Walk, text and firing blanks

Not Pocket science -yet

According to statistics for 2103 there are more than 7 billion mobile phones in use , world-wide. Australia ranks 38th in world-wide terms but 6th in terms of smart phones in use. 

These are big numbers.

Of course with the use of mobile phones comes controversy , some of it proven and some not.

While the scare of cancer has been downgraded and probably dismissed at this stage as a cause of cancer there are other issues that are at play and notably the issue of pedestrian safety. Using the mobile while driving is an infringement under the law however texting while walking is yet to be put to the fore. 

More skillful than walking and chewing gum at the same time  nevertheless the number of pedestrian deaths is starting to cause alarm in police circles. To be cut off in mid sentence by a SUV or a Mack truck leaves a lot of unfinished business and yet more trials and tribulations with funerals and family trauma to come. 

Trauma director at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Dr Tony Grabs, has told 7.30 report on ABC ,  distracted pedestrians near roads are as at risk as someone under the influence of alcohol.

Then many are those mobile owners who travel abroad with their phone only to return home relaxed and happy , a state of mind which soon turns to so much stress when they find themselves faced with bills the size of a small mortgage.

In the latest development ,  a recent study by the University of Essex has indicated there might be a link between mobiles and fertility/infertility amongst  men who dock their mobile in their trousers when finished.  (Dr. Fiona Mathews, director of biosciences and animal behavior at the University of Exeter).

This however has not been proven beyond doubt and one researcher has stated that this will not change his habits nor does it call for concrete underwear. Back pockets are also a favourite place to dock the phone ..wonder what that holds in store?

FA 2014 Japan

The Samurai

The Japanese team under their Italian coach have had a choppy ride through to the final FIFA rounds.  They shone in South Africa in 2010 though, progressing to the second stage at the expense of the likes of Denmark and Cameroon. They came close to stunning Paraguay with the South Americans only advancing through a penalty shootout victory after regular and extra time finished goal-less.

After a somewhat lacklustre start to their 2014 campaign they managed to find their form and  drew 1:1 with Australia in the final qualifying round. AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda has quickly established his place as the team's new leader, 

These guys could provide a surprise or two and their determination and doggedness to achieve something should not be discounted.

The Conservative's Prayer

Takes courage (?) to fly in the face of scientists and evidence. Unfortunately the power of economics has the upper hand and under our present system this is understandable. The expense involved in making radical changes for all of us is quite a cliff to climb.
Progress is being made but it is slow and it's not clear that we have the luxury of time on our side. We seem to be delaying the inevitable. Time, unfortunately, will tell.

FIFA Germany

Always a powerful contender,  Germany has  reached the latter stages of the World Cup not a few times . Disciplined and strong in attack and defence, they have a good chance of "being up there". They are  a youthful side and have the potential to outlast many of their opponents. They never seem to give up and will try to the last second to win by an even greater margin or strive to avoid losing the match. I'm not much of a connoisseur but by all accounts they should doing well. The main disadvantage as with many European sides is that they will be playing in an atmosphere abuzz with South American temperament , where soccer truly is  King.

Excited chatter

The chattering classes

"I expect my senior front benchers to be ambitious. There's nothing wrong with ambition," so said Mr Abbott, earlier this week. (Below an excited executive).