Australia's unemployment rate fell in November and the participation rate rose to a new record as more people of working age joined the work force.
Economists said the only thing stopping the unemployment rate from falling below five per cent is the rise in the participation rate.
The economy added 54,600 new jobs in November, when the market forecast was for an increase of 20,000.
The jobless rate fell to 5.2 per cent in November, from 5.4 in October, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show.
The participation rate in November was a record high for the monthly series, 66.1 per cent, up from an unrevised 65.9 per cent in October.
The participation rate is the proportion of people of working age either employed or officially classed as unemployed - actively looking for work and ready to start right away. For more details, click on link below.
Unemployment Rate Falls
09 December 2010
21 November 2010
27 October 2010
26 October 2010
Hungry Anyone?
The month of October in Sydney is the Crave International Food Festival.
The month of October in Sydney is the Crave International Food Festival.
Events take place all month long like celebrity chef appearances, cooking classes, special dining opportunities (Breakfast on the Bridge--yes, Harbour Bridge!), and restaurants and cafes all over the city will host dining specials such as the pubs Pie and Pint nights (get a pie--think more along the lines of a platter sized pot pie--and a pint for $20).
A favorite event each year is the Night Noodle Markets. The market takes takes place over two weeks in Hyde Park and this year featured 40+ stalls of asian inspired dishes--yum cha (dim sum to us Westerners), stir fry noodles, sticky rice and mango, the list of yummy concoctions goes on and on.
The Noodle Market goes on rain or shine and wouldn't you know it the day we decide to go the weather forecast is for storms, not just rain showers, storms! Thankfully we were able to secure a table under a big tree and all 10 of us were able to stay dry when the rain did hit. Fairy lights, dragons marching in time to a beating drum, wine, food--a great way to wind down from a busy week!
I have to say, that there is no way one can be bored in Sydney. There is constantly something to do and something going on. No matter what your budget there are places to explore and new things to experience.
If someone asked me a year ago if I could imagine myself sitting half way across the world eating a big plate of noodles in a park with a group of people (some new friends some complete strangers) I would have had to say:
- big plate of noodles, check!
- friends, check!
- half way across the world - what you talkin'bout Willis?! I don't even have a job!
Funny the journeys that life takes you on...
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| Sitting under the fairy lights in Hyde Park for the Night Noodle Markets |
25 October 2010
Morgan Library & Museum in NYC
With over half a million literary, artistic and musical objects including things like Mozart's manuscript of Symphony No. 25 and a Guttenberg Bible this place is a gem--well I'd get lost in it!
If you find yourself in midtown Manhattan looking for something to do, this might be worth an afternoon.
Here's a link detailing more about the recent renovation and types of exhibits the museum offers:
"A Library to Shout About" - Wall Street Journal 18 October 2010
Link to the museum's website:
The Morgan Library & Museum
If you find yourself in midtown Manhattan looking for something to do, this might be worth an afternoon.
Here's a link detailing more about the recent renovation and types of exhibits the museum offers:
"A Library to Shout About" - Wall Street Journal 18 October 2010
Link to the museum's website:
The Morgan Library & Museum
Did You Know-Granny Smith Apples
Did You Know? The first batch of the green apples was "accidentally" grown in Australia by Maria Ann Smith back in 1868 and ever since, the apples have carried her name and are now grown worldwide.
The City of Ryde in NSW has a Granny Smith Festival each October to celebrate Maria Ann Smith and her "accident"!
Over 85,000 people attended last year alone!
Thanks for WeekendNotes 14 October Newsletter for this tid bit.
15 September 2010
Oprah Down Under
So we have all heard the big news that Oprah is going to film two shows at the Oprah, I mean Opera House, in December in Sydney. Here's a few more interesting facts:
$1.5M spent by Tourism Australia for 100 minutes of Oprah plus 150 of her staff and 300 audience members.
To run a 30 sec commercial on Oprah's tv show normally runs $120,000.
To run that same 30 sec commercial on her last episode next year, is $500,000-$1M.
I think OZ got away with a bargin and some pretty good air time!
$1.5M spent by Tourism Australia for 100 minutes of Oprah plus 150 of her staff and 300 audience members.
To run a 30 sec commercial on Oprah's tv show normally runs $120,000.
To run that same 30 sec commercial on her last episode next year, is $500,000-$1M.
I think OZ got away with a bargin and some pretty good air time!
29 July 2010
Off to Hunter Valley
So you are all up to date on the most recent adventures.
The next one to take place is actually this weekend.
Heading up to the wine country, Hunter Valley, with Emma and Claudia.
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| www.winecountry.com.au |
We will not be driving "Frieda the Festiva", Em's 10 year old blue wonder that she bought for $3500.
Thankfully, Claudia just bought a two year old Toyota and a Tom Tom GPS.
I'll let you know how many wrong turns we take, due to bad directions from the Tom Tom of course, and how the wine is. I'm sure this is a two-two and a half hour drive that will be worth it, even in "winter".
So far, Aussies do not like their wines dry. Think more along the lines of Pinots, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blancs and wine blends. Oh and lots of bubbly. I have never had so much sparkling wine on a regular basis as I have had here. Not many fans of the Chardonnay, I must say.
Here's to lots of tasting and lots of pics!
The Relo Girls
Many of you have heard me talk about the "relo girls" so I guess it is about time for you to meet them!
The first couple of weeks I was in Sydney, the office hooked me up with Relocations Australia. I will be forever grateful to this wonderful operation that not only helped navigate the crazy rental market, but also drove me around town and introduced me to some ladies that are fast being friends.
The owner of ReloAUS, Pat, got this idea that some of her clients would really get along with each other. She organized a dinner to introduce four of us to each other. It was the beginning of a fast network of ladies who all were sharing the same experience and as Pat said that night, "a girl needs girlfriends no matter where she is". Little did we all know that Pat was just as good a "friend match maker" for her clients as she was at securing a house.
Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of Ditte just yet. She was born in Switzerland but grew up largely in South Africa. She is married (her hubby is in pharmaceuticals) with a one year old son who is to a cutie. They moved to Sydney from Switzerland and actually live in the same building as Georgia overlooking Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge in Kirabilli.
Georgia is from Toronto. She works in HR for Royal Bank of Canada. Honestly a sweet lady who has been come my theater mate. Oh-and HUGE! greek family. Have laughed a lot over Georgia's tales of family practically calling the police to make sure she is still alive because it's been five hours and she hasn't returned their phone call. Time zone difference does not count.
Emma is from England, still has a house there that she rents out, works for JPMorgan and is now single. Em is only here for 18 months and is just about half way through her contract. She is loving Sydney and is actually considering extending her stay now. Em also attracts the men and the weird ones! Ha! She and I have had many laughs over the escapades that Em has found herself in, including a marriage proposal from a contestant on "Tradie Wants a Lady". Think "Farmer Wants a Wife" or "The Bachelor".
The most recent edition to the group is Claudia. She works for SAP and comes to Sydney from Germany. She just got a place down the road from Emma in Mossman. If I had to be a betting woman, Claudia I think is here to stay. She just received all her belongings from home and bought a car. From talks with her so far, there is no indication she is not going to stay as long as her visa allows her and if all goes well, then why not remain!
Stories and laughs to be continued...
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| Emma, Georgia and Claudia |
The Good Food Show
Who knew a food expo could be so much fun!
No better way to spend a Saturday than tasting wine, sampling food and buying a trolly worth of "show bags" filled with all kinds of products to take home.
I went with a couple of the relo girls, Georgia (Toronto) and Claudia (Germany), and actually thought when we started it was just a wine tasting. Literally half of the expo was dedicated to wine and I now know why the peeps I met up with on Friday night who had spent the day at the show were so wrecked!
It was not just a drinking event, but there were also many food demonstrations by top area chefs like Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, and actually cooking classes like cupcake decorating and home barista skills.
A promo for the show stated "it will be like the biggest gourmet deli, most fascinating kitchen shops and award winning cellar doors – all under one roof!" and it absolutely was that--fresh fish, meats and produce, chocolates, spices, and small kitchen appliances. You could have filled your pantry, decorated and designed your kitchen and even drove away in a brand new Ford to be auctioned off (I guess I didn't win that)!
All I have to say for you peeps back home is if the food show in town is anything like this, I/we have totally been missing out.
A 1963 Caddy
So I have to dedicate a post just to the 1963 Cadillac that was the ride to the Roller Derby a couple weekends past. It was a beauty and in amazing condition. It literally stopped people on the streets. We would be sitting at a red light and people would ask if they could take a picture of the car before we drove off. She is amazing with white and red leather interior and full stereo system in the boot, I mean trunk!
With regards to cars, Australia has prohibited the importing of "western" style cars (e.g. the drivers seat is where we all know it to be!). Australian cars put the driver in what would be the passenger seat to those of you in the US and parts of Europe. Not only do they drive on the opposite side of the road, they sit in the opposite side of the car! Now just imagine that right hand turn into the opposite lane of traffic! I am afraid of my first driving experience and everyone in Sydney should be too!
It actually took me a few minutes to figure out that Mark, the owner of this beauty and Ann's date for the evening, was on the "driver's side" of the car. When probed further he said that if a car is 30+ years old, it can be imported into the country in a style that I (and you) would be accustomed too. Mark is a car nut who likes the classics. His other passion, Ford Mustangs (which we happened to see the same night in the carpark, I mean parking lot, of the garage--a Shelby Mustang)! Dad, he would make you proud.
Sydney Roller Derby League
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| With Ann and Emma on our way to the derby in a '63 Caddy! |
It was a throw back night through and through, even down to the wheels that took us to the derby!
Roller derby as we all know is making a come back with movies and competitive teams popping up in cities all over the western world. Cleveland even has one and our very own Libby Spicer, aka Knoxious Mallory, is a derby girl!
July 17th was bout four between the reigning champs, The D'Viants, and the Screamin' Assalut Sirens. It was a match up that had everything riding on it for the D'Viants. So far SAS had won the prior three bouts and if they couldn't stop them tonight, D'Viants would loose their crown.
Two teams of five skate around a flat track in full contact trying to stop "the jammer" from scoring.
I will say I was a bit disappointed that it was on a flat track. I had visions of a wavy skate track and lots of "hockey" like action. Nonetheless we were thoroughly entertained from the cheerleader who didn't know how to skate and every time she tried to shake the pom pom she almost fell, to the full on crash of five skaters that even took the ref down!
Derby History Lesson:
- Started in Chicago in 1935! Just another reason to love Chi-town!
- Lost favor in the 70s but was revived by a down home effort in Austin, TX in 2001. Love that town too!
- Today over 350 teams worldwide and continues to grow in Oz with teams in every state.
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| Someone fall down and go "boom"! For more info visit, www.sydneyrollerderby.com |
England vs Australia, 19 June 2010
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| Almost a Full House |
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| With Emma in the JPMorgan Corp Seats |
Last minute offer to see a Rugby Union game with Emma (from the UK). Had to go support the English fan base (though I am in Wallabie colors just to be safe!).
Just about a full house and we were fortunate enough to have fans sitting next to us that took turns explaining the game to Emma and me. I think we talked more than watched but hey that happens!
We made fast friends and ending have a full night of sports as we joined our rugby mentors for a few beverages watching late night World Cup action as AUS took on Ghana.
Of rivalry note:
- 39th match between the two teams (AUS 23 wins, ENG 14, 1 Draw)
- ENG has only won twice down under and both in the same year 2003. That is until that night!
- A 5'10", 30 year old tow head that the ladies love - Jonny Wilkinson - created a house full of boos during warm ups due to the final goal he kicked with seconds in the game that caused AUS the World Cup. It's still a pretty fresh wound for the fans down under. Hmmm...I know that feeling-Kardiac Kids!
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| Now you know why the ladies love Jonny! (from SportsPad) |
Unfortunately, not a good night for Australian sports!
Rugby: AUS 20 ENG 21
World Cup: AUS 1 GHANA 1
RL, Australian Rules, Huh?
So rugby just isn't rugby down under. There are two versions of rugby, or "footy" as they like to say, and each has a distinct spin on the sport...
Sunday afternoons, find yourself a few mates and plop yourself down in a pub and cheer on your favorite teams. Hey, almost sounds like NFL. However in Oz you also can watch on Monday and Friday too!
Okay little background on "footy":
Southern and western states of Oz mainly play Australian Rules.
NSW and Queensland play Rugby League.
Just to confuse you a little more, soccer here has also started to brand itself as football to be more in line with the international game! That being said, every time I have said football in relation to soccer someone goes oh you mean soccer. I'm going to say they have a long road ahead of them to rebrand that sport here!
Aussie Rules (AFL: Australian Football League www.afl.com.au)
Season: March-September
Field: Oval shaped with four posts at the ends (two inner goal posts, two smaller outer posts)
Team: 18 players plus four reserve
Time: Four quarters, 20 minutes each
Scoring:
- kick the ball between the goal posts, get six points
- if ball is touched on way to posts, touches a post or goes between a goal post and a behind post (those smaller outer posts), get one point
There are 16 teams across Oz with animal names like the Crows, Lions, Tigers. Few of the weaker names include the Magpies, the Cats, the Doggies.
Rugby League (www.australianrugbyleague.com.au)
Broke away from the English rugby union and changed many of the rules.
Season: winter.
Field: like a football field with H shaped goal posts at the ends.
Team: 13 players plus reserves.
There are 16 teams in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Scoring:
- Of note, handpassing can only be done backwards; kicking is the forward motion. After six tackles play switches sides.
- Get the ball behind the goal line, score four points.
- Two point conversation only if the above happens, do you have a chance to kick.
- Additional points can be scored through penalty goals and field goals.
Rugby Union (older code of rugby) what the rest of the world knows as rugby.
Australia's team is the Wallabies and they have gained momentum on the national stage.
Sunday afternoons, find yourself a few mates and plop yourself down in a pub and cheer on your favorite teams. Hey, almost sounds like NFL. However in Oz you also can watch on Monday and Friday too!
Okay little background on "footy":
Southern and western states of Oz mainly play Australian Rules.
NSW and Queensland play Rugby League.
Just to confuse you a little more, soccer here has also started to brand itself as football to be more in line with the international game! That being said, every time I have said football in relation to soccer someone goes oh you mean soccer. I'm going to say they have a long road ahead of them to rebrand that sport here!
Aussie Rules (AFL: Australian Football League www.afl.com.au)
Season: March-September
Field: Oval shaped with four posts at the ends (two inner goal posts, two smaller outer posts)
Team: 18 players plus four reserve
Time: Four quarters, 20 minutes each
Scoring:
- kick the ball between the goal posts, get six points
- if ball is touched on way to posts, touches a post or goes between a goal post and a behind post (those smaller outer posts), get one point
There are 16 teams across Oz with animal names like the Crows, Lions, Tigers. Few of the weaker names include the Magpies, the Cats, the Doggies.
Rugby League (www.australianrugbyleague.com.au)
Broke away from the English rugby union and changed many of the rules.
Season: winter.
Field: like a football field with H shaped goal posts at the ends.
Team: 13 players plus reserves.
There are 16 teams in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Scoring:
- Of note, handpassing can only be done backwards; kicking is the forward motion. After six tackles play switches sides.
- Get the ball behind the goal line, score four points.
- Two point conversation only if the above happens, do you have a chance to kick.
- Additional points can be scored through penalty goals and field goals.
Rugby Union (older code of rugby) what the rest of the world knows as rugby.
Australia's team is the Wallabies and they have gained momentum on the national stage.
28 July 2010
Resources Super Profit Tax vs Minerals Resource Rent Tax
The RSPT is the reason Kevin Rudd was ousted from the Prime Minister's office. Julia Gillard renegotiated the following mining resource tax to the satisfaction of the large mining companies in Australia such as Xstrata, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
Here's a brief comparison:
Here's a brief comparison:
RSPT v MRRT - the differences
July 2, 2010 - 11:49AM
Resource super profits tax (RSPT) v minerals resource rent tax (MRRT): a comparison.
RSPT: All mining and petroleum companies - some 2500 - would have been subject to the tax on so-called super profits.
MRRT: Limited iron ore and coal companies whose resource profits exceed $50 million per annum. The current petroleum resource rent tax regime extended to all onshore oil and gas projects, including coal seam gas.
--
RSPT: The 40 per cent tax kicked in at profits which exceeded the 10-year government bond rate, currently just over 5 per cent.
MRRT: A 30 per cent tax kicks in at the long-term bond rate plus 7 per cent.
--
RSPT: The tax was payable on the realised value of resource deposits.
MRRT: The tax will apply to the value of the resource, rather than the value added by the miner.
--
RSPT: Onshore and oil projects would have been subject to the tax.
MRRT: The current petroleum resource rent tax regime will be extended to all onshore oil and gas projects, including coal seam gas, at a 40 per cent tax rate.
--
RSPT: Allowed deductions for the cost of extracting resources and getting them to the taxing point.
MRRT: Projects will be entitled to a 25 per cent extraction allowance.
--
RSPT: Starting base for the tax was 100 per cent of the accounting book value of existing capital.
MRRT: Miners may elect to use the book or market value as the starting base for project assets. A book-value starting base will be uplifted with the long-term bond rate plus 7 per cent.
--
RSPT: Existing projects brought into the regime.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: States and territories would keep existing royalties, but the federal government would provide companies with a refundable credit for current state royalties paid.
MRRT: Not yet determined, and subject to further consideration by a transition policy group headed by former BHP-Billiton chairman Don Argus and federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson.
--
RSPT: Resource exploration rebate to provide refundable tax offset at the company tax rate.
MRRT: The rebate will not be pursued, but exploration costs will be deductible in the normal way.
--
RSPT: Western Australia and Queensland to get more than $2 billion each from a $6 billion regional infrastructure fund that comes from the proceeds of the tax.
MRRT: Appears to be no change.
--
RSPT: Phased-in cut of the company tax rate from 30 per cent to 29 per cent in 2013/14 and 28 per cent in 2014/15.
MRRT: Company tax rate reduced to 29 per cent in 2013/14 but no commitment for a cut to 28 per cent until improvement in the government’s fiscal position.
--
RSPT: Small business will be eligible for the 28 per cent rate from 2012/13.
MRRT: Cut limited to 29 per cent from 2012/13.
--
RSPT: Small business will be able to immediately write off assets valued at under $5000 and be allowed to write off other assets (except buildings) in a single depreciation pool at a rate of 30 per cent.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: Increasing the superannuation guarantee rate from 9 per cent to 12 per cent by 2019/20.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: Other superannuation measures: $500 annual super top-up low-income earners on less than $37,000; raising the the super guarantee age limit from 70 to 75; more generous contribution limits for over 50s with low super balances; higher concessional contributions cap of $50,000 for those aged 50 or over who have less than $500,000 saved.
MRRT: Measures retained.
AAP
RSPT: All mining and petroleum companies - some 2500 - would have been subject to the tax on so-called super profits.
MRRT: Limited iron ore and coal companies whose resource profits exceed $50 million per annum. The current petroleum resource rent tax regime extended to all onshore oil and gas projects, including coal seam gas.
--
RSPT: The 40 per cent tax kicked in at profits which exceeded the 10-year government bond rate, currently just over 5 per cent.
MRRT: A 30 per cent tax kicks in at the long-term bond rate plus 7 per cent.
--
RSPT: The tax was payable on the realised value of resource deposits.
MRRT: The tax will apply to the value of the resource, rather than the value added by the miner.
--
RSPT: Onshore and oil projects would have been subject to the tax.
MRRT: The current petroleum resource rent tax regime will be extended to all onshore oil and gas projects, including coal seam gas, at a 40 per cent tax rate.
--
RSPT: Allowed deductions for the cost of extracting resources and getting them to the taxing point.
MRRT: Projects will be entitled to a 25 per cent extraction allowance.
--
RSPT: Starting base for the tax was 100 per cent of the accounting book value of existing capital.
MRRT: Miners may elect to use the book or market value as the starting base for project assets. A book-value starting base will be uplifted with the long-term bond rate plus 7 per cent.
--
RSPT: Existing projects brought into the regime.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: States and territories would keep existing royalties, but the federal government would provide companies with a refundable credit for current state royalties paid.
MRRT: Not yet determined, and subject to further consideration by a transition policy group headed by former BHP-Billiton chairman Don Argus and federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson.
--
RSPT: Resource exploration rebate to provide refundable tax offset at the company tax rate.
MRRT: The rebate will not be pursued, but exploration costs will be deductible in the normal way.
--
RSPT: Western Australia and Queensland to get more than $2 billion each from a $6 billion regional infrastructure fund that comes from the proceeds of the tax.
MRRT: Appears to be no change.
--
RSPT: Phased-in cut of the company tax rate from 30 per cent to 29 per cent in 2013/14 and 28 per cent in 2014/15.
MRRT: Company tax rate reduced to 29 per cent in 2013/14 but no commitment for a cut to 28 per cent until improvement in the government’s fiscal position.
--
RSPT: Small business will be eligible for the 28 per cent rate from 2012/13.
MRRT: Cut limited to 29 per cent from 2012/13.
--
RSPT: Small business will be able to immediately write off assets valued at under $5000 and be allowed to write off other assets (except buildings) in a single depreciation pool at a rate of 30 per cent.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: Increasing the superannuation guarantee rate from 9 per cent to 12 per cent by 2019/20.
MRRT: Measure retained.
--
RSPT: Other superannuation measures: $500 annual super top-up low-income earners on less than $37,000; raising the the super guarantee age limit from 70 to 75; more generous contribution limits for over 50s with low super balances; higher concessional contributions cap of $50,000 for those aged 50 or over who have less than $500,000 saved.
MRRT: Measures retained.
AAP
27 July 2010
Coming Up...
All this government and political talk has made me sleepy.Will be back with fun stuff to report on like rugby, roller derby and a 1963 Cadillac!
Stay tuned...
Australian Government
Background on the government structure in Australia.
The following are excerpts from the Parliament of Australia website.
The Commonwealth of Australia was created in 1901 when the states made the decision to federate from the British.
Although the Queen of England no longer rules, she is the Former Queen of Australia and as such appoints the Governor General, on advice from the elected Australian government. The Governor General is appointed to represent the Queen locally.
Power is distributed at a national level (the Commonwealth) and state level (Made up of the five states of Australia-New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia-and three territories made up of the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island).
The Governor General
...is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
The Senate
...made up of 76 senators from the states and territories and is a very power political group.
The House of Representatives
...made up of 150 members as representatives of the electoriate.
Both the Senate and the House are elected for three year terms.
Each state has a governor.
For each citizen of Australian over the age of 18, it is compulsory to vote. You may be fined for not voting.
Political Parties
...Australia has four main political parties.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is a social democratic party founded by the Australian labour movement. The ALP has governed since late 2007.
The Liberal Party is a party of the centre right.
The National Party of Australia, formerly the Country Party, is a conservative party representing rural interests.
The Australian Greens is a left-wing and environmentalist party.
Facts on the Australian Government
The following are excerpts from the Parliament of Australia website.
The Commonwealth of Australia was created in 1901 when the states made the decision to federate from the British.
Although the Queen of England no longer rules, she is the Former Queen of Australia and as such appoints the Governor General, on advice from the elected Australian government. The Governor General is appointed to represent the Queen locally.
Power is distributed at a national level (the Commonwealth) and state level (Made up of the five states of Australia-New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia-and three territories made up of the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island).
The Governor General
...is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
The Senate
...made up of 76 senators from the states and territories and is a very power political group.
The House of Representatives
...made up of 150 members as representatives of the electoriate.
Both the Senate and the House are elected for three year terms.
Each state has a governor.
For each citizen of Australian over the age of 18, it is compulsory to vote. You may be fined for not voting.
Political Parties
...Australia has four main political parties.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is a social democratic party founded by the Australian labour movement. The ALP has governed since late 2007.
The Liberal Party is a party of the centre right.
The National Party of Australia, formerly the Country Party, is a conservative party representing rural interests.
The Australian Greens is a left-wing and environmentalist party.
Facts on the Australian Government
Government Coup Equals Historical Moment
The Labor party has decided that it's elected official, Kevin Rudd, is no longer the super star from the 2007 election ("Kevin in '07").
In a late night move, powerful members of the Labor party gathered support to oust Kevin Rudd from the office of Prime Minster.
What I have been told of the Australian state government is this:
- elected officials can be ousted by their own party given enough support which basically means caucus votes.
In this case, Kevin Rudd lost his credibility and support over bad policy, reneging on his campaign promises like climate change and most dramatically his inability to create a solution to the RSPT Resources Super Profit Tax (a proposed 40% tax on mining operations new and existing within Australia--more background info to come on this topic).
In a move that was unprecedented in Australian history, Labor declared war on one of its own.
Kevin Rudd vowed to fight through however when his camp came to the realization that he did not have the necessary number of party votes to win, he did not contest the hand over of power to Julliard Gillard, a very popular local Labor party politician, and stepped aside to allow her to be "elected unopposed".
In tears, I might add. During the public announcement, Kevin Rudd was reduced to tears.
Of particular note, Julia made the symbolic decision NOT to move into the official residence of the Prime Minister unless she retained her position at the general election, which she gets to call.
Additional senior government positions held by women in Australia:
- Kristina Keneally, Premier of NSW
- Quentin Bryce, Governor General of Australia
In a late night move, powerful members of the Labor party gathered support to oust Kevin Rudd from the office of Prime Minster.
What I have been told of the Australian state government is this:
- elected officials can be ousted by their own party given enough support which basically means caucus votes.
In this case, Kevin Rudd lost his credibility and support over bad policy, reneging on his campaign promises like climate change and most dramatically his inability to create a solution to the RSPT Resources Super Profit Tax (a proposed 40% tax on mining operations new and existing within Australia--more background info to come on this topic).
In a move that was unprecedented in Australian history, Labor declared war on one of its own.
Kevin Rudd vowed to fight through however when his camp came to the realization that he did not have the necessary number of party votes to win, he did not contest the hand over of power to Julliard Gillard, a very popular local Labor party politician, and stepped aside to allow her to be "elected unopposed".
In tears, I might add. During the public announcement, Kevin Rudd was reduced to tears.
Of particular note, Julia made the symbolic decision NOT to move into the official residence of the Prime Minister unless she retained her position at the general election, which she gets to call.
Additional senior government positions held by women in Australia:
- Kristina Keneally, Premier of NSW
- Quentin Bryce, Governor General of Australia
Recent Important Dates
12 June:
Notification that 457 Visa has been approved for three years. I'm legal!
24 June:
Coup of NSW state government delivers first Prime Minister in Australian history (more to come on this in a separate post).
30 June:
Coldest June morning on record in Sydney in 61 years! 39 F/4.3 C.
http://weather.ninemsn.com.au/news/sydney-shivers-through-its-coldest-morning-in-61-years/14542
1 July:
Notification that the Office of Taxation knows I am residing in Sydney.
I am the proud owner of a tax identification number.
8 July:
Lebron James announcement to join Miami Heat. Enough said.
Notification that 457 Visa has been approved for three years. I'm legal!
24 June:
Coup of NSW state government delivers first Prime Minister in Australian history (more to come on this in a separate post).
30 June:
Coldest June morning on record in Sydney in 61 years! 39 F/4.3 C.
http://weather.ninemsn.com.au/news/sydney-shivers-through-its-coldest-morning-in-61-years/14542
1 July:
Notification that the Office of Taxation knows I am residing in Sydney.
I am the proud owner of a tax identification number.
8 July:
Lebron James announcement to join Miami Heat. Enough said.
Updated Been a Long Time Coming
Okay, I have heard the message that I have been neglecting the blog.
Yes, I have and I am sorry. Updates a comin'!
Yes, I have and I am sorry. Updates a comin'!
03 June 2010
Office Talk
Conversation in the office today centered around the following clarification for me:
"Tranny is not talk about a transvestite or transsexual, it is talking about at transistor radio."
"Tranny is not talk about a transvestite or transsexual, it is talking about at transistor radio."
26 May 2010
Words of Advice
"Pull your finger out"
It does not have to do with your derriere it means "get cracking".
Was told this when I was taking too long to get ghost tour pictures online.
It does not have to do with your derriere it means "get cracking".
Was told this when I was taking too long to get ghost tour pictures online.
25 May 2010
Ghost Tour
Lower Picton Ghost Tour!
Just over an hour outside of Sydney, Picton is a small town known for alcoholism, suicide and tragedy.
Spent about two and a half hours traipsing through the town visiting cemeteries (2), the "mushroom tunnel" and various homes and businesses around town hearing stories of weird and unexplained happenings while getting a little local history.
Orbs: disputed that they are just "dust" particles however not everyone gets them in their photos and how do you explain the various colors? Couple of us purposely took photos of the same things at the same time and did not end up with the same results!
Mist: told by our guide this was spirit energy. Whatever it is, scared the crap out me after I took them!
Few memorable stories:
- Apartment above an old hardware store that was owned by an immigrant couple cannot be rented to men. Apparently the immigrant husband died unexpectedly and the wife grew to have a hatred of men. To date, every time the apartment is rented to men, there have been happenings of flying saucepans and one man even coming home to find all of his knives laid out on the table and no one had entered the apartment.
- At the library, previous worker known to haunt the building still. He liked to pull the book spines to the front of the shelves for display. Now that he has passed, the books are pushed all the way to the back of the shelves. On numerous occasions, librarians will come in to find sections of booked pulled toward the front of the shelves.
- Antique store with various hauntings. Interesting one is that one summer night, with no wind, just still air, tour guide giving her schpeal on the steps up to the store and all of a sudden the doors began to rattle behind her! Freaked not only her out but the tour as well!
- Mushroom Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel just under 1300 feet long. We all get to walk just inside the tunnel. Told to line up so can see and have to turn off all light sources (flashlights, cameras, cell phones). After few moments, white light appears to flicker in the background. Slowly makes it way forward, coming about half way up the tunnel and appears to be taking a shape. Stays there for a little while and eventually makes its way to the back of the tunnel. Imagine standing in pitch blackness for good 10-15 mins seeing this light coming at you! Other stories told was that light has come within meters of the group. People have been known to have "felt" things brush by them. One paranormal actually had a "freak out" saying he was possessed. That's the most extreme story we heard all night. The tunnel is off limits to the public ($350 fine if caught there) and is about a five minute walk through the woods on a dirt access path to reach.
The ghost tours were started by a woman Liz who was a historian and as she began talking with townspeople all these stories came forward. Eventually, she started this tour and as the popularity grew, she trained staff that still runs them today. Liz passed away in 2009 and is known to "return" to Picton as well.
Few images to ponder below.
Too see all, follow this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/hatcheliz/2010_PictonGhostTour?authkey=Gv1sRgCMi42Or93qLSIw&feat=directlink
If need me to email link directly to you from PIcassa, just let me know and will gladly do.
Just over an hour outside of Sydney, Picton is a small town known for alcoholism, suicide and tragedy.
Spent about two and a half hours traipsing through the town visiting cemeteries (2), the "mushroom tunnel" and various homes and businesses around town hearing stories of weird and unexplained happenings while getting a little local history.
Orbs: disputed that they are just "dust" particles however not everyone gets them in their photos and how do you explain the various colors? Couple of us purposely took photos of the same things at the same time and did not end up with the same results!
Mist: told by our guide this was spirit energy. Whatever it is, scared the crap out me after I took them!
Few memorable stories:
- Apartment above an old hardware store that was owned by an immigrant couple cannot be rented to men. Apparently the immigrant husband died unexpectedly and the wife grew to have a hatred of men. To date, every time the apartment is rented to men, there have been happenings of flying saucepans and one man even coming home to find all of his knives laid out on the table and no one had entered the apartment.
- At the library, previous worker known to haunt the building still. He liked to pull the book spines to the front of the shelves for display. Now that he has passed, the books are pushed all the way to the back of the shelves. On numerous occasions, librarians will come in to find sections of booked pulled toward the front of the shelves.
- Antique store with various hauntings. Interesting one is that one summer night, with no wind, just still air, tour guide giving her schpeal on the steps up to the store and all of a sudden the doors began to rattle behind her! Freaked not only her out but the tour as well!
- Mushroom Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel just under 1300 feet long. We all get to walk just inside the tunnel. Told to line up so can see and have to turn off all light sources (flashlights, cameras, cell phones). After few moments, white light appears to flicker in the background. Slowly makes it way forward, coming about half way up the tunnel and appears to be taking a shape. Stays there for a little while and eventually makes its way to the back of the tunnel. Imagine standing in pitch blackness for good 10-15 mins seeing this light coming at you! Other stories told was that light has come within meters of the group. People have been known to have "felt" things brush by them. One paranormal actually had a "freak out" saying he was possessed. That's the most extreme story we heard all night. The tunnel is off limits to the public ($350 fine if caught there) and is about a five minute walk through the woods on a dirt access path to reach.
The ghost tours were started by a woman Liz who was a historian and as she began talking with townspeople all these stories came forward. Eventually, she started this tour and as the popularity grew, she trained staff that still runs them today. Liz passed away in 2009 and is known to "return" to Picton as well.
Few images to ponder below.
Too see all, follow this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/hatcheliz/2010_PictonGhostTour?authkey=Gv1sRgCMi42Or93qLSIw&feat=directlink
If need me to email link directly to you from PIcassa, just let me know and will gladly do.
20 May 2010
What do Spiderman & Rainman have in common?
Just a Saturday evening in the Hatch world in Sydney.
SCENE ONE:
EXT. FRONT PORCH - MID AFTERNOON.
EXT. FRONT PORCH - MID AFTERNOON.
CHARACTER "BETH" HAIR MESSY FROM A JUST WOKEN UP NAP. JEANS and FLIP FLOPS.
We find our character trying to figure out how to remove the tricky, Australian light bulb from the motion sensor flood light that has burnt out. Screwdriver in hand. Front door is open though nothing is propping it open. Interior of house through front door shows back door open as well.
Suddenly large gust of wind blows, slamming the front door closed. Door is self locking. Key is needed to open.
FREEZEFRAME ON BETH'S FACE AS REALIZATION THAT ALL KEYS, CELL PHONES ARE INSIDE THE HOUSE AND SHE HAD ONLY MOMENTS BEFORE CLOSED AND LOCKED THE FRONT WINDOW ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
As panic sets in there are two options:
A: run up into town center on the hopes that rental office is still open. At 4:30p in the afternoon this is very unlikely.
B: Scale backyard fence and try to get into house. Security door to back door is locked.
As I run into back alley, I have to wait until the park clears. Don't need Aussie cops knocking on my door because they think I am a burglar. Might halt that visa application I lodged this week.
Fence is wood with no good foot holds. That being said, there is a tree in the corner of the property and there is a limb just low enough for me to grab to try to pull myself up. Halfway up and the limb gives way. Doesn't break but limb is kind of rubbery so just droops with no hold for my body weight.
Noticing that neighbors picnic table is near the fence, maybe I can use their table to jump over!
Run back to front and knock on their door. Alas, no one is home!
Return to alley determined to scale this wooden fence. If only I can get my foot up unto the neighbor's
iron fence (lower and open grates!), I can grab a higher tree branch, have stronger footing and jump over!
Let's just say much easier said than done. After a little "monkeying around" find myself at the top of the fence.
Jump the few feet down unto a brick patio and make way to bathroom window. Fortunately, owners left a
three foot planter filled with water by the window that I can stand on to catapult myself into the bathroom, landing on the toilet.
Feeling victorious, this is the first time I am sooo happy to find that screens are not a necessary household item here!
Cut to my big smiling face and only a few bruises and scraps on arms and legs.
INTERMISSION
SCENE TWO:
ENSEMBLE THEATHER, KIRRIBILLI
PRODUCTION OF RAINMAIN
Production Photography by Natalie Boog
Fun Facts:
Sydney's longest running theater company (founded 1958).
Located on Sydney Harbour in an old boat shed, produces 8-9 national and international plays per year.
Third largest subscription base in the country.
Russell Crowe among the list of known performers to have acted on stage here.
Intimate theater in the round with stage at the bottom of the room, almost like a lecture hall. Floor seats are right on the floor along with actors. Talk about front row views! Not a large theater at all--probably 200 seats perhaps.
So interested to see how this production was going to mimic and/or differentiate from the film. Very brave to tackle a well known movie like this.
Setting along back wall is map of US from LA to Cincinnati. Small white lights throughout the map will track the characters progress between the two cities. Think flight scenes from Sleepless in Seattle.
Back wall also has cubbies with doors that open to help set the scene and/or store stage items that will be wheeled around the stage (i.e. office decor, hotel room, etc.).
Charlie Babbit is played by: Alex Dimitriades
Raymond Babbit is played by: Daniel Mitchell
Both of these guys did a really good job. The production made you laugh and made you uncomfortable at moments because you felt like you were intruding on someone else's moment. Daniel Mitchell's acting as an autistic Raymond blew me away. I do have to say that I really need to rent the dvd now as Charlie Babbit was played as a very angry character all the way thru to the end of the play and I do not remember that much anger. Frustration yes, but not pure anger.
Good production. Hope it makes it way to the US.
Have to keep an eye out for the next production in the rotation.
Good production. Hope it makes it way to the US.
Have to keep an eye out for the next production in the rotation.
THE END
TV Update
That wonderful "find" is no longer working. Crossing my fingers that it is just cable (pay tv here) versus
the antenna cable (free tv). Alas, tv purchase is probably closer around the corner than originally thought.
the antenna cable (free tv). Alas, tv purchase is probably closer around the corner than originally thought.
10 May 2010
I've Moved!
I'm finally in 13 Duke Street. Clothes are out of suitcases and actually hung in a closet. Now I'm able to relax a bit and settle in.
At least on the mattress on the floor as that's the only piece of furniture in the house.
Well ok...it was the only piece until Saturday. I now am the proud owner of a stool from IKEA and an outdoor chair on loan from an office colleague. Dorm living at it's finest in a high end neighborhood. Gotta love it!
This past Saturday was a great day of shopping to fill the house. Above mentioned colleague,
Ann, was kind enough to offer a ride to stores. Little did we know it would be a full
on shopping experience hitting IKEA, Target and Victoria's Basement (like a TJMaxx but only housewares). I have the basics now--pots, silverware, knives, plastic storage containers, drying rack, ironing board, cutting board, dishes and glasses.
Still have to purchase the big items (couch, dining table, bed frames, microwave) etc. but all in due time.
So the best "find" of the weekend happened on Sunday evening.
Total bum I was being as had been organizing all day--hair in half ponytail and still in pjs--and door rings. "Who the heck is that?"
Open the door to find Ann on the porch with a housewarming present--an oil heater! As the temps are starting to drop, everyone is scrambling to get their doonas (quilts) and heaters ready. Very very nice of Ann! Even came with a timer so I can set it to warm up before I wake up and just before get home from work. That being said, the freezing weather everyone is preparing for this week is a low of 50-52 and a high of 66-68 degrees. As I type this, my bedroom window is open. Prepare yourself for the coming chill!
I digress, sorry. Anyhoo, Ann and I start to talk on the porch and she mentions how it's council (neighborhood) clean up. It's not a trash day but anything from the house you'd like to get rid of, you put on the curb and the city will remove it for you. Not like in Cleveland where you just put anything on the curb and it's gone. Trash days and council days are very organized--even down to which day is garbage versus recycle pick up.
So Ann mentions that just up the street a bit is a tv. Australia is just making the switch from analog to digital and its still a few months away but people are upgrading their tvs. As you can see where this is heading...we both look at each other and get huge grins on our faces. In the darkness of night, me in my pjs and flipflops and Ann in a baseball cap and jeans, scurry up the road and carry the tv back to the house! Plug it in and low and behold it works!! Just need an adapter for the plugs to correct the picture. If nothing else, will bridge the gap between now and that flat screen purchase.
Furnishing a house is fun with all the new stuff and exhilarating with the great "finds" one comes across in the least expected places. Next weekend, to hit the outdoor markets. One man's trash is another man's treasure!
Manly Beach
Manly Beach
Monday Anzac holiday weekend.
Quick 30 min. ferry ride from Sydney Harbour and you are in Manly. "A favorite destination for daytrippers" says Gregory's Discovering Sydney & Surrounds Guidebook.
Once you jump off the ferry, to get to the beach you walk down The Corso, a promenade
of surf shops, burger joints, restaurants and cafes.
In the middle are a few fountains and as
you get closer to the beach are water
sprays from the ground up for
people to rinse the sand off their feet
and for kids to run through (they shoot water up high!).
Manly is great for surfing and the Manly Surf Club
teaches novices how to surf. Yes, I have the number
and will be calling to schedule my surf classes. May just
wait for the weather to return to a balmy 75/80 versus the 60s
of the winter. Mom, don't worry, it is well renown surf club.
I'll be safe though probably not unbruised by run in's with the surf board!
In the Sydney area, there are numerous coastal walks. One of the better
ones is the Manly Scenic Walk. Path goes from Manly to Spit Bridge.
You go past beaches, forests, harbourside suburbs, lookouts, etc.
Better have some provisions and your walking shoes!
To do the complete walk one way--4 hours!
The locals are smart however and have broken the walk up
into seven different portions for those who want a little less of a trek.
Great way to relax the day and the return ferry ride at dusk is beautiful.
The harbour is full of sailboats and you round back right along side the Opera House.
Hey-check out this line for Ben & Jerry's. The ice cream store is on a corner.
You can't see it here but the other door has a line of customers too!
Australian Defence Force
Some additional stats learned from Anzac Day:
ADF is 56,325 strong.
Army = 28,246 (go Army!)
Air Force = 14, 177
Navy = 13,902
Reservists = 20, 790
Civilians = 20,812
Bet you didn't know (I sure didn't)!
The ADF claims jurisdiction over more of the earth than any other country--about 27.2M sq km or 5% of the planet! Even ahead of Russia and the USA.
2009-2010 defense spending equalled $26.6B.
Ranked 13th in the world for military spending.
Top five for spending are:
ADF is 56,325 strong.
Army = 28,246 (go Army!)
Air Force = 14, 177
Navy = 13,902
Reservists = 20, 790
Civilians = 20,812
Bet you didn't know (I sure didn't)!
The ADF claims jurisdiction over more of the earth than any other country--about 27.2M sq km or 5% of the planet! Even ahead of Russia and the USA.
2009-2010 defense spending equalled $26.6B.
Ranked 13th in the world for military spending.
Top five for spending are:
- Israel
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- USA
- Pakistan
Their current deployment areas: Afghanistan, Middle East, Egypt, Iraq, Sudan, Timor, Solomon Islands & Border Protection.
25 April 2010
"Lest We Forget"
This weekend across Australia and New Zealand is a holiday weekend.
The holiday - ANZAC Day (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) - would be comparable to our Veterans Day.
Notables:
- 95th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipolli. Young Australian military forces assisting Britain during WWI. Though defeated this particular battle represented a victory for a young Australian nation. First test of the young army. Battle "helped forge a national identity" as commented on the news.
- Only after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor during WWII did Australian begin to think seriously about their own national security. Japan did attack Australian soil--Darwin particularly was hit hard. Sydney escaped much damage even though Japanese subs entered Sydney Harbour and bombed Bondi and Rose Bay. Two of the subs were destroyed with one "escaping". In 2006, that sub's wreckage was discovered off of Sydney's Northern Beaches.
- US Battle of the Coral Sea ended up protecting Australia from the Japanese and that was the start of the alliance between the two nations.
- Australia did send troops to Vietnam to support US efforts, even though Britain did not. Because of close proximity, American troops would "flood" Australian cities on R&R. My dad was one of those!
(history taken from Lonely Planet's "Sydney City Guide")
- First year without a WWI "Digger"
(Import word from the gold rushes in Australia. Originally referred to a miner however miners typically worked in pairs, so digger took on the symbol of mateship, particularly during times of world wars--Lonely Planet Australian Language and Culture)
Today's ceremonies:
- Dawn service (4:30a start) over 7,000 attended
- March (parade from 9a-1p) tens of thousands in downtown Sydney
- over 18,000 veterans
Notables:
- 95th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipolli. Young Australian military forces assisting Britain during WWI. Though defeated this particular battle represented a victory for a young Australian nation. First test of the young army. Battle "helped forge a national identity" as commented on the news.
- Only after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor during WWII did Australian begin to think seriously about their own national security. Japan did attack Australian soil--Darwin particularly was hit hard. Sydney escaped much damage even though Japanese subs entered Sydney Harbour and bombed Bondi and Rose Bay. Two of the subs were destroyed with one "escaping". In 2006, that sub's wreckage was discovered off of Sydney's Northern Beaches.
- US Battle of the Coral Sea ended up protecting Australia from the Japanese and that was the start of the alliance between the two nations.
- Australia did send troops to Vietnam to support US efforts, even though Britain did not. Because of close proximity, American troops would "flood" Australian cities on R&R. My dad was one of those! (history taken from Lonely Planet's "Sydney City Guide")
- First year without a WWI "Digger"
(Import word from the gold rushes in Australia. Originally referred to a miner however miners typically worked in pairs, so digger took on the symbol of mateship, particularly during times of world wars--Lonely Planet Australian Language and Culture)
Today's ceremonies:
- Dawn service (4:30a start) over 7,000 attended
- March (parade from 9a-1p) tens of thousands in downtown Sydney
- over 18,000 veterans
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