Other Interests: pursuing your passion

Mandy Patinkin in Australia

We saw Mandy Patinkin in concert last night.

Can't believe his energy, diction and vocal range. Plus he's a good storyteller.

He uses simple props on the stage, effective lighting and just a piano accompanist to good effect.

Great entertainment !

Socceroos' 2006 World Cup is over

After Australia kept Italy scoreless for the regulation 90 minutes plus 2 minutes of injury time, Italy scored off a contentious penalty to win 1-0.

This was a campaign by an Australian team in a world sport that had the Australian public enthralled.
I think we'll do it again in 4 years! ABC News

Socceroos in top 16!

Having won against Japan and lost against Brazil, Australia needed a draw against Croatia to go through to the second round of the World Cup...and they did it!

The game against Croatia was one of the most stressful and exciting I have ever seen. Physical and intense, it was gripping until the last minute.

The Soccerwhos? No, the Socceroos! Next game, Italy.

Advertising Australia internationally

The new Tourism Australia campaign attracted attention in Australia over the response that it received (or was going to receive) in key markets such as England, USA and Japan. Would they consider the slogan "Where the bloody hell are you?" rude or, worse, meaningless?

So Presentation Zen's visual analysis of the campaign together with New Zealand's 100% Pure New Zealand (which won a Webby award) is both interesting and reassuring. Tourism Australia's "All the space you need" was nominated for a Webby.

UPDATE: How many people are there in Australia? Look at the Population clock.

Socceroos get first win!

With 3 points in its pocket for its win against Japan and 2 matches to go in its group (against Brazil and Croatia), Australia needs 1 point (for a draw) to go to the next round. Who'd have thought it possible?

Water restrictions to be upgraded

The ultimate truth: if it doesn't rain, we don't have water.

So regardless of talk about new dams, recycling, desalination and water efficiency, South East Queensland's dam levels have dropped so that water restrictions are about to be expanded.

While people bemoan the loss to their gardens, the economic effect is becoming obvious.

Former Prime Ministers and Presidents

Some former country leaders fade away and others remain part of their country's culture. In Australia Gough Whitlam and Paul Keating stand out as former Prime Ministers who continue to provoke and comment, and perhaps attempt to rewrite history.

Paul Keating's speech at the launch of The Longest Decade by George Megalogenis is a classic: self-confident , robust and articulate.

Australia is in the Soccer (football) World Cup!

With 6 days to go, Australia is guaranteed 3 matches in its group. Will it get through to the next round?
The World Game. Socceroos