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First of all, for all those thousands of people who attempted the sample questions from Australia’s Citizenship Test, here are the correct answers – you will have to refer back to yesterday’s entry to refresh your memory about the questions!

 

1a, 2a, 3c, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9c, 10a, 11a, 12b, 13c, 14b, 15c, 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b, 20b

The source was which that little exercise came, was the National Seniors organisation, and they had a couple of other items, which in view of my pending retirement, are of particular interest at this stage. One related to the current Government changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme [PBS], where it has been decided to defer the listing of new medicines on the PBS. Not sure what the basis of that decision is [other than a cost cutting exercise] because their inclusion has being recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.  National Seniors is concerned about the potential negative affect of this on older people. Their view is that   “Anecdotal evidence from our members suggest that already there are some older people, including concession card holders, who defer buying prescription medicines subsidised under the PBS because of the co-contribution they have to make. “We are concerned about the impact of the deferral decision on consumers, especially low income and disadvantaged Australians whose ability to access medicines and health care services heavily depends on Government assistance.”  I shall keep an eye on that topic, as will National Seniors who have promised to keep its members in the loop regarding any changes to the PBS issue.

The second item relates to future concerns about our ageing population.  The Victorian Government is holding an Inquiry into major issues facing senior Victorians including productive ageing, the workforce, services for seniors and more. The Family & Community Development Committee is calling for submissions to its current Inquiry into Opportunities for Participation of Senior Victorians.  The Inquiry will review national and international literature on preparing for an ageing society; examine the contribution of, and challenges facing, older members of Victorian community from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds; identify the role of government in supporting older Victorians as well as look at ways to promote positive ageing.  It also plans to look at the economic significance of older Victorians in the paid workforce and the voluntary sector and barriers to participation for those seniors who desire to work or contribute to the community, and how willing economic and social contributions can be fostered.
The final report will develop recommendations or strategies for whole of government and community responses to the needs of older Victorians now, and into the future, and incorporate in the recommendations the best international practice in support of ageing well. Submissions close on 2 September 2011.  An interesting exercise, and even more so, because it is happening at the same time as Australia’s national 2011 CENSUS, which I believe has just commenced, and I can expect a visit shortly.

In our last CENSUS [in 2006], that period was in between my permanent jobs, and I had the opportunity to be employed for a few weeks as a CENSUS collector. Certainly not a job I would have previously imagined undertaking, but it proved to be quite a fascinating and ‘educational’ exercise.  I was given the opportunity to do the job again this year, but the experience of 2006, where I had the time to do most of the work involved during weekdays , made me realise that 5 years  later and still involved in full time employment with various other commitments to the radio, etc, it would be taking on too much. I was also not too keen on wandering around unfamilar streets in the evening and knocking on householder’s doors after dark – I know how annoyed I usually feel at evening visits from salespeople – CENSUS collectors are often regarded as ‘government salesmen’!!!  I was reminded of the CENSUS today, when a collector called in at the office to advise that he would be delivering CENSUS forms throughout this housing estate throughout the day. An interesting exercise in itself, considering the high population of migrants and refugees living on the estate, in respect to language difficulties, etc.  Back in 2006, for the area of Sunbury that I was responsible for, communication difficulties in respect to language was generally not a problem ass most of the population were Anglo-Saxon or long term migrants, who were familiar with the process, irrespective of whether they considered the census project with much respect or not.

CENSUS night this year, will be Tuesday, 9^th August –  more accurately described as the Census of Population and Housing, it aims to accurately count the number of people in Australia that night, their key characteristics, and the dwellings in which they live. Every household and person in the country is required to answer specific questions on the paper form [distributed to each household by t5he Census collectors], or  provide their responses through  eCensus online.

It’s an event undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics every five years.  This year’s Census also marks a significant milestone – 100 years of national Census taking in Australia. The Census underpins Australia’s democracy and is crucial to communities, private institutions and all levels of government when planning infrastructure, community services and facilities where Australians live.  For example Census information helps to determine where schools, hospitals, and roads are needed. Federal funding arrangements to the states and territories, including allocation of GST revenue, are also based on Census information, together with a whole host of other factors, etc.  As indicated above, I often wonder just how seriously some people take this responsibility, and therefore what kind of inaccuracies must arise from such a massive exercise.  Certainly, as a genealogist, the Census results from the past 100-200 years where they have been undertaken, are a valuable source of family history, which of course depends on accuracy. With that point in mind, I’m not sure how that reconciles these days with the advice that comes with the CENSUS information, that all information collected through the CENSUS is strictly private and confidential.  No one outside of the ABS (including other Government agencies) will ever see your Census responses. Also, individuals or households cannot be identified in Census results or data.  I think the laws have changed a little in recent decades, and it is probably only the historical census data that is available, as far as family records, etc, are concerned.

Speaking of family records, my son, who celebrated his 30^th birthday last weekend, is having his own planned ‘celebrations’ tonight at one of the inner city hotels. I think most of the family are attending, although I think the bulk of his ‘invites’ have gone to a wide circle of friends, and I fear it is going to be a bit of a drink fest!!  I will certainly not be staying too late after as meal, etc, and intend to leave the ‘real’ celebrations to the ‘younger generation’. James’ mother and her 90 year old mother are attending – I hope they don’t stay around too long – I don’t think this venue has the reputation of being a quiet and peaceful abode, especially on a Friday night, and can be become very crowded and noisy!! We used to frequent this same hotel [living just down the road] back in the early days of marriage because the ‘kids’ started to arrive, although it has changed much since those days – now regards itself these days as an ‘Irish Pub’  although the genuineness of that has been sharply disputed by my Irish friend – who doesn’t consider such places to be ‘authentic Irish pubs’. I bow to his opinion on that!! Anyway, James’ mother and his Nan are booked into a motel around the corner from the pub, so they well be able to ‘escape’ from the pub without hazzle whenever they want. James himself has also booked into that motel, but I would advise his mother to stay well clear!!   It had been suggested that I do the same thing, however decided that would commit me to staying at the venue much later than I intended, and decided I would return home later tonight!  Will have at least one passenger – Susie, who has probably had the most strenuous week’s work in her life, the first of four weeks teaching placement at a school north of Sunbury, considers she will be too tired for a late pub night, so is strangely grateful that her Dad does not intend to stay late!!

I just hope the night passes without any incident of concern!

Meanwhile, with that function happening, this Blues’ fan is going to miss his team playing tonight, in their match against the North Melbourne Kangaroos at the Etihad Stadium!  I haven’t been for a few weeks, but would in fact have gone straight to that game from work, until I realised the ‘clash’. Oh well, perhaps for the better –  it is a huge game for Carlton with the Blues having won just one of the last eight matches against North Melbourne!!!!  However, my team will welcome experience back into the side with the return of one of my favourite players, Ryan Houlihan, who has been recalled to the team after playing the last three weeks for the Northern Bullants in the VFL.  It is a huge game for him also, his 200th AFL game,  after making his debut for Carlton back in round 11, 2000 against North Melbourne. Just a pity for him that for much of that period, he has played with a Carlton team at it’s lowest historical ebb, prior to the last couple of years. 

[Incidentally, over the last few days, the World Swimming Championships have been going on, in Shanghai, China. Although our Australian swimmers, particularly the girls, have been performing pretty well as usual,  surprisingly, last night, just three days out from the end of the competition, saw our first individual Gold Medal  – with James Magnussen winning the Men’s 100 metres.  Equally surprising, that was the first ever 100 metre World Championship Gold Medal for Australia in that event, and Magnussen is the youngest winner [19 yrs, 3 mths] since 1975.  Looking at the overall results, it seems as though China is dominating the results [home ground advantage!!] with Russia and the USA close behind!  Apparently, we have also won Gold in one of the Men’s relays – in which Magnussen also was a part. Interestingly, Australia is 5^th on the medal table – 2 Gold, 8 Silver and 2 Bronze, behind China, Russia, USA and Brazil]

The National Senior’s organisation posed an interesting concern in this week’s on-line message – Australia’s citizenship test is under fire for being too difficult for new Australian migrants, i.e., the kind of questions they are asked about Australia as part of the process of applying to be a citizen of this country.  Apparently, some

experts believe that even some of the most hardened Australians could fail the citizenship test which questions people about culture, governance and history. This week the NSW Teachers’ Federation demanded the government drop the written questions and return to a “basic spoken English test” as used in the past.  Migrants must pass at least 15 out of the 20 questions. UK migrants top the list of successes, then India, China, South Africa, Philippines, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Korea and Malaysia.  That statement did concern me a little bit, so I thought that I had better have a look at some sample questions which the article provided. Those questions are detailed below.

 

I have to admit, that in reading through the questions, there was a complex degree of vagueness about many of them, when for migrants, let alone long term citizens, confusion as to the correct answer would have to be considered understandable. I mean really, all of the answers were and should have been obvious, but I tend to agree with the ‘experts’ in their claims.  While my own attempt at the 20 questions below produced 19 correct answers – I missed out on the passport question [No. 10] which I put down to misreading the question –  it is not difficult to see that the ‘vague’ nature of some of the multiple choices would create problems for many.  Anyway, here are the questions that appeared in the National Senior’s article – obviously people in Australia would be in the better position to attempt these, but the broad concern of the writers was as to whether readers considered the test a ‘fair requirement’ for all potential new Australians, or should the test be abandoned, and the process revert back to the original form of ‘English test’ requirement that used to exist? In the associated blogs that accompanied the article, there was sadly, some pretty racist type comments included, none of which I will bother to repeat here. A broad more positive view seemed to be along the lines that to live as an effective citizen [in any other country, not just Australia], a knowledge of that country in which you want to become a citizen should be a necessity, but the ability to communicate in the language of that country should be a first priority rather than depending on interpreters, 10+-20 years later.  I do tend to support that view, while at the same time accepting that some of the questions posed below would be poorly understood by both current Australians as well as migrants. The whole thing needs to be looked at.  We are expecting new citizens to know all the answers [or 75% of them]  –  I’m trying to think of a situation whereby existing citizens are expected to answer the same questions before they progress to some stage in their lives  – all I could think of there was as part of the process of obtaining license but the nature of the questions doesn’t really fit that situation. Perhaps someone else has some suggestions  –  perhaps as part of one’s first job application, in any sphere – because if we expect new citizens to know the answers, then we should ourselves, and I suspect that there is a certain percentage of the population who would be unable to get 15 out of 20 correct!!!

Anyway, here are the sample questions – perhaps I will hold back on the answers until a later blog –give my reader some opportunity to think about the answers, if thinking time is required!!

 

Questions 1-3: Australia and It’s People.

 

1. What do we remember on Anzac Day?

a. The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey

b. The arrival of the first free settlers from Great Britain

c. The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove

 

2. What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?

a. Black, red and yellow

b. Green, white and black

c. Blue, white and green

 

3. Which official symbol of Australia identifies  Commonwealth property?

a. The national anthem

b. Australia’s national flower

c. Commonwealth Coat of Arms

 

 

Questions 4-10: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties .

 

4. Which of these statements about Australia’s system of government is correct?

a. The Queen of Australia chooses people to form

the Australian Parliament

b. The government is elected by the people

c. The Prime Minister chooses our Members of Parliament

 

5. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?

a. People can peacefully protest against government decisions

b. Men and women are treated equally in a court of law

c. Australians are free to not follow a religion

 

6. Which of these statements about government in Australia is correct?

a. The government does not allow some religions

b. Government in Australia is secular

c. Religious laws are passed by parliament

 

7. Which of these is an example of equality in Australia?

a. Everyone follows the same religion

b. Men and women have the same rights

c. Everyone belongs to the same political party

 

8. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

a. To attend local council meetings

b. To vote in elections

c. To have a current Australian passport

 

9. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

a. To do local community service

b. To carry a passport at all times

c. To serve on a jury if called to do so

 

10. Which of these statements about passports is correct?

a. Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport

b. Permanent residents can hold an Australian passport

c. Australian citizens need a passport and visa to return to Australia

 

Questions 11-20: Government and the Law in Australia

11. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct?

a. People are free and safe to vote for any candidate

b. Voting is by a show of hands

c. People must write their name on their vote

 

12. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?

a. The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum

b. The Australian Constitution came into effect

c. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed

 

13. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government  of Australia?

a. The Australian Federation

b. The Australian Commonwealth

c. The Australian Constitution

 

14. What is a referendum?

a. A vote to change the government

b. A vote to change the Australian Constitution

c. A vote to change the Prime Minister

 

15. Which arm of government has the power to interpret and apply laws?

a. Legislative

b. Executive

c. Judicial

16. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?

a. The appointment of state premiers

b. The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament

c. The appointment of the Head of State

 

17. Which of these statements about state governments is correct?

a. All states have the same constitution

b. Each state has its own constitution

c. The states have no constitution

 

18. What is the name given to the party or coalition of parties with the second largest number of members in the

      House of Representatives?

a. The Government

b. The Opposition

c. The Senate

 

19. What is the name of a proposal to make a law in parliament?

a. Royal Assent

b. Bill

c. Debate

 

20. Who maintains peace and order in Australia?

a. Public servants

b. Police

c. Lawyers

Answers in tomorrow’s blog, and I would be interested to know  how any readers went!!  J

The death occurred yesterday of Australian artist, Margaret Olley. She was found deceased in her home, in Paddington, Sydney, aged 88 years.  Unless she had moved recently, her home was a converted ‘Old Hat Factory’ She was a painter of life and poetry. As noted in today’s press, Olley staged more than 90 solo exhibitions and amassed a vast collection of prestigious awards and honorary doctorates.. She was a supporter of other artists, and one of Australia’s most generous benefactors to public galleries, and was the ‘subject’ herself, of two winning Archibald Prize portraits – William Dobell [1948], and Ben Quilty, this year.

A couple of years ago, whilst I was up in Sydney, I purchased a book called ‘The Artist’s Lunch’, which featured a number of Australian artists discussing the influence of food  on their work. Margaret Olley was one of those artists She loved cooking, and associated with that, entertaining, but it had to be on her terms. Being interviewed for that book, she said “As a young woman, I quickly discovered that it was easier to entertain people two nights running while the table was set up and the kitchen was on the go. I would often entertain twenty of thirty people over the course of two days. Then I could shut down the kitchen and go on with my painting”.  In another section, she said: “There has been many an evening when people have refused to leave. After I’ve finished making noise in the kitchen, I slowly have to turn out all of the lights, one at a time, until finally somebody says ‘Are you trying to give us a hint, Oll?’  Mind you, when everybody goes, I always like one person to stay on for a while and chat for a bit. Like a Spanish guitarist I once saw in concert, who gave encore after encore as a way of winding down”.

That was Margaret Olley – described as a ‘gifted, spirited, generous woman –  who, as an indication of what she liked to paint, once said ‘There’s nothing like painting what you’re familiar with. You can do all sorts of things with the ordinary”.

 

Artist Margaret Olley, with the winner of the 2011 Archibald Prize Ben Quilty and his children Olivia (2), Joe (5). Picture: Alan Pryke Source: The Daily Telegraph

 

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.

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.