$3 Billion

That's how much of his own personal fortune Sir Richard Branson has committed to tackling climate change. So one guy (albeit a fabulously wealthy guy) has the bucks to spend what amounts to 1% of the cost for the United States to implement the Kyoto Protocol. Granted compliance with said greenhouse gas mitigation initiative obviously doesn't come cheap, but then neither do wars in Iraq. Turns out they apparently cost about the same, but given that Bush has pledged to remain in Iraq indefinitely, that venture will likely end up costing far more before it's over. Which would benefit the world more? Hmmmm. . .tough one. Guess that all depends on what kind of world you want to live in.

Crowe as Irwin

Steve Irwin being himself was educational entertainment. Russel Crowe playing the late Croc Hunter just sounds obnoxious.

Bad Sun Rising

The summer fire season kicked off a few months early over the weekend. Forecasts for above average summer temperatures following the driest winter ever (or at least for as long as anyone bothers to remember) has southeast Australia all set for the worst fire season in the history of the early 21st century.

Bitchin' Hyundai

Our dependence upon public transportation, cabbies, and friends has dropped considerably after we anted up the necessary $$$ over the weekend to acquire a macho muscle car in the form of a Hyundai Getz. Now we will be able to fill at least one of the two parking spaces we have at our crib, and the new addition to our family should be perfect for cruising around this little island of Australia.

Early Summer?

A bit odd, but not entirely unpleasant except for the hurricane force winds that scattered my lunch. . .

Obviously Not Your Ordinary Croc Hunter

The public turned out in droves today to pay their last respects to Steve Irwin. Eager fans camped out to get a hold of the tickets (available at no charge, but quickly sold via Ebay), and the list of celebrities in attendance out was not too shabby: John Howard, The Wiggles, and Russell Crowe, and that's just for starters.

Song Australia

Last night we stumbled upon the new video from Manjit Boparai, an Australian cab driver turned songwriter. Video was absolutely hilarious. Makes me wonder why Australia's more conservative side is so up in arms about immigration and the preservation of "Australian values", because it seems Australia's migrants are having more fun being Australians than the rest of the lot. In any case, a sample of Manjit's earlier recording can be found here. I'm hoping an enterprising young Australian will leak the video to the net in the near future.

Time to Go Home

Tourist rescued twice in one week
Jano Gibson
September 13, 2006 - 9:59AM

"A 50-year-old British man is recovering in Alice Springs hospital after being rescued in Northern Territory bushland for the second time in a week."

My Beef with Sunrise and Boost Juice

I've climbed aboard my soapbox to address a tragic injustice that's been raging behind the scenes at two of Australia's most beloved enterprises: Sunrise and Boost Juice.

The plot - every morning the delightful hosts at Sunrise announce two names (one male, one female). If your name is announced, you get to rock up to your local Boost Juice Bar and get a free beverage (called a "hottie" - whatever that is). As articulated below in my comment to Sunrise (submitted dutifully following Sunrise protocols), I find this contest completely rigged and unfair, in contrast to traditional "Australian values."

"Dear Sunrise,
Every morning for the past two weeks, I've been watching with interest as names are announced in the daily Boost Juice "What's Ya Name Game". Unless I'm mistaken, the names that have been chosen are almost exclusively those that are Anglo-Saxon in origin. That's wonderful for Tom, Dick, and Harry, but what about those Australians who were here before the First Fleet arrived? What about the Australians who have their roots in Italy, Greece, Serbia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.? I'm sure they wouldn't mind a fair go at winning a free beverage. Though I'm sure this is an accidental and perhaps inconsequential oversight, it is a simple demonstration of the privilege that those in the majority get to enjoy and the prejudices that we often overlook."

I continue to await a response. (It's been a few days, I'm not holding by breath.)

Why Wasn't I Invited?

Apparently, I just missed out on the climate conference of the year. And people think scientists don't know how to have a good time. . .

Stripper storm at climate meeting
September 7, 2006 - 3:47PM

"Outraged scientists stormed out of a government-sponsored climate change conference dinner in Canberra last night, after the strippers booked as entertainment left them all hot and bothered."

UPDATE 11/9/06: By the way, after the death of Steve Irwin, this ended up being the second biggest story of the week - burlesque dancers doing interviews on news shows, the whole nine yards. It was brilliant. The issue of female exploitation within Australia's Earth sciences community is now firmly on the public agenda.

CRIKEY!

The man, the myth, the legend. The Elvis of the Outback has been called back to that great big roadhouse in the sky. May he rest in peace.