Sydney Festival Launch

As part of the kids day we visited Hyde Park and helped flesh out the Tasmanian Devil.

We watched a bit of hip hop, but I don't think the age demographic was right. It didn't have the atmosphere of a real hip hop comp.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gerroa

Lazy couple of days on the beach at Gerroa. Mini summer holiday.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

xmas in Sydney

Queuing for chocolate - the chocolate shop with a bouncer!



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cabbage

More on the new bunny from Sunshine bunnies.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

were cabbage

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cavolo Nero

Have managed to waste many hours bunny shopping, finding bunny, researching all the work having a bunny involes and buying bunny paraphenalia.

Oh yes, and silly me thought a mini lop meant that the bunny wouldn't grow too big. Obviously my understanding of mini and the rabbit world definition is different!

How much bugging can a small child do? Finally gave in to a pet, hope I don't regret the hours of work I am going to put into this!

Bunny not yet arrived, awaiting hutch.

Not to mention Arran being on a good behaviour bond for the next 2 weeks.

Oh yes, bunnies name is Cavolo Nero, cabbage for short.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to normal

Thankfully, household back to normal, with chicken pox over, and now just a little bit of green throat.

Had a busy week weeing Phil Slater quartet, Way out West and Booka Shade. Had planned to go to Jazz in the Gardens at Vaucluse House, but I think it is a tad too wet.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Latest get up campaign

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't like to find myself innocent without recourse to a fair legal process.

Anti-Terrible Laws

History will remember the Bush-Howard era of national security as one marked by draconian anti-terrorism laws that did little to protect us but created a climate of fear. With the end of that era, we now have a chance to write a new chapter of history.

An independent review and watchdog can weed out the most abhorrent features of the system while ensuring a more robust and accountable system that keeps us safe.

Have your say on how you want the new era to look by signing this petition.9,989 have joined this campaign - help us get to 15,000.

Visit https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/campaign.php?alias=WereAfraidNot&id=435

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chicken pox

It is so hard to remember whether or not I had chicken pox, so the pyscho symatic effect comes into play.

Arran with spots, me with paranoia.

On the positive side, some of those treatments they have now are really good at controlling itching and Arran is now back at school.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Barack wins!

How exciting, its just been called, a new President for the future.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wangaratta, Beechworth, Glenrowan

What a tragic little town is Glenrowan, where everything revolves around Ned Kelly in a slightly dusty, run down, Japanese tour bus kind of way.

In comparison Beechworth has lots of charming sandstone buildings, wide streets, a little city slicker in the country, but nice.

At the Farmhouse we stayed at in Oxley, my daughter walking in barefeet was asked by her Dad to be careful of snakes, she responded "but this is private property!"

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Australian Idol

Here's us at a found of Australian Idol, all the thrill of being on a TV set! not

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tasmanian Devil launch

Check out the Tasmanian Devil appeal.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Arran as a drag

This is what too much make up can do for you.

Joanne

viva la gong

A fun festival in Wollongong.

We saw Ihos, Pray Bells, which was part of the Sound Travellers program. Arran was on her best behaviour, I got her to go to sleep.

Then it was the fun of the circus with a cabaret in the big tent with Circus Monoxide, Elana Kats Chernin and others. Packed out and really good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

red centre

Decided to take a visit to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Went on a day bus trip from Alice, rather gruelling, leaving at 6.00 and back after midnight.

Pretty gruelling but worth it. Uluru, rock is the same, but the level of tourist services is much slicker now.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alice Springs

Just been to Alice Springs for a regional conference Art at the Heart. This is an image from the opening ceremony.

Interesting how you can be at the centre of Australia, where english is not necessarily the common language.

Lots of indigenous culture in Alice, it seems that there is no other kind there?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Seaside

So nice to get away to the South Coast for a few days and visit my good friend Perrie.

Arran and I headed off, chilled out, wandered off to the beach, watched videos and generally had a good time.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Training band

Well, a week of action, from mini fete to training band's first public performance at the Inner West Festival.

The love of parents as they listen to the farting noises of the school band. Actually they didn't sound too bad, only a few little squeaks.




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pinata and Fathers Day

We went shopping for Fathers Day on Saturday, ending up with many goodies that my 8 year old found as special for Dad. So we bought a rocking horse pinata, but I knew from before the purchase that it was going to be hard to do the actual bashing dead. So we have a pinata, saved from desk.

Plus we have a "para-olympic" pig and a cow. Cannot be returned to the shop because they are mute, as they are now in a new loving home.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Highland flings

Arran bonding with her Uncle Tam, who returned from the UK this week. They certainly seemed to hit it off.

Today we headed out to the Highland Fling at Elizabeth Bay House.

On the way we had lunch at a newish Cafe, on 368 Crown Street, Coffee Cup on Crown, totally delicious food. In fact it was sooo good we took home a piece of the apple crumble for later.

The Highland fling was full of things Scottish, though I don't think the skittles were supposed to be used like a baseball bat.

Joanne Kee

Billycarts and bears

Billy cart - this is the creation created by Sandy and decorated by Arran and Roshan for the races at Forest Lodge Primary school.

I did have flashing disco lights as a go faster look - but they weren't allowed to turn these on during the races as nothing except grunt power was allowed. Much to my dismay the flashing lights have now disappeared with my rechargable batteries as my daughter gave them away.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

A few rocky moments

Arran playing the saxaphone - not that well!


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Another performance

Three performances left to go for the factory series.

Alcohotlicks and Alister Spence Trio was a good night.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Places + spaces presents Alister Spence Trio + the Alcohotlicks

Alister Spence Trio.

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … alwaysguaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The Alcohotlicks

Arne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)aaron flower-guitarben hauptmann-guitarevan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music.

Other featured artists include:
ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’
Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’
Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

places and spaces presents music @ the factory series.
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Din Tai Fung

My friend Diane had raved about the dumplings and we decided to give it a go and I have to say we are now hooked.

The experience is fun, as there is a process to how you eat these dumplings, the fragance, the broth inside them etc. Plus of course there is the production line process outside so you can see how they are assembled.

Probably just as well to have some entertainment as there is a pretty good chance you will have to queue.

The dessert is I have to say one of the best I have had in an Asian restaurant, mango, icecream and shaved ice, refreshing and delicate.

We'll be back!

Arran ready to dig into her dessert.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to School

After a weekend break in Terrigal it was back to school this week.

Have to admit, Terrigal holiday was really refreshing. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza, pool downstairs, beach just outside, enough attractions to be interesting, room comfortable. Definitely would like to go back there.


Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Tashi - afternoon tea

Occassionally the Four Seasons Hotel has afternoon tea and book readings for children. This Saturday it was Tashi with Anna Fienberg, promoting Tashi and the Phoenix.

It is incredible the patience of the children as they queued up afterwards for a book signing. It took us an hour and a half to get our book signed. However saying this, Anna was really good with the kids and took time to chat with everyone. My daugher really enjoyed the outing.

As for the afternoon tea concept, great but it felt totally random. The hotel has a side room set up with a kid's afternoon tea, cute little jelly cups, swan cakes, fairybread, sausage rolls etc.

However, if you arrived just a little before the advertised start time of 2pm, it was extremely chaotic, the tables were practically all taken and I had to work really hard to get two seats together at a table. It wasn't particularly clear that this ws the children's afternoon tea and that there were cushions on the floor for the kids to listen to the book reading, with the adults having tea outside.

I have to wonder if the Four Seasons staff have any real understanding of children as there definitely didn't seem to be enough table seating for everyone in the room, or maybe parents weren't supposed to sit down. This probably being a little unrealistic for some of the younger children. You can't imagine a parent wanting to wander off to another part of the hotel for afternoon tea to leave behind a five year old!

As for the adult's afternoon tea, not sure why this just didn't happen with clockwork precision, as they had catering numbers beforehand and it was after all a set meal. Whilst a very pleasant concept there was a bit of waiting around and I know that the tea couldn't have been prepared fresh (hence the waiting time) as the bread on two of my sandwiches was hard. However on the bright side I did get to read the Saturday papers and the staff were very friendly.

Would I do it again, perhaps, now that I know the procedure.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Time flies

Can't believe how long it has taken us to visit Ross and Selina. Time flies by when children are involved.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Thank God its Friday and I don't feel compelled to hand out in a bar!

OK so its a new, upmarket'ish piano bar, aptly named the piano bar. Under the Coca Cola sign at the cross.

Packed to the rafters with wannabees and after work continuations, it wasn't really very glamorous inside at all.

I thought to myself, did I really used to do this every weekend plus? So glad I don't feel any compunction to head out into the bar/singles/clubbing scene, just for a drink.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Singing

Hi a great creative mind in action!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Highlight of the week - Orangutans

This week I was lucky enough to have a behind the scenes tour with Orangutans, what fabulous creatures.

I did get in trouble for playing with one of them with a blade of ginger, but they are so approachable. It hardly seems as though they could do damage, but I guess it is more a case of not necessarily knowing their own strength.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Rollercoaster week

Rather a week of ups and downs.

With miserable weather the places + spaces gig was tricky, as we rely on walk ups. However considering the weather and the fact that I personally wouldn't have gone out in that weather, it was OK.

The best thing was being able to hear Adrian and Band of 5 Names live.

Worst things was the piano sponsor being upset with the usage of the piano.

Plus other bad things were being told my contract is ending for one of my jobs. Panic for 1/2 an hour, but now I am thinking this is a good thing as I'll have time to think about what next.

Also on the plus side, lots of work offers.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Men of Steel

Took the drive out to Casula Powerhouse to see Men of Steel. What a fun show. My 8 year old gave it a 10 out of 10.

However, I am very grateful that we were in the third row!

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Quite an inspiring week

This week was a small business week and it was good to go along to the seminars.

It is refreshing and stimulating to hear new ideas, ways of thinking and working.

One of the tricky things with working on your own is having access to new ideas.

So thanks to the people who put on small business week!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Art Gallery NSW

Wednesday night at the Art Gallery is so busy these days.

This is Matt Keegan and Stu Hunter playing in the cafe.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Places + spaces presents James Muller trio

This is one from my concert series places + spaces. We did this performance at the Metro on George Street.

The room looked really good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Real or fake

Can you spot the real koala?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Western Plains Zoo

Western Plains Zoo is a great place to visit. We stayed overnight at the Zoofari.

I don't think there are too many other places you can go and feed a rhino, the giraffes etc


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Being an older Mum makes you live longer!

Its official being an older Mum makes you live longer!

"Coupled with recent research that suggests having children later could be key to improved longevity, it looks like this trend is here to stay. The New England Centenarian Study found that women who gave birth after 40 were four times more likely to live to be 100 or more than women in the general population."

Info at: http://lifesignsnetwork.net/newsview.aspx?id=395

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

What is music

So I had a headache, but I figured I still wanted to check out What is Music. Which for those of you who are into sound/pushing the boundaries kind of music is a very brave move.

Surpisingly I managed to last well into the second set, but sadly the music didn't help my headache go away and sadly I had to pike out on what looked like some really interesting stuff.

Definitely worth a look, a real mixed bag and I managed to ignore the headache for quite a lot of the performances.

http://www.whatismusic.com/HOME.html

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pop stars

I actually enjoyed this more than I thought. Good show.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter show

This was pretty gruesome at the Easter show. The kind of thing that makes your toes curl!



Joanne Kee www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gorillas and the charm of babies

This is the latest addition to the Gorilla family at Taronga Zoo.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adelaide Festival

It was seriously hot, the kind of weather where you really don't want to go outside.


Added to that it didn't really cool down in the evening, but it was certainly worth a look at the buildings on display. It seemed it was a very popular thing to do.



It was very majestic with the whole row of buildings being lit up. the most effective display I have seen of this kind of lighting.

The North Terrace lent itself to this kind of visual display.


A sound track or some live music and more ice cream for sale would make good additions for the future.


Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Build a bear

This time it was the birthday party at Build a bear. It was short, but sweet, everyone took home a furry animal. We had pizza, cake and it was all good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Lunar Park

Well I didn't fancy going on the rides, so I invited along a few friends for my daughter and away we went to Lunar Park.

I have to admit that watching some of the rides made me feel quite ill.

Arran, whilst a thrill seeker was terrified by the flying saucer and when I saw her on the next ride going upside down my heart sank!

This is one of the tamer rides.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Adelaide

Down in Adelaide this week for the Performing Arts Market, a gathering of arts people from around the country and some from around the world.

Highlight for me was seeing Tom Tom club at the fringe. A hip hop version fo Stomp, much rawer around the edges, but great fun.

This was something totally different, a tiny little house, with a man inside.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

A piano, music and a gallery

A really beautiful setting for a piano performance at the Damien Minton gallery. A gorgeous Stuart piano and and of course great music by Chris Abrahams.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Year of the Rat and Year of the Frog

This Chinese New Year is the year of the Rat, which is my year. So bring on the good fortune please.

Its also year of the Frog around the world, looking at saving many of the species which are becoming extinct. This is rather troubling as frogs are indicators of what is going on in the environment and in some places it is not looking good.

Its really interesting working at the Zoo and finding out about the environment. Very curious ways of collecting research material for whales and other large animals.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Back to School

So it was back to school this week and I wondered if it was as traumatic for me when I was young, or are there more pressures on young kids today.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I have an extra sensitive daughter. I think being really sensitive is overrated. It just gives you the capacity to be slighted or hurt about things that other people move on about in 5 minutes.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bears or bulls

Well after this week's recent erratic movements in the stock exchange it is obvious that no-one knows what is going to happen.

So why do we hang off every word from these financial journalists?

It appears that anyone can make an educated guess, what a wonderful profession to be able to make tips, but not to really have to back them up. Signs say this, reality say this, but of course we don't know for certain because of human emotions. Aaahh yes, the similiarity to horseracing and other forms of gambling is very real.

What I do know, is that even with billions of losses, the world is such a different place then when it was in the great depression. We have many more billionaires, who if they chose could probably prop up just about any economy in the world, without Government assistance.

How far will Government's let economies slide? That is another question. As we move towards an American election, recession/depression would be a definite vote loser.

There is also the emotive side of the equation, when people panic, even though the recommendations all stay stick in for the long haul, it is interesting to watch the capitulation.

For the record, I have shares and a margin call, so I would love to have a crystal ball as well.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au

Holidays

I had forgotten how nice it is not to do anything and how blissful to sleep in!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Listening to the radio

Very funny feeling listening to the radio and hearing your friends being interviewed. Hearing stories about people you know.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney Festival Launch

Well my phone self destructed just before Christmas. 14 months into a 24 month contract, with guarantee on phone finished, an excess charge from the insurance company and the likelihood that they wouldn't pay out, just remember that a phone that stops working is not usually going to be covered by insurance. It is much better to drop it, loose it or maybe even drown it.

So now I have my new object of desire, the phone I really wanted and I am just testing out the video quality. So here is a video from the Children's part of the Sydney Festival launch yesterday.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas

The indulgent parent strikes again.

Thinking this may well be the last time Arran believes in Santa Claus, note left out to Santa, and the doubt creeping in as to whether it really is Mum or Dad. With lots of "Is it really you Mum?" being asked.

Anyway, presents were in abundance.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Christmas carols

Well this year we have been very Chistmassey, with the tree and some carols on the CD player. Shocking what they sell you from those cheap compilation disks. But Arran is happy with them.

We also went a little upmarket with the Opera Australia Christmas carols. A little highbrow, but we did recognise most of the tunes!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Next stop school assembly

Yet another milestone, the final school assembly of the year.

Plus an award for outstanding reading and writing.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Swim school

After what seems like an interminable amount of swimming lessons, we were back at Cook and Phillip for a test to restart classes. Swim school with the public school system definitely seems to have given Arran a lot more confidence in the water and she charged away.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas train

My little girl is still clinging on to her belief in Santa Claus and I say good for her.

I reckon this is her last year at the Myer's Christmas display, can you pick the child who is not really fitting in the train anymore.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Goodbye Johnnie

Yes, what a fantastic night.

The end, finally. Now here is a You tube clip that my friend Adrian put together.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

King Farook - Glebe Fair

Well, it seems true to tradition, it was hot on the Glebe Fair Day. We braved the heat and sunstroke to see King Farook.

Such a great band to see live, lots of energy, good sound.

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sculpture by the Sea

Great way to spend a day out.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Where does all this data go?

With so many blogs, websites, myspace, Facebooks, wikipedias etc etc, where is all this information going? where is it all being stored? Who is ever going to read it all?

Is the history of humanity floating around in space? What about all those images? Will it stay there until the end of humanity as we know it?

Who is going to be the ultimate archiver?

The world is speeding up, but the content isn't slowing down. Who is there to read it?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music @ the Factory

Pilot of new music series

Well it was really stressful putting on a new jazz series of mainly local Sydney talent, on a week when all the heavy hitters of the International jazz world were on their way to Wangaratta, and doing extra gigs in Sydney on their way through.

However, all considered we did OK and actually managed to attract a larger audience then most nights at JG and of course more than SIMA which has a limited capacity. Not bad for a new venture, in a location that people aren't used to. So I am optimistic about the future.

Image is of the Pascal Schumacher quartet, a band with musicians from Brussels, Germany and of course Luxembourg. They were fabulous, if you get a chance to see them, don't miss them.

Mothership sounded good, they all fit on this stage.





Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Another hectic week

Rushing around from Cat Empire all ages, down to melbourne for some "culture" and lots of sitting down concerts, then onto my first meeting for Sound Travellers and a kiddies swim party today.

I was hoping for a slow down after next week and keep on dreaming of holidays

It was fun seeing cabaret artist Meow Meow.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Silver shovels

Well, it was a work party in October? The Silver Shovel awards. I have to admit that I haven't seen alcohol that free flowing at a work function for quite some time. The house band was singing that night, and Fran whose team I work with is featuring in this track.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Babylove, Buzz and catapults

Rabbit is based on the Alice story, re-interpreted into a playful dance/movement piece by Buzz Theatre from WA.

Very cute puppets, bunnies have lots of "aaah" value. Some great movement and use of props. Moves at a good pace, so entertaining for the whole family.

Currently performing at the Opera House. Image courtesy of Buzz website.

The other great way to spend some time was a visit to Carriageworks where I saw Babylove.

Actually an art installation, but with enough excitement to make it a viable ride.

These battery powered babies are fun.

We also saw Stalker playing around with their Catapults. Have a look at the video, it was fascinating watching David and Max, float and hover through the air. Sadly we didn't manage to catch the Erth "petting zoo", but hopefully there will be another chance during another holiday.



Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Australian Citizenship test

The current Australian Government thinks we should have a citizen test, this one is a bit of a laugh and to top it off you can listen to "True Blue" while you are doing it.


2007 Australian Citizenship test

1. Do you understand the meaning, but are unable to explain the origin of, the term "died in the arse"?

2. What is a 'bloody little beauty'?

3. Are these terms related: chuck a sickie; chuck a spaz; chuck a U-ey?

4. Explain the following passage:
"In the arvo last Chrissy the relos rocked up for a barbie, some bevvies and a few snags. After a bit of a Bex and a lie down we opened the pressies, scoffed all the chockies, bickies and lollies. Then we drained a few tinnies and Mum did her block after Dad and Steve had a barney and a bit of biffo."

5. Macca, Chooka and Wanger are driving to Surfers in their Torana. If they are travelling at 100 km/h while listening to Barnsey, Farnsey and Acca Dacca, how many slabs will each person on average consume between flashing a brown eye and having a slash?

6. Complete the following sentences:
a) "If the van's rockin' don't bother...." ?
b) You're going home in the back of a..... ?
c) Fair crack of the.... ?

7. I've had a gutful and I can't be fagged. Discuss

8. Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a wedgie?

9. Do you have a friend or relative who has a car in their front yard "up on blocks"? Is his name Bruce and does he have a wife called Cheryl?

10. Does your family regularly eat a dish involving mincemeat, cabbage, curry powder and a packet of chicken noodle soup called either chow mein, chop suey or kai see ming?

11. What are the ingredients in a rissole?

12. Demonstrate the correct procedure for eating a Tim Tam.

13. Do you have an Aunty Irene who smokes 30 cigarettes a day and sounds like a bloke?

14. In any two-hour period have you ever eaten three-bean salad, a chop and two serves of pav washed down with someone else's beer that has been flogged from a bath full of ice?

15. When you go to a bring- your-own-meat barbie can you eat other people's meat or are you only allowed to eat your own?

16. What purple root vegetable beginning with the letter "b" is required by law to be included in a hamburger with the lot?

17. Do you own or have you ever owned a lawn mower, a pair of thongs, an Esky or Ugg boots?

18. Is it possible to "prang a car" while doing "circle work"?

19. Who would you like to crack on to?

20. Who is the most Australian: Kevin "Bloody" Wilson, John "True Blue" Williamson, Kylie Minogue or Warnie?

21. Is there someone you are only mates with because they own a trailer or have a pool?

22. What does 'sinkin piss at a mates joint and getten para' mean?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Brisbane and Barbie

Hi two really unrelated events, just spent a few days in Brisbane, hot days I might add. The kind when you don't really want to walk the streets.

That must pose a serious issue for the water shortage, which is dire up their, as one feels the need for more showers, as being sweaty is not really an attractive choice.

Back to Sydney for Barbie at Taronga Park Zoo. They have really hit on a formula, with the newest offering being the Island Princess, complete with cute animals that translate well to product.

We also saw some of the real animals.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

School artshow, Electrofringe and more

So I won one of the silent auction prizes at my daugher's fundraiser. This year it was an art auction. Plus my daughter had over 6 artworks on display, costing $5 each. However after buying 3, we figured that we might well see the others return home to us at some stage. Good guess. I just hope we don't have to hang all of them on our walls!

Time just slips away and with my hellish months ahead, also thinking how to proceed with Women & Wealth. We are still in the design stages, though the site is live, it is not yet "finished" and we are still refining the design. However, I am thinking it is going to look good and thank god, we are getting to the end of that stage.

Spent the Saturday of the long weekend attending Electrofringe, a sound art/electronic music Festival in Newcastle. Very fringe in nature and content, but interesting to see different worlds.

Couldn't believe the number of burnt out disused buildings in Newcastle.

Train ride there and back was good for staring out the window and being amazed with how much music I have on my MP3 and how much longer the battery works than the old days with the walkman.

Next stop is the mountains of work involved in my numerous projects, which should be keeping me very busy.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Ridiculously busy

So in the life of a Consultant I have hedged my bets and when the last tender came through I realised that September/October are/were going to be busy months.

What with launching and setting up a framework for a new touring program called Sound Travellers to fundraising at the Zoo, not to mention my own concert series Places & Spaces and the Jazz:Now Festival.

So it was a mixed week of performances at the Opera House seeing jazz, interspersed with a penguin talk at the zoo. Having the chance to have a snake fun its tongue over my hand, amazing soft, sensitive quality and surpisingly snake skin is also nearly velvety soft.

Then it was running all the way to a music assembly for the Music Council of Australia, where as a bystander it was interesting to hear what is going on in their world.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

A Busy week

Life if very busy at the moment, with lots of juggling trying to get projects moving forwards.

I am very absorbed by the Sound Travellers project which is to tour sound art/electronica, improvised jazz and contemporary classical music. There are so many possibilities, the question is how to source the money to fund it.

Then there is Places & Spaces with my Music @ the factory being launched on 1 November. It has been great because I have found all sorts of possible support from my colleagues at the Zoo!
Great how things connect.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

The Chaser

There was a great version of the Chaser at the Zoo and of course the Canadian stunt was rather a good indication of how poor the security actually was vs how much posturing the police did this weekend.

http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_mp4.xml

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Fine dining, music and fathers day

So a beautiful spring day for Father's day. Well I have to say my husband scored better than I do, he got waffles, strawberries and maple syrup, whereas I got some sad croissants I bought myself and had served without jam, just butter - not good for someone with high cholestral. Our daughter did a sterling job of chopping strawberries.

Saw my friend Joh Puglisi's first choreographic piece as part of Bodylines at NIDA. It was great to see her work, and even better that we liked it, so we could be honest when we said we liked it! That is something that always stresses me out when I see friends work.

Also saw the amazing Katie Noonan, what a voice, what a talent. If you can catch her on her current tour, make the effort. She is really special.

On the lighter side of life, this is a incredibly silly video, courtesy of surfing Youtube with my daugher!




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au

Animal Adventures

So this time I managed to have my own animal adventure with a seal at Taronga Zoo.

As part of their activities they offer an opportunity to get up close and personal with a seal and to have your photo taken.

You can also ask as many questions as you like from the trainer. A great thing to do. Definitely recommended.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Giraffes

There is something I find so appealing about giraffes.

They look like no other creature with their long necks. It is hard to imagine how they can balance, yet they have an awkward elegance.


It seems as though they are from another time and place.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

A ferry trip to the office

One of the great things about living in Sydney is the beautiful harbour.

I am working at the Zoo at the moment and it is rather a pleasant thing to be able to catch a ferry to work, take in the harbour view. When work becomes a fog, it is great to be able to walk around, look at the animals, have some fresh air.

This must be one of the best situated zoos in the world.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Flu

So, the school flu finally hit at home with Arran feeling wobbly after swimming class on Saturday. Amazing that she made it through the class.

After an early night we managed to nurse her to enough strength to do a new workshop with Australian Theatre for Young People, which she really enjoyed. However, I reckon going to the movies with her Dad later in the day ensured a day off school on the Monday.

The dilema is, is she really sick enough to have a day off, or has she worked out how to pull a fake sicky? Well we gave her the benefit of the doubt.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

a change is as good as a holiday

This week's trend spotting, is probably an old concept revamped with blankets provided at a coffee shop. Makes sense in these times of global warming.

Made very aware of this by a visit to Brisbane where dam levels are at 17% and the influx of population is around 1500 per week. Couldn't believe the banks of the river were like Singapore with the mega high rises. So what is the point of living in Brisbane if it is like any other big city? I actually thought its charm was the relaxed pace.

I spent the week at the Australian International Music Market. Great fun, lots of performances, lots of networking, meeting new people, catching up with others.

How very nice to spend time on my own, what bliss to have a large bed to myself and no one to worry about except myself.

How equally nice to come back and spend the day hanging out with my daughter, but what devastation that I bought back a skirt that was too small! Won't be doing that again.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Head Lice

Well the last day of the school holidays and horror, as my daugher off to the hair dressers for a cut was found to have head lice. This was a bit annoying as we had taken her to the chemist and the Doctor as she had been scratching her head, but she had been given the all clear. So obviously the hair dresser knows best.

Strangely no-one else in the family had the eggs, but we have now all had the treatment.

Of course, you can't go to school with head lice, so we had an extended school holiday in our house.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Animal adventures and Harry Potter

Two totally different activities.

One a day at the Zoo on the Animal Adventures program, a behind the scenes opportunity to look at what a vet does. This was obviously a fantastic day spent at Taronga Zoo by my 7 year old, judging by her enthusiasm and recounting of animal behaviour stories. Sadly I didn't get to see myself, but there were birds involved and lots to see and do.

The other extreme was Harry Potter's new movie. Seeing it at IMAX was a bit of a con, as only the last 20 minutes were in 3D. So we had to put up with the ridiculous queues, smelly venue, super large pixels and sitting too close that made stuff look out of focus.

Not an experience to be recommended. A good quality big screen would have been preferable. The film was light on character development, but a good romp through with lots of action.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gondwana

Gondwana puppet show

So there were only 12 performances for the July school holidays and guess what? they sold out. Children's theatre is alive and kicking.

This show was beautifully staged and executed, featuring Australia's amazing prehistoric creatures and land brought to life with full body puppets and large-scale inflatable plants.

The journey was a bit scarey for some of the younger children, you need darkness for puppets, which can be frightening. However it was a lovely journey seeing giant dinosaurs, insects, indigenous plants, life-size rocks and mammals.

The land masses changed shape, there was a bit of death and murder with flesh-eating dinosaurs nesting, feeding and fighting for survival.

Plus for my daughter the best part was the interactive session at the end, where Basil, featured as a performing animal. He was given eye drops, and fed leaves by various audience members. Plus we now know that his wife and kids live in New Zealand.

Performed by Erth Theatre Company, it was educational and great entertainment.

If you were one of the lucky ones to have seen the show, it was also great value.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Arran has also been off to Animal Adventures at Targona Zoo. You can spend a day with the Zoo education people and it was interesting that my daughter's takeaway was that she saw water rats behind the scenes!

The theme of the day was Australian mammals, which I am trying to figure out - are the seal's in the seal show Australian? There were also the pigs, where they went into the pen

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bollywood at the Powerhosue

School holidays and the juggle between working and taking time off for activities.

We headed off to the Powerhouse for the Bollywood activities and found that our girls were less interested than us Mum's. Hey, that's life, Nicola and I had great fun, the kids were more intersted in the dress ups and the playground outside.

First off, the Mango dance choreographer's did a great job for a "dance along" scenario. Simple moves, fun, with lots of encouragement. Were they taken aback by the popularity of the dancing by the adults!

Yes the adults crowded out the kids, my daughter tells me she was kind of embarrassed, but what the hell I had fun, and it is certainly a great work out.

There are also dress ups, a winner for all ages. Two Bollywood poster images form a backdrop which makes for some fun images showing on the wall. Definitely take your camera.

The sand/coloured powder artwork was beautiful.

Unfortunately we missed the dance performance, which is on at 12.15

However, the playground near the cafe was a winner with the kids. Cafe was good, the Powerhouse seem to have lifted its game, as it was looking very weary last time I visited.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bollywood activities - winter program at the Powerhouse Museum from2-13 July, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. www.powerhousemuseum.com

Total tip

It has been a long, slow process having our back balcony enclosed.

I cannot believe the amount of paperwork involved with Council approval needing to be obtained, it has taken the better part of 18 months and the cost with Council approvals, architect's plans, building inspections and the list goes on, is huge.

We are getting closer to completion as we had a new floor laid yesterday and the house is in absolute turmoil with boxes everywhere. As we decided to do three rooms at once.

Amazing how much junk one can accumulate in 10 years!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

How on the ball does a parent have to be?

Is it just a Sydney thing or does it happen everywhere around the world? It seems to me that the most competitive area in my life is taking care of my daughter's schedule.

It started from before she was born, with booking a midwife (in my day it was a genuine option), the birthing centre, the hospital and Doctor (backup - just in case) the pre and post natal appointments.

The hint of a child and I was onto daycare lists - searching for that elusive space. It sounds as though it is even worse now even though the Government is constantly talking about child care spaces.

Then it was schools, checking them out, going on more lists - forget the private school lists, we can't even begin to go there unless:

a)we win the lottery - highly unlikley as I don't buy tickets

b)I change professions and become an investment banker or similiar - again unlikely, it has taken me many years to reach a point of understanding that enjoying work is more important than the pay packet

c)my daugher gets a scholarship and then would that be a good or a bad thing as she would fall into the - can't afford a pair of designer jeans or a trip to Europe at the drop of a hat.

d) my husband has a dramatic work/lifestyle change that brings in big bucks.

We might hope to get into a selective public school, but what horror stories there, with one statistic quoted of over 900 applications for about 90 places.

Now that we are happily enrolled in our local public school (which also had a waiting list! for out of area students,) we then go onto the after school care list. It seems as though there has been a mini population explosion with even more kids enrolling in the years after we started. Spaces for after care are also highly sought after.

Next is holiday programs and other extra curricular activities It seems like all the popular ones are also in demand and you need to plan with military precision to get your child booked into these.

Taronga Zoo's Adventure program even congratulates you for getting into the program!

Pine Street, a city of Sydney run arts centre has a phone call or in person policy with the bookings opening on a specified day. Frequently the courses are all booked out by the end of the day, sometimes even in the morning. I am surprised there aren't scalpers, though I did hear that tickets for the children's show Velveteen Rabbit were being sold on e-bay.

Even swim school enrolment is a competitive process with spaces and timeslots being highly valued commodoties.

With being a working parent, organising holiday activities is really important.

Does anyone out there have a better way?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Image from the Yacoubian

Image from the Yacoubian from the Sydney Film Festival site


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au

Rain and protocol

Saw a Sydney Film Festival this week, I think the first one I have seen in about 7 years. Though that isn't to say that the program hadn't tempted me, I did try to book but gave up.

It was an Egyptian film and it was interesting as the film was attended by the Egyptian Consul and some other VIPS, including the writer and the translater to see the rolling hills of protocol etiquette.

Also curious how the translater had decided that she didn't want to do the Q&A session after the movie and would have run out of the cinema if left to her own devices.

The move was The Yacoubian Building by OMARET YACOUBIAN, a great film even at 172 minutes.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

So many worlds ...

From a child’s point of view Dreamworld, Seaworld and Warner Movie world are definitely destinations in themselves. Worlds within worlds where you can visit the Wild West, A Wiggles World, or Polar Bear shores. We haven’t even mentioned what could be considered as the more peripheral world’s orbiting in the trail of the big three such as Currumbin Sanctuary or Whitewater World, one of the newer additions to the Gold Coast. The list goes on, it’s fierce competition for that tourist holiday dollar.

The attraction for many is the family holiday destination, with lots of thrills and activities. Surfers Paradise definitely caters for as many different styles of people as possible from the serious “luxe” market in the refined world of the Palazzo Versace, where the swimming pool has been recreated as a small beach through to the cheap and cheerful with fast food and fast fun being on the menu – McDonalds, KFC etc abound

How to choose?

The first qualifying statement is that being transported to another world from the hours of 10-5 ain’t cheap. For a family for four you are looking at a cost of $64 for an adult and $42 for a child, adding up to $212 for a family of four for a day pass to one theme park whether it be the Warner Group or the Dreamland experience. Of course there are a range of special options ie three park pass from Warner which includes Seaworld and Wet n’ wild for $135 for an adult and $86 for a child or for Dreamworld and Whitewater World a two park pass is $99 for an adult and $66 for a child.

Whilst all the main activities are included, food and the all prevalent merchandise can put a serious dent in your hip pocked. If you can take some snacks this is recommended not just for the savings but also because the food on offer is fairly standard fair of fish and chips, burgers etc. A water bottle is a must if you are traveling in summer.

Budget tip

* If the thought of visiting so many parks is a bit daunting you can also save money by visiting the same park twice. This is something offered by all the parks once you are there. On your way out of the park you can extend your pass by an additional day for a discounted second day rate.
* Organisations such as NRMA, the Entertainment book offer discounted tickets if pre-paid and booked for all the Worlds.
* Deals also can be had through Seaworld Nara Resort which frequently offers special packages that include resort entry, usually offered outside peak season.
* There is also lots of competition in all hotel ranges so it pays to shop around for what can be included with your accommodation ie breakfasts, children’s meals..
* Some deals are also good for lone parents or carers traveling with children – it’s worth shopping around.

Which world for me?

Of course it all comes down to personal taste and age ranges. All the parks offer a few “heart stopping” signature rides from the Big 5 thrill rides at Dreamworld, The Claw, Tower of Terror, Giant Drop, Cyclone, and the Wipeout; at Warners you can find the Batwing Spaceshot and a range of roller coasters from the child friendly Road Runner Rollercoaster then getting faster and more furious with Wild West Falls, Scooby Doo or the Lethal Weapon Ride; at Seaworld you can find the Corkscrew Rollercoaster and the Pirate Ship.

Watch the video

Warner and Dreamworld would probably win the thrill ride vote particularly for teenagers plus. For myself, who is not really a fan of these kind of thrills but as an accompanying parent had to go along for the rides, Seaworld was about my speed. Of course Seaworld is better known for the sea animals from Penguins, dolphins and seals to sharks. A fantastic experience here is the Animal Adventures. A series of more up close and personal encounters with the animals.

My daughter went to the Dolphin adventures and whilst not actually swimming with the dolphins, you definitely get up close and personal. Expect to feed a dolphin, rub their tummy, give them a kiss, souvenir photo included - and you will get wet even though you wear a wetsuit.

Tip.

* These packages are really popular so it pays to do your homework and book in advance.
* The trainer led experiences as well as being a load of fun are educational.

If you want animal experiences, Dreamworld could also be the place for you. Of course there is Tiger Island – (I think this is where they send Big Brother contestants after they get voted out!). Plus there is the Australian Wildlife experience, the Sunset Safari (guided behind the scenes tours) and the Farmyard friends.

For those of you who either like to touch the animals or are traveling with children, the good thing about these experiences are that you can pat the kangaroos and if you so desire have your photo taken cuddling a koala (obviously this is also an attractive option for a lot of adults as well). For those of us who live down South where koala touching is usually a no, no this is a great experience. Same applies to the farmyard creatures that you can pet and help with their feeding.

As for what is best for the toddler plus age group, once again, all the parks cater for this group and have special dedicated activities and rides.

Continuing with Dreamworld there is the Wiggles World. One would have to say that Wiggledom is practically a rite of passage now for Australian children. So this gives you an opportunity to do the Big Red Car ride, dance with Dorothy and visit Captain Feathersword’s ship.

If you want more than all that wiggling, there is also the Nickleodeon Central rides area and the Dreamworld people have conveniently listed family rides as a category to help with your theme park visit planning. That’s a big plus for me.

Warner World has the Looney Tunes village for the younger age group. Seaworld has Cartoon Beach. There are also rides such as the Bermuda Triangle and The Flume Ride which are moderate.

Tip

* Generally there children’s rides are fairly mild, for those with children a little older who want more adventure, there are height restrictions on some of the rides, but no age restrictions. Check the websites for more details.

Time

There is such a multitude of activities within just these three flagship parks, it would be easy to do nothing except theme parks. However, its worth remembering that there is much much more on offer in the surrounding areas from mini golf to the Water theme parks to Currumbin for wildlife, themed meals such as Dracula’s or an outback adventure. Plus for those who do want to chill out, day spas also seem to have a strong presence. Suffice to say you can cram a hell of a lot of activity into one holiday.

Warners has a lot of action rides and seems to specialize in the roller coaster experience starting with the gentler Road Runner ride and working up to Lethal weapon and Scooby Doo, an indoor disco kind of roller coaster – don’t let the cute cartoon name fool you, this is a full on ride.

All of the parks have shows and other entertainment. Plus both the Warners and the Dreamworld Group have water parks. Warners have Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld have launched the newest themepark, Whitewater world. Seaworld has a smaller Waterpark inside the theme park.

It can get hot in Surfers so these are good ways to keep cool and for when the weather drops to a chilly 20 degree average in winter, Whitewater world has heated water!

For the average person each park offers a full day’s entertainment plus. In my personal opinion I think that Dreamworld has a tiny edge in respect of offering something for everyone, but those Animal adventures at Seaworld also rate very highly with me.

Accommodation options

If you are the kind of person who likes a bit of down time it is possible to book hotels with kids clubs and child minding and spas. If your hotel doesn’t have a spa, don’t fret as there are various spas in town and a couple of legitimate businesses where the masseuse visits the hotel.

Obvious choices with kids clubs are Sea World Nara Resort and the Paradise Resort. I have to admit that the Paradise Resort was looking a tad tired when I visited, though conceptually it is very children focused.

If you do a comparison of these two resorts the difference for me is that Paradise Resort feels more like an activity based resort with Karaoke, Polynesian Dance spectacular and Bingo nights. Seaworld is a touch more upmarket without the range of activities but it does have a small day spa. When I was there I overheard a long and heated complaint about some of the rooms at Nara, so I suspect that some rooms are better than others. Definitely don’t go expecting the same kind of finishing touches as you would find at the Palazzo Versace or the Sheraton.

It is worth checking out websites such as Trip Advisor for independent opinions from fellow holiday makers. To compare the hotel glitz against real life experiences.

If you only have a few days my recommendation is not to cram too much into the time as the world’s can be exhausting. Hanging out at the resort pool can be nearly as much fun as the high voltage excitement of a theme park.


Just as an aside there were no freebies involved in any of this research, but there was definitely a very satisfied 7 year old.

http://www.dreamworld.com.au/

http://www.seaworld.com.au/

http://www.movieworld.com.au/

http://www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au/

http://www.whitewaterworld.com.au/

http://www.wetnwild.com.au/

Accommodation

http://www.seaworldresort.com.au/

http://www.paradiseresort.com.au/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

Joanne Kee
http://www.blogger.com/www.ceressolutions.com.au

Women and Wealth

Finally after a couple of years in the pipeline I have managed to get the Women and Wealth website off the ground with my partner Perrie and Sandy.

It is still a beta release so comments, suggestions are welcome, but basically it is about providing information that hopefully will empower women in the way they approach money, wealth, lifestyle.

Check it out

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au