We are approaching a time – if were aren’t there already – when reading a newspaper will be considered ‘old school’, or even similar to how it may have felt listening to old vinyl records when CD’s started becoming popular. I keep hearing the term ‘print is dead’, and while I hope print remains alive enough for me to actually have my yet-to-be-written nine-part novel series published, I do still agree that online journalism is the way to go. But in saying that, sometimes it is still nice to walk to the local shops, buy the big and bulky weekend newspaper, take it home and have a good read. I’ve never been one to actually sit down and read a whole newspaper, mostly because 90% of the articles report on the most negative of news. However, sometimes the remaining 10% can be well worth the read. I have written this post to document the few articles that grabbed my attention, and I have to say, I wish I had started reading the newspaper sooner, if I had, then maybe I wouldn’t have missed out on a couple of events I wish I had attended.
‘Fashion goes Gaga’ page 3 and ‘Fashions fit for a Lady’ page 36
The Gordon TAFE runway show.
‘Young designers worked with Geelong-sourced materials while hairdressing students completed the looks with extravagant wigs and hairpieces.’
Some of the young, aspiring designers used Lady Gaga as their inspiration.
This article makes me want to get involved with more events around Geelong – if it is possible to attend a TAFE fashion show – I want to be there for the next one!
‘Payday loans protest’ High-interest credit keeping ‘people in debt cycle’’ page 9
‘Payday loans refer to small, short-term loans, that are intended to cover borrower’s expenses until their next paydays.’
People are ‘getting trapped in a cycle of debt because of high-interest loans from payday lenders’
‘Some lenders were charging interest rates of upwards of 600 per cent, with scant regard for the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.’
There is a plan for ‘Federal Government changes to regulations to regulations governing payday lenders that would see a cap placed on the amount of interest payday lenders could charge.’
My two cents: live within your means and don’t get into debt in the first place. Easier said than done, but by making the necessary sacrifices early on (preferably early on in life) and making good habits you can learn to live on whatever money you do make and you will be free to gain prosperity when the opportunity comes.
‘Party of one has a ball’ page 9
Melbourne Zoo’s first baby elephant, Ongard, celebrated his first birthday last Friday.
Ongard means brave and bold in Thai, he weighs 630kg, but he’s still a mummy’s boy.
His birthday activities involved demolishing a banana cake, playing with a water ball with his sister, and having school children sing him birthday songs.
Melbourne Zoo director said, “He’s very keen to learn,” “He already knows his name, he’s learning a lot of husbandry behaviours that allow us to take good care of him.”
Ongard will have a new half-sibling, who is due towards the end of next year.
Goal: Must visit Melbourne Zoo!
!!!! – ‘Library Funds to SHOUT ABOUT!’ page 13
The Federal Government has confirmed it will fund $10m toward the building of Geelong’s new Library.
The project now has the $45m it needs to go ahead.
The plans: ‘six levels including reading areas, kids discovery, multi-media, community IT, collection and meeting zones plus an auditorium plus a new home for the city’s heritage archive.’
‘Geelong Regional Library Corporation chairman Cr Rod Macdonald is promising Australia’s best library and heritage centre. We look forward to witnessing the phoenix rising and having it playing powerful part in the smart city’s learning curve.’
Yay! I signed the petition on this (I think I accidentally signed it more than once, oops) and now it’s going ahead WOOHOO! Geelong is getting a brand new $10m library! I read somewhere not long ago that Waurn Ponds (The suburb near me) is also getting a new library next year – YAY for Geelong Libraries!
‘Wind power already blows in good news’ page 40
‘Wind energy is currently the cheapest form of clean energy that can be rolled out on a large scale.
‘Globally it reduces more than 210 million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year and there are more than 70 countries that recognise the important contribution it makes to our energy mix.
‘It’s true that wind power it currently more expensive than coal or gas, but the difference is that, like most forms of renewable energy, it is coming down in price.
‘The increased fuel and capital costs of coal and gas mean they are both getting more expensive.
‘Wind might be variable, but it can be predicted ahead of time at around 90 per cent accuracy and the flexible nature of our national electricity grid means that it can be easily accommodated.
‘Earlier this year, South Australia quietly passed a major electricity milestone. It now produces more than 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy. As most of that comes from wind power, there are a few things worth mentioning about South Australia’s early success in this area.
‘From the 2005/6 to 2010/11, electricity production in South Australia grew by six per cent, but its carbon emissions over the same period fell from 9.8 million tonnes to 8 million tonnes.
‘The increase in electricity production from wind over this period, from 5 per cent of the state’s electricity to around 20 per cent, helped achieve a 23 per cent drop in carbon intensity.
‘We may not be at the end of the rainbow just yet, but we’re starting to get some momentum.’
Go green energy!
GT section – ‘Three floors of artworks attract 600 to opening night’ page GT-6
‘The old Dimmeys building in Malop St has been transformed into a dynamic arts space for two weeks. The building, no longer recognisable as the bargain emporium it once was, is now home to the works of more than 50 artists. The exhibition, Peel Your Eyes, is displayed over three levels of the building and features artworks of all sorts using a range of different media, including installations, photography and paintings. The exhibition - organised by SUB Artist-Run Initiative - opened last week with about 600 people attending.’
‘There were three bands and a solo performer at the opening night. The exhibition is open between noon and 8pm for one more week.’
I am very disappointed to have missed this opening night, it has given me great determination to become more aware of events taking place around Geelong.
I did however manage to visit the exhibit yesterday afternoon – for my personal review of the exhibit and reflections on my favourite piece ‘She flies with her own wings’ click here.
GT section – ‘Treasure Trove – Bibs and bobs languishing in storage, some for more than 100 years, are being given an airing at a fascinating new Geelong exhibition’ page GT-7
‘Hidden Treasures is jammed-packed with all sorts of… stories, stories of people and events that have combined to make the city what it is today.
‘Combining treasures from seven of the city’s museums, it includes an early ice-making machine… bomb fragments, fossils, giant shark teeth and all sorts of treasures.
‘Each of the treasures is attached to a story of peoples endeavour, survival and diligence.
‘They are a testament to the city’s forebears and cover extraordinary stories, some long forgotten, others recently discovered.’
‘[Hidden Treasures] does showcase seven of the city’s volunteer-run museums and collections at the Geelong Maritime Museum, the Scout Heritage Centre, Osborne Park House Association, the Bellarine Historical Society, the Cement Retirees Museum, the Geelong Historical Society, and the James Harrison Centre.’
‘Hidden Treasures is on at the National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool St, Geelong, until October 30. Open weekdays 9.30am-5pm, weekends 10am-5pm. A family pass is $25, adults $7.50.’
Too bad I’m allergic to wool – let’s just hope I don’t break out in hives upon entering the building!
GT section – ‘Thelma and Louise, the castle queens’ with Margaret Clark page GT-8
OMG! Margret Clark was a huge inspiration for me to become a writer when I was in my early teens! Her book series titled ‘Fat chance’ was set in Jan Juc! How did I not realise that she could quite possibly live here in Geelong? This is so awesome!
[Click Image for larger view]
GT section – ‘Gemini’ GT-12
‘Confirmation that your year’s efforts to date are right on track. Life feels more settled, and more satisfying. You start to build new foundations that promise to last long after these weeks have passed. Best news? The rewards you’ve been hoping for are closer than ever.’
Good news for me!
GT section – ‘Shimmer in a spring frock’ page GT-13
‘Welcome the spring sunshine in a lovely new dress. Nothing says spring fashion quite like a lovely dress, and, with stores starting to receive their seasonal deliveries, it’s the ideal time to choose your favourite.
‘White is emerging as a strong trend for the season, with fashionistas able to choose between options including crochet, lace or a block colour.’
‘Brights are also hot on the radar, and a pop of colour in a dress to suit your shape is a great way to liven up your wardrobe.
‘A floral or patterned number is a great option, but keep accessories to a minimum to ensure maximum effect.
‘The popular all-rounder – the maxi dress – will stick around for another season. It is ideal to take you from morning to night without fuss.’
Looking at these dresses makes me want a sewing machine – oh wait someone slipped a Lincraft catalogue right on this page and they have a beginners Brother sewing machine for $159, originally $249! I wonder if it is a sign! Darn it, where’s $159 when you need it!
Looks like I’ll have to satisfy myself with a few trips to the local Op Shops instead!
Wow I spent $1.70 on this newspaper and all I found was 10 articles?! Ok well there were a few more that grabbed my attention, they just weren’t worth writing about!
Overall though what I did find was rather encouraging and informative. I will definitely be paying more attention to local events in future! Its time I got out there to network and mingle – who knows maybe I’ll even make a real life friend – well here’s to hoping ;)
It’s funny that if I weren’t writing this blog, I wouldn’t have brought the newspaper and wouldn’t have plans to get out there and experience new things – this blog is proving to be very positive indeed!
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