Song Worm

For some reason I have had this song stuck in my head all morning, I haven’t heard it in years and years (since I was a kid) why my brain thought that now is the right time to pull it out of the memories file who knows.

What can you do Punchinello, funny fellow?
What can you do, Punchinello, funny you?

We can do it, too, Punchinello, funny fellow.
We can do it, too, Punchinello, funny you.

Choose someone new, Punchinello, funny fellow.
Choose someone new, Punchinello, funny you.

I also seem to recall someone telling me that “Song Worms” are a mild form of mental illness.

Great ………just what I need……..oh well could be worse………could have a Vanilla Ice or Milli Vanilli song stuck in my head, noe that would be bad.

Now for something funny/cute/odd

After such a serious posting I thought something lighter would be in order enjoy the funny captioned animal pic from I Can Has Cheez Burger .

more funny pictures
 

more funny pictures
 

Bhutto’s Death a sad day and a possible sad future

Well no doubt lots of blogs and news articles will be written about this one……..In reality as a born and bred Australian their will be little direct impact of Bhutto’s death here but that doesn’t mean I’m not aware of the impact it will have for Pakistan and on a small scale the world……..in the short term……

Even if you think that the death of such a woman has no effect on you, I would advise you to think again and take note we humans are going to pay for her death and the death of others like her in some unexpected way in the future and it won’t be our generations that pays but most likely (as history has shown us before) many generations down the track.

I personal never agreed with all of Bhutto’s Party Policies nor would I say that I’m a fan of her personally, but I don’t need to like some one to respect them.

I am also aware that I am not a Pakistani and the views and beliefs she represented are not for me to like or dislike ( she never claimed to represent me), but that doesn’t mean I walk around with blinkers on.

The facts are Bhutto was a leader and the sort of leader that Pakistan could do with right now. She had a good domestic and foreign policy, her belief in a fair but strong government system and her want for peace for her people was something that anyone can understand and want.

But perhaps the most outstanding thing about her was she was a strong, determined, principled and not willing to compromise on the core points of her beliefs.

In short a good leader.

Now Pakistan faces an election without one of the major candidates, many days of rioting, deaths and maybe a weaker government (thought I hope this may shock some into action).

But some will still think and say those words that to me sound like the ringing of death bells. These word are of the sort that have sealed the fate of many before me and no doubt many after……

“So, what does it have to do with me!?!”

One of the last times some one spoke those words we were reward with a world war that didn’t just touch one life but millions…….confused?…….don’t be I will explain.

 

The death of Archduke Ferdinand  heir of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the hands of assassins on a June day in 1914 in the Bosnian city of Sarajevo (ring any bells, it should, funny how history repeats). The assassins were driven by the belief the the death of Archduke Ferdinand would some how lead to the freedom of Serbia and Slavs in general from the grip of Austrian-Hungarian control ( as you can see I, by my account that I think the assassins weren’t correct in there assessment of the situation to say the least, but you can form your own view).

Two months after his and his wife death, the German government and Kaiser grew tried of what they saw as excuses and deliberate lies designed to mislead them and declared war thinking that as well as getting back at the people responsible for the Archduke’s death would also gain control over more land and promise of some colonies (which their expanding empire needed).

Well long story short many million of deaths later, Germany is signing the Treaty of Versailles which would plunge Germany into famine and bankruptcy and lead to the trumpet of war sounding again this time in the guise of Hitler and his Nazis Party.

Both wars would crumble the British Empire and completely crush the Ottoman, Austrian-Hungarian, German Empires and many smaller kingdoms. It would leave Iraq and surrounding countries in chaos and damage or robe all directly and indirectly involved of a generation of young men and women.

Noticing a pattern now, granted the social scientist out there would want me to expand on my short explanation as no doubt you could prattle on for hours on this subject.

Sometimes it only takes the death of one to end the life of many.

The death of Bhutto should be seen not as evidence that war is on the way for all of us but as one of histories little possibilities. The sort of possibilty that the wise kept an eye on.

As for the Pakistani people, chin up, don’t strike back with anger (she wouldn’t have wanted that), stand at peace together.
The Australian- Anger and violence at Bhutto’s death

Reuters – Pakistan’s Bhutto Assassinated

Tiger attacks but I don’t blame it.

There are a few things about this incident that find disturbing, but because we as yet don’t have the full details I’m not going to speculate (perhaps that’s something some reports could learn). Whatever the reason and cause a young man has lost his life and a very rare and beautiful animal is dead…simple as that.

I’m sure that there is a lawyer out there just jumping with excitement over the promise of a lawsuit.

But as sad as it for any life to be lost (for they are all precious) the facts are, now follow me with this people, we took tiger from wild, we put tiger in cage, we then parade ourselves in front of it making funny baby sound at it like “hooo aren’t you a pretty one, now aren’t you” and people turn around and blame the tiger. There is no one to blame but ourselves, you mess with the natural order of things and you get your collective fingers burnt.

Newsweek’s reporting of this story could have been better written by a two year old. The title of the story is all I need for proof that a reporter doesn’t necessarily equal functional brains. Honestly “Why Tigers Attack?” come on your kidding my right, oh [dripping in sarcasm] the tiger got out of it’s cage to pop down the road and buy a pair of Christmas ruby slippers……..why do you think it attacked?? Because that’s what it does……….tiger are hunters in fact they are very strong, fast, and good hunters that eat things about man size. [moanin' to myself] why do tiger attack honestly mumble mumble moan…………………..

Newsweek – Why Tigers Attack?

Reuters- San Franisco Police Probe Fatal Zoo Attack 

abc News (US)- Loose Tiger Kills Man at San Franisco Zoo

Guardian Unlimited- Zoo Officials Probe Killing By Tiger

Shielding Gases For MIG (GMAW) – The Basics

The purpose of shielding gases is to protect the molten weld pool from the nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere.It can also help protect against or lessen the effects of impurities (rust, mill scale) in and around the weld pool.
Shielding gases also effect the way a weld behaves. Depending on what the shielding gas is made up of, you can change the depth of penetration, width of weld, travelling speed and general weld appearance.

Argon (Ar) : Inert Gas that is heavier than air. It has no effect on the arc or welding performance except to provide a shielding from the air and air born impurities. Coupled with excellent arc starting capabilities, Argon (Ar) the best shielding gas of all GTAW (TIG) applications and can be used for some GMAW (MIG) of mild steel and stainless steels below 1.5mm material thickness.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) : Active Compound that is heavier than air. Has a substantial effect on arc performance. The hotter more fiery arc when using straight Carbon Dioxide (CO2) causes high spatter levels, high travelling speeds and deeper penetration. This makes it excellent for shielded flux cored wire (FCAW) and some GMAW (MIG) applications. Because of it’s oxidisation effect, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) can not be used on Aluminium or amounts in excess of 3% can not be used on Stainless Steels.

Helium (He) : Active Gas that is lighter then air. Has an substantial effect on arc performance. It’s active nature allows for a hotter arc without the excessive penetration and spatter that is characteristic of Carbon Dioxide (CO2).Helium’s lighter than air nature,requires the consumer to use higher than usual flow rates. It’s also very costly to produce compared to other gases, which means the costs flow on to the consumer. Because of the cost, high travel speed and poor arc starting characteristics, Helium (He) on it’s own (not in a gas mixture) is generally only used for fully automatic GTAW (TIG) of Aluminium. 

Argon, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Mixtures : Nearly all mixtures of Argon (Ar), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2) in various amounts are designed solely for use in the GMAW (MIG) of Steels.
Depending on the manufacturer the mixtures can change a fair amount but these are mostly design for general purpose work and are set up for use in all welding positions.

25% Carbon Dioxide in a balance of Argon : Mixture of Argon (Ar) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) solely used for GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) of steel. Excellent for all weld positions where deep penetration without excessive spatter are required.
GMAW (MIG) 10mm+ Steels
FCAW 6mm+ Steels

Very common mixture as it is one of the mixtures quoted by AWS and AS Standards

Gas Mixtures for Stainless Steels: Generally mixtures of Argon (Ar), Helium (He), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and sometimes Oxygen (O2) designed solely for use with GMAW (MIG). Manufacturers again have their own blends for different reasons, but the common mixture for most Satinless Steels is a 2.5% to 3% Carbon Dioxide in Argon.

Gas Mixtures for Aluminium: Generally mixtures of Argon (Ar) and Helium (He). Solely for use with GMAW (MIG) and sometimes (depending on mixture) for GTAW (TIG) of Aluminiums. Most common mixture is 25% Helium in an Argon balabnce.

Earth Moves for Lucky New Zealand

Well it seems that our South Pacific had a few interesting minute last week, (I was going to post this earlier but work got in the way….how annoying)

What amazes me is that no one was badly hurt or died, not that that’s a bad thing in fact it’s a very good thing. It just makes wonder if the saying “No such nothing as luck” is actually true.

I mean come on a 6.8 earthquake hits just at the right time in the right place on a day that kept most inside due to bad weather………..try to work out the odds on that one.

Shame that NZ luck doesn’t extent to their cricket, ruby or netball teams……hehehehe sorry guys just had to rub it in. 

Sydney Morning Herald – Earthquake in NZ North Island

It’s just got to be a foxy

More cute puppy pictures

This has just got to be either a Fox Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier. And I can easily image that’ that is what they are trying to say…….

The Hon. Reba Meagher MP

May I introduce to you the Member for Cabramatta the Honorable Reba Meagher MP.

Well what a bright spark our Reba started out as back in 1994 when she retained the seat for the Labour Party after the death of Paul Newman.

For those of you who can remember Paul Newman was the first political assassination in Australian history, and his loss in such a manner sent some very unsettling shock waves through a community that for the most part, supported him in his efforts to clean up Cabramatta.

Our Reba’s first speeches in parliament reflect the community feeling about Paul Newman and his death. She made what at the time was seen as brave and defiant statements about carrying on with Paul Newman’s changes to Cabramatta and not letting his ideals die with him…….in fact upon reading her speeches I can know recall why I voted for her in the first place.

How times and people change. Re-reading over Reba’s speeches and statements since and you get the very strong feeling of a tired old weak maid.

Considering the resent and not so resent bungles by the Department of Children Services, major issues with the public hospital system and lack luster performance all round from the Labour Party you start to wonder if they have lost the stomach of government.

Here’s a hint for you Reba if you not “ready to rumble” on our behalf then get out of the bear pit. We don’t want half-arsed efforts.

The Hon. Reda Meagher MP – Parliamentary Page

Reba’s “under construction” Home Page

Is it a deer? Is it a fox? Noo it’s a Whale!!!!

Dr Hans Thewissen with Indohyus

“They determined that the bones of the skeleton of Indohyus had a thick outside layer, much thicker than in other mammals of this size. This characteristic is often seen in mammals that are slow aquatic waders, such as the hippopotamus today. Indohyus’ aquatic habits are further confirmed by the chemical composition of their teeth, which revealed oxygen isotope ratios similar to those of aquatic animals. All this implies that Indohyus spent much of its time in water.”

- Science Centric Article

Science Centric – The missing link between whales and four footed relatives discovered

Times – Indohyus the ancient whale

Gases ain’t Gases

So, the stupid bug is catching first the NSW state government now Qantas.

According to The Age article, Qantas service techs were fill the emergency oxygen tank with nitrogen. The mistake was notice when a engineer questioned the techs on what they were doing.

I can imagine the language he used when he realised what they were doing.

Though Qantas’s safety processes kick in straight away and all aircraft serviced by Qantas had been notified it still leaves you to wonder.

I personally know the equipment and processes very well and I’m left almost without words. The service tech would have had to go to allot of trouble to connect the wrong cylinders and I do mean allot trouble. They would have had to put in thought to come up with the solution they did and it makes you wonder why they didn’t let their thoughts go one more step…..*shakes head*

For those who don’t know the air you breath is made up of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen (thought other gases are present in very very small volumes).

Human beings NEED 21% oxygen not 18%, not 25% we need 21% it’s amazing what happens to the human body when you allow it to have too much or not enough oxygen.

By filling the emergency cylinder with 100% near pure nitrogen if the the plane had had an emergency and the pilots had taken a breath of the nitrogen they would have passed out almost instantly and without intervention from some one else (like removing the mask) it only takes a few minutes for them to be dead.

Let alone the fact that no one would have been flying the plane……..

Silly and deadly mistake

Thankfully the mistake was spotted, and notification sent and all appears to be safe.

Still the Qantas techs reponsible should be red faced

The Age – Probe after Qantas pumps wrong gas into jets