The PR Blog

While the name Hedwig Kiesler may not be immediately recognisable, and few would remember Hedy Markey, there's a strong likelihood that anyone of a certain age reading this would recall one of Hollywood's iconic beauties from its golden era - Hedy Lamarr.

That was the name bestowed upon her by Louis B. Mayer, propelling her to stardom and fame through his movie company. Regrettably, the vast majority remain unaware that Hedwig Kiesler, or Hedy Lamarr, was one of the pioneering figures in wireless communications. Her revolutionary patent laid the groundwork for "spread spectrum technology," the very technology that underpins the WiFi networks and Bluetooth-enabled phones we rely on daily. It also forms the core of the substantial investments currently fueling fourth-generation "LTE" wireless technology, promising vast improvements in wireless network speed and quality by spreading signals across the entire available spectrum - a feat made possible by Hedwig Kiesler's inventive brilliance.

On the Soane's steep western bank towers "Le Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere", its noble, time-stained parapets dart through the summer greenery like white fingers tenaciously anchoring the pious edifice to terra-firma.  From its lofty perch the confluence of the rivers Soane and Rhone can be seen to the south.

"Montee du Gourguillon" is the steep roadway leading up to the Fourvier. Its  name is derived from a deformation of  “gargoyle" because of the way torrents of water rush down the street during a deluge.  When Pope Clement V celebrated his coronation in Lyon in 1305, he fell from his mule while climbing this street and a precious stone broke from his crown and vanished in the crowd. It  has not been found to this day. I suppose either he or his religion was not embraced by everybody in the crowd.

On September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was formally signed, effectively ending World War II.

The surrender was signed by Japanese officials on one side, representing the Empire of Japan, and by Allied officials on the other side, representing the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, the Soviet Union and other allied Nations. 

The signing of the Instrument of Surrender marked the official end of hostilities in the Pacific theatre of World War II and the beginning of the post-war reconstruction period in Japan. This event is often referred to as the "Japanese surrender ceremony".

I have to wonder if love means the same thing to everyone. It is such a wonderful word. 

My old Sunday School teacher told me God was love. 

People these days say that love is about sex. It is not. In my opinion.  

Love is such a tricky word really. 

I used to regard the government as extremely inept/incompetent, fairly corrupt, and facing incentives that pushed institutions/officials to be generally corrupt and inept.

Now, I regard the government as fundamentally evil on par with other classical evil regimes throughout human history — something made clear by the government’s behavior during the pandemic.

It was August 31st 1997 and I was working as a guard in a maximum security male prison in Queensland Australia. 

One of the prisoners came up to me and said " Miss. You need to come with me and sit down. I have some bad news. " 

I had often spoken about my respect for Princess Diana and used her as a role model for men and women. I suggested to the prisoners that she was brave, frightened and prepared to confront life in a way many of us could never do. I used her as an example of someone who, despite wealth and luxury, had been dealt a hard hand in life but she had always stumped up to the plate and faced unfairness with dignity. 

I went with my fellow officer into the living area that about 8 prisoners shared. They were strangely subdued. Quiet. Almost anxious. 

" Miss, it just came across on the radio. Princess Diana is dead. "