This publication presents estimates of the assets, liabilities, net worth and other characteristics of households and persons resident in private dwellings in Australia, compiled from the 2009-10 Survey of Income and Housing (SIH). It includes estimates of the distribution of net worth across the population.
Household Wealth and Wealth Distribution, Australia, 2009-10
Friday, October 14, 2011
Household Wealth and Wealth Distribution, Australia, 2009-10
Posted by Blacky at 5:11 pm 0 comments
Bargaining 101: How to get lower prices on everything
Bargaining, “wheeling and dealing” or just getting a deal—whatever you call it, it isn’t always easy to find exactly the item or service you want, and then ask for a lower price. Our American culture often views this sort of thing as the move of a cheapskate, or disrespectful/distrustful of the merchant and his or her pricing.
Bargaining 101: How to get lower prices on everything
Posted by Blacky at 8:28 am 0 comments
Use WolframAlpha As a Secure Password Generator
Need a secure password and you’re away from your favorite password management app? WolframAlpha, the mathematical search engine, can generate a customizable secure password for you on the fly.
Use WolframAlpha As a Secure Password Generator
Posted by Blacky at 8:21 am 0 comments
Thursday, October 13, 2011
In the News: Nobel Peace Prize
The 2011 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize have now been announced! Learn about the three new Nobel Laureates, and the ongoing efforts of past Laureates and others around the world dedicated to the cause of peace.
In the News: Nobel Peace Prize
Posted by Blacky at 11:02 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
How to Avoid Fads
Are you or is someone you care about following that latest fad or craze without truly reflecting on why? In reality, fads make money out of our eagerness to allow our egos to be stroked and to be both like others and to not miss out on what others are enjoying. That said, it's very hard to resist a fad when your friends and family are keen about the latest object that seems like a must-have. It can be really hard to say no to what the rest of your tribe is playing with and using. And yet, you don't have to follow whatever your peers are wearing, saying or doing. And in so doing, you are not any lesser a person, nor are you missing out. Quite the opposite, you're showing other people that resistance is intelligent and likely to improve your wealth quotient too.
How to Avoid Fads
Posted by Blacky at 7:24 pm 0 comments
How to Save Photos
This has happened to me and can happen to you as well; I returned from a wonderful trip and, in a hurry, downloaded the photos into a folder that I later deleted by accident. Imagine the anger, the angry face and the despair. Even though I realized there must be a solution to get back the photos which were deleted, for some minutes, I stood there thinking that the memories of a wonderful trip to Italy have been lost and I won’t be able to watch them later.
How to Save Photos
Posted by Blacky at 6:37 pm 0 comments
How To Figure Out The Day Of The Week Any Date Falls On
You know those people who somehow manage to pull the day of the week out of thin air, past or present, no matter how far off a date is? As it turns out, all it takes is a few simple mental tricks and you can wow the world with your uncanny ability to figure out any date’s day of the week.
How To Figure Out The Day Of The Week Any Date Falls On
Posted by Blacky at 6:32 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When Returning From The Moon, Don’t Forget To Fill Out Your Customs Form
Despite the fact that every single facet of NASA’s moonwalks were government-controlled expeditions, astronauts were not exempt from the annoying processes involved with foreign travel. Case in point, this customs form, signed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.
When Returning From The Moon, Don’t Forget To Fill Out Your Customs Form
Posted by Blacky at 4:40 pm 0 comments
Monday, October 10, 2011
How to Check if a Number Is Prime
There are several methods for testing primality of integers. The best choice depends on the circumstances. Some of the methods are faster than others, while some popular tests are actually only probabilistic algorithms that will occasionally falsely characterize a number as prime or composite. The faster methods are primality tests, not factorization algorithms, so even if they show a number to be composite, they reveal nothing about its prime factors. This article will help you to explore a few of the methods.
How to Check if a Number Is Prime
Posted by Blacky at 10:04 pm 0 comments
Sunday, October 09, 2011
HowTo: Setup secure and private Facebook browsing
This howto guide will take you through securing your Facebook account, enable settings for improved privacy, disabling features where your Facebook information can be shared with third-party sites, and finally setting up your browser for private sharing.
HowTo: Setup secure and private Facebook browsing
Posted by Blacky at 1:11 pm 0 comments
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Teach Parents Tech, Tutorial Videos For Common PC Issues
Teach Parents Tech is a free website that you can use to send your parents or other users tech tutorial videos. The site is maintained by Google which may come as a surprise to some.
Teach Parents Tech, Tutorial Videos For Common PC Issues
Posted by Blacky at 1:12 pm 0 comments
Friday, October 07, 2011
HackNotifier, Check If Online Accounts Have Been Compromised
News about big hacks and the publication of user databases have slowed down considerably in past months. Before that reports of hacks were nearly daily in the news with companies like Sony, Gawker or Ashampoo the target.
HackNotifier, Check If Online Accounts Have Been Compromised
Posted by Blacky at 10:28 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Fix Stuck Zippers With Windex
If your zipper’s caught on to the surrounding fabric and holding on with the jaws of life, a bit of Windex can make it slide freely once again, as Lifehacker reader Java-Princess explains.
Fix Stuck Zippers With Windex
Posted by Blacky at 11:12 pm 0 comments
Australian Pricing For Apple iPhone 4S And New iPod Models
Apple’s newly-announced iPhone 4S goes on sale October 14 in Australia (with pre-orders from October 7), along with new iPod Nano and Touch models. Here’s what you’ll pay (and how much more you’ll pay than American buyers).
Australian Pricing For Apple iPhone 4S And New iPod Models
Posted by Blacky at 8:01 am 0 comments
What Australians Don’t Get With The iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S is the first iPhone that’s going to hit Australian shelves at the same time as the US. But despite that improvement, there are some aspects of the local market it won’t take advantage of.
What Australians Don’t Get With The iPhone 4S
Posted by Blacky at 8:00 am 0 comments
Apple iPhone 4S: Everything You Need To Know
Apple’s new iPhone 4S is just last year’s design loaded with a new brain and more memory. It will run your apps faster and Apple’s new iOS5′s Assistant, an artificial intelligence program that listens and interprets your orders, and a new camera.
Apple iPhone 4S: Everything You Need To Know
Posted by Blacky at 7:57 am 0 comments
Introducing the iPhone 4S [VIDEO]
Apple announced its latest handset, the iPhone 4S, on Tuesday. Over at Apple.com, the company also posted this video showcasing the device and its new features.
Although the iPhone 4S looks almost identical to the iPhone 4, inside, the phone has been totally overhauled. Not only does it have a faster processor, higher storage capacity and better camera, it can take 1080p video, has a better battery and a redesigned antenna system.
Introducing the iPhone 4S [VIDEO]
Posted by Blacky at 7:55 am 0 comments
iPhone 5 A No-Show: Did Apple Fail To Manage Expectations?
For the past year, we’ve endured a near-daily slew of rumors about a device called the iPhone 5. When Apple delayed its release of a new phone until Fall 2011, it only heightened expectations. Surely, if we were to wait more than the usual year between versions of the iPhone, the result must be something spectacular.
iPhone 5 A No-Show: Did Apple Fail To Manage Expectations?
Posted by Blacky at 7:53 am 0 comments
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
How to Use Google SketchUp - wikiHow
Google SketchUp is a powerful 3D graphics program. It can be used to create elaborate three dimensional models of structures. SketchUp is a program with so many facets that it is not possible to simplify its use in a single article. However, it is possible to provide an overview of its many possibilities so that you can explore it in much greater detail.
How to Use Google SketchUp
Posted by Blacky at 5:11 pm 0 comments
PassMyWill Sends Out Your Passwords After You Die
After we die, our social networking profiles, bank accounts and email passwords are lost to anyone who might need them. If you want to ensure your digital identity is destroyed or passed on appropriately, PassMyWill will send out emails with your passwords.
PassMyWill Sends Out Your Passwords After You Die
Posted by Blacky at 7:49 am 0 comments
Monday, October 03, 2011
Slate’s ‘Dumbest Inventions Ever’ List
Ladies and gentlemen, these are our ancestor’s infomercial products. Judge them lightly, but laugh heartily, for in 50 years’ time our great grandkids will laugh openly at our most-loved TV-bought gadgets.
Slate’s ‘Dumbest Inventions Ever’ List
Posted by Blacky at 6:22 pm 0 comments
Friday, September 30, 2011
General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2010
78% of Australians aged 18 years and over were satisfied with their lives, similar to the 76% who reported being satisfied in 2001, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2010 General Social Survey (GSS). In 2010, 43% were pleased or delighted with their lives, while 34% reported being mostly satisfied. Those who were married (82%), widowed (78%) or never married (76%) were more likely to be satisfied with their lives than those who were divorced (66%) or separated (56%). People who had contact with friends and family outside their household at least weekly were much more likely to be satisfied with their lives (78%) than those who either had no recent contact (33%) or who had no friends or family outside their immediate household (28%).
General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2010
Posted by Blacky at 5:39 pm 0 comments
Thursday, September 29, 2011
How To Watch The 2011 Grand Finals From Anywhere
Can you watch the AFL Grand Final in HD? Can you catch the NRL Grand Final from overseas? From free-to-air to internet, here are the options (such as they are) for catching the sporting action this weekend.
How To Watch The 2011 Grand Finals From Anywhere
Posted by Blacky at 10:36 pm 0 comments
The New Facebook: How to Take Control of Your Privacy
Facebook took a huge step toward ubiquitous sharing with its new timeline and sharing features. And it rightfully creeps some people out. Not everybody wants to share their life story on their profile, see their friends’ activities in real time or have their preferences in music, movies and reading shared as they’re consuming media.
The New Facebook: How to Take Control of Your Privacy
Posted by Blacky at 10:31 pm 0 comments
Facebook Privacy: 3 Fights to Expect When You Get the New Timeline
As an adult, you have responsibilities — an income, maybe a mortgage, possibly children. That’s great! Congrats. Now is certainly not the time to be throwing caution to the wind — just know that Facebook will be doing that for you.
Facebook Privacy: 3 Fights to Expect When You Get the New Timeline
Posted by Blacky at 10:29 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Internet Activity, Australia, June 2011
HIGHLIGHTS
- At the end of June 2011, there were 10.9 million internet subscribers in Australia (excluding internet connections through mobile handsets). This represents annual growth of 14.8% and an increase of 4.4% since the end of December 2010.
- The phasing out of dial-up internet connections continued with 95% of internet connections being broadband.
- Australians continued to access increasingly faster download speeds, with 87% of access connections offering a download speed of 1.5Mbps or greater.
- Mobile wireless internet (excluding mobile handset) connections (44%) now exceed Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections (41%) in Australia. Mobile wireless (excluding mobile handset connections) was the fastest growing internet access technology in actual numbers, increasing from 4.2 million in December 2010 to 4.8 million in June 2011.
Internet Activity, Australia, June 2011
Posted by Blacky at 10:03 pm 0 comments
Hide the Past Before Opening your Facebook Profile to Subscribers
You have been using Facebook all this while to share pictures and other personal stuff with your close friends and suddenly, Facebook added the subscribe button that is enticing you to open your personal profile to the outside world.
Hide the Past Before Opening your Facebook Profile to Subscribers
Posted by Blacky at 8:37 am 0 comments
Simple Performance Boost For Windows
One of the things that I like about Windows is the fact that you can tweak the operating system to suite your needs. You can do that by clicking through menus, editing the Registry, running scripts or using tweaking software. Simple Performance Boost is such a tweaking software for Windows. It comes from the same developers that have created the Windows Repair software. The program itself is offered as a portable version and installer.
Simple Performance Boost For Windows
Posted by Blacky at 8:27 am 0 comments
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
How To Stop Facebook From Tracking You Across The Internet
If you want to use Facebook, but don’t want Facebook’s tendrils extending all over the internet and following your account, you’ll want this. Facebook Disconnect completely blocks the social network’s ability to track your account across the web.
How To Stop Facebook From Tracking You Across The Internet
Posted by Blacky at 10:38 pm 0 comments
How tide predicting, analog computers won World War II
Without Lord Kelvin, there would have been no D-Day. There's some very cool science history in the September issue of Physics Today, centering around a collection of analog computers, developed in the 19th century to predict tides. This was a job that human mathematicians could do, but the computing machines did the job faster and were less prone to small errors that had big, real-world implications.
How tide predicting, analog computers won World War II
Posted by Blacky at 7:40 am 0 comments
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 18/2011
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 18/2011
Posted by Blacky at 1:43 pm 0 comments
Saturday, September 24, 2011
NASA Details Space Exploration Plans
NASA has just published the Global Exploration Roadmap, a document detailing the agency’s plans for the next 25 years of space exploration. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of space technology, travel and exploration.
NASA Details Space Exploration Plans
Posted by Blacky at 4:09 pm 0 comments
10 under-appreciated women in science
Over at Smithsonian.com, Sarah Zielinski has a great piece about important female scientists whose names aren't as publicly well-known as they ought to be. She lists 10 smart, sciencey ladies.
10 under-appreciated women in science
Posted by Blacky at 4:07 pm 0 comments
Windows Repair, Troubleshoot Windows Issues
When you are using Windows regularly, you likely run into issues eventually. This can be easy to fix stuff like running out of disk space or broken shortcuts to more serious problems like a virus infection or programs that won’t start up anymore. The troubleshooting and repair depends largely on the issue that is experienced on the computer system. If you suspect a virus you’d run up to date antivirus software, if a program does not run anymore you might be tempted to use System Restore or re-install the program to see if it fixes the issue.
Windows Repair, Troubleshoot Windows Issues
Posted by Blacky at 3:44 pm 0 comments
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Learning that life can be a bit sour
One of the joys of interacting with babies is their complete lack of guile. Whatever they experience and feel — hunger, happiness, fear — is immediately and honestly reflected in their facial expressions.
Learning that life can be a bit sour
Posted by Blacky at 9:58 am 0 comments
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Australian Social Trends, Sep 2011
Australian Social Trends draws on a wide range of data, sourced both from ABS and other agencies, to present a picture of Australian society. This publication aims to inform decision-making, research and discussion on social conditions in Australia. It covers social issues of current and ongoing concern, population groups of interest, and changes over time.
Australian Social Trends, Sep 2011
Posted by Blacky at 10:48 pm 0 comments
Saturday, September 17, 2011
NASA’s Not Sure Where In The World This Satellite Will Crash
The 20-year-old UARS satellite has dropped out of orbit — as old satellites are wont to do — and is reentering the atmosphere. Too bad NASA can’t pinpoint where — or when — exactly it will land. Could be the middle of the Pacific, could be the middle of Paris — it’s a surprise!
NASA’s Not Sure Where In The World This Satellite Will Crash
Posted by Blacky at 3:49 pm 0 comments
Friday, September 16, 2011
Top 5 Smelly Things That Should Be Banned In Aeroplanes
The US Department of Transportation wants to ban electronic cigarettes, even while they only produce water vapour that doesn’t contain any cancerous chemicals. They say this will increase the comfort of other passengers. Perhaps they should ban other things first.
Top 5 Smelly Things That Should Be Banned In Aeroplanes
Posted by Blacky at 9:42 am 0 comments
How To Deal With ‘Hand Wash Only’ Clothes
The “hand wash only” label on clothes is as annoying as the “dry clean only”, maybe even more so. How exactly should you wash those delicate silk or wool items? How much soap do you need? Can’t you just stick it in the washing machine?
How To Deal With ‘Hand Wash Only’ Clothes
Posted by Blacky at 9:34 am 0 comments
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Download Windows 8 Developer Preview
Microsoft just gave a full fledged preview of Windows 8, which has left many geeks and non-geeks dying to experience the brand new OS. Right from Metro style UI to Touch Gestures to Full screen apps, Microsoft has managed to shake up the way we have been using the Windows OS. Those who saw the keynote today were left astounded by the super-fast boot times of Windows 8, be it on the desktops or laptops or the tablets.
Download Windows 8 Developer Preview for Free!
Posted by Blacky at 9:38 am 0 comments
Everything You Need To Know About Windows 8 In 8 Minutes
Want to get to know Windows 8 but don’t have time to sit through the lengthy keynote? We’ve cut it down to the necessities so you can find out everything you really need to know in only eight minutes.
Everything You Need To Know About Windows 8 In 8 Minutes
Posted by Blacky at 9:34 am 0 comments
Kogan Now Offers Canon, Apple, Nikon, Acer & More
Kogan today began the next phase in our mission to make the latest technology affordable for all. Kogan.com now sells more of the World’s most popular consumer electronics brands and products at the World’s best prices.
In true Kogan style, we are ensuring we smash the competition on price by cutting out the middle-men - sourcing brands like Canon, Nikon, Apple and Samsung higher up in the supply chain, and selling direct to you through Kogan.com.
Kogan Now Offers Canon, Apple, Nikon, Acer & More
Posted by Blacky at 9:32 am 0 comments
Windows 8 Has Finally Updated The Blue Screen Of Death
It took Microsoft long enough, but they’ve finally (FINALLY!) changed the blue screen of death to be something a little more friendly and a little less scary.
Windows 8 Has Finally Updated The Blue Screen Of Death
Posted by Blacky at 9:29 am 0 comments
How To Dual-Boot Windows 7 And Windows 8 Side By Side
The Windows 8 developer preview is out for all to try, but installing it over your main Windows setup is a scary prospect. Here’s how to dual boot them so you can run them both side by side.
How To Dual-Boot Windows 7 And Windows 8 Side By Side
Posted by Blacky at 9:27 am 0 comments
How big are solar flares, really?
Eye opening perspective.
How big are solar flares, really?
Posted by Blacky at 9:25 am 0 comments
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Microsoft Launches Windows 8
Say hello to Windows 8, Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. Microsoft is unveiling the new OS at its Build Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The OS, a complete rebuild of Microsoft’s flagship product, is designed to work with both tablets and PCs.
Microsoft Launches Windows 8
Posted by Blacky at 11:58 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
10 Signs That An Australian Banknote Might Be Forged
Australia’s banknotes incorporate a huge number of features that make them difficult to counterfeit, but that doesn’t mean criminals don’t have a crack at it now and then. Here are the ten most obvious signs that a note might be a fake.
10 Signs That An Australian Banknote Might Be Forged
Posted by Blacky at 11:36 pm 0 comments
Saturday, September 10, 2011
How has skyscraper design changed since 9/11?
Miles O'Brien did a report for PBS NewsHour on how the technology and design of skyscrapers has changed since 9/11. Video here, transcript here.
How has skyscraper design changed since 9/11?
Posted by Blacky at 11:17 am 0 comments
Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot
Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining good overall health and wellbeing. Being physically active has significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of some chronic conditions, helping to control weight, and improving mental wellbeing. Some forms of physical activity may also help manage long-term conditions, such as arthritis and Type 2 diabetes, by reducing their effects and improving quality of life.
Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot
Posted by Blacky at 12:10 am 0 comments
Thursday, September 08, 2011
The Quickest Way to Reveal What Really Matters in Life
Are you being bombarded from all sides with a barrage of tasks and people demanding your time? There always seems to be something important to do, and someone else who wants a piece of your attention. Pretty soon it all gets out of control and you struggle to keep a grip on everything. So, we create lengthy To-do lists. We fill our schedules and diaries with appointments and decorate our calendars with red marker pen circles.
The Quickest Way to Reveal What Really Matters in Life
Posted by Blacky at 11:09 pm 0 comments
Microsoft out-of-cycle patch to fix DigiNotar bogus certificates
Some weeks ago, nefarious people hacked a digital certificate vendor and issued themselves bogus certificates. The main browser producers are responding. iTWire recommends updating ALL browsers immediately.
Microsoft out-of-cycle patch to fix DigiNotar bogus certificates
Posted by Blacky at 11:04 pm 0 comments
TIME: Revisiting 9/11
Today, TIME magazine released its issue commemorating 10 years since 9/11, with a wide array of interviews and photos (including images never before published).
TIME: Revisiting 9/11
Posted by Blacky at 10:59 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
NASA Releases High Resolution Photos of Moon Landing Sites
If you’re an astronomy buff with an interest in the lunar program, you don’t want to pass up these newly released high resolution photos of the landing sites and impact craters our moon explorations left behind.
NASA Releases High Resolution Photos of Moon Landing Sites
Posted by Blacky at 11:23 pm 0 comments
Photographic proof: the Apollo moon landings were real
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has taken the clearest images yet of the various Apollo landing sites. Memo to the nay-sayers: the landings really did happen - here's photographic proof.
Photographic proof: the Apollo moon landings were real
Posted by Blacky at 11:21 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Household Expenditure Survey, Australia: Summary of Results, 2009-10
Half the money that Australian households spend on goods and services goes on housing, food and transport, according to a major survey released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The latest Household Expenditure Survey (HES) showed the average Australian household spent $1,236 per week on goods and services in 2009–10, an increase of 38% ($343 per week) from the previous 2003–04 survey. In contrast, prices as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 19%, indicating a rise in real living standards over the five years.
Household Expenditure Survey, Australia: Summary of Results, 2009-10
Posted by Blacky at 9:53 pm 0 comments
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Top 10 Repair Projects You Should Never Pay For
Things break down, whether due to accidents, negligence on our part, or just plain wear and tear. Instead of shelling out for an expensive repair or replacement, though, you can often fix the problem yourself for much less. Here are 10 repairs you should never pay for.
Top 10 Repair Projects You Should Never Pay For
Posted by Blacky at 12:27 pm 0 comments
New iPhone 5 Clue: Will It Have a 4-Inch Screen?
As we get closer to the rumored release date of the iPhone 5, yet another clue about its true nature has surfaced today. Here’s a new set of extrapolations, taken to a speculative conclusion by our friends at MacRumors. When they snagged a couple of publicly available third-party cases that purport to fit the iPhone 5, they noticed that the case is so much wider that it strongly suggests a 4-inch screen on the new iPhone, larger than the iPhone 4′s 3.5″ display.
New iPhone 5 Clue: Will It Have a 4-Inch Screen?
Posted by Blacky at 12:22 pm 0 comments
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Increase Windows 7 Performance in 4 Easy Steps
Even if you’ve just bought a brand new computer complete with Windows 7, you may find you’re lacking some power. Most new computers are pretty quick these days, but they are usually set to some default settings that can be tweaked to give you more power for nothing. These tips aim to show you a few easy to change settings that will release some extra power and speed up your computer without having to install anything.
Increase Windows 7 Performance in 4 Easy Steps
Posted by Blacky at 10:52 pm 0 comments
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 17/2011
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 17/2011
Posted by Blacky at 2:26 pm 0 comments
How Does Your Email Closing Line Come Off?
I’ve long thought using “best” as your email close was insincere at best, and dismissive at worst. But how do other email closers come off? Bobulate‘s chart from 2007 tries to classify.
How Does Your Email Closing Line Come Off?
Posted by Blacky at 11:19 am 0 comments
The 10 Immutable Laws of Security
If you’re looking for a basic primer to share with friends and family who are a bit unclear on their role in their own computer security, this guide from Microsoft can help clear things up. The list is somewhat of a classic Microsoft offering but despite being a few years old it’s a really solid overview, especially for people who are unclear on basic computer security principles.
The 10 Immutable Laws of Security
Posted by Blacky at 10:15 am 0 comments
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Melbourne named world's most liveable city
Melbourne has finally knocked Vancouver off its perch as the best city in the world to live in. Melbourne claimed the title of the world's most liveable city in the Economist Intelligence Unit's latest survey, with Sydney, Perth and Adelaide also making it into the top 10.
Melbourne named world's most liveable city
Posted by Blacky at 10:29 pm 0 comments
Monday, August 29, 2011
Four Amazing Freeware Tools for Windows
Some of the most useful and maybe, less-known freeware to make your Windows experience even more worthwhile.
Four Amazing Freeware Tools for Windows
Posted by Blacky at 10:52 pm 0 comments
What's important in Australian life?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) launched a national conversation today, asking:
What do you think is important in Australian life?
What do you think is important in Australia’s society, economy and environment?
To kick start the conversation, we asked Michael Stutchbury, Economics Editor of The Australian, and Richard Aedy, host of Radio National's Life Matters program to share their views.
What's important in Australian life?
Posted by Blacky at 7:04 pm 0 comments
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hurricane Irene: Top 5 Online Sources for Weathering the Storm
Now that Hurricane Irene is attacking the East Coast in earnest, it’s time to keep a close eye on current hurricane conditions — that is, if you’re lucky enough to still have some sort of Internet connection.
Hurricane Irene: Top 5 Online Sources for Weathering the Storm
Posted by Blacky at 2:44 pm 0 comments
Friday, August 26, 2011
Men and women are both living longer
Women are still living longer than men, but men are closing the gap, according to a new publication released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. Over the last ten years life expectancy at birth has increased at a greater rate for men (by 3 years) than for women (by 2 years). However, women continue to have a higher life expectancy at birth (now 84 years for women and 79 years for men).
Men and women are both living longer
Posted by Blacky at 2:14 pm 0 comments
Hurricane Irene, as seen from space (video, and snapshot by astronaut)
From 230 miles above the Earth, cameras on the International Space Station captured new views of powerful Hurricane Irene as it churned over the Bahamas at 3:10 p.m. EDT on August 24, 2011. Irene is moving to the northwest as a Category 3 hurricane, packing winds of 120 miles an hour. Irene is expected to strengthen to a Category 4 storm as it heads toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Eastern Seaboard and the middle Atlantic and New England states.
Hurricane Irene, as seen from space (video, and snapshot by astronaut
Posted by Blacky at 10:03 am 0 comments
How the first image of the whole Earth was taken
The very first image of the whole Earth was made in 1966. It was fax quality, sent back by the Lunar Orbit 1. Most remarkable was the ingenious contraption that took a picture, developed the film, scanned it and transmitted it back, all in analog, with mechanical moving parts, in zero gravity and a total vacuum.
How the first image of the whole Earth was taken
Posted by Blacky at 10:01 am 0 comments
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Fukushima technician gives behind-the-scenes look at the cleanup operation
New details about the robotics deployed to help clean up Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant have emerged, thanks to a series of blog posts penned by an anonymous technician.
Fukushima technician gives behind-the-scenes look at the cleanup operation
Posted by Blacky at 10:59 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
TravelSIM Lets You Receive Calls Free In 117 Countries
One of the big disincentives to use your mobile phone overseas is the roaming charge double-whammy: not only does the caller pay to ring you, but you get slugged with a charge as well. Roaming SIM provider TravelSIM has eased that pain a little, offering free receipt of calls in 117 countries.
TravelSIM Lets You Receive Calls Free In 117 Countries
Posted by Blacky at 10:57 pm 0 comments
Inside Antarctica’s ice caves
Kayla Iacovino is a Ph.D. student who works on Antarctica's Mount Erebus, the southernmost volcano in the world. Ironically, for a volcano, Erebus is also home to some truly stunning ice caves, carved out of nearby ice and snowpack by hot, volcanic gases.
Inside Antarctica’s ice caves
Posted by Blacky at 10:32 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
How to Remove Passwords from Adobe PDF Files
Is there a tool available that can remove password protection from PDF files? The answer is obviously yes.
How to Remove Passwords from Adobe PDF Files
Posted by Blacky at 10:30 pm 0 comments
Monday, August 22, 2011
A Guide To Facebook Security
Facebook on Thursday has released a security guide aimed at young adults, parents and educators to educate them about security concepts on the social networking site. The 14 pages of the pdf document are packed with information that range from general account protection information to using Facebook’s advanced security settings or recovering a hacked Facebook account.
A Guide To Facebook Security
Posted by Blacky at 10:07 pm 0 comments
How to Create a Windows 7 System Backup Image & Repair Disk
Creating a system backup image can be extremely useful. If something goes wrong with your Windows 7 installation, you can’t log in, or files have become damaged and corrupted, you can boot directly from your repair disk to rectify the problem. You should note that when you restore from a system backup image, it is a complete restoration, and you won’t be able to choose individual programs or files. However, if you find yourself with a corrupted disk drive, a complete restoration is probably what you want anyway.
How to Create a Windows 7 System Backup Image & Repair Disk
Posted by Blacky at 9:59 pm 0 comments
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Download Windows 7 ISOs To Reinstall Without Restoring Your System
If you’ve just bought a new laptop or pre-built desktop running Windows it’s more than likely you do not have a disc with the operating system. You may have a restore disc or hard drive partition that will restore your computer to factory settings, but having an actual disc to install Windows is handy if you need to reinstall just your operating system.
Download Windows 7 ISOs To Reinstall Without Restoring Your System
Posted by Blacky at 11:22 am 0 comments
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Fukushima: First photojournalist inside plant captures daily life of cleanup workers
25-year old Kazuma Obara (Twitter), a native of Japan's tsunami-hit Iwate prefecture, is the first photojournalist to enter the Fukushima Daiichi plant and photograph what conditions are like for the cleanup workers.
Fukushima: First photojournalist inside plant captures daily life of cleanup workers
Posted by Blacky at 2:22 pm 0 comments
How Can I Start And Shut Down My Computer Automatically Every Morning?
Is there any way I can make my computer start automatically in the morning so it’s ready for me when I get up?
ow Can I Start And Shut Down My Computer Automatically Every Morning?
Posted by Blacky at 9:45 am 0 comments
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Introduction to Databases - Stanford University
A bold experiment in distributed education, "Introduction to Databases" will be offered free and online to students worldwide during the fall of 2011. Students will have access to lecture videos, receive regular feedback on progress, and receive answers to questions. When you successfully complete this class, you will also receive a statement of accomplishment. Taught by Professor Jennifer Widom, the curriculum draws from Stanford's popular Introduction to Databases course.
Introduction to Databases - Stanford University
Posted by Blacky at 8:24 am 0 comments
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 16/2011
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 16/2011
Posted by Blacky at 12:19 am 0 comments
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Every Hour of TV You Watch May Shorten Your Lifespan By 22 Minutes
In case you needed more proof that watching excessive amounts of TV is bad for your health: new research shows that there is a correlation between the amount of time you spend in front of the TV and how long you live.
Every Hour of TV You Watch May Shorten Your Lifespan By 22 Minutes [STUDY]
Posted by Blacky at 11:46 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Free Whereis iPhone App Offers Turn-By-Turn Navigation
There’s no shortage of GPS apps for the iPhone, but most come with hefty price tags attached. Telstra’s Whereis app is an unusual exception: it offers turn-by-turn directions for Australians, and it’s completely free.
Free Whereis iPhone App Offers Turn-By-Turn Navigation
Posted by Blacky at 11:47 pm 0 comments
Monday, August 15, 2011
List of inventors killed by their own inventions
This is a list of inventors whose deaths were in some manner caused by or related to a product, process, procedure, or other innovation that they invented or designed.
List of inventors killed by their own inventions
Posted by Blacky at 7:03 pm 0 comments
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Personal Computers: A History of the Hardware That Changed the World
On this day in 1981, IBM launched the “Personal Computer.” Revealed at a press conference at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, the 21-pound PC cost $1,565, boasted 16K of memory, and had the ability to connect to a TV set, play games and word process. While IBM wasn’t the first or only company with a personal computer on the market (the Apple II was launched in 1977), it kick-started the home computing revolution. A year later, the personal computer was selected as Time Magazine‘s “Man (or rather, Machine) of the Year.”
Personal Computers: A History of the Hardware That Changed the World
Posted by Blacky at 10:57 am 0 comments
Thursday, August 11, 2011
How To Start A Program Automatically When Your Computer Boots
Every time you boot your computer, you probably have a few programs you always start up immediately. Here’s how to set them to start up automatically whenever you turn on your PC.Whether you always seem to have iTunes running, or you want Skype constantly on in the background in case you get a call, most people have one or two programs they want to boot with their computer out of convenience. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to do, both on Windows and Mac OS X. Here’s how.
How To Start A Program Automatically When Your Computer Boots
Posted by Blacky at 9:58 am 0 comments
Best PC Freeware
Welcome to the Gizmo's Freeware Editors' Choice List, where you'll find a collection of the very best freeware from our site. This really is a "best of the best" list. Most of the products in this list have been awarded the coveted "Gizmo's Top" pick award signifying they are the best free product in their class. We've also included some other outstanding products that have impressed our editors with their usefulness and professionalism.
The Editors' Choice List: Our Selection of the Best PC Freeware
Posted by Blacky at 9:50 am 0 comments
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Standard & Poor's Credit Rating for each country
..and Moody's, Fitch, Dagong's...Australia going pretty well !
Standard & Poor's Credit Rating for each country
Posted by Blacky at 7:48 am 0 comments
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
How To Build A Computer From Scratch
How to build your own custom PC, from picking the parts, to putting it together and installing your OS. Here’s the complete guide, along with a printable PDF version that you can use as a reference.
How To Build A Computer From Scratch: The Complete Guide
Posted by Blacky at 10:16 pm 0 comments
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Boost Your Brain’s Willpower With A Simple Memory Exercise
Some say your willpower is limited and others believe it is as strong as you think it is. Regardless of how much you have, it turns out that you may be able to boost it with a simple brain training exercise.
Boost Your Brain’s Willpower With A Simple Memory Exercise
Posted by Blacky at 11:01 am 0 comments
My Gmail Account got Hacked – What to do and How to Prevent This?
I thought that setting up a password of 50 characters long would be enough, but I have chosen only words and numbers. That’s how I almost got hacked. Another huge mistake that I made was to be logged in all the time.
My Gmail Account got Hacked – What to do and How to Prevent This?
Posted by Blacky at 10:46 am 0 comments
Friday, August 05, 2011
Be part of our history, tick 'Yes' to Question 60
On Census night, 9 August 2011, Australians have an opportunity to ensure their story is preserved in our national history for generations to come.
Be part of our history, tick 'Yes' to Question 60
Posted by Blacky at 7:53 pm 0 comments
Color video from Hiroshima
The Nation's Greg Mitchell has a new book out about the strange saga of color video, shot in Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the nuclear bomb attacks, which was suppressed for nearly 40 years. You can see a couple of clips from that video in the trailer he's put together for the book.
Color video from Hiroshima
Posted by Blacky at 7:45 am 0 comments
The Hilariously Bad Disguises Of The German Secret Police
Check out these great cold war-era photos of some totally normal East German citizens, who are definitely not members of the secret police! How innocuous they are, these completely non-suspicious-looking gentlemen, who could not possibly be Stasi officers in disguise, especially not the fellow in sunglasses and the enormous fur coat with the upturned collar. Nope, just some regular guys.
The Hilariously Bad Disguises Of The German Secret Police
Posted by Blacky at 7:43 am 0 comments
Thursday, August 04, 2011
.net Awards 2011: the top 10 young developers of the year
Another new category in the .net Awards 2011 honours the Young Developer of the Year. Here we profile the top 10 developers under 21 years of age from both sides of the Atlantic that you’ve nominated. Who knows? The next Mark Zuckerberg might be among them.
.net Awards 2011: the top 10 young developers of the year
Posted by Blacky at 11:49 am 0 comments
Direct Google’s Crawl To Your New and Updated Pages
Today, Google launched a new way for site owners to request that specific web pages be crawled. How is this different from the other ways available to let Google know about your pages and when should you use this feature vs. the others? Read on for more.
Direct Google’s Crawl To Your New and Updated Pages
Posted by Blacky at 8:38 am 0 comments
Who Am I, According to Google Ads? Who Am I, According to the Web? Who Do I Want to Be?
The Google ad preferences page. It gives you a limited but nonetheless interesting overview of the various categories and demographic information Google believes reflect your interests (and in a way, your identity, or "who you are" in the eyes of an advertising client). This is all based on a cookie Google places on your browser.
Who Am I, According to Google Ads? Who Am I, According to the Web? Who Do I Want to Be?
Posted by Blacky at 8:35 am 0 comments
Eau Dear: Which City Has Australia’s Worst Drinking Water?
There are ways you can learn to love drinking water, but as Lifehacker reader AJ points out, the taste of water varies widely from city to city. What are your nominations for Australia’s worst-tasting tap water?
Eau Dear: Which City Has Australia’s Worst Drinking Water?
Posted by Blacky at 12:00 am 1 comments
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Catholic Priest Advises Engaged Couples: Don’t Use Google Maps
You know it’s rough going when even the clergy can’t recommend your service. That’s what’s happening to Google Maps, which is listing a Catholic church/school in Short Hills, NJ, at the wrong location. The church is located at 50 Short Hills Ave., but when you search Google for that address, it instead shows a similar address — 50 Old Short Hills Rd.
Catholic Priest Advises Engaged Couples: Don’t Use Google Maps
Posted by Blacky at 7:46 am 0 comments
What’s the most iconic scientific image?
This image, first published by neuroscientist Wilder Penfield in 1950 as a way of illustrating connections between parts of the brain and the physical movements they seemed to control is like a pictorial atlas of the cerebral cortex. It’s called the motor homunculus. And it’s definitely iconic, even if it’s not the kind of iconic that’s liable to turn up on the evening news.
What’s the most iconic scientific image?
Posted by Blacky at 7:42 am 0 comments
How to Convert PDF Files for Easy Ebook Reading
Many ebook readers natively support PDF documents but, unfortunately, not all PDF documents are easy to read on a small ebook reader screen. Let’s take a look at two simple and free ways to convert PDF files for enjoyable reading.
How to Convert PDF Files for Easy Ebook Reading
Posted by Blacky at 7:40 am 0 comments
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Using the System File Checker to Repair Windows 7
Microsoft have made available direct downloads for versions of Windows 7 that contain Service Pack 1 integrated into the ISO file. These downloads are more important than you might think, as installing service pack 1 on your Windows 7 effectively breaks one of the most useful and important troubleshooting features of the operating system, the System File Checker.
Using the System File Checker to Repair Windows 7
Posted by Blacky at 10:29 pm 0 comments