YEEEEE-HAAAWWW!!!

Australia got back to basics in selecting Lee Kernaghan as the 2008 Australian of the Year. After three years of nerdy, braniac doctors, researchers and scientists, this time around the nation picked a country singer who also doubles as a humanitarian through his fundraising and advocacy on behalf of drought-affected farmers.

Kath and Kim Go to Hollywood

The iconic Australian TV series Kath & Kim is being remade for the United States, with Selma Blair and Molly Shannon in the leads. As with many other comedies born overseas and redeveloped for yanks, I'm not sure how this will translate(although there's certainly not shortage of suburban living in the US), and this guy has his doubts as well.

Another One Down. . .

First Steve Irwin and now Heath Ledger!?! Australia is rapidly running out of international celebrities. I mean, the nation's only got 20 million people - it can only produce so many celebs in any given year, yet some of the biggest appear to be succumbing to all kinds of misfortune.

G'Day USA????

I've been here three years now, and I'm only just now becoming aware of G'Day USA - the annual celebration of Australia (in honour of Australia Day) in America. Food, golf, wine and a black tie gala event.

"Australia Week is now arguably the largest foreign country promotion held annually in the United States showcasing all things Australian from trade and investment, food and wine, film, arts, fashion, lifestyle, to indigenous culture and tourism."

Now this part cracks me up:

"THE KEY OBJECTIVE: to demonstrate that Australia is an innovative, sophisticated economy, with leading edge research and technology in products, goods and services. In short, the overall goal is to raise Australia’s commercial and cultural profile in America."

So to demonstrate this sophistication, innovation, yada, yada, yada, they send over The Wiggles and Bindi Irwin and dig up Olivia Newton John. Granted, the Wiggles are Australia's largest export commodity, but as a permanent resident I must argue that the nation has a bit more to offer.

Another Hot One

NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies has completed it's summary of the global climate of 2007, and ranks the year as the second warmest in the instrumental record.

Hansen and his crew remind us that 2007 holds this ranking despite the emergence of a La Nina in the Pacific (which usually contributes to cooler conditions). Furthermore, those who continue to blame solar activity as the culprit also continue to overlook the fact that solar irradiance has been declining for most of the decade. But the solar cycle is set to reverse, meaning the combination of higher solar output and continued increases in greenhouse gases will make for some warm years ahead.

That Time of Year

Another year, another Australian Open. Uta's working behind the scenes this year. I dropped in today to catch some of the action, including the matches of Nalbandian, Luczak, Monaco, Lubicic, and Guccioni.

Dexter Comes to Australia, Offending Adelaide in the Process

The US's Showtime series "Dexter" is washing ashore in Australia. But apparently, the show's theme strikes a bit too close to home for residents of Adelaide.

Two Down

Just for fun, a story about the fine occupation/art of sewage diving.

Get Used to It

The Bureau of Meteorology's own Davy Jones caused a buzz last week when he suggested the ongoing drought in southern Australia may in fact be here to stay - a permanent shift in the climate rather than a blip caused by ENSO or some other climate anamoly.

Meanwhile, the drought smells a bit fishy over in Lake Boga, where 10,000 Murray cod, carp, redfin and yellow-belly have expired due to high summer temperatures combined with low lake levels.

More on Aussie Music

Dan Rule has the scoop on the rise of Australian hip hop, with a focus on the Hilltop Hoods.

Meanwhile, here's a tune from The Waifs I've been grooving too (first heard this a few months ago on JJJ while driving up to Noosa, QLD in a rental car).

With My Mind on My Cricket and My Cricket on My Mind

The Compton Cricket Club is currently raising funds to tour Australia. I encourage everyone out there to donate generously, as I can't wait to see the CCC compete down under (hopefully at a venue near me).

See also coverage of the team from NPR.