Posts from — July 2007

Rob Blakers is a nature and wilderness photographer, who uses Hobart as a base from which to explore wild Tasmania. He is passionate about its protection and sees the continuing inroads into Tasmanian wild country and ancient forests as an appalling tragedy of our time.

Images from Rob’s collection have been used extensively for nature conservation. He has also edited and published many photographic books based on Tasmania. These images come from his latest book Freycinet — available at all good local bookstores.

View Rob Blakers’ amazing Freycinet portfolio.

For more images visit Rob Blakers web site.

The Ball & Chain Grill

Salamanca Place

The Classic Forestierre Sauce

This is a classic recipe that has been on the Ball and Chain menu since it opened in 1974

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The sword of myth and legend became obsolete in the early 20th century with the disappearance of cavalry on the battlefield and the final abolition of duelling.

The weapons and practice of swordplay transformed into sport fencing, using lightweight, electrified sabres, epees and foils designed to score points, not injure.

So it would be difficult to imagine a more unlikely occupation at the beginning of the 21st century than professional swordsman, but Tasmanian Stephen Hand has made a sucessful career as a internationally recognised teacher, scholar, author, fight choreographer and practitioner of Medieval and Elizabethan sword fighting.

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By MARIA FLETCHER | One of the world’s most deadly ants, Myrmecia pilosula — better known as the Jack Jumper, is native to Tasmania. The Jack Jumper (also called the Hopper) ant exists only in Australia and a close encounter can prove deadly to the more than 60,000 people who are allergic to its sting.

It is estimated that around 10 per cent of the Tasmanian population may be allergic to the Jack Jumper, with around 3 per cent suffering life threatening anaphylaxsis if attacked by the ant.

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Weather watchers have confirmed that last month was the coldest June in decades for Tasmania. Day and night-time temperatures were below average for all Tasmanian towns.

Welcome to the official launch today of thisTasmania — Tasmania’s new Journal of Discovery.

We’ve taken the baton from Leatherwood Online to continue the traditions of being a showcase for Tasmania’s creative and entrepreneurial talents.

We be exploring the island’s history and heritage; arts, crafts and design; adventure travel and leisure; the tastes of Tasmania; Tassie stories; our Antarctic connection, and our unique wild heritage.

And, of course, we will be featuring stunning portfolios by Tasmania’s best photographers, writers, filmmakers, illustrators and cartoonists. Stay tuned.

Our webcam, courtesy of Hobart’s Rose Bay High School, is updated every 10 minutes — day and night, and features permanently in our ‘Noteworthy’ listings to the right.

For a larger version click here.

Don’t miss Peter Whyte’s mouthwatering mushroom portfolio.

However the precious fungi grown here do not suffer the vagaries of the weather as did the first serious attempts at commercial cultivation undertaken in New South Wales during the 1930s.

No straw-covered, raised open-field beds here, but a multi-million dollar climate-controlled growing facility and laboratory.

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