Whitewashing

Two and one-half years ago, I voiced my concerns about the marked lack of diversity within Australian media right here at BP.com. At long last, the issue has gotten a bit of an airing, with this article in The Age.

A pale limitation
Melinda Houston
March 29, 2009

"IS AUSTRALIAN television really "hideously white"? Last year Britain's racial equality chief Trevor Phillips initiated an inquiry into racial depictions on television, and summed up Britain's television diet in those two pithy words.

What's slightly embarrassing for us down under is that two of the programs singled out for criticism by English viewers were [Australia's] Neighbours and Home and Away. Even from the other side of the world they couldn't quite swallow a Summer Bay denuded of non-Anglos." continues

Perth - The Final Frontier

Ever since arriving in Australia over four years ago, I've been waiting for an excuse to visit the nation's west coast. Over the years, I've made a dozen trips to Canberra and Brisbane and perhaps two dozen (or more) to Sydney and even a few days of recreation in Adelaide. But until last week, I'd had no reason whatsoever to make the grand voyage across the continent to Western Australia. But with Greenhouse 2009 hosted by Perth, a swarm of climate scientists (including Uta and I) descended on WA.

Perth may be perceived to have a lot to offer, particularly to backpackers, construction workers and those affiliated with the mining industry (which collectively comprise the bulk of the city's population). Others, however, may be a bit put off by the fact that those construction workers are actively rebuilding half of the city (mining revenue has its benefits) and the fact that high wages lead to absurd prices for goods and services. In addition, with Perth being the most remote city of any note on the planet, it attracts no shortage of odd individuals. On the positive side, this makes for high quality people-watching.
While the city itself leaves a bit to be desired (save for King's Park and the Grosvenor Pub where I enjoyed a pint), we found refuge in various suburbs including Subiaco , Cottesloe, and the more distant Fremantle. But the region's most attractive location has to be Rottnest Island (aka "Rotto"), where we spent an entire day cruising by bicycle.

Perth is also the jumping off point for any number of other destinations such as the Swan River Vally, Margaret River, and the Pinnacle Desert. Such attractions, however, will require another trip.

Photos here

In a League of Its Own

The 2009 Australian Rules Football season is underway, and while it may still have quite a ways to go before it becomes a "world sport" (hell, it's got its work cut out for it just getting respect in New South Wales and Queensland), with the help of Toyota, the AFL can put together a pretty flash promotional ad for the season kick-off.

Earthquake Part II

Last week's 4.6 tremor raised a few eyebrows, but no one suspected that event would be followed by another 4.6. Yet at approximately 4:30 this afternoon, that's exactly what happened.

Visiting Sydney?

For those interested in dropping in on Sydney in the near future, check out CNN International's write-up on things to do in Australia's biggest city.

Earthquake!!!

When one lives in an environment about which he is unfamiliar, certain things come as a surprise. For example, we were quite surprised last night when our entire building started shaking, as we silly expats didn't realise that Melbourne is prone to the occasional earthquake. The baby tremor measured just 4.6 on the old R-scale, but was nevertheless enough to cause one to stand up and take notice.

Talking Climate in Noosa

Following our successful weekend in Sorrento, we flew up to Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I attended a workshop at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Uta, being a woman of liberty, settled into the beaches and shopping of Noosa. Fortunately, those Queenslanders know how to run a workshop - we finished each day ~2:30 to allow time for rest and relaxation in the Queensland sun. We stuck around for the weekend, which gave us a chance to sample the culinary delights on Hastings Street and stroll through Noosa National Park (koalas galore!). I borrowed one of Tim's boards to try a bit of surfing - gravity, low friction surfaces, noncompressible fluieds and lots of people in the water doesn't make for an easy recreational past time. But I reckon it keeps you fit - not too many overweight surfers out there. . .

Photos here

A Weekend in Sorrento

I appear to be falling a bit behind here. . .

Roughly two weeks ago, we joined a crew of consultants and former consultants from a consulting firm that shall remain nameless (hint: Uta used to work there) in Sorrento. We rented (or hired, if one is using the Aussie lingo) the palatial estate, Costa Lotta, just across the border from Sorrento in Blairgowrie. The house had plenty of room for its 11 guests including a barbie big enough to cook up all the meat.
Photos here