The beach in summer in Australia – it's an Aussie tradition

The smell of Coppertone Sun Tan lotion was something synonymous with beach holidays when I was a kid. Today, the same smell can still be found in the Coppertone Sunscreen lotions. It’s why I buy Coppertone – for that smell that takes me instantly to summer holidays at the beach in the 1960s and 70s.

The annual exodus of citysiders to beach resorts over the Christmas New Year holiday period is traditional for Aussies everywhere. And why not, we do have some of the most beautiful, surfable beaches in Australia.

While some beaches in Australia look nothing like the same beaches I frequented as a teenager with my surfing buddies, there are some spots that are still largely unscathed by the developers’ bulldozers, bricks and morter. How wonderful these beaches can still be discovered up and down the coast of New South Wales. Not a trendy coffee shop, nor five-story beachside apartment block in sight. Still, you can get a rock star carpark at beaches without having to pay the equivalent of a small house for the privilege.

You can even find camping grounds in prime real estate positions right on the beachfront at many beaches. You don’t have to be a millionaire to get the best spot with a stunning view. So egalitarian!

The Poinsianna tree is ubiquitious in Queensland and Northern New South Wales with their bright red blossoms

And the landscape itself – intermingled with the pandanas palms and the Norfolk pines that say ‘this way to the surf beach’, are poinsianna trees with their bright red blossoms and umbrella-like canopies. This northern part of New South Wales and Queensland is decked out in a sea of red and green of the poinsianna trees at this time of year.

The escape to the beach is an ideal circuit breaker from the pressures of work that melt away with the warm waters of the semi-tropics. Was I really so stressed about that deadline that came – and went? It seems so inconsequential now as we head for an early morning pre-breakfast surf at one of those magical beaches that have not been turned into a mini Surfers Paradise (a place that used to be a beach but is now a concrete jungle and hence is a complete misnomer if ever there were one).

Happy surfing this summer holiday 2011–12.

George Clooney in Sydney? I'd like to see that!

On a Virgin flight to Brisbane, reading Voyeur, an advertisement for a Global Leadership Forum’ seminar caught my eye.

Well, a photo of George Clooney caught my eye so I looked more closely at the page.

It’s about a seminar in Sydney – yes, George is going to be there on 12 December as one of then’leaders of global business who will change the way you think’.

Interestingly, Martha Stewart of her eponymous empire is also on the bill. I found this amusing given that she was convicted of lying to investigators about a stock sale and went to jail for some time. I wonder if this will be explored as ‘what not to do if you are a global business genius’. The famous, it appears, can retain their status as corporate leaders of industry regardless of their crimes and misdemeanors. Not so, mere mortals who would be corporate lepers for the rest of their lives.

I’m not interested in hearing what Ms Stewart has to say for herself and she would not change my thinking. As for George, well, anything he says is fascinating as is his famous face.

The future is now with solar power – let's do it!

With the passing of the Clean Energy Future Bill through the Senate in the Federal Parliment, perhaps now we can all get serious about solar and other clean energy solutions (not coal seam gas).

The millions of people around the world who work to create a clean energy future are not unrealistic ideologues. But don’t trust me.

I found this article in the New York Times OpEd section which talks about the relationship between politicians and the fossil fuel industry in the United States.

Here comes the sun: an article about why solar power is not getting a run

I read it thinking it relates equally to the Australian context – the relationship between political powers and the fossil fuel industries. Solar is doable but is it that our governments, state and federal, are so married to fossil fuels and the revenue they get, that solar power is not considered?

If we all can generate our own clean energy for our homes and businesses, how does the government get revenue. Same with water. Is this the real issue? Is this the reason that the state governments around Australia are allowing thousands of coal seam gas drilling operations despite farmers and others opposition? Coal seam gas may be cleaner than coal mining but it is not proven that it won’t do untold damage to the water table and to the environment.

OMG, did Alan Joyce really shut down Qantas and blame the unions for his actions?

Shock was the first reaction to Qantas pulling the plug on all their services around the world. This has got to be the best lesson in how to piss off your customers and everyone else to boot. What an act of complete bastardry.

Is Alan Joyce human or is he some form of alien, android non-lifeforce who can only read an accounting sheet? Need to make more money: can’t reduce fuel bills so sack workers, move operations to Asia. Bugger Australia and Australians.

Bottom line for Qantas: Not good would be an understatement!

Score card so far: Pilots and Engineers (the real Qantas) 10; Qantas management -0.

Tip for Qantas board: get rid of numbers man, Joyce (instead of giving him a pay rise) and get a people person manager in who can negotiate with the people who are Qantas.

It was the wrong decision a couple of years ago. Check out how Virgin Australia are going under the very human, decent human being who is turning Virgin into the no. 1 airline in Australia: John Borghetti.

My decision: fly Virgin!

Say Yes Australia campaign poster – Yes: Price Polution

Over the years, thousands of people have marched for action on climate change. All through the 2000s, I’ve made it a point to join rallies through the streets of Sydney to show my support for action that will ensure a cleaner, greener future. In fact, I want a cleaner, greener now!

The Clean Energy Future Bills passes in the House of Reps

Yesterday, our Federal Government passed it’s Clean Energy Future Bills despite the outcries from the Opposition. I’m surprised that anyone takes Abbott seriously. In 2007, most Australians supported action on climate change. When Rudd signed the Kyoto Protocol, it was a proud moment for Australians. He fought hard in Copenhagen and for legislation with the support of many in the Liberal/National Coalition only to see the likes of Tony Abbott wreck it. He ousted Malcolm Turnbull by one vote – no doubt, his. That shows how close it was. Now he’s simply become Tony the Wrecker. What a shame and shame on the party that allows this type of politics because it does nothing to benefit Australia.

On a positive note, I was proud, along with millions of other Australians that the House of Representatives voted ‘yes’ to take action on climate change and pass the Clean Energy Future Bills. I agree with those who say that these Bills will be seen as a great achievement along with Medicare and universal superannuation.

Despite the constant chatter about ruining Australia, our economy and our way of life, I agree with the climate scientists, the economists who put the package together and the supporters of this Bill that the Clean Energy Future Bills will ensure a productive future in a world that is moving to clean energy technologies.

Making the big polluters pay

Putting a price on the pollution for the big 500 polluters in Australia is the right thing to do. Giving revenue raised to Australians who are not directly polluting the environment is also the right thing to do as is investing in new technologies that can be implemented across the country.

A history of innovative legislation

Australia and Australians have been renowned for innovative legislation – giving women the vote was one. According to the naysayers at the time, it would destroy civilization as we know it. Legislating for equal pay was another momentous move forward. Again, the naysayers including industry groups and business said it would ruin their businesses if they had to pay women the same pay as men. In fact, the opposite happened as the economy boomed.

Click on image to make larger: you'll see a sign that says 'Liberals Walking Against Warming' – this at a rally in November 2007 in Sydney. How times change!

It will prove to be the same with the Clean Energy Future Bills though this is just the start of what can be done. The Federal Government should be congratulated for having the foresight and courage to see this through (though John Howard had plans to introduce a very similar bill – a point that Tony Abbott neglects entirely).

Reminder of community action for a cleaner future

GetUp is organising a Stand Up To Coal Seam Gas rally on Sunday 16 October 2011 at 12pm in Martin Place.

GetUp is an independent movement that aims to build a progressive Australia and bring participation back into our democracy. It gives a voice to ordinary Australians from all walks of life and political persuasions.

Read more about environmental sustainability on this blog.

Peach blossoms at their best in Balmain

Come September here in Australia, the first signs of spring are often the peach blossoms which, earlier this month, were spectacular. The weather was warm, and we all started donning short sleeves and thinking about light summer clothing, swim suits and sandals.

Then the cold air came blasting back across the Eastern seaboard and we all went looking for our jumpers (sweaters). It’s the same every year.

I’ve got my sights set on spring days ahead, picnics in the park, swimming in the ocean (we swim at Manly Beach through winter here so what’s new!).

Azaleas show their true colours in Balmain

Quote of the day from the Sydney Morning Herald magazine, from Ronni Kahn who set up OzHarvest, a social business helping to distribute surplus foods from restaurants to the poor and homeless. What a great idea!

All we have is now and if we’re not doing something bigger than our own lives, we’re wasting the only opportunity we have.

Makes one think.

Using your washing machine during off-peak tariff times will save huge $$$ on your electricity bills

Everyone wants to reduce the cost of their power bills. Changing times that you use your electric appliances can make a huge difference.

If you use electrical appliances such as washing machines at different times of the day, you can save big time on the cost of electricity.

If you run an electric appliance in peak electricity tariff times, you’ll pay 40 cents per kWh.

If you run the same electric appliance in off-peak times, you’ll pay under 9 cents per kWh – that’s a big savings. The shoulder tariff times cost .15 cents per kWh which is still a substantial savings over the peak tariff times. (Electricity rates in New South Wales Australia in June 2011: check with your local electricity supplier for their tariff variations and times.)

Try to minimize your electricity usage during peak times. And, keep the heat setting to zero so that you are not paying for the heating of the water for every wash.

Peak electricity tariff times

When are the peak electricity tariff times?
Monday to Friday between 2.00 pm until 8.00 pm

Shoulder electricity tariff times

What are the shoulder electricity tariff times?
Monday to Friday between 7.00 am until 2.00 pm and from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Saturday and Sunday between 7.00 am and 10.00 pm

Off-peak electricity tariff times

What are the off-peak electricity tariff times?
Monday to Friday between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am
Saturday and Sunday between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am

Weekends are ideal times to do the washing as much of the time is shoulder tariff times.

Three more ways to save on electricity bills?

Turn off lights – it's simple and effective

Turn off stand-by on your television/s. If your television screens are turned off, you’ll save on electricity substantially. For best results, turn off your televisions and other audio/visual appliances at the power point.

Turn off lights in rooms that are not being used.

Pull the plug on the clothes dryer and hang clothes on the washing line or an airer.

These are just a few ways to save on electricity costs. There are many more that are easily implemented and can reduce some bills by up to half!

Find out more ways to save on energy costs (NSW Government website) or just Google ‘save electricity costs’ – you’ll be surprised how much information is out there.

Innocent people caught up in the hatred of one man's twisted vision of society

One can’t have a blog called ‘stuff matters’ and not comment on stuff that really does matter. The atrocious crime committed by Anders Behring Brievik in Norway last weekend was horrific. The bombing of central Oslo followed by his horrendous crimes at the holiday camp on Utoya Island where he machine-gunned down 80 young people seems inexplicable but, I believe, it can be explained.

Here is a man poisoned by blind hatred of difference – of otherness – anyone different to his ideological bent such as those who follow the Islamic faith. Driven by his peculiar ideological belief that goes directly against the Christian faith, this self-proclaimed right-wing Christian (I would add fascist) hates Muslims, multiculturalism, Norway’s immigration policies and Marxism. His excuse for committing this crime that he wanted to start a European revolution to fight for independence. This is the work of a madman, not one who should be in an insane asylum, but of a madman possessed by insane ideas.

As Mike Carlton wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald ( 30 July 2011). ‘His [Anders] 1500-page diatribe, grandly titled “A European Declaration of Independence”, written in literate English and emailed to right-wing hate group around the world appears to have a closely argued thesis demanding the extermination of Islam, multiculturalism and Marxism. Not a stupid man.’ Here is a man determined to hate, hurt and kill – spiteful in the extreme, full of malice and the indifference of care for others.

The vile acts of this man are the very extreme of what is being disseminated far and wide in Australia through insane (not asylum insanity) and inflammatory remarks by shock jocks and conservative politicians who want to inflame hatred of the Government. They’ll do anything to dislodge Labor from government regardless of the effects on the Australian economy.

If you don’t believe me that a culture of hatred, fear and panic has been talked up by the right wing and far-right advocates in Australia, here’s a few killer examples to digest.

Joe Hockey was asked in Queensland his thoughts on taking arms against the Gillard government (in any democracy, such talk is considered treason but there you go).

Murdoch’s Melbourne’s Herald Sun website published a comment that suggested ‘someone needs to assassinate Julia Gillard NOW before she totally destroys our way of life’. Shock jocks including Alan Jones allow such comments to go to air. Sorry, all irresponsible language that will ‘incite, encourage or present for its own sake violence or brutality’.  This is an infringement of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) Code of Conduct.

I have heard of people referring to our Prime Minister in the most sinister misogynist language that is offensive to our ideals of a compassionate, democratic society and disrespectful to our PM and all women. I can’t bring myself to repeat the vile comments.

With the Cronulla riots we saw how comments from Alan Jones contributed to the blind hatred and violence in a beach-side Sydney suburb.

It’s an appalling state of affairs that, as Australians who believe in the fair go, we should permit the hate speak to be presented in the media as factual comment.

It’s time for all Australians who understand and believe in the success of our multicultural society (the sheer wonder of the celebration of difference that most Australians embrace) to write letters to the editor, to call the hate-filled shock jocks and state reasonable arguments, or better still, to write to the ACMA and complain about all the comments that incite people to hatred, violence and dumb brutality.

We can’t allow the deterioration of our wonderful society. What a shame that Norway and their peace-loving, compassionate people have had this happen to them. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen in Australia.

Pigs might fly but if you tell enough porkies, some start believing it's true

Here’s some press reports about the inaccuracies in the press about the carbon tax debate.

This is not a ‘tax’ in the sense that the GST is a tax where every citizen pays. This is more like a garbage collection fee. In the same way that we pay the local government to collect our garbage, so the Federal Government is charging the most powerful, big companies who put garbage into the atmosphere. It’s more like a garbage collection fee. We, the people, do not pay. In fact, the government is giving us tax cuts and rebates to ensure that the we don’t pay for someone else’s garbage. But here’s what some commentators are saying!

On the irresponsibility of scare campaigns

Excerpts from Ross Gittens

‘Scare campaigns – where politicians prey on the fears of insecure and ill-informed voters by greatly exaggerating the likely consequences of the other side’s policies – are accepted by both sides of politics and the media as a legitimate tactic.

It’s always a lot harder to explain a complex policy than it is to put the frighteners on the punters but Tony Abbott’s gross misrepresentation of the carbon tax’s effect on prices, employment and whole industries exceeds all records in effectiveness and dishonesty.

I would never have believed one politician could, by all his reckless claims, stop retail sales in their tracks as frightened punters close their purses in fear for their futures. Why the retailers aren’t tearing him apart I don’t know.’

Ross Gittens, ‘Trust Makes the World Go Round’, Honestly, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2011

Scientists or the shock jocks?

From an article in the SMH, ‘Time to face the facts of climate change’

‘Uncertainties may remain in the minutiae of climate change science, but the knowledge that it is happening and that it is a result of the burning of fossil fuels by humans is accepted as uniformly as you could hope.

‘It is the official stance of the CSIRO, NASA and Britain’s Royal Society, not to mention the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

You know the debate has gone downhill when you hear politicians question the validity of current climate science because we ‘exhale carbon dioxide and therefore it must be safe’.

Gemma Black, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2011

The shock jocks around the country are spruiking disinformation as fact. Go to the CSIRO website and read what the most respected scientists have to say about man-made carbon pollution.

Big business ads full of misinformation

And on 25 July 2011, this in the Sydney Morning Herald

‘The multimillion-dollar, industry-funded campaign claims that in just over six years Europe’s carbon pricing scheme has raised $4.9 billion. Over six or so years, Australia’s will raise $71 billion.

‘Greg Evans, Australian chamber of commerce and industry policy director referred questions about the claims made in the advertisements to the Minerals Council deputy director, Brendan Pearson, who confirmed the Australian calculation included the cost of free permits whereas the European calculation did not.

Speaking from North Queensland, where he was inspecting coal export facilities which are set to double their traffic in five years, the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, attacked “well-funded vested interests trying to talk down the future of our economy“.

“A town like Gladstone really is a reality check for the scare campaign. Far from being at risk of being wiped off the map, businesses are expanding and jobs are being created. A staggering $70 billion in coal-related projects was either under way or on the drawing boards as of April,” he said.

An Access Economics report released this morning says the impact of the carbon tax “may well be rather smaller than the huge headlines would have it”.

Finally from an article in UniKen, Winter 2011, (Uni of NSW, Kensignton in Sydney) about the irrationality of climate change deniers: ‘The probability of climate science being wrong is roughly equivalent to evolution being wrong.’

It’s time to act, to move on from dirty, fossil fuel based energy production  to be a part of a greener, cleaner energy future.

Wind power is just one of the many sources of renewable energy sources that will reduce carbon in the atmosphere

I am an ordinary Australian who is a wife, mother and grandmother. I joined GetUp because I wanted action that will ensure a greener, sustainable environment for my grandchildren and their children.

Along with thousands of other ordinary Australians, I attended the GetUp rallies and was delighted to see the diversity of people who joined the campaign to push the Australian Government (whichever party is in power) to adopt environmentally responsible policies that would ensure a sustainable future.

Coal mining is a blight on the environment. In one of the most furtile areas of Australia, the Hunter Valley, coal mining is like an open wound

In fact, GetUp has had a big effect. John Howard promised to do just that during the 2007 election campaign as did the Labor Prime Minister elect, Kevin Rudd. While there were clear differences, both sides of politics, independents and the Greens all realised the importance of taking action against the adverse affects of man-made climate change.

So it surprises me that the now leader of the Liberal-National coalition and some of his top men are putting their careers on the line to fight against taking action. It surprises me that, given they all supported John Howard’s position in 2007, they refused to be on the Climate Change Committee to decide the best way forward for our country. They could have had a say. Now they say no to everything except their ‘direct approach’.

As a human being, a wife, mum and grandmum I know that consultation and compromise are essential for reaching the best decision. Tony Abbott chose the ‘my way or the highway’ approach as an opposition leader. So he acted like the school-boy bully and refused to play. Then he bellyaches about the result.

We can make a difference: say 'yes' to the Gillard Government's plan to tax the 500 biggest polluters in Australia

It’s time for me and others who want real change to stand up and be counted. I want a cleaner future. I would love to have solar power, to be able to access wind power (we’re in a high wind area where it would work) and have a home that leaves the smallest footprint on the planet. I would love to see more innovative climate change programs available for everyone: big business, small business, farmers, householders, Australians all over getting behind the spirit of this carbon reduction scheme and finding ways to make our world better or at least sustainable.

Australians have been leaders in the world. We were the second country to give women the vote. Do you think there was opposition to that? You bet there was but we did it and reaped the benefits.

Do you think there was opposition to giving women equal pay for equal work? The opponents said it would ruin the economy. Wrong! Because more women were working and being paid properly, the economy roared. Everyone benefited: business, individuals, the community.

Now we have the opponents to sustainable climate policies. The future is clean, green technology. To argue against this and advocate continuing down the old fossil fuel way is simply madness. Early adopters like Australia will benefit. Those who delay will be the losers. We, Australians, leading the way, will be the winners.

It's time for all those who care about the environment to support a carbon tax that will lead to a cleaner energy future

BTW, there are many countries in the world well ahead of us. We’re not exactly the innovative leaders we’ve been in the past on big issues.

If you want to join a non-political group that cares about the concerns of Australians across all political boundaries, join GetUp. I’m proud to be a part of this movement for change.

Read more about this issue in the Winter 2011 issue of NSW University UniKen magazine: State of Denial.

If you want to do something positive about providing a cleaner, greener future , join GetUp.

Read more about Action Against Climate Change and the Labor Government’s Carbon Scheme to tax 500 of the biggest polluters in Australia.