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The Australian Bureau of  Statistics {ABS] has some interesting, well, ‘statistics’!!  For example, I was reading an article in  Accounting magazine this week about volunteers, the emphasise being on the importance of engaging, supporting and keeping volunteers. I always take notice of that ‘topic’, having being a volunteer of sorts for most of my life in a variety of areas. As the story, written by Helen Hawkes says – ‘The number of hours volunteers contribute is soaring, making them both a highly valuable asset and a management headache for the organisations they benefit’  Volunteering is of course the sector in which no one is paid and people choose to donate time and effort – a kind of ‘free workforce’.

Of course, the value of the kind of ‘volunteering’ work being performed varies considerably. I often feel for example, that the time I spend in community radio, bares little relevance or importance, when compared for example with out volunteer fire brigades or state emergency service personnel, where the outcomes of what they do,  are essential to the very lives and property of people. How can that compare with a role on a school council, or in my case at the moment, a community radio presenter and committee member? If the radio station didn’t exist in this area, would it really matter, after all, there are countless commercial and non-commercial radio outlets around Melbourne alone as well as throughout the Victorian regional area, for those people who are really desperate to listen to the radio! I think the answer to that is that the value lies in the ‘/localised’ nature of each community station, which should be aiming to project local views and activities, and the kind of  community perspective on things that a commercial  radio could never do, or would want to. That’s just skimming the surface of course, of it’s value to it’s community, because in the world of the arts, especially music, there are thousands of musicians and singers, who without community radio, would have little if any medium by which they can demonstrate their talents apart from local festivals, gigs, concerts, etc. Yes, I do play mainstream singers, etc at different times – tonight on air for example, Leonard Cohen got a bit of a feature spot on my show. He doesn’t need local radio to be known. But 65% of the other singers & musicians that I play, do need that exposure, and appreciate the opportunities, and national exposure, that community radio organisations and their member stations, are able to provide throughout Australia. Most of these people, you will never hear on commercial radio. There is just so much talent out there in the wider Australian world, and I for one am glad to be able to let others enjoy what they have to offer…………………………………………………………………………..

Of course, the major problem faced by organisations that use volunteers, is the ability to attract and retain them, as  volunteers. As unpaid workers, they will generally be bound by different rules and priorities, and commitments will usually be restricted by family and/or paid work responsibilities, and countless other factors. As the article I was referring to notes:-  ‘Challenges include the changing needs and expectations of volunteers and  community members who benefit from their activities; the organisation’s own ability to engage, support and value volunteers; and attracting and keeping the resources required to support volunteers’ [an important aspect of which will include such essential as adequate insurance – just because a ‘worker’ does what he/she she without pay, does not negate the necessity for the organisation concerned to ensure that adequate insurance provisions are in place to cover a range of protections from public liability to worker’s compensation.  The argument is often made that volunteer organisations, such as aid agencies, etc, should not be necessary, but that governments should be taking responsibility for much of the areas of activity that volunteers undertake.  That may well be true, but the fact ids, government’s seldom go far enough in terms of needs, and the modern volunteer work force,   is an essential part of much that needs to be done in a community.

As for the ‘statistics’ that drew my attention to this article, as compiled by the ABS, they revealed that in Australia, 34% of the adult population volunteer in some form of activity – 5.4 million people with annual total hours of 713 million. That creates a medium annual number of hours volunteered of 56 hours, individually, that doesn’t sound much, but of course, amongst that 5.4 million, we would find that the majority of hours are worked by a small percentage of that total. Some interesting figures – of the typical volunteer, they are made up as follows:-

• 36% of all women volunteer;
• 32% of all men volunteer;
• 44% of volunteers are aged 35 to 44;
• 48% of volunteers raise funds;
• 31% prepare and serve food;
• 28% teach or provide information;
• 26% work in administration;
• 57% volunteer to ‘help others’;
• 44% do it for ‘personal satisfaction’; and
• 36% seek ‘to do something worthwhile’.

Not sure where us ‘radio presenters’ fit in there, no doubt a combination of a number of categories!! Speaking of which, I’ve just completed another 5 hours on air, over the past two nights, and as usual, enjoyed every minute of that time. Is that an example of pure self satisfaction?  I think not, but more specifically, a broad aim to share something I en joy with others, in this case, the radio listening community. I often comment upon, and wonder how many people are out there listening, but certainly, if the presenter doesn’t sound as though he/she is enjoying what they are doing, there should be no reason to expect the listener to want to remain tuned in!

Meantime, in my ‘role’ of keeping attune with how our various sporting champions are performing, I notice that motor cyclist Casey Stoner, last Sunday won the USA Grand Prix, in his season bid to a win a second world title. He has now won five out of this year’s 10 MotoGP races And he is apparently doing all that with a nagging neck problem, created from a crash a few weeks ago.  Meanwhile, Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans, is apparently aiming for a trio of titles to add to last weekend’s Tour win, and his World Road title championship.  He wants an Olympic Gold Medal, to join an Italian, and  a German  cycl.ist, as previous winners of those three events.  Cadel competed in the Beijing Olympics Men’s Road Race [finishing 15^th behind  this year’s Tour de France King of the Moun tains, Samuel Sanchez, while he finished 5^th in the Time Trial event, 4 days later. It seems the main obstacle to this plan, is that timing of the Olympic Games, and next year’s Tour de France are quite close together!! Anyway, interesting to see if he follows up on that ambition.

It’s feels like too, another Monday morning, and after the euphoria of the weekend’s ‘hero’ status created by our newest sports star [Cadel Evans], and the contrasting horror of what happened in Norway on Friday, well, put simply, the mundane ‘another day’ aspects of returning to the office is almost depressing!  But then I look at my calendar, and see that there are 86 days to go, before my official retirement date, and a bit of optimism returns [though admittedly, also combined with an element of apprehension at the approach of a new stage of life!!

Meanwhile, found myself feeling a little annoyed on the drive into the city – tuned into our radio station, and a presenter who was obviously having trouble [as she did last week] operating the system properly, the result of which was very poor radio [despite some good music, which was basically all that was coming through]. Had I not been on the road heading away from Sunbury, I would have gone up to the station to offer some assistance, and while I might be wrong, I was annoyed that nobody else, who could assist, seemed to be tuned in, or aware of a problem!!  Oh well, no doubt, I shall voice those views at the next committee meeting, and probably upset somebody in the process!!

Also had daughter Susie on my mind – as part of her course, she was beginning a 4 week school placement this morning, at a town about 20 minutes north of here, hoped that would be a successful outcome. Being so close to home, it also meant she would be home during the week, so at least there would be a bit more ‘company’ of sorts, during that period.  Meantime, Ishall return here later!!

I just had to include this written report, by Tom Wald [Nine’s Wide World of Sports], 24^th July 2011

‘Cadel Evans stands on the brink of one of Australia’s greatest sporting achievements after claiming the yellow jersey for Sunday’s final stage of the Tour de France.  Starting the day trailing Andy Schleck by 57 seconds, the Australian produced a masterful performance in Saturday’s 42.5km time trial in and around Grenoble to seize a one minute and 34 second advantage.  Evans finished second in the time trial, just seven seconds behind Tony Martin.

Cadel Evans, waves on the podium after competing in the 42,5 km individual time-trial and twentieth stage of the 2011 Tour de France. Picture: Lionel Bonaventure / AFP

The last stage to Paris is traditionally a procession for riders in the overall classification with the main action coming from the sprinters on the Champs Elysees. Evans is keeping his celebrations on ice for now.  “There’s always more to go … we’ve still got to cross the finish line in Paris tomorrow, that’s my main focus right now actually getting through there without any trouble,” Evans told SBS television.  “Today I just went through the processes like we have a plan everyday … the plan was a,b,c,d and follow the plan and do the best we can.”  On Saturday, Evans scorched around the undulating course in the heart of the French Alps in HH minutes and HH seconds in overcast conditions.

After near misses in the 2007 and 2008 editions of the Tour, Evans’ triumph is a massive moment for the sport in Australia.  The victory makes the 34-year-old the oldest winner of the Tour in the 88 years since Henri Pelissier finished on top in 1923.  Such has been the dominance of Europeans at the Tour, that Evans is only the third champion to have come from outside the continent’s clutches.\ Evans’ performance also ticks one of the few remaining boxes on Australian sport’s to do list. The weight of the achievement must be considered up there with the nation’s finest sporting moments such as Australia II winning the 1983 America’s Cup in New York. It completes a remarkable journey after growing up in the Northern Territory and almost being killed at the age of eight after being kicked in the head by a horse.

Evans moved to Victoria in his teenage years and made his name as a mountain biker before transferring his talents to the road. After being less than a minute away in 2007 and 2008 from capturing cycling’s holy grail, Evans struggled with favouritism in 2009.  However only months after his disappointing 30th finish, he became the first Australian to win the men’s road race world title. He changed teams in late 2009 and went to BMC, a   elbow from a crash at last year’s Tour ruining his chances of challenging the leaders. On this year’s tour, he has not had as much pressure on himself and Saturday was the first day that he had worn the yellow jersey. He had been happy to mark his time before the time trial with spirited pursuits of lead groups in the final two mountain stages proving pivotal to his success. Evans’ cleanskin reputation is a bonus for cycling’s image as it tries to clean up its reputation following decades of drugs controversies. Ex-teammates of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong have accused him of taking banned substances while three-time winner Alberto Contador tested positive for anabolic agent clenbuterol at last year’s Tour. The Spanish Cycling Federation cleared him of any offence and Contador’s appeal will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) from August 1-3. Brian Kirkham was the first Australian to ride in the Tour in 1914 with the legendary Hubert Opperman participating for the first time in 1928. But it wasn’t until 1981 that an Australian slipped on the yellow jersey for the first time in Phil Anderson.\  Since then several Australians have worn the famous jersey but only Evans has threatened to climb to the top step on the Champs Elysees with it on.   His dream will be realised [formally] on Sunday’.

It is elder son James’ 30^th birthday today, just where have all those years gone to? I think he has his usual ‘pub going’ celebrations planned for most of the weekend, however there is a late afternoon family gathering planned for today in the usual manner, just a little earlier than is usual. Of course, that has been determined by a certain football match which is happening tonight. More on that later!

I got up this morning to hear the disturbing news from Norway – the following online news report, tells the story…………………………………….”Blast victims lying bleeding on sidewalks sprinkled with shattered glass from disfigured buildings; normally peaceful Oslo resembled a war zone on Friday after a powerful bomb tore through its core. At least 17 have been killed in attacks in Norway, a bombing in central Oslo and a series of shootings on an island just outside the capital, and the figure could rise, a senior police officer says. Police also found explosives on the island of Utoeya, where a gunman opened fire on young people at a summer camp organised by the ruling Labour Party, Sveinung Sponheim, acting commissioner for Oslo police, told reporters. The explosion that ripped through government buildings in Oslo killed seven people and seriously wounded another nine, said Sponheim. The shootings a little later on Utoeya killed 10 people, according to provisional figures. But he added: “It is very likely that this figure will rise even more.” Sponheim said the suspect arrested on the island was a 32-year-old man who had Norwegian nationality and was of “Norwegian origin”. In the blink of an eye the city of half a million, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year, became a picture of urban desolation with building skeletons left standing after an explosion heard kilometres away. The windows of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg’s office were blown clear out – the imposing government tower badly damaged on all sides so that one can see right through the building. Surrounding buildings were also mangled. According to the Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang, whose editorial team have a clear view of the devastated government building, a body was seen dangling from a blown-out window shortly after the explosion. the normally bustling neighbourhood, which houses several government ministries, is much more quiet at this time of year with many people away on holiday”.

As indicated above, not the part of the world that you would normally expect to hear this kind of news coming from, but it seems no where is secure from the actions of crazed and fanatic people!

Sadly, this occurrence is going to generate enormous media interest – and this, to the detriment of news from Africa [already poorly covered] of the terrible famine threatening to engulf millions of refugees in Somalia. On Wednesday, the United Nations declared famine in two regions of southern Somalia [the first such declaration in two decades, meaning it’s been determined that many are dying from a lack of food],and in doing so, warned that the crisis could spread within a couple of months in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa. It warned that action needed to be taken immediately or famine will spread to all eight regions of southern Somalia within two months, due to poor harvests and infectious disease outbreaks. With up to 2.8 million Somalis living in the south, a spokesman said that “Every day of delay in assistance is literally a matter of life or death for children and their families in the famine-affected areas.” One report indicated that years of drought, that have also affected Kenya and Ethiopia, have hit harvests and conflict has made it extremely difficult for agencies to operate and access communities in the south of the country. Much of southern and central Somalia is controlled by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda who imposed a ban on food aid in 2010, which the UN and the United States said had exacerbated the crisis. The rebels lifted the ban this month. In the worst-affected areas, half the children are malnourished. “It is likely that tens of thousands will already have died, the majority of those being children,” a relief spokesman said.

This drought – it’s one of the driest years in the region since 1950-51 – has combined with increased food costs to put more than 11 million people across the Horn of Africa in need of humanitarian assistance. Many are in Somalia, though most are in Kenya and Ethiopia, countries where aid agencies have worked for decades. I’m concerned that over the next week or so, the urgency of this situation is going to be completely over shadowed by the events in Norway, as serious and tragic as they are. The pictures and reports coming out of that part of the world are indeed, heart rending and disturbing.

Against my better judgement, I watched the entire coverage of Stage 18 last night, through until 2am, and then couldn’t get to sleep!!! The writer deserved that!! But what an experience, a truly epic stage, and helped by a terrific commentary team – I ewas ridiculed, when I remarked on Facebook that watching that bike race this morning was almost as good as a football final. Australia’s Cadel Evans put in a real gutsy effort but even he was outstaged by the Schleck brothers, especially Andy Schleck who raced away to a leading break with 60 kilometres to go, most of it uphill in the mountains of the Alps. Evans spent most of that distance on his own in front of the rest, but the Yellow Jersey leader of 9 days also performed magnificently – the Frenchman, Thomas Voeckler, hung on desperately behind Cadel, and although he lost some time to both Cadel, and the Schleck brothers, he remained in front by the end of the stage, thoroughly exhausted, but still wearing the yellow jersey.
By the end, Cadel Evans was closer to the leader, but had slipped back to 4th position overall – with Andy & Frank Schleck in front of him this time, as well as the leader, Voeckler.
The outcome for me – the excitement of the closing stages this morning made if difficult for my mind to want to rest, and it was quite a while before I got to get a few hours sleep. Certainly, looking forward to tonights 19th stage of the TDF – the final big chance for Cadel Evans to pounce, if he still has it in after yesterday’s ride.

In the meantime, I occupied some time today in the shops – birthday presents for son James [for tomorrow], and a few new CDs for myself. Overseas, it was also the birthday of an old friend – met ‘Bronnie’ on the internet almost 12 years or more ago now, and have stayed in touch since then, although not so much over the past year or so. Think she is occupied by a new relationship, and hasn’t got much time for old chat friends, and Aussie ‘Blues’ !! However, now and then, her birthday has slipped past, and I’ve been guilty of missing it by a couple of days – made sure that would not happen this year. So if you are reading this Bronnie, I’m sure you have a beautiful happy day – and in view of some of the things life has dealt you in the past dozen years or so, you deserve that happiness!
Susan was back in Sunbury for part of today again – appointments, etc, and a loan of some money from Dad – before heading back up north for the weekend. Three trips up and down she has made this week!! Hope her car will keep surviving? She left late afternoon – Jodie was with me tonight for a few hours, borrowing Susie’s computer again!

And tonight’s race!! Stage 19 of the Tour de France – a short 109.5kms but packed with three major climbs, including the 11.8km climb up Col de Telegraph to an altitude of 1566 metres, the 16.7km Col du Galibier at 2566 metres and the 13.8km Alpe-d’Huez at 1850 metres, to the finish line. Many still feel that Evans is the strongest rider with the best chance tonight, despite the efforts of the Schleck brothers. Three time TDF winner, Alberto Contador [Spain] was disappointing yesterday, and seemed to rule himself out of finishing on the podium.
However, things did not go as planned. It was Contador who got away to a speedy breakaway, and would stay at or near the front for much of tonight’s race. Yellow jersey wearer, Thomas Voeckler was really struggling tonight, with the weight of the Fren ch nation on his shoulders, while for our Cadel Evans, early disastert – mechanical problems with his bike early in the race, saw him drop behind dramatically, and from that point onwards, he was trying to make up ground. I was determined to watch the coverage again tonight despite feeling very tired, and in fact, unwell for a while, after the evening meal [my cooking!!!].

Shortly after midnight, my time, Cadel Evans trying to keep ahead of the pelaton, as he battlers to catch the leaders, while Voeckler appears to have given up any hope of retaining the yellow jersey as Tour leader. Evans – 51 seconds behind, with half the race to go!! I’ll return shortly!!

At 12.45 am my time, and with 33 kms to go, still on the downhill section, the Evans group is 22 seconds behind the leading group of 5 runners. Five minutes later, the gap has widened out again to 29 seconds, starting to lose ground, but must catch the leaders before they get to the final up mountain section, give themselves a chance for a breather. Meanwhile, some incredible scenery as always in this race, amazing waterfalls crashing down from the top of the peaks, beautiful valleys, though the view no doubt not appreciated by the riders. Past the huge hydro electric projuct, the Lac de Chambon, beautiful, but looks a bit low in water. With 25 kms to go, it is just 4 seconds different, then soon after, the two leading groups merge together, slow a little, as they call for drinks – this slowing means the other chase groups, including that with Voeckler in it, are also much closer, now only a minute behind. At this stage of the race, the favourites for the Tour de France, after 2,000 kms of riding, have only 57 seconds between them – all points to an exciting finish, again, tonight, and a critical Time Trial tomorrow.

Cadel Evans is sandwiched between the two Schleck brothers – he must stay with them to give himself a reasonable chance of winning the Tour through the Time Trial on Saturday – as they approach the final climb of the day. It’s being a hard ride through the mountains for them all, with the final climb to come, as they approach the end of the downhill 50km section.
It’s the battle of Alpe-du Huez – Contador takes off again, Evans stays with the Schleck brothers, he must watch them and stay within the last times at worst. The yellow jersey man, after getting up with the leaders, is fast dropping back, on this climb, and he is out of it. I’m barracking for Evans to attack, reduce the time difference prior to tomorrow’s race. My brother [Robert] would be proud of me, lol, watching this bike race with the enthusiasm of a football match!! Ten kms to go, and Contador still looks strong up the front. Cadel Evans though, needs to accelerate, forget about waiting for others to ‘help’ propel him along, must attack himself – he won’t panic, team keeping him informed of times etc, but I fear he might get over-run in the finishing sprint by the Schlecks as he was last night.

Four kms to go – the crowds on the road are amazing – scary in fact, just how the riders can get through the crowds without collisions to hard to comprehend, they are crazy, many of these supporters lining the roads at the top of the mountain. It’s a strange feeling, just like the end of a footb all final. Get near the end, and some barriers are on the roads, easier to get through the crowds.
Then Contador falters, and in the end, the Stage is won by a Frenchman [the first French winner of a Stage this TDF], with Sammy Sanchez [Spain] second, and Alberto Contador, 3rd. Behind them, Cadel Evans eventually got the better of the Schleck brothers, he came in a courageous 5th, with Andy Schleck in 8th position. The other courageous effort was by the Frenchman who has held the yellow jersey for 10 days, but lost it tonight – Thomas Voeckler came in 3 minutes and 21 seconds behind the winner.
So with the Time Trial to come tomorrow, the experts all say Cadel Evans is in a prime position – he is now just 57 seconds behind the Schleck brothers, in 3rd position. And for me, two epic nights of cycle watching with a thrill I’ve not previously experienced. No wonder the crowds get so overly excited to be there on the spot!! It really is a ‘people’s sport’!!

I’ll call this an uneventful day –  another cold July weekday in Melbourne, don’t recall seeing much of the sun, though admittedly I was in the office for most of the day.  Getting a few tasks up to date, and behind me, and with thoughts of the likely quick passing of the next few months – certainly my boss, Jackie, had my departure in mind, and was already on course for a replacement person, etc. No doubt before then, she will have ensured that she knows every dot and comma [and calculation] of what I do – I think she has this constant thought that there will be a gap between ‘people’, so she has to know everything back and front. The kind of person who tries to do ‘everything’ in some fashion or other.  I think I am avoiding that ‘teaching’ process, although my other work associate has ‘kindly’ lined me up to do a ‘Group Treasurers’ training session at the end of September –  something I could have well done without at this stage of things!!

I notice that the Uniting Church Environment Network is making it very obvious which side of the ‘climate’ debate they are on –  their latest newsletter begins with the words      “The Government has announced its carbon tax package. This is a crucial opportunity for us to actually see some meaningful action on climate change, but we need as many people as possible to do something in the next few months to shift public opinion and ensure it gets through Parliament”  Seems to be an assumption there [as with campaign organisations such as GET UP] that we all [as part of the Church for example] all agree wholeheartedly with what the government is doing!  True, some meaningful action at last, but do we have to necessarily agree with the means of undertaking that action?  If you support the word ‘environment’, it’s assumed you automatically go with the flow, no questions asked!  I do notice that they have organised a forum for later next week entitled ‘Who’s telling the truth about Climate Change?’  There are two well credited Professors involved in this conversation [David Karoly Professor of Meteorology at Melbourne University in conversation with Yoshihisa Kashima Professor of Psychological Sciences at Melbourne University]     – but not knowing anything about them, I wonder whether they will be on the same track, or in fact, presenting an option of views? Maybe I should go along and find out – but a week night on the other side of Melbourne? Not the kind of outing normally on my agenda these night.

I had my taxation return ready to go tonight, then discovered a couple of points I needed to clear up – was feeling a little annoyed at that, when a lady from an organisation who had asked me, once again, to do the audit of their small local organisation, arrived [two hours after I’d expected her] – anyway, I made sure that was just a quick visit, she handed over the records which I unwisely promised to have completed by the end of next week. Wan ted to get my own affairs sorted out first  [this was another of my ‘voluntary’ occasional roles for the community – I’d generally relinquished most of the audit roles that I’d undertaken in the past, but this one, and the church audits seemed to keep coming back!!].  Bill is still not very efficient at saying ‘No’!!

Jodie also called around for a brief time, wanted to use Susie’s computer.  She looked rather tired, and obviously her two part time jobs are draining the girl a little. I know she is looking for a permanent position suited to the qualifications she gained earlier this year, an d I must try and help out in that area, somehow. As for the rest of the evening, I spent most of my time working on my newly purchased ‘Family Tree Maker’ Program – slowly making progress in that area.

A day off work today, in order to attend the Family History Society’s mid-year dinner/lunch – had a number of other tasks, including tax returns and other financial matters to attend to, so decided to use a complete day for those purposes. Susie came down last evening, to attend an appointment she had for this  morning [which was subsequently cancelled – another trip in her car that was not necessary!!].  Back up north for more ‘classes’ later.  While it was reasonably mild this morning, when I called in early at the radio station to give a brief local sports report, the morning appeared to become more overcast and cold as the hours went by.

Much of today’s media was focusing attention on the overnight interviews [or grilling] of media magnate Rupert Murdoch, and his son James over the present phone hacking scandals by members of his organisation in the UK.  That had resulted in the closing down of the responsible newspaper ‘News of the World’, a number of lost reputations,  a few arrests, and now posed a threat to the Murdoch empire!!!  A good thing, many would say, and those same people would probably attach a lot of cynicism to protestations of ‘sorry’ and ‘we knew nothing about the phone hacking practices of our staff’.  Just the very practical aspect of that is a little difficult to believe, although considering the Murdoch’s over-riding role in those media organisations he controls, in all fairness, it would difficult to expect the ‘boss’ to be aware of everything that happens – I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt,  those I imagine most people wouldn’t!!  And of course, the old adage – ‘the buck stops here’ irrespective of what he did or didn’t know!! Anyway, one awaits with interest, as with many such events, the eventual outcome of that saga.

Overnight in the Tour de France, a strong effort and brilliant sprinting finish by Cadel Evans over arch  rival and Alberto Contador [Spain] – they finished back in 11^th & 12^th positions in last night’s Stage 16, but the important thing about that for Evans that it enabled him to inch valuable seconds off tour leader, Thomas Voeckler [France] and 2^nd placed Frank Schleck [Luxembourg], shooting Evans up into 2^nd position overall, and now just 1 minute and 45 seconds behind Voeckler for the TDF title. The winner of Stage 16 was Norway’s Thor Hushovd, the early leader in the Tour during Week 1, but who is now placed back in 53^rd position, overall.

Interesting to note that Australia is in the middle of an influenza outbreak., and it is predicted to be about to get worse here in Victoria. Apparently rates are more than three times higher than  last year, with the peak flu season sweeping through NSW, Queensland and South Australia. Apparently the higher numbers have arisen following a spike in the March/April period when there was high rainfall leading to the subsequent moist air allowing viruses to thrive.  However, numbers were still below the 200i9 levels, when Australia was hit by the HINI [Swine Flu] influenza.  Thankfully, I did make sure a couple of months ago that I received this year’s flu vaccination, and while I suppose that is not a 100% guarantee of immunity, it has provided some peace of mind over the past couple of years.

I had a very enjoyable lunch in the company of members of the Family History Society today – dining at the Sunbury Football Club ‘restaurant style’ facilities. Mind you, having such a large meal in the middle of the day, I knew was not a very wise decision, as I normally eat quite lightly at that time. However, we proceeded with a pleasant meal of fish & vegetables with chips, followed by a good old fashioned ‘bread & butter pudding’ [unfortunately laden with delicious ice-cream & cream, two items I do generally avoid these days!!!]. As expected, that affect of that delicious meal began to be felt by late afternoon.  Being on my own again, there was at least no commitment  to prepare an evening meal, and I don’t think I bothered with anything substantial!

A surprise visitor late this afternoon – from Susan’s former boyfriend, must have been expecting her to be home, as was surprised when I said she had returned to Bendigo. They must have communicated earlier today, and Susie forgot to say she would not be here. Anyway, didn’t say what he wanted, but would give her a ring!  Not really sure that I want him to come back into Susie’s life –  don’t know if the required ‘trust’ would be there any longer.

On the news front, there was a large funeral was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today for legendary Australian Football League coach, Alan Jeans, who died last week. The coach of four successful premiership teams, Jeans probably received the best of tributes from many of those men who played football under him –  regarding him as a father figure, and a fine coach, policeman, and human being.  Many regarded him as a ‘second father’, and the tributes were certainly flowing at the service today, such as  ‘”(He was) the most morally sound man I’ve ever come across.”.  Alan Jeans played a modest 77 games with St Kilda, before taking over as Coach of the Club in 1961. He delivered their only Premiership flag in 1966 [ a one point win over Collingwood], and then after 16 years at St Kilda, he was appointed the Coach of Hawthorn in 1981 and went on to guide the side to premierships in 1983, 1986 and 1989.   The Hawks dominated the competition, appearing in seven successive grand finals from 1983 to 1989 – excluding 1988 when Alan Joyce took over and won the flag.

I think that today has been one of the most frustrating days on the road for many months. Although I did leave a little later than usual,  a normal 50 minute trip took almost an hour and three-quarters. And after all the frustration of that, I was not impressed by a ‘tailgater’ who seemed to expect me to drive my car  at high speed [as she was attempting] over a series of road humps in residential suburban Clifton Hill.  She was forced to adjust to my speed for that short period of time.  The road annoyance did not end there. A brief trip down to the local post office early in the afternoon also saw a two min ute return journey dragged out to over 20 minutes, due to roadworks, etc.  The return journey to Sunbury via a different route later that afternoon proved only marginally better. It was a blessed relief to get into the radio studio tonight

Our friend in Thailand, here he is, relating to me the ‘adventures’ of getting to a medical  appointment in that country. Writing on Sunday last  –   ‘Its another “5 day long weekend” in Thailand this weekend.  Its the Buddhist Lent.  Therefore ‘the wife’ has been up at 5 every morning. Expecting to “earn her merit” from the Monks (and see some “Good Luck”). Here in Korat its the annual Candle procession.
We have been going to Pak Chong – about 100 kms away. A doctor their believes he can ease the pains in her ankles\  Of course everybody knows – I’ve suffered from a “Pain in the Neck” for years.We travel in a mini-bus. A thrill-seekers ride. Which the drivers seem to all want to make the trip in under the hour.   Which includes a fuel stop.With the long weekend the 3 lane-divided highway was bumper to bumper on Friday morning at 7.30 a.m.  The trip back – at 2 p.m. in a “regular bus” took over two and a half hours. 
[Meanwhile], the Thai election is still full of surprises. The Electoral Commission has not “granted” approval of all the “successful candidates” – as yet. The Prime minister elect – 
Thaksin’s sister Yinluck, is one IN QUESTION.  There is a claim against her that she has been assisted in her campaign  by a convicted criminal – her brother Thaksin. T.I.T. A previous charge that – as she posed for a photo with a  noodle vendor and therefore  was paid for the photo with the vendor… Has been thrown-out. This Is Thailand and the stupidity still continues’.

Never one to pull back on his opinions, is our friend, I wonder how many people in Thailand would be prepared or able to speak out in that manner about their political leaders? In the meantime,  in a response, I made reference to this morning’s traffic chaos in Melbourne. I can hear him snorting in ridicule at my traffic confession –  the response back said simply  –  ‘Please do not try to believe that any traffic in Melbourne could compare with the troubles on the roads in Thailand.  Its a danger to travel in a bus. I have one friend who refuses a seat behind the driver of the bus. Will only sit on the near-side of the bus. On our recent trip to Bangkok we saw two buses rolled over on their side in the  highway ditch. At different points of the 260 km trip. This weekend the highway was full of accidents along the way. As I said bumper to bumper in the 3 lanes of the divided highway. With some drivers still wanting to weave their way through the traffic flow’.

Last night and this evening saw your personal essayist on the radio for over 5 hours – my new late Monday night program in particular continues to give me at least, lots of pleasure, and hopefully some late night radio listeners in these times of multi channelled television, and computer related facilities and entertainment. Yes, us radio people are up against it, in trying to draw an audience from the range of alternatives, even within our own industry. As I’ve  probably mentioned previously, one thing I do concentrate on for a Monday night is to play the music of Australian artists, in particular, new releases, new singers & musicians, and so on. These are artists who don’t get promoted on commercial radio, and apart from performances at gigs, pubs, etc, without the promotion by community stations such as ours,  would get little in the way of air play. Much of my music I select from the industry itself [through an organisation called AMRAP] – a program particularly dedicated to distributing this kind of music to community radio.  In their end of financial year report, AMRAP has just advised, that this CD mailout service, which was revitalised with Federal Government funding in 2008, distributed during the 2010-2011 financial year to over 300 community radio stations or their representatives some 19,667 CDs [of which I have about 15 so far] from 397 Australian music CD releases.  AMRAP packaged and posted these CDs direct to stations or other recipients, and tracked the results on behalf of the musicians, who pay a nominal fee per CD for the service.

While over in the UK at present, the media, the police and even some politicians are getting involved in the ‘phone tapping’ scandals, here in Australia, our Prime Minister’s standing in the Polls and her Labor Party have apparently reached record lows. Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Michelle Grattan, political columnist says:

“In results that will send waves of fear through the government, approval for Ms Gillard’s performance has tumbled another 3 points to 34 per cent, while her disapproval rating has jumped 3 to 62 per cent. The carbon plan has been given an unequivocal thumbs down, with 56 per cent of respondents opposed to a carbon price, 52 per cent rejecting the government’s carbon price and compensation package, and 53 per cent believing it will leave them worse off. More than half (56 per cent) say Ms Gillard has no mandate for her plan, and the same proportion want an early poll before the plan is introduced. Nearly half (47 per cent) think Bob Brown and the Greens are mainly responsible for the government’s package. More than half (52 per cent) say an Abbott government should repeal the package while 43 per cent believe it should be left in place under a new government. Ms Gillard yesterday denied she had been ringing around to gauge backbench support for her failing leadership. The Coalition’s primary vote is up 2 points to 51 per cent, while the Greens’ is down 1 point to 11 per cent. Approval of Mr Abbott has risen a point to 47 per cent. His disapproval is down 2 points to 48 per cent … Ms Gillard’s approval rating is her worst so far and the lowest for a PM since Paul Keating’s 34 per cent in March 1995” .

Amazingly, the Opposition leader, Tony Abbott is the preferred prime minister on poll figures, and if an election were to be held this weekend, the Labor Government would be thrown out!!! However that will not happen, and with an election more than 18 months away, the current political situation will no doubt be much changed by then!! Will be interesting to see if the same two leaders are still in those roles, when that time comes.

This morning, I woke in time to see the second half, extra time & penalties, of the Women’s World Football Cup Final between Japan and the USA.  I must admit I was barracking for Japan – I think the USA have won the Title 3 times, this was Japan’s first appearance in the Final, and they had to come from behind on two occasions – near the end of fulltime, and then again, just on the end of extra time, to force as penalty shoot out between the two teams. It almost looked as though the Americans cracked under pressure by the time the match got to that point.   Japan went on to win the Final on that penalty shoot-out, after been 2-2 at the conclusion of extra time. They therefore became the first Asian football [soccer] team to win the FIFA World Cup. As one journalist reported soon afterwards:-

“Amid the sorrow that lingers throughout Japan, perhaps a little joy—courtesy of the determined women on its World Cup team. They beat the Americans for the title in a riveting final Sunday night, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. The star of the shootout was feisty goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori, who made two brilliant saves in the shootout. All tournament long the teammates poignantly reminded the world they were playing for their battered country, still reeling from the devastation of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Did they ever.  They held the gleaming trophy high above their smiling faces as confetti swirled around the podium, flecking their hair with gold. “Before we went to the match tonight we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan,” coach Norio Sasaki said. “We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support that has been given.” This was Japan’s first appearance in the final of a major tournament, and they had not beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. But the Nadeshiko pushed ahead, playing inspired soccer and hoping their success could provide even a small emotional lift to their nation, where nearly 23,000 people died or were reported missing. After each game, the team unfurled a banner saying, “To our Friends Around the World—Thank You for Your Support.” On Sunday, they did it before the match and afterward they had a new sign to display: Champion—the first Asian country to win this title. [Meanwhile] The Americans found it all too hard to grasp. They believed they were meant to be World Cup champions after their rocky year—needing a playoff to qualify, a loss in group play to Sweden, the epic comeback against Brazil. They simply couldn’t pull off one last thriller”.[Nancy Amour, AP National Reporter]

This evening, I was at a medical clinic in Sunbury awaiting an appointment. In the waiting area, apart from the usual television set blaring away, there was a magnificent large scale photograph on the wall –  the photo, hopefully appearing below, was of the Australian  World War One 11^th Battalion [3^rd Infantry Brigade] posing on the Great Pyramid of Giza, on the 10 January 1915. This Battalion did much of their war training in Egypt, and were amongst the first to land at Anzac Cove on April 25^th, 1915. In the five days following the landing, over one third [one estimate I read put it at 80%] of  those from the battalion pictured, were casualties.  Apparently, it is said, the original photo was intended to be just of the officers, who are seated or squatting along the bottom of the picture. But Australians being Australians, the rest of the Battalion joined in, and this photo was the outcome. A couple of particular points about the photo –  in the front row of soldiers standing behind the seated officers,  slightly to the right of centre, there are four men standing with their entwined – a father and his three sons, who would all die during that first landing attempt at Gallipoli. There is also another figure [somewhere in the picture] – one of the Battalion soldiers had died a day or so before the photo was taken, but his mates wanted to include their ‘dead’ fellow soldier in the photo  – I couldn’t find him, and was told that unless he was specifically pointed out by someone who knew of his whereabouts, you would be able to distinguish him from the others.

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 Anyway, as I stood there examining this huge framed photograph, I couldn’t help thinking what a wonderful acquisition, this piece of Australian history, it would be to have a copy. That would be especially the case, if for eg, you were aware that your ancestor was in that Battalion at the time, and is most likely, somewhere in that picture.  Today, I would imagine that possession of a copy is probably possible – the image is of Australian origin, but is now in the public domain because it’s term of copyright has expired.  The 11^th Battalion was one of the first infantry units raised for the 1^st AIF [Australian Infantry Forces] during the First World War, and was the first such unit recruited in Western Australia. After some brief training in Perth, it sailed to Egypt, where it undertook four months of intense training before taking part in the landing at Anzac Cove.

I must say that I really did not want to get out of bed at 5.30 am this morning, and travel up to the radio station, and I suppose if I was like some of our other presenters, I would have simply stayed put – but, that’s not the way it works with me, and while for the first hour on air, I felt [though hopefully didn’t sound it] very weary, and not as healthy as I would have preferred. But as usual, pleased I was on duty, particularly when the couple who normally follow me on a Sunday, rang in with apologies – not up to doing their program today! That one, we can be sure, was a genuine absenteeism! They are not a young couple, and I often wonder of a Sunday, just how one or other of them, has even managed to get away from their home, let alone cope with the 30 minute drive from Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Incidentally, my feature piece of music this morning was Beethoven’s 6^th Symphony [the ‘Pastoral Symphony’ as I think he titled it himself.  I have been gradually moving through the nine symphonies that Beethoven wrote, over the past few months, usually leaving a gap of 6-8 weeks between each one. This one was composed  with Beethoven’s more famous—and more fiery, and probably best known—Fifth Symphony.  Usually, a performance of the 6^th takes about 40 minutes [which was pretty accurate, with the CD version I had this morning], but apparently the last three movements are played without a pause. I’d not realised that at the time, although the pauses which I ‘allow’ between movements when playing on air, are almost always of much shorter duration, than you hear in a live concert performance. It often amazes me at just how long those breaks are with some orchestras, shouldn’t be necessary or required in my view. I any case, Symphony No. 6 is longer than most of them, and is in fact made up of five separate movements, and was completed by the composer in 1808.  It has a great deal of reference to nature and associated themes, and Beethoven actually attached, unusually, sub-titles to each of the five movements..  He was a lover of nature who spent a great deal of his time on walks in the country, and apparently  frequently left Vienna to work in rural locales. He is quoted as saying that the Sixth Symphony is “more the expression of feeling than painting” and the same point is made in the title he attached to the first movement. With that, and the other titles which I’ve listed below, were, again in the words of the composer himself   “It is left to the listener to find out the situations … Anyone that has formed any idea of rural life does not need titles to imagine the composer’s intentions.”

The five subtitles which Beethoven attribution to his composition were:

• Movement1: Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the country [allegro ma non troppo];
• Movement 2: Scene at the brook [andante molto mosso];
• Movement 3: Happy gathering of country folk [allegro];
• Movement 4: Thunderstorm, Storm [allegro]; and
• Movement 5: Shepherd’s song; cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm [allegretto]

Portrait of Beethoven in 1804, by which point he had been working on the 6th Symphony for two years.

Meanwhile, the weather deteriorated considerably, so that by mid afternoon, the temperature outside felt as though it had dropped since this morning.  Once I returned from the radio mid-morning, home was where I remained – an afternoon spent working on music programs for next week, and through the evening back onto the family history projects!!

Something had made me think that Susie had a brief semester break from the university, and so would be down here for a few days.  Not the case however, and she left for Bendigo at 9.45 pm –  I was not happy again, at her leaving so late, but she is simply not interested in what I think – just me fussing again!! So there is little I can say.  Just hope and  pray that all goes okay, nothing I can do to change the next couple of hours. Sent a message to Jodie, to let her know that Susie had just left  – Jodie’s response  –   “Probably better than if she drove in the morning, doubt she’s awake before 11 often enough to concentrate better than at night. She’ll be fine. J x” Of course, it was not really Susie’s driving I was worrying about, but more the aspect of the possibility [faint as it was] of some kind of breakdown out on the highway late on a Sunday night, a mobile phone out of action, etc, etc. The kind of potentials I have in mind when I drive myself, but which the mere mention of to my daughter, gets her ire up!!!  Oh well, at least she messaged me as soon as she arrived in Bendigo tonight.

A usual, a selection of late night international sporting events on tonight, our time –  would have liked to have been in the position to forego sleep, and do some late night viewing. But then, whether I watch or not, it won’t change the outcomes, will it!!