Why We’ll Never Have a Sugar Tax in Australia
Source: ABC Sugar Tax vs. Big Business: Who Really Wins the Political Battle? Australia markets itself as a liberal democracy committed to the principles of equality and fairness. But in practice, those with clout or money or both can influence public policy in a way other members of the public cannot. Take the tax being […]
Does Vinegar Really Kill Germs?
Incomes have been pretty much stagnant for years. Meanwhile the price of just about everything goes up around us. Is it any wonder we’re all looking for ways to rein in unnecessary expenditure. Take household cleaners as an example… Generic white vinegar costs $0.25 cents per litre. In comparison, Earth Choice brand multi-purpose cleaner is […]
Ladies! Your Vaginal Scent Is Who You Are…
Vaginal perfumes, douches, scented panty liners, cucumber washes and now vaginal steaming? Really? I mean REALLY? Ladies, do you really want to rid yourself of the very essence that makes you YOU? That scent is uniquely yours. It is everything you are from your genes to what you eat and drink to who you sleep […]
Is the War on Marijuana Politics Rather Than Science?
President Trump’s attorney general, Jeff Sessions, wants to crack down on states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. This is a bone-headed, regressive move that I predict will backfire. We have an opioid addiction crisis killing thousands of people in this country every year. That crisis is fueled by a pharmaceutical industry […]
Light Pollution Is Affecting Your Health!
The comprehensive World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness has appeared in Science Advances. Written by a group of distinguished scientists lead by Italian Fabio Falchi, it is a noteworthy accomplishment. The first atlas appeared in 2001, but was based on a less precise satellite measurement system. This latest atlas provides far more clarity. Light […]
The Case of the Disappearing Night: Where Did the Stars Go?
Change is often imperceptible. It happens day by day so that we don’t see apparent differences. But over the past 1,460 nights, while you’ve been sleeping, the world has become 8.8% brighter. That brightness is from two sources: Anyone who has driven out of darkness toward a town or city would be familiar with the […]
Healing a Nation With Love – A New Year Resolution
2018 promises to be another year that challenges our collective patience and our efforts at civil discourse. It will therefore be doubly important this coming year to remember that hatred, anger, and greed are expressions of fear. The only antidote to fear is love. Yes, I know we need transformation, but… Like so many others, […]
I Didn’t Always Hate Glitter…
Once upon a time, I actually thought glitter was innocent and sparkly and pretty. And then I started raising a house full of girls. Four to be exact. Glitter nail polish; glitter hair spray; glitter slime; presents wrapped in glittery paper; glitter craft ideas; and a nine year old who wants her room painted with […]
Trees, the Environment and the Simple Art of Breathing
I live on the edge of suburbia. When I came here, it was literally where the suburbs transformed to farms and forest. Our home is, or more correctly was, located in a transition zone of small acreage. In fact, the zoning is classified as ‘Parkland Living’ – an area that rejoiced in native flora and […]
How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree for Your Home!
Walk around any built-up area or turn on the TV right now and you’ll be bombarded with festive imagery. Christmas is nearly upon us and it’s time to kit out our homes in yuletide décor. The centrepiece of festive decoration is, of course, the Christmas tree. It stands proudly in your living room, adding colour […]