It has been so long since my last update, mainly because I have now started uni and need to keep a distinction average (NOTE: it's a requirement for me to keep my scholarship, and is proving more challenging than I originally imagined). I am also doing a play (Julie in Louis Nowra's Cosi) with a local theatre company.
The articles I just posted in a "mass post" are a combination of work I did at the Liverpool Leader (some things for their youth blog) and some little uni assignments.
At the moment I am enjoying getting into the whole 'journo thing'- ie. actually interviewing people and creating 'news' in a more professional sense.
I have just started co-hosting a radio sports show, Koori Radio sport. Koori Radio is Sydney's Indigenous Radio station, and although I am not Indigenous they have welcomed me into their community very warmly. It is proving challenging (as is waking up early to be in the city by 9am for a 10am-12noon time slot); radio and sports are two elements that don't come naturally, but my wonderful co-host Dan is a great support. :)
There is still hope that I will post reasonably regularly but sporadic clumps of posts are more probable.
Right now I want a part time job, in the media industry would be a triple treat, but regular and set hours would do wonders for my sanity in the time being!
Showing posts with label university of sydney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label university of sydney. Show all posts
Sunday, May 10, 2009
No Single Solution to Energy Problem
WIDESPREAD blackouts across Adelaide, Victoria and Sydney over the past months have intensified debate over the best solution to Australia's energy supply problem.
Despite EnergyAustralia's confidence that demands for electricity can now be met with ample supply, claims that interruptions were merely highly unusual faults have come into question.
“As air-conditioners are replaced with heaters, households and businesses want the guarantee of a steady electricity supply for winter,” Energy Matters marketing manager, Andrew Scarlett said.
Michael Kilgariff, director of energy policy for Energy Networks Association, thinks EnergyAustralia's $1.13 billion capital works program bid to upgrade electricity networks in response to the Sydney blackouts is not the solution.
“The blackouts reflect the energy sectors need to upgrade aging infrastructure rather than build more coal-fired power stations,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“To meet long-term challenges, the most innovative technologies must be utilised, away from traditional investment in poles, pipes and wires.”
The Rudd Government's Energy Efficient Homes package provides one form of stimulus for households and businesses to take a pro-active approach towards energy conservation.
Matthew Wright, director of Eureka Insulation, said insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce unnecessary energy wastage and improve energy efficiency.
“Insulation is a win-win solution; individuals save on energy bills while easing pressures on the electricity grid,” Mr Wright said.
Associate Professor Richard de Dear, from the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, believes there is more work to be done.
“Insulation rebates are a sensible demand-side policy, however, it remains to be seen whether it will dampen peak electricity demand on a scale that would avert power blackouts,” Dr de Dear said.
Individuals and communities are sporadically employing innovative technologies that harness renewable energy.
In 2007, Townsville began a $30 million investment project in solar systems to become the first 'solar city'.
Mr Scarlett sees these instances as stories of hope but said the federal government needs to apply ideas such as 'solar city' to a nation-wide policy framework.
“With Australia's abundance of roof space and sun, it is ludicrous not to utilise zero emission technologies such as solar and wind power,” he said.
“In the large scheme of things, with common consensus in scientific opinion that climate change is a problem in need of addressing, the government doesn't have time to not make it right.”
Despite EnergyAustralia's confidence that demands for electricity can now be met with ample supply, claims that interruptions were merely highly unusual faults have come into question.
“As air-conditioners are replaced with heaters, households and businesses want the guarantee of a steady electricity supply for winter,” Energy Matters marketing manager, Andrew Scarlett said.
Michael Kilgariff, director of energy policy for Energy Networks Association, thinks EnergyAustralia's $1.13 billion capital works program bid to upgrade electricity networks in response to the Sydney blackouts is not the solution.
“The blackouts reflect the energy sectors need to upgrade aging infrastructure rather than build more coal-fired power stations,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“To meet long-term challenges, the most innovative technologies must be utilised, away from traditional investment in poles, pipes and wires.”
The Rudd Government's Energy Efficient Homes package provides one form of stimulus for households and businesses to take a pro-active approach towards energy conservation.
Matthew Wright, director of Eureka Insulation, said insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce unnecessary energy wastage and improve energy efficiency.
“Insulation is a win-win solution; individuals save on energy bills while easing pressures on the electricity grid,” Mr Wright said.
Associate Professor Richard de Dear, from the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, believes there is more work to be done.
“Insulation rebates are a sensible demand-side policy, however, it remains to be seen whether it will dampen peak electricity demand on a scale that would avert power blackouts,” Dr de Dear said.
Individuals and communities are sporadically employing innovative technologies that harness renewable energy.
In 2007, Townsville began a $30 million investment project in solar systems to become the first 'solar city'.
Mr Scarlett sees these instances as stories of hope but said the federal government needs to apply ideas such as 'solar city' to a nation-wide policy framework.
“With Australia's abundance of roof space and sun, it is ludicrous not to utilise zero emission technologies such as solar and wind power,” he said.
“In the large scheme of things, with common consensus in scientific opinion that climate change is a problem in need of addressing, the government doesn't have time to not make it right.”
Just add Colin Firth
The Sydney University Darcy Society had the chance to re-acquaint themselves with Mr Darcy himself at last Tuesday's Easy Virtue movie screening.
Members of the society met at Dendy Newtown after their day at university to enjoy 'cheap Tuesday', free lollies, Colin Firth and the company of like minded period-drama loving folk.
Easy Virtue is the first period drama to hit cinemas this year, following the release of Brideshead Revisited and The Duchess in 2008.
President of the society, Claudette Palomares, believes the film was an ideal first event.
“It is a period drama that seems to be targeted for younger audiences despite its Noel Coward origins,” Ms Palomares said.
“The soundtrack contained some surprising contemporary touches such as period specific arrangements of 'Sex Bomb' and 'Car Wash' and I think most of us found these sly contemporary touches pretty entertaining.”
The film lacked the classic romantic idealism as epitomised in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to enter the Darcy Society pantheon, however members agreed that it was refreshing to see their leading man on the silver screen.
Although the screening was an enjoyable affair Ms Palomares said in hindsight she would have arranged post-screening activities.
“The problem with film screenings was that you only have a little time to socialise before the movie starts and then when it finishes, everyone seemed to go separate ways,” she said.
“It probably wasn't the ideal first event but it is an easy way to encourage people to participate.”
The Darcy Society have many other events promising their trademark jam and scones planned for upcoming weeks.
The first of which will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, from 1-2pm where the first episode of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic North and South will be screened in the Education Seminar Room 323, Education Building.
“I've introduced a lot of people to period dramas through movie nights and it really is the best way to watch these type of films- with friends,” Ms Palomares said.
For more information on the Darcy Society and it's events, join the Darcy Society facebook group.
Members of the society met at Dendy Newtown after their day at university to enjoy 'cheap Tuesday', free lollies, Colin Firth and the company of like minded period-drama loving folk.
Easy Virtue is the first period drama to hit cinemas this year, following the release of Brideshead Revisited and The Duchess in 2008.
President of the society, Claudette Palomares, believes the film was an ideal first event.
“It is a period drama that seems to be targeted for younger audiences despite its Noel Coward origins,” Ms Palomares said.
“The soundtrack contained some surprising contemporary touches such as period specific arrangements of 'Sex Bomb' and 'Car Wash' and I think most of us found these sly contemporary touches pretty entertaining.”
The film lacked the classic romantic idealism as epitomised in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to enter the Darcy Society pantheon, however members agreed that it was refreshing to see their leading man on the silver screen.
Although the screening was an enjoyable affair Ms Palomares said in hindsight she would have arranged post-screening activities.
“The problem with film screenings was that you only have a little time to socialise before the movie starts and then when it finishes, everyone seemed to go separate ways,” she said.
“It probably wasn't the ideal first event but it is an easy way to encourage people to participate.”
The Darcy Society have many other events promising their trademark jam and scones planned for upcoming weeks.
The first of which will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, from 1-2pm where the first episode of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic North and South will be screened in the Education Seminar Room 323, Education Building.
“I've introduced a lot of people to period dramas through movie nights and it really is the best way to watch these type of films- with friends,” Ms Palomares said.
For more information on the Darcy Society and it's events, join the Darcy Society facebook group.
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