Cyber Bullying

November 5, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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comp.jpgSadly it’s always been a part of school yard life and while we’ve woken up more and more to the often devastating effects of bullying, in the past our children would at least have the safe haven of our homes at the end of the day.

Over the past few years an even more insidious form of bullying has become all encompassing, reaching into every corner of the life of its victims. An innovative digital campaign was launched this week to help young people reduce the growing incidence of cyber bullying. The campaign, called Cyber Bullying Affects Real Lives, educates young internet users about the destructive nature of cyber bullying and empowers them with tools to help prevent it.

Yesterday during my morning radio programme I spoke to Maree Faulkner, CEO of NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect).

Maree explained more about cyber bullying and how they’re working to overcome it. You can hear the interview by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

Have you ever suffered at the hands of a bully? Was it when you were at school or in a workplace? How did you deal with it? Have you ever been the one doing the bullying and do you regret your actions now?

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/MOR110409_1549.mp3]

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Turning Six

November 3, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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numbersix.pngIt’s now been six years to the day since I started blogging.

The first time I ever heard of blogging I thought, “What a stupid idea. Why would you want to share all your most personal thoughts with a bunch of complete strangers?”

Since that time a couple of things have happened. Firstly, I realised that I only had to share what I decided I wanted to share, and secondly, a lot of those ‘complete strangers’ have become good friends, even though I’ve never met many of them face to face.

I’ve really enjoyed the ups and downs of blogging and what you see now is rather different than the original post back on the 3rd of November 2003. I hope you enjoy what you read here and that you’ll stay with me as I enter my seventh year of blogging.

A lot has happened since I last celebrated a blogaversary. The radio station where I worked moved location. Pauline’s sister passed away from cancer. Our children changed schools. I became the father of a teenager when our daughter, Emily, turned thirteen. We’ve sold one house and bought another. We’ve moved across Perth to our new home. I’ve cycled from Perth to Albany, broadcasting from a different town each day. These are just some of the things that stand out from a very busy year.

A whole lot more has happened over the last six years but I won’t even begin to list events, that’s what blog archives are all about. Feel free to go digging through my archives and find an interesting post or two.

If you’re looking to help me celebrate my six year blogaversary there are a few things you might like to do.

  • I would really appreciate it if you added me to your blogroll or link to any of my posts that you enjoy.
  • You can get free updates of RodneyOlsen.net by adding your email address to the box in the top of the right hand sidebar or by subscribing to the RSS feed.
  • If you’re a StumbleUpon user you might like to Stumble a post or two. (Of course you’re welcome to do that at anytime.)
  • You may also choose to make this blog one of yourTechnorati Favourites.

On my blogaversary over the last couple of years I’ve opened the blog up for questions. I reckon it’s time to give it another go.

Most days of the week my job involves asking a number of different people to tell me more about themselves. I normally sit behind a microphone and ask others to tell me all sorts of things. It’s very safe being the one asking the questions. It’s not always quite so easy being the one on the other end of the questions.

So, are there any questions you want to ask me? Is there something you’ve been wondering about? Is there a particular subject you’d like me to post about? It can be about blogging, radio, cycling or whatever else you choose to ask about.

What do you want to know? Just leave a question or post topic in the comments below and I’ll see what I can do to respond. No promises but I’ll give it a shot.



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Street View Returns to Australia

November 2, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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google_logo.jpgIf you’re in a capital city in Australia you’d better make sure your front garden is looking good. Google’s getting ready to put your home on the world stage with another round of pictures set to make their way online.

In the story Google Street View to shoot Australia again, News.com.au is reporting that Google is sending its cars out again. That might be a good thing for those who got snapped by the cameras last time. They’ll be able to make sure they’re indoors this time around.

“Starting from next month in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and parts of Tasmania, we’ll be doing our best to cover as many of Australia’s public roads as we can during this summer,” said Google product manager Andrew Foster.

“If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might spot one of our clearly marked Street View cars in your neighbourhood.“

We’ve got an old trailer that we used to move house in our driveway. I’d better make sure it’s gone as soon as possible. I also need to throw around some fertiliser and get rid of a few weeds.

I’ve found Street View to be a big help when working out how to get somewhere. I’ll often check the details on a map before I look at Street View to see intersections where I have to turn. That way, I know exactly what I need to find before I chuck a left or right.

It was very helpful when we were looking to sell our previous home and buy our current home. We could see photos of prospective homes from the real estate agents but Street View gave us the opportunity to check out the neighbourhood.

Are you a fan of Street View? Do you find it helpful or an invasion of privacy?



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Cadel moves to BMC

November 2, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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News broke last week that the reigning world road race champion, Cadel Evans, was leaving his Silence-Lotto team. Today we’re hearing that Cadel has signed with US team BMC.

It seems that in the rush to get the news out some media outlets have mixed up a few of the details.

On his website today Cadel gave fans the real story.

Yes, it is true… BMC! I have chosen to ride with the BMC Racing Team for 2010 and beyond. A small but growing team of experienced staff and riders that I see has a lot of potential, and a mentality that fits nicely with my own, both on a sporting, technical and social level. I look forward to working with a new team, in a new environment, towards my same goals; honouring the Rainbow jersey at the highest level of the sport, and ultimately at the highest step of the Tour de France podium.

I would like to thank the Silence-Lotto team for the opportunities they have given me. The last five years have brought some great experiences whilst working alongside some great individuals. Thank you.

BMC, which has already signed riders such as George Hincapie, Alessandro Ballan, Marcus Burghardt and Karsten Kroon, is extremely pleased with its latest signing.

“Cadel brings a wealth of experience in the Grand Tours to the team.” BMC Racing Team co-owner Jim Ochowicz stated. “As I said earlier, our team will have multiple chances to measure ourselves against the greatest teams in the world. We are pleased that we will have the opportunities to send out our most successful riders, now including Cadel Evans, to tackle these challenges,” Jim Ochowicz added. Cadel Evans compliments the current team roster that consists of seasoned professionals and young emerging talents.

I’m looking forward to asking Cadel about the move later this week when he will be my special guest on my morning radio programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM.



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