thirty years. Influenced by

early experiences of communal living and travel Education, Giselle realised earlier then most that choosing to live consciously is a powerful force for positive change. What better way to live consciously than in the kitchen? Her book takes us on a journey into the breadth of food-associated issues, helps us join the dots connecting the issues and demonstrates the complexity of sustainability and the simplicity of many of the actions involved in achieving it. Containing 50 delicious recipes covering an eclectic mix of ethnicities, ingredients and dishes, The Conscious Cook is completely different from other cookbooks. It looks at food, not only from the point of health and taste, but also through the lens of the global sustainability movement working to reduce our impact on our very stressed planet. The Conscious Cook raises awareness of the interconnections that link human health and wellbeing with that of the health of the planet. RRP $34.95 Order online at http://consciouscook.org/buy

Starsong

By Lia Scallon

The Sacred Language and melodies of Sirius channelled here through Lia are a beautiful healing gift for all. The sounds of ‘Starsong’ travel deep within to touch and heal the wounded child.

These sacred harmonics gently stir the soul, unlocking its secrets, reawakening it to recalling its true purpose. ‘The Sounds of Sirius’ are a gift to humanity at this time of great change. They come to assist us with the major shift in consciousness and to reconnect us with our true essence. Comforting, calming and deeply relaxing, ‘Starsong’ is a gentle and joyous celebration of life.

‘Starsong’ & ‘Song Of The Earth’ are companion CD’s, brought through from Spirit together. Although each individual ‘Sounds of Sirius’ recording works on many levels of the being, these two particular CDs, used together, have proven to be profound “Inner Child” therapy. Available at ABC Shops or from Lia www.soundsofsirius.com RRP $29.95

©Sudha Hamilton

Eco Living Emag

Tagged aware, book reviews, CD, channelling, children, conscious, cooking, eco, environment, geoff law, health, heart, lia scallon, living, music, parenting, recipes, robin grille, sirius

Jan 14 2009

Astrological Writing

Saturn Square Definitions

Heading: Saturn Square Definitions

Subheading: As part of the family curses article.

With all of these placements think Father principal with a capital F & Mother principle with a capital M – meaning both the experience of your own mother and father but more importantly their experience of each other & its impact upon you. Also your own inner mother & father & how they interact with each other & the other sub-identities within you. Then expand that into your experience of your relationships , authorities ie work & society; & the need & ability to nurture in life. I have listed a few key principles here but there are so many more.

Saturn in Aries squares:

Moon in Cancer – This square pits a restrained masculine controlling father against the all feeling mother. Saturn in Aries acts as a brake but still has no understanding of the mysterious Moon in the watery depths of Cancer.

Moon in Capricorn – The repression of feelings is even stronger here with the reinforcement of the Moon placement.

Saturn in Taurus squares:

Moon in Leo- Conservatism & denial of pleasure. Mother thinks she is special but receives no recognition from father.

Moon in Aquarius – Whacky & wonderful feelings meet stolid tradition that represses with rationality.

Saturn in Gemini squares:

Moon in Virgo – Difficulties with learning, lead to controlling through ignorance & distrust of intelligent partners.

Moon in Pisces – Skepticism & fixed ideas scorns the intuitive & emotionally expressive.

Saturn in Cancer squares:

Moon in Libra – Hypersensitivity leads to denial & emotional ambiguity.

Moon in Aries – Tradition blocks creativity & expression of feelings.

Saturn in Leo squares:

Moon in Scorpio – Outer adherence to societal status quo block secret passions that will erupt & tear down the edifice, usually from without.

Moon in Taurus – Ideals deny the instinctual inner life of feelings. Earth mother made to feel unworthy.

Saturn in Virgo squares:

Moon in Sagittarius – Conservative values repress the expression of the sometimes bold & occasionally fanatical feelings.

Moon in Gemini – Practical father devalues the maternal input of intellectual playfulness. Trust in things over the instability of the mind.

Saturn in Libra squares:

Moon in Capricorn – The search for social acceptance denies one’s true inner feelings & can often lead to the formation of relationships based on outer appearances rather than real feelings.

Moon in Cancer – Strong urge to keep a superficial charm controlling things & to keep the door locked on one’s emotional life, where deep turgid feelings lie in wait.

Saturn in Scorpio squares:

Moon in Aquarius – Dead men tell no secrets! Father keeps the family lore locked up & squashes mother’s desperate desire to chatter the truth.

Moon in Leo – Self-sabotage can undermine your ability to shine, as the instinct to remain in the back room clashes with the feeling that you are very special.

Saturn in Sagittarius squares:

Moon in Pisces – The adherence to ideals crushes the whimsy and beauty of a life lived according to the heart. Keep your eye out for the delicate & sensitive.

Moon in Virgo – More of the above denies access to the wisdom of the body & health issues may result. Remember that God & the devil are in the details.

Saturn in Capricorn squares:

Moon in Aries – A repressive influence upon the spontaneous expression of the self. Beware of wild women as they have the key to your tower.

Moon in Libra – The stolid denies access to pleasurable pursuits. Daddy did not waste time or money on frivolous pursuits.

Saturn in Aquarius squares:

Moon in Taurus – The cold touch of the mind belittles the natural wisdom of the body and feelings. Class or cultural inequalities can be present in relationships.

Moon in Scorpio – Fixed values bespeak of worshipping at the altar of rationalism and the feeling world lies tangled at the bottom of the garden.

Saturn in Pisces squares:

Moon in Gemini – Worry fuels the restraining energy here that clouds the clever expression of feelings. Too serious to allow the transforming nature of humour & trouble with the social lubricant of small talk.

Moon in Sagittarius – Martyrdom raises its ugly religious head here & the overweening need to get it right on an existential level represses a lot of playful passion. Watch out for saving people in relationships.

Interestingly my own Saturn square Moon aspect was the very last one & that happened by sheer chance!

I would like to acknowledge the information and insight that I have drawn over many years from Betty Lunsted’s Astrological Insights into Personality & recommend it for further study.

Eco Living Emag

Tagged aquarius, aries, aspects, astrology, betty lunsted, cancer, capricorn, challenging, eco living, father, gemini, hard, leo, libra, Moon, mother, pisces, principles, sagittarius, Saturn, scorpio, squares, taurus, virgo

Jan 10 2009

Health, Published Articles, Reviews

Planetary Newsbeat

Heading: Planetary Newsbeat

New Eco Friendly De-Inking Process Developed.

A new technology utilising enzymes (biological molecules) has been shown to remove ink from recycled paper. A research project conducted by the University of Malaysia Sarawak reported the use of a crude enzyme preparation for the enzymatic de-inking of mixed office paper. Traditional de-inking methods have involved the use of large quantities of chemicals, causing pollution to the environment. The enzyme material was prepared by growing endoglucanase (enzyme use for the enzymatic treatment) producing Bacillus licheniformis BL-P7 in a liquid culture media containing sago pith waste and rice husk. Furthermore, the process proved to be more effective for the removal of larger ink particles. Also, properties such as brightness, air permeability, tensile, and tear were enhanced in the preparation of the recycled mixed office paper.

Researchers : Hashimatul F.H., Hairul A.R., Andrew Wong H.H., Awg A.Sallehin A.H. (all of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak), Nigel Lim P.T. (Sarawak Forestry Corporation) Adapted from materials provided by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Organic Wine Leaves Only Half the Eco Footprint of Non-Organic!

Italian environmental scientists from the University of Siena, measured the resources needed to produce wine at two farms in Tuscany. Both were utilizing Sangiovese grapes but one was totally organic and the other was not. The organic farm used natural fertilisers and most of the work was done by hand, while the other farm used conventional methods of production. A bottle from the organic farm had an eco-footprint of 7.17 square metres, half that of the non-organic wine with a footprint of 13.98 square metres. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, DOI: 10.1016/j

Low Sperm Count Link to Soy also includes Nuts, Wines and Beers

The high levels of oestrogen like chemicals in soya beans have also been found in beers, wines and nuts. Gunter Kuhnle of the MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in Cambridge, UK tested foods and beverages using mass spectrometry. Previous testing had focused on lignans but ignored isoflavones and this expanded search has found phytoestrogens in many more foods and drinks. Studies into the effects of phytoestrogens have produced a mixture of results, with some showing compounds that protect against cancer, menopausal symptoms and heart diseases, whilst others have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer and male infertility. Journal reference: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (DOI: 10.1021/jf801534g)

A-Beta Protein Alzheimer Disease Clues

Amyloid-beta the thinking brain’s protein has been shown to be intrinsically involved in increased neuron activity. A study into people with severe brain injuries resulted in steadily rising levels of A-beta protein as their brain activity increased through recovery. A-beta, as the protein is sometimes called, is best known for causing plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a normal component of the brain, but scientists don’t know what it does. Traumatic brain injuries increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from Milan, Italy and Washington University in St. Louis, USA used advance brain testing techniques to ascertain if brain injuries cause a spike in amyloid-beta levels that could lead to plaque formation, a team of researchers from Milan, Italy, sampled fluid from the brains of 18 comatose patients.

What the researchers found was exactly the opposite of what they expected, says David L. Brody, a neurologist at Washington University who led the study with Sandra Magnoni of the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan. Instead of seeing a spike of A-beta soon after brain injury from falls, car accidents, assaults or hemorrhages, levels of the protein started low and rose as the patients improved, the team reports in the Aug. 29 Science.

Farm Kids Avoid Asthma & Allergies

Pre-natal exposure to farm animals and plants helps protect children from asthma, allergies and eczema. Researchers from the Centre for Public Health Research discovered farmers’ children had a lower incidence of allergic diseases than children not exposed to animals, grain and hay products. The findings have been published in the European Respiratory Journal. Associate Professor Jeroen Douwes says it is the first study to show a direct link between exposures in utero and a significant reduction in asthma symptoms, hay fever and eczema.

Emag

Tagged A-beta protein, allergies, Alzheimer disease, asthma, beers, brain injuries, de-inking, eco, eco footprint, eco living, eco news, eczema, health news, low sperm count, nuts, organic wine, phytoestrogens, recycled paper, soy, wines

Jan 10 2009

3 Comments

Blog Posts, Reviews

New Eco Living Magazine

Heading: New Eco Living Magazine

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