3.2+Weekly+Blog

Such terrific progress we are making! We have made some rather massive decisions in regard to the type of government we would like implemented. This involved quite a large debate between myself and our journalist Kelly Graphy. I believe the democracy governmental structure is quite effective and will create a highly liveable island. Kelly had some different opinions on how we select our president. Luckily i had Sandy on side and we went to with a public election every four years. Thank goodness! If I can get majority of the population on my side, Dulcie might have some competition by the next election. This week didn't only revolve around selecting a government structure. Thought had to be given to who we will allow into the island. We want to have appropriate/useful professions that will be resourceful for the population. Looking forward to reaching the end! Signing out
 * Blogs Week 4**

Well this week certainly has been an educational one for me. I have don much research on forms of government and what would suit our Island the best! But i never realised how many different types of government there can be! Props for our dear Dulcie though who just made it over the finish line first to become president over our Island. I was hoping that meant that there could be a liitle bios then towards our settlement, but alas the rules that we have come up with mean that unfortunately she can't. This just means that everything that we have put in place will matter most in keeping us going. But I think that the team has been fabulous and our Island is going to be a pretty great place to call home (see my brochure (which is being spread to the world as we speak) to learn more!) Well I guess thats all from me for this week- just so you know the peas are growing great-fresh and tasty as they come! Kelly Graphy

Gee as an environmental scientist this week has been challenging. Getting my head around a system of government has really stretched my brain. So much to consider when making decisions that will impact on the way people will live their lives. It's so hard to get consensus from everyone. The old saying of you "can't please all of the people all of the time" rings true this week. Some hard decisions have been reached hopefully for the greater good.

I feel like I need to escape from the Island for a short time to recharge and refresh my overloaded mind. I might contact Force Command and sound them out on the proposal just a couple of weeks to catch up with family and friends. In the meantime I will find a quiet place in the forest, listen to the birds, slap on some of our organic skincare range and relax.

Sandy Fleck Phew!! That was a huge week! But the steps that we have made so far in setting up the Island ready to be inhabited are crucial and I think the whole team here are finally seeing the results of our hard efforts coming through.
 * Blogs Week 3.**

The best thing is though, now that we've tried out our luxury resort and skincare range, I have skin as smooth as a babys bottom! (and am thoroughly relaxed after all the different massages we have been trying out!) I no longer need to go back to the mainlands to feel at home, I have my garden, my hammock and now a beautiful place to relax. And with all the wonderful scenery around here who wouldn't want to stay here forever!

I don't think we will have too much of a hard time convincing people to live here, in fact maybe too many could start arriving. Maybe we need to start thinking about putting a system in place to make sure the Island doesn't get overpopulated. Oh...my spa bath is ready...be back soon!

Kelly Graphy

I am truly thrilled with the progress we have made this week. I look forward to being involved with the establishment of the eco friendly resort a project close to my heart. I can only imagine the day we welcome our first guests what a milestone that will be. The guests will enjoy a truly unique experience and leave us refreshed and recharged. Our skincare range will be continually updating and expanding Elanor will be knee deep in plants experimenting she will be in heaven! I have spent considerable time researching eco friendly packaging and am confident we have sourced a reliable supply.

There is still much work to be done but so much has already been achieved. I'm feeling exhausted and it's time to take a break and have a read.

Sandy Fleck

It was a busy week for our Economic to create the economic system in the island. Our Economic and our team has been work really hard to come out with the ideas of our currency, economic model, clear power, luxury Eco-Friendly resort and organic skincare range. We are so impressive that we keep our principle of sustainable, environment friendly, Eco friendly as important point to set up our economic system. For instense, our nice product of skincare. It does not involve any chemical during processing the product. So glad that we all come out with those great ideas that work really well in the island. It seems I do not need to worry anythings, so why not I have an other break. Less Lego

What a big week! I feel as though we are slowly making some progress. We have discovered that our location is a prime spot for a luxury vacation resort. The fresh, beautiful botanicals within our settlement allow us to develop a fabulous skincare range. With the establishment of our holiday accommodation retreat, we will be able to sell them to all our guests. I have been waltzing around the land picking plants to experiment with for our skin products. Let me tell you, they smell divine!

I have been negotiating with our economist about our currency. I believe it would be a fantastic idea to place our faces on the notes and stamp Eva's face on the coinage. Dulcie (el presidente) seems most willing for this to happen. I am loving the designs thus far she has used. The pictures represent the exquisite scenery we are surrounded by here.

Missing everyone back at home. Can't wait to bring everybody back samples of our skincare range.

Elanor Grubb

Observations for Professor Dulcie Matheson:

Log, Alive, back and cognitively aware this week! What a week it has been too! Possible industry suggestions flying left and right, economic model questions and the underlying issue - after we are cut adrift from the UN and its deep pockets, how will we sustain ourselves!? The inherrent problems with a bartering scheme was immediately apparent because it is hardly an international economic model, and without other nations I highly doubt we would be able to survive. Thus, a currency needs to be established, products need to be established and infrastructure needs to be considered on our Island. I designed some colourful notes and coins that combine what I feel to be the core elements of The Island, with a touch of whimsey that will undoubtedly be a hit in the global finantial market. Our proposed industries, exporting clean and renewable energy, a luxury holidaying accomodation retreat and a line of organic and natural skincare, are all going to provide jobs and income for both the necessities of the island and individuals - win! At the same time they do not require large scale industrial sites to manufacture goods for export - again, win. Furthermore, all three industries will be able to continue on, in a self sufficient way, after initial building concludes - seriously, we are on fire here! Oh to be able to begin planning the nuts and bolts of our economy! Thrilling stuff!

Prof Matheson.

I am truly excited by the progress our engineer Lisa has made this week. Decisions made regarding energy, transport and communication on the Island have all taken into consideration our beautiful environment. It is such a relief to me to know that my colleagues share my passion for preserving this Island. We cannot afford to fail in our mission the rest of the world is depending on us we must succeed. This week we will need to work even harder to look at the potential for generating an ongoing income for the settlement. Again foremost in our minds will be minimizing damage to this picturesque environment. I will be keeping a very close eye on any proposals.
 * Blogs Week 2:**

On a personal note I felt a bit homesick this week. Whilst professionally I will never be given a challenge like this again and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be involved. I missed my cousin's wedding. I just love it when our whole family gets together, we know how to have a good time. Speaking of which, I feel the need to unwind with a book.

Sandy Fleck

What a week! We have been exploring possibilities for energy, transport and communication. Many decisions need to be made. This is not an easy task as we are trying to be incredibly sustainable. I have reailsed with all this rainfall our settlement is prime location for a catchment. I am also loving the trees that we are surrounded by. It would be such a shame if they are all destroyed by logging. Logging is certainly not sustainable!

I have been further researching the crops on the island. The sweet potatos are delcious! However, with our settlement being located high on the hillside the crops we are able to trade may be limited due to lack or sheltering and shade to protect them. More investigating is required!!

Elanor Grubb

Well all this walking around this week has definately called for a thought on transportation and communication. The island is definately too big to walk around on my little legs!! Thankfully though, with the brains of the doctors and proffessors on the team we have been able to come up with some thoughts on the matter. I was definately up for some quad bikes, although I don't think that went down very well with the team, so instead we have come to the conclusion that some good old horses and bikes would be helpful, as well as a pulley system and some boating around the island (maybe we will also catch some fish).

In terms of communication, we have had some brilliant ideas with the help of command of course. Although smoke signals was not included in the recomendation, I am quite happy with the outcome of sat phones.

Well after a big week maybe its time for some sleep...maybe in the ol' hammock!

Kelly Graphie

Observations for Professor Dulcie Matheson: Log, I have been most afflicted this past week with a malaise that is hard to shake! Alas, as I do not deem our Agricultural Scientist to be qualified enough to diagnose my illness, particularly because I am //not// a sheep, I had to depart the island for some rather uncomfortable tests. They have come back as worrying but not life threatening. Thus, this week I have taken somewhat of a back seat approach to our research, having said that we all know that back-seat-drivers are the worst and my team has put up with me remarkably well. Lots of interesting information about the potential for geothermal power! I was becoming a bit enamored with the romantic notion of a settlement in the mountains/trees with wind turbines extending above the treetops. However, my ever present practicality realised that we have the potential for an amazing geothermal plant. The question remains, which would best serve us, and which would best serve the environment? If we choose 'us' over the environment then is that ethically correct or does it just serve to perpetuate the cycle of environmental prostitution that is prevalent everywhere else? Are the two mutually exclusive or can we come to a cohesive outcome? More deep questions and still no budget - PRETTY PLEASE COMMAND??

Prof Matheson.

One more week in the island. It inspires me of the beautiful view. I realize how beautiful the world is. How different and vibrant it can be without roads, without building. It was a busy week for me to analyse the best way to access energy, communication and transport. Our principle is to keep our environment to be sustainable. So after had meetings with our tearm. We came out with great ideas for our energy regard to our situation. For instance, wind station, hydro electricity and geothermal power. They are all sustainable and environmentally friendly. We all agree that we are using satellite for our communication. Use bike, horses, pulley system for our transport. I am so glad that our tearm are work so collaborate together to achieve our goals. Really want to say a big big..... thanks to our tearm members. Thanks.

Lisa Lego

This week has been an interesting one indeed. I’ve set up camp with the other 4 in the group…an interesting bunch they are. My hammock is up and I’ve started planting some vegies (the turnips are definitely growing).
 * Blogs Week 1:**

My research this week has helped lead us to six places to place the settlements as well as what food is good for us (and what we enjoy!) Personally I think Brussels Sprouts should definitely NOT be on the list. Anyway, see our research pages 3. Recommendations for Settlement Locations to find out what we discovered.

I need to go water my plants now, and maybe have a snooze in the ol’ hammock.

Signing out for now,

Kelly Graphie

The project is underway! It's certainly different from Tassie!

I have thoroughly enjoyed investigating the various presentations of flora and fauna on the island. The entomology is quite fascinating. In particular I believe attention needs to be given to the large number of bees affecting the plant life on the island. It is quite concerning for developing crops as they potentially could cross pollinate introduced species with the existing floral species, to the disadvantage of the original ecosystem. It is crucial that I continue to observe any other pests that may affect the islands horticulture.

I am enjoying picking berries, bananas and lots of tropical fruits for Dulcie to prepare delightful indulgences for us. This week i aim to report back to the group on the crops that can feed the populous. This is important as there are limited farm animals within the island.

Excited about the discoveries we will encounter this week.

Over and out,

Elanor Grubb

Observations for Professor Dulcie Matheson: Log, While I am certainly finding the hermit lifestyle appealing, the batteries on my solar powered calculator cannot retain enough charge to sustain me through the wet parts of the day! Most frustrating! The Economic possibilities of this site are amazing. We could theoretically create a settlement that could trade purely in the renewable and sustainable power market! We have access to high strength winds, geothermal activity and are located in one of the sunniest locations in the globe. It we can store and transport this offshore after detracting our own energy needs - the potential is limitless. One wind turbine located either offshore or in an altitude sufficient to reach above sea level to the higher winds can generate enough clean energy to meet the annual power needs of over 800 Victorian homes. If we hypothesise about an initial potential settlement based on this figure, we would be able to adequately power our island and generate enough power to export to other nations. This would allow us to trade for comodities like food and materials without degrading the natural environment to an unsustainable degree... OH THE POTENTIAL! Not much gets me as excited as this, except a windy day in the Edinburgh gardens ;)

I want a budget! Lets get this happening!!

Prof. Matheson

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Well week one has been huge! My mind is going into overtime thinking about all the possibilities for our colony. The team is working well together and after much discussion we have determined where we believe the six settlement sites should be located.At this stage we still have lots of big questions to clarify with our Force Commander. =====

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I've enjoyed researching aquaculture in Thailand a part of the world I have a particular affinity with. On a personal note I hate red meat and will push the fish option hard. I should have an allie in Elanor but I might find it harder to convince Dulcie as it will initially involve substantial costs.( I think she will hold the purse strings pretty tight) I'm not sure where Kelly and Lisa will stand on this issue. =====

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I think my brain needs a break it's time to lose myself in a book. I picked up a copy of Christine Nixon's autobiography before I left should be interesting reading. =====

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It is a lovely week spent time in the island. I met my tearm member and had a few meetings to discuss our project. This week I start survey the area to ready to design roads and bridges, and order the materials that we need to usd for our instructions. =====

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I went to walk around the area where I set up my camp. It was fantastic except I forget my camera as I told my self that is important for my entertainment. =====