Tuesday 9 February 2010

Throw a Lot of Shrimps on the Barby



Now before I start rambling about the global problem of obesity, I'd like to point out that we Australians call shrimps, prawns. I blame Paul Hogan and Jim Carey for the fact I've had to endure many people from many countries tell me to throw another shrimp on the barby. Anyway...

According the king of sources, wikipedia, obesity throughout history is a rare thing. Associated with wealth and something that only effected the upper classes in almost all time periods and cultures. That is, until you get to the 20th Century, where suddenly obesity becomes an epidemic and ironically prevalent in lower classes of first world countries.

As an Australian I can often point the finger at America. It's an easy target, my TV tells me that they're fat. Movies, TV shows, magazines, they all show fat Americans confessing strange secrets on Jerry Springer. But is this really true? Yeah, it kinda is. But, Australia isn't as slim as it thinks.

Now, I've had a few problems finding accurate data on this. Some websites claim that Australia is just outside the top 20 and others claiming that it is are in fact fatter than the USA. I'm not sure what to believe and I've left a few links below, should you want to know. Regardless of the exact pole position, Australia is getting tubbier. Maybe we should shut our mouths in more sense than one.

On that note, I have a BBQ on Saturday and anyone is welcome.


theglobalpost/thefattestcountries

yahoo/worldsfattestcountries
timesonline/AustraliabeatsUS
prawnnotshrimp/wikipedia

Sunday 7 February 2010

Recycling is Way Cool



Recycling never used to be cool. He was the younger brother of tucking in your shirt and the cousin of wearing glasses. But, now times have changed, even they're cool and recycling isn't being left out. Celebrities left, right and centre, from Hollywood to Bollywood, are all changing their ways. It started with the odd Chris Martin here and has-been sports star there, but now it's in full motion.

The gas guzzling, mass produced, polluting ways of the past seem to be unpopular and the world looks like it's turning it's focus to better methods. With all the recycled bins and products made of recycled materials it seems as if we're getting better. The truth is though, we're consuming more than we ever have previously and although this has a lot to do with the enormous world population, recycling and efficient use of our resources needs to increase. Recycling the odd thing every now and then may ease your conscience, but it probably won't do too much long term good. But, adopting an attitude that recycling is important and acting everyday in that manner might.


If you want to know more about recycling, hit up www.wasteonline.org.uk which can say way more than I can.