At the PMA (Photographic Marketing Association) show in South Bank in Brisbane for the last few days, until tomorrow. I went out last night for dinner with some clients and it was a very interesting evening. I enjoyed the expensive meal. It's always nice when I am a guest and don't have to pay. When we left the restaurant, owing to the amount of people who were around, taxi's were in short supply. It was decided to walk further around the city and as we walked, the group I was with suggested to enter a bar / club. The person at the door determining who could enter and who couldn't instantly allowed us to enter. For those who are not aware, I do not drink alcohol at all. So in the bar full of loud, beat music, I had a lemonade, whilst those I was with chose alcoholic mixtures of all descriptions. I saw the people around me consuming drinks of names I have not heard of before, CS Cowboys, YPD's and I just watched, not stared, at the large amount of people who just threw back drinks like they were water, though it was costing $50 odd for a small group each time. This particular group threw back three lots of $50 drinks in a few minutes. I was amazed. It seemed like they were drinking themselves into oblivion.
I was with some company directors, sales people and account managers and even a doctoral scientific professor, who observed me watching, and came up to me and said, "Craig, I love alcohol, but I have stopped drinking looking at these people". He said, "I am stunned". I have seen people drink and get drunk on so many occasions previously, what seemed different to me was, that these people were doing it with reckless abandon, as though they were wanting to dull the pain of life or as though by being paralytic, it was the only real way to enjoy themselves. I was even approached by a couple of women, who were, how do I say, "on the hunt"? It seemed that through the blood shot eyes and slurred speech, were looking for someone to pay for the drinks and well, anything else that might be on offer. I politely chatted and a short while later withdrew from the group and with the professor left to go back to the hotel. The taxi driver happened to want to talk about the loss of collective consciousness of the rising generation due to alcoholic binge drinking and it was a very interesting thing to witness.
I realise there will be some who think my outlook to be sterile of sorts, yet my life does not revolve around bars, when I have been into them before, it has largely been to photograph concerts or whatever, my exposure has been very different previously.
Well, at the show I have seen some former colleagues and friends and have enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of an interesting industry that encourages the preservation of memories through imaging. I love what I do.
http://www.pmaaustralia.com.au/
I will be sharing more pictures shortly, I just have been so busy that I haven't had time to process them. More soon.
PMA Brisbane
and more there was.....
Well, yesterday I was "working" at a conference in the theme park called Dreamworld on the Gold Coast region of Queensland's south coast. Most of it was ho hum, boring. But I got a chance to go out with some people and clients to ride some of the attractions. I even surprised myself! I went on a ride called the Giant Drop, and boy was it ever! You get locked in to this seat and get lifted up some 39 stories or 120 metres and free fall. It is reprtedly the tallest free falling ride in the world. WOW!. There was an element of me that was pure fear, but when I was at the top, waiting to be dropped, I just thought about how much I want to sky dive and pretended I was at the door of the plane, and this was going to happen, no matter what. At that exact moment, the lock went and down we came. The initial sensation of your stomach pushing high into my diaphram was a buzz and then the pure adrenalin rush...whoa. It was amazing. I bought the VIP badge at the end that said I survived the giant drop. UNREAL!
I went on the Cyclone roller coaster as well, it was fun! I wanted to go on Tiger Island and walk with the tigers but at $650 for the opportunity I thought I will find a way to do some promo shots for someone and get it for as close to free as I can....and I will, it will just take some time I am breathless with anticipation!
Have a look at this website below. It is great.
http://www.dreamworld.com.au/content/drw_2008_home.asp?
The conference is going from early morning till late at night which is why I am hard to contact somewhat.
Hope you are all well.
But wait there's more!
Hi everyone, It has been so hectic again as usual it would seem. Over the last week or so I have been photographing the Federal opposition leader the Hon. Dr. Brendan Nelson, Former Foreign Minister Hon. Alexander Downer, some family portraits, the Wiggles with Jimmy Barnes, Leo Sayer, and a host of other musical celebrities, I also spent a major amount of time with Shannon Noll and his brothers Adam and Damien which was a lot of fun. I have delivered wedding pictures and possibly picked up a number of other opportunities as well. I even covered a floral art show and am amazed at the new opportunities that has opened up for me. More of those pictures soon as well.
I am traveling again at the moment and am staying right here, my room is actually pictured at the top of the page that opens! a great hotel room.
http://www.royalpinesresort.com.au/accommodation
I will post more detail of my happenings together with some pictures over this week sometime, as I am quite busy....still!! I have missed communicating in this medium. I have missed the contact with you all as well.
Hope you are all well. More real soon.!!!
Another thought....
All of us encounter, at least once in our life, some individual who utters words that make us think forever. There are men whose phrases are oracles; who can condense in one sentence the secrets of life; who blurt out an aphorism that forms a character, or illustrates an existence.
--Benjamin Disraeli
I have a few people like that in my life, whose words jangle in my head that "live" and have an incredible impact upon me.
Almost there
Thanks for the messages everyone. I am getting better. My voice is returning, much to the sadness of many, and I have a lot to share, so hang in there, I will be back VERY soon. I promise.
Thanks for visiting.
The State of Play
The last few days have been hectic and draining. I have been down with the flu, and still am. I am on antibiotics and the pressure I am facing at present has been exacting. I will be writing a couple of posts soon, the title and subjects have already been buzzing around in my mind. I will be posting again soon. I promise. I have uploaded two more weddings on the wedding blog and will be adding a couple more soon as well.
Life has been interesting of late. More soon.....
A thought for those in the earthquakes, tornadoes, eruptions, floods and starvation
I have been stunned privately of late with the amount of natural calamities and disasters that are occurring. 20,00 dead and many thousands more missing in one city in China alone. It is hard for me to fathom the depth of loss of life happening around the globe at present. I don't have any answers, no ideas and no solutions. but I wonder, how would it be if these calamities occurred closer to home. I shudder to think.
An evening in the Domayne
According to Cerentha Harris and Neale Whitaker of Belle magazine, the fashions for the home for this year direct from Milan in Italy are black's and whites. Even a patent leather look, earthy green's, and small amounts of creme with stark and jarring contrasts and eclectic mixes of colour. The focus is on individuality and character. The couch and lounge fashions are reverting to button back variations reminiscent of chesterfield lounges, and a range of new and stylish wooden furniture suitable for indoors and out and even moulded plastics. I don't have pictures of all of there presentations, but it is interesting. I was at Domayne last night to photograph one of their exclusive VIP nights where they have leading industry experts come and highlight what's happening in the world and provide a comfortable environment to allow customers to purchase what they see at reduced and incentivised pricing. Photography in these stores is normally not allowed, but I was granted access for the evening. I love the ovens and kitchen layouts and appliances. I am a closet chef, I love it! The bathroom furnishings by Alessi of Italy were beautiful also. I need to take more photos to afford this stuff! I will show you just a few shots of the amazing commitment that Domayne has to showcasing their products in an environment of interaction and contemporary looks and feel. This was shot in their store at Auburn, but they are all over NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
Enjoy!
Robyn Loau
I have added this short post to advertise a concert of one of my friends Robyn Loau, who will be appearing at Slide in Sydney's Darlinghurst. Regrettably, I will not be able to be there on that night as I have another assignment elsewhere, otherwise I would be I assure you. I have posted this here in case any Sydney-siders are interested in a midweek night out. it is a beautiful venue with a reasonable price for a tremendous meal and great night of entertainment. Go and see Robyn, she is wonderful and her show is a warm and intimate journey through her musical career and prowess.
The first clip is from yesteryear when she was in a group called Girlfriend. The second is a VERY hard song to master and she nails it! Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush, and the last is a clip I have shown in a previous post, She Devil, which she told me was filmed down at the 12 Apostles on the Victorian coastline.
The Naked Cowboy
In the city earlier today calling on some clients I happened to meet the famous New York Busker called The Naked Cowboy. A person who has the desire to become the most celebrated entertainer in the whole world. I wish him well on his journey.
It is great to have a dream and chase it. The street he was walking on early in the morning was cold and the cold can affect us men folk adversely at times, and there he was a guest of Myer, struttin his stuff, playing his guitar and posing for the passers by. I believe he is in Sydney to compliment the Myers New York Promo on at present. Apparently Carson Kressley will be there tomorrow also, from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and NO, I won’t be there. Not because I don’t want to be, but because I have assignments elsewhere. It is interesting. I even caught a glimpse of the State Police Minister off to the side having a bit of a “Captain Cook” (meaning having a look). I like that the Naked Cowboy doesn’t take himself too seriously and it was good to watch the look on everyone else’s face when The Naked Cowboy was walking around, the reaction from both men and women was humorous! Here are some pictures
I have just gotten back from a photo shoot for Domayne, a large retailer here in Sydney that is an upmarket department store, and they had a VIP night with the Editor and manager of Belle Magazine and Gourmet Traveller magazine, and they were showcasing the latest in furnishings and appliances and showing the trends coming out of Milan in the last few months. A very interesting day today!! I love what I do. I will put some Domayne pictures up as an add on to this post when I can.
! (Shift 1) on the keyboard
My friend Matthew has this on his blog and I loved it and thought I would share it to the people who visit here. It is great. Thanks Matthew, very good stuff isn't it!
A thought to start the day with
Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
What a beautiful day.
The Dash
In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.
This movie has been more successful than ever imagined by its creator. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?'
I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you, I did.
This is very inspirational. What will you do with your dash?
www.dashpoemmovie.com
A film that I co-wrote and co-produced
V2T, a regular voice on my blog, stumbled across a reference to a a video production that I co-wrote and co-produced called HooBee DooBee Do as I Do, and wanted to know more about that. So here is the abridged version of what was a 4 year oddyssey that still serves me helpings of satisfaction and pride. I will approach the subject however with a great deal of respect and love for the people involved. 
HooBee DooBee, Do as I Do is, or was, a children's video designed to appeal to young children around the Wiggles or Bananas in Pyjamas or Barney type demographic. It was borne out of an idea from Marcelina, who suggested one day, why isn't there any children's videos that teach values or principles. Most teach action songs, fun stuff and little substance. This idea percolated in and around my subconscious for a great period of time amounting to some months. It was like the idea came into my head and needled around like the clawing paws of a cat prior to settling down, and refused to move away when it was shoo'd. 
I watched a number of kids videos with Denzel in mind, and I commenced researching the "viability" of getting a number of songs together that were fun, yet instrumental in teaching principles. Once I found around 20-30 songs I liked, I commenced finding out who owned them so as I could obtain the rights to use them in a video production I wanted to make. I wrote letters to the publishers and owners of the lyrics and music as sometimes they belonged to different people, and commenced over an 18 month time period of gaining their approval. Some background information you have to understand here is, that I did not have ANY money to make such a video, and perhaps more importantly, NO professional production experience. I just had a big desire to do this and dedicate it to my son.
I had created wedding videos in the early days of video cameras, and they have progressed beyond imagination today. I had not thought past getting the approvals initially of any other factor that would be required and be important to the production of the video, yet something inside me kept me going forward...and so I followed that inner direction.
Approvals came through from the many copyright owners, and it was the most humbling of moments when I received letters from the owners who were generous in their praise for me having such an idea and gracious with their material. Some people gave me extra music, CD's and even autographed material. It seemed that people came out of the woodwork in support of my idea. I am still humbled how the universe became friendly and receptive to my fervent desire to bring this idea to fruition. Of course, as you would expect, I had my detractors. Though they were few, they were real. People who said "wake up" you are not cut out for this, and people who were in a position to help me, not necessarily with money, but with advice and time, scoffed at me. In one instance, a person ridiculed me for having such a whimsical notion. He was a man who could have opened doors for me with contacts. But his rejection of me did not deter me on my quest. 
My idea and I were now well formed, though I knew not how to proceed to take the approved project to the next level. More people came into view and through a series of questions I made of some people, they led me to a man who would in a sense become my business partner for the video project. I say a sense, as he had been in some serious financial distress previously to our association, but believing that we all make mistakes, I proceeded forward. So, His wife and I became business partners to satisfy the requirements of company law. Though this woman became my business partner in deed, the Husband took control of everything, against advice and better judgement. I found a lawyer, who became an exceptional ally and a man whom I respect for his help even to this day. I shall not post his name here or that of my business partners lest by so doing I open old wounds and cause difficulties.
From the last comment above you can sense a few things went wrong, I will get to that.
This man who would become my unofficial "partner" had been introduced to me as someone who had succeeded in roads where I wished to traverse. After a series of my persistent phone calls going over a period of 4 months he was wearied by my calls and then gave me the chance to present the project, I did, and after a couple of more persistent months he agreed to do the project. Once he caught the vision of what I wanted to happen, he told his Mother-in-law and she offered her house as collateral to raise the funds to create the project. I had envisioned making the video in Australia at the ABC studio's where a then unknown kids group called Hi-5 were starting out, I saw them rehearse once. My concept was borne before theirs though I must submit, meaning the racial diversity of the cast and having 5 young adults who could still relate to kids, could sell the package and become role models for a host of young people. 
My business partner's husband had other ideas, and wanted to go to the US of A to make the production, and who wouldn't! So I was swept up in that euphoria easily. Once their Mother had put her house up, a vendor was found through a series of mutual friends and said he would back the project with the house as collateral, he did and within some 72 hours we had access to $260,000 to make the video come to life. It was a whirlwind going to the US, getting the people organised, flying to Hawaii where it would be filmed and then back to the US mainland to have everything come together. A quick trip back to Australia and then to the US where we filmed the production with 5 wonderful people whom I came to love. It was a dream come true. 
It was surreal to have something come out of my head and creatively appear on a screen with actors and I still feel so gratified that I was able to be a part of such a project that taught me something valuable. I can do anything I put my mind to. You must understand here, that I ate, slept and breathed this project for a couple of years.So What I learned was I had No money? No problem. No professional video production experience? No problem. I learned that an inner belief in myself, and in what I was capable of, and the importance of being persistent and committed to that ideal, no matter what, could mean the fruits of my thoughts would be realised. I am very aware and grateful for the many, many people who came at points along the path as, and when, they were needed. I believe they were angels that enabled my wish to happen. The video is still played almost everyday in my home, Denzel loves HooBee and as many as a thousand times or more that I have heard it playing on Denzel's TV or CD player, I never get sick of it. It represents a triumph over adversity and a living memorial to an inner commitment.
We recorded 24 songs at Studio X in Pearl Ridge, Hawaii, then a few days later we were in a studio filming the project in Honolulu. The audio engineer at Pearl Ridge commented to me that he had not seen any artisits previously come in and within 8 hours record 24 songs and almost on every take get it right. He was amazed at the professionalism of these people. So was I. As you can possibly imagine there were so many twists and turns and so many times when I wondered was it all worthwhile as things would go wrong, but the project was completed, against many odds. I believe it was a truly wonderful thing for all of those involved to be connected to, judging from the feelings that were expressed to me and the feelings I had then, and now.
Since then we lost the musical arranger, and the musical director of the project who both passed away. I miss them and again, am so grateful for them, for what they did and that they believed in this project, and believed in me.
The down side is that my partner and her husband ostracised me from the project as time went on, and through a series of choices that were made by them, forced me to become redundant to the project in any form. Upon some timely advice from a lawyer I knew, not associated with the project, I was encouraged to relinquish the rights and opportunity for money that I might have had, and been due, in lump sum and in royalty from the concept being mine to begin with, and hand the project over to my business partner and her husband. I did so, reluctantly, and it ate away at me for some time.
As fate would have it, the former business partner and her husband lost control of the finances and the money ran out, the bills mounted up, their Mother and Mother-in-law respectively, lost her house, and as another insult the Australian Government took her pension as well, thinking she had much more money than she had declared. This was all unbeknown to me at the time. The financial backer came after me one day and told me of the dire financial circumstances that had been created, I invited him carte blanche to go through my accounts, see my accountant and I withheld nothing so as he could be assured that owing to me relinquishing access to the project, meant that I received nothing. He looked, found I was honest and then went after the former partners.
Some time later, I was asked to appear on the news show on Network 9 called "A Current Affair" in an attempt to help my partners Mother get back her pension, and to explain the story of what actually happened on prime time national television. I was very afraid that the TV station would edit and alter the text and tone of what I said in order to make me look like the bad guy. The producer made me a promise that he wouldn't and he honoured his word. I had the chance to thank him personally as well. Once that went to air I was threatened and had all sorts of things happen, but I am still here. The Government minister in charge of veterans affairs saw the story, realised that this wonderful lady for whom I will always be grateful, did not have money stashed away, and so within two months, the minister had reversed her decision, and re-instated her pension AND backdated it. I am happy they did. She was not at fault. In fact she was punished adversely for something over which she had no control. I was pleased to help.
I became very ill from the whole experience as I internalised the disappointment, and the host of other emotions that occurred. I choked literally with the pressure and frustration of having had something so special disappear and leave me in debt and feeling worthless. I recall with much clarity after having been to the Doctors the day before a momentous thing happened, he said something profound. "You have some serious medical issues now, that I can treat, but I suspect they will remain until you sort out the cause". The next day I awoke and forgave the business partner without reservation. I let my regrets, my lost hopes, my anger, hurt and shame all go. I remember crying and then feeling very weightless and FREE. And Free I was. I cannot explain the liberation I felt. Notwithstanding there are a few lingering health and financial issues, It is however a bitter sweet tale of my life, that I would gladly pay the price of for re-admission onto the ride of a lifetime. The people I got to meet, the places I got to go were amazing.
I am so very proud to have brought HooBee to life. I am grateful for each and every person who helped that to happen, and am grateful that I came to understand the meaning of forgiveness and the powerful blessing it is to the person who forgives, as well as it can be to the person who is forgiven. I am grateful for the opportunity that was mine to choose not to live with regret or forever wonder what might have happened had I not had the courage and faith to act on my thoughts and make HooBee DooBee. I know what it is to dance when there is no music that can be heard by anyone else, I know what it is to have faith in ones self. I have it still, that in a coming day all the experiences I have had will harmoniously blend and allow me to realise yet other aspects of my potential and heartfelt desires.
Here are a couple of clips that were on you tube which show just a little of the characters and songs. It went for 45 mins in total. Who knows more might be posted there soon.
If you look closely in the latter part of this last clip you may even see my Hitchcock-ian appearance speeded up a little like a closing segment of Benny Hill.
What a wonderful chapter in my life this was. It culminated for me in 1999. and I remember vividly playing Prince's song 1999 as well just before the dreaded Y2K bug, which must have been the greatest world hoax in history, would kick in in the year 2000, when Sydney would also host the Olympics in my home town. What a wonderful time.
One last thing, I once had a man at an event I went to say to me "Could you do me a favour and wait right there please?" I obliged and this beautiful little girl came up to me, as I crouched down to meet her face to face, and she said "Mr. Do you know HoBee DooBee?" to which I responded that I did, and her whole face lit up and she said "Wow your famous, and I love HooBee DooBee." I had to choke back the tears, as I thanked her for giving me one of the sweetest memories of my life. It was all worth it. I know Denzel is still proud of it, but to have known that someone else was touched by it, was truly a special moment in my life. I came to know there were other children who were similarly affected by it. I am still honoured. That's all!
The pictures in order are:
* The cover of the VHS Video of the production
* The Audition crew In Laie(pronounced Lah-ee-air)
* The group we chose during rehearsals in Laie
* The same group in the same pose on set in Honolulu
* Goofing around and posing for pictures in Laie
* HooBee entertaining some kids at a school in Laie
* Me on set with the painted props for PheeBee's house
* Pretending I knew what I was doing at Studio X in Pearl Ridge
* The DooBee's in costume at Laie
* Me during Filming
* In the Recording Studio at Studio X, Pearl Ridge
* Me in the Video Post production studio in Honolulu
Watching this Studio Space.. a new blog soon to start.
I am preparing a number of images that I will be selling. I am setting up another blog called Studio Space which will highlight the images that will be available on the net for purchase. I am excited about the prospect. I have started to reinterpret images and see things in images I have taken some time ago and never understood why, or seen the beauty of them for what they were previously. Who knows it could even become an interesting income stream as well. Each of the images will be available unframed or framed and will be autographed and matted. This is the first one I am putting on Studio Space shortly. I am very pleased and proud of the mood this image gives me.
I am so proud and grateful for the Sydney Opera House. I love it, and love that I can visit there often.
BEE Afraid ( an article from Australian 60 minutes worth reading.)
I watched an episode of 60 minutes last night on the 9 network in Sydney and was humbled and amazed at how reliant we are on bee's for food. I was so impressed by the importance of this little critter that I have placed the whole transcript from the story for those who may have missed it, right here on my blog. This is important stuff, and whilst I am glad that Australia is giving aid to Burma and other nations, I cannot help feel that we need to sidestep the red tape and give extra funding for this one man survival team to ensure he succeeds in finding a cure for the mite that is decimating bee populations around the world. Whilst this blog is designed for my thoughts and feelings and I wouldn't normally do this whole transcript thing, I felt that IF this story is completely factual, we cannot afford to get it wrong. I thought rather than re-interpret the story and give my take on it, and display my lack of knowledge on this vital subject, I would quote an unedited transcript. All I did was embolden one statement toward the end which I believe is vital. I have placed the 60 miutes logo and picture taken from their website at: http://www.ninemsn.com.au/60minutes 
INTRODUCTION TARA BROWN: They're nature's tireless workers. No wonder they call them 'busy'. But you've probably never considered just how busy bees really are. Well, consider this - these humble little insects are responsible for pollinating much of the food we eat. Without them, we'd starve. And this is where it gets scary. Because, right now, a tiny parasite is threatening to wipe out our bees. It has already destroyed bee populations around the world. And now, it's on our doorstep in New Zealand. But, all is not lost. You see, there is one man who is fighting back. A dedicated scientist almost as busy as the bees themselves.
STORY TARA BROWN: Look at them. Listen to them. Bees never stop. 'Busy' is the only way to describe them.
DENIS ANDERSON: Wow. Look at that. Wow. That's full of honey. Wow.
TARA BROWN: Could you eat that now?
DENIS ANDERSON: Oh, yeah.
TARA BROWN: So enthusiastic is Dr Denis Anderson about his bees he has convinced me to risk the pain of a sting. You're kidding aren't you?
DENIS ANDERSON: No, no, no. You've just got to have a little bit of faith.
TARA BROWN: For the pleasure of pure honey.
DENIS ANDERSON: Just, nice and easy. That's it.
TARA BROWN: Oh, yum.
DENIS ANDERSON: Can't get fresher than that.
TARA BROWN: Mmn, no. No that's beautiful. But bees give us so much more than honey. They are critical to our very survival - providing a $100 billion/year service to world agriculture by fertilizing our crops as they go about their business, collecting pollen.
DENIS ANDERSON: All these individuals we are looking at here they are all workers, so they've got chores.
TARA BROWN: But as a bee pathologist, Denis Anderson warns these bees face a catastrophic threat from a nasty tick-like parasite called 'Varroa Destructor'.
DENIS ANDERSON: This is the most dangerous threat we have for bees around the world.
TARA BROWN: What does he do? Why is he so dangerous?
DENIS ANDERSON: Well, it's ah, it's a blood sucker. It sucks the blood of the bees, basically, and as it is doing so it transmits viruses.
TARA BROWN: Varroa has spread insidiously into every major country except Australia. Now it is on our doorstep in New Zealand and the great fear is it is only a matter of time before we are invaded.
DENIS ANDERSON: We are an island in this world of Varroa, and it just hasn't got here yet.
TARA BROWN: As you watch this spread from country to country, as a scientist with a passion for bees, what were you thinking?
DENIS ANDERSON: I guess when I saw it spreading I was, ah... ..everybody, well, was quite dismayed. I mean, how were we going to deal with this problem?
TARA BROWN: Standing here being buzzed by all these angry bees it is taking all my willpower not to run out of here. But whether you love or loathe bees it is important to know they are very crucial little creatures. The thinking goes if all the bees were to disappear it would only take five years before we would all starve.
DENIS ANDERSON: If we didn't have bees the world would be in serious trouble. Our crop yields would drop away and there would be mass starvation everywhere. We just can't do without bees.
TARA BROWN: So we should care about these, then.
DENIS ANDERSON: We should care terribly about honey bees, hmm.
TARA BROWN: And across the Tasman I soon discover why. Denis has brought me here to New Zealand to see Varroa wreak its devastation. Oh, there's another mite coming outer, yuk. The Varroa parasite jumps onto bees, hitching a ride into the hive.
DENIS ANDERSON: Look, it's gone you see. It's on the back. It's on the back of the bee, it's on the back of the bee! That's how quick it was.
TARA BROWN: So fast. They are so opportunistic aren't they?
DENIS ANDERSON: Oh yeah, they are perfectly adapted to the bees.
TARA BROWN: Once in the hive, the mites drop into the cells to breed and feed on the baby bees, slowly weakening and killing the entire colony. They are nasty little things.
DENIS ANDERSON: Oh yeah.
TARA BROWN: They're nasty and they are too close for comfort. Like Australia, New Zealand was proudly free of Varroa but then eight years ago the mite somehow breached strict quarantine to invade almost every hive in the North Island. It has very nearly destroyed beekeepers like Russell Berry. So as a beekeeper, when you see your hives have the Varroa mite, what is your reaction?
RUSSELL BERRY: The reaction when we first got Varroa was absolutely devastating. The first week you are so depressed. And every beekeeper in New Zealand is the same way. It's very serious depression that you see Varroa Mite eating your bees.
TARA BROWN: Russell and his bees produce the most honey in New Zealand. But the cost of continuing to do so has almost crippled his company. He now spends more than $500,000 a year on pesticides, trying to keep the mite under control, hoping the chemicals will continue to work. If the Varroa mite becomes resistant to the chemicals you use what happens to the bee population in this country?
RUSSELL BERRY: It dies, simple as that.
TARA BROWN: So, in Australia we have a lot to lose if Varroa strikes. At risk is our healthy bee population, our agricultural industry, and our treasured chemical-free honey.
DENIS ANDERSON: I think Australia has the best honey in the world, not just because I'm an Australian and I love our honey, you know, but when you eat that honey you know that it is, it's as pure as you're ever going to get and it's clean.
TARA BROWN: Is there anything we can do to stop Varroa coming here?
DENIS ANDERSON: It's a matter of time before one of those swarms swarms off and it's here.
TARA BROWN: It sounds like a miracle it is not here already.
DENIS ANDERSON: You said it. It's a matter of 'when' not 'if'.
TARA BROWN: The prospect of Varroa in Australia is so catastrophic because of the job the bees do. Bees are one of nature's most efficient work gangs and for Denis, one of the most intriguing.
DENIS ANDERSON: You know, they're social, they're like us and, like us, they've got behaviours and diseases, and they do things. There's 80,000 individuals in that. It's like a city in a box.
TARA BROWN: In this city there are defender bees who, like air traffic controllers, guide the bees back to the hive after a day amongst the flowers.
DENIS ANDERSON: And so, then the bees just home straight in and come straight in at the entrance.
TARA BROWN: Uh huh, they're the beacons. Come on home.
DENIS ANDERSON: That's right. But they also protect.
TARA BROWN: There are the drones, the stingless males who do nothing but eat and breed.
DENIS ANDERSON: They have these areas which they call drone congregation areas all the boys hang out.
TARA BROWN: Their pub, right?
DENIS ANDERSON: Yeah sort of like well... ..I don't know, it's like sex, there's nothing else. Not much booze going on there.
TARA BROWN: Not much booze, a lot of sex. Right. Of course, the females do all the work. They are even known as worker bees. They are the nurses, cleaners and pollen collectors, and they can all sting. And then there is the bee that it's all about - the Queen Bee. The only bee in the hive that can lay eggs. She's laying something like 1,500 - 2,000 eggs a day?
DENIS ANDERSON: About 2,000 eggs a day, yeah.
TARA BROWN: That's incredible. Because our bees are still Varroa-free they are in hot demand overseas where bee populations have been decimated. The millions of bees on this pallet are about to fly long distance to the United States, to help boost the dwindling numbers there. Terry Brown sends three loads of Australian bees each week. So how would you describe the work these bees are off to do?
TERRY BROWN: These bees are off to do a job that in the US they need desperately, otherwise they are not going to have food to put on their plates. Simple as that.
TARA BROWN: That is a pretty big statement. They wont have food to put on their plates?
TERRY BROWN: Bees are a part of the human race surviving. People just don't realise how much, how important they are for the pollination industry which we have to have.
TARA BROWN: I hope they've got a good work ethic.
TERRY BROWN: They have. Very good, very good.
TARA BROWN: These bees may deserve to fly first class but they'll spend the next 15 hours in the cargo hold on their way to their new home. When the Australian bees get to the US they are brought here to California to help their American cousins. This is the biggest bee pollination operation in the world. Scattered amongst the hundreds of thousands of flowering almond trees there are more than 50 billion bees busy at work. It is quite a sight, the almond orchards of California, and the bees only have a couple of weeks while the trees flower to get to work.
SHAD SULLIVAN: The bee will come along and actually bounce from blossom to blossom and in the process they rub pollen off on this female stem which makes the pollination process.
TARA BROWN: Which means there will be a nut?
SHAD SULLIVAN: You will have a nut.
TARA BROWN: There will be an almond there.
SHAD SULLIVAN: Yes.
TARA BROWN: Shad Sullivan has been in the bee business since he was a kid. If you didn't have bees, what would this orchard look like?
SHAD SULLIVAN: This orchard would not exist.
TARA BROWN: He has never seen it so bad. Varroa has wiped out up to 80% of the country's hives and the very existence of many of the nuts, vegetables and fruits we take for granted is now under threat. There are simply not the local bees to pollinate them. Now, you've got quite a few Australian bees here.
SHAD SULLIVAN: Yes, we do.
TARA BROWN: Are they good little workers?
SHAD SULLIVAN: They're very good workers, one of the best that weve found so far. Bringing these bees in is the only thing that has kept a lot of beekeepers alive so far.
TARA BROWN: It is a year-round, 24-hour-a-day operation. Bees are trucked across the States from orchard to orchard, crop to crop to pollinate. But it is an expensive exercise. Varroa mites have seen the cost of pollination skyrocket - a cost Americans pay at the supermarket. How lucky do you think we are in Australia?
SHAD SULLIVAN: You are the only place that doesn't have them now and your country is blessed. The need to keep your country clean and clear of these is crucial. The price of everything... Food, the price will double.
TARA BROWN: It is a big responsibility, but Dr Denis Anderson is the one man standing between Varroa and our bees. Here in his CSIRO lab in Canberra he is working on gene technology which he hopes will turn off the signal that tells the mites to breed when they are in the bee hive. So even if the parasites make it to Australia, they're doomed. He is horribly under-funded and success is at least five years away but we can't afford for Denis not to get it right. Nor can the bees. Do you feel like you are doing important work?
DENIS ANDERSON: Absolutely, absolutely. I'm dealing with one of the most important animals on the planet. You know, it contributes to every one of our lives, In fact, the saying is that one in every three mouthfuls of food we eat, in some ways bees have contributed to that, so if I am trying to keep the bees healthy, then I'm keeping you healthy too.
TARA BROWN: Thank you very much.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
A former Prophet, President of my church, Spencer W. Kimball, went to Utah State Prison once to visit with an inmate. Marvin J. Ashton recounted, when President Kimball met with the prisoner, a convicted murderer, the man sat before president Kimball and didn't say much. Marvin said that he thought, as he was there as well, "what would you say to someone who has committed murder, would you judge him harshly? would you try and find out why he did it? what brought him to that point? and added, that all President Kimball asked the inmate was, would you tell me about your Mother?" to which the man, a large and intimidating man, simply crumbled and wept. After some time he related his life and how the influences had shaped his life to this point. President Kimball had showed no desire to judge or demean him, he simply wanted this man, and the two others he met with to know they were loved, inspite of the choices they had made. Marvin noted as a post event comment, that in that hour or so of being with those men, he learned more about what the saying of Christ's was when he charged us all to "love one another, as I have loved you", and the importance of having a Mother's love.
It may have been a weird way to introduce a Mothers day note today, but the impact of what a Mother can mean to all of us will vary widely, some are not good memories for many people, and for others they are beautiful memories. I hope that for all of us who have Mothers living and for many who have passed, that we can let them know how much we appreciate them today. I am confident that as I believe in a hereafter life that once a Mother, always a Mother, and the departed Mums will be near the ones they love on this day as well, at least in the southern hemisphere as I think Mothers Day in the northern is celebrated in June, and it is there a Happy MOM's day.
And finally to all the Mothers who visit here, including my own, Have a Happy Mothers Day. I think the role of a Mother must be one of the most under rated professions in the world. Yet today, the tears, the sacrifices and the joys all Mum's make are before me. I am certainly grateful for my own Mum. I am grateful for my Birth Mum Vera as well. Thoughts of them surround me having risen at 5am this morning. This is my simple tribute to them and a way I can express my love and gratitude for being a fortunate son of two Mother's.
Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,
Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,
Mom's love will stay with us forever
and touch our lives in precious ways...
The values you've taught,
the care you've given,
and the wonderful love you've shown,
have enriched my life
in more ways than I can count.
I Love you Mum!
Long Life to them for there's no other,
That can take the place of a dear loving Mother.
Here is a couple of clips. The first one is a laugh, and the second one a blatant advertisement for 1800 Flowers. com but I love the clip anyway. I think out of the hundreds of choices I saw on this subject on You Tube, in my quest to find something I felt to be appropriate, they range from inmates expressions to Mum and all the way to cheesy rap songs by 3 year olds, these two give an interesting insight.
Have a wonderful day.
A Post Mother's Day note.....
It was good to share some time with Mum Grace yesterday, and good to catch up. She indicated a couple of instances on my blog that she wasn't happy with what I wrote, I understood her objection. She also just talked about things generally, about her family, about people in my own Peihopa extended family. I also told her about the recent exercise with Aunty Shirley I referred to in a previous article "What the Mind of Love reveals" and she was saddened also. But it was good, Denzel was full after a great lunch together and fell right asleep as we chatted. Typical. It was good. I hope your day was special also. Yes YOU!!!
Late Breaking news.....
This picture says it all. I am so pleased.
I have just had a phone call from a friend, whose close friend has just given birth to a Down Syndrome child in the last few hours. They have asked if I would be willing to talk with them via phone as they are in a different state, and when the Doctor told them, he just left and they were stunned. They are very successful people apparently and this news has floored them. Hence the request to get me to talk with and help them by offering a balanced view and add some much needed reassurance. All will be well, it's just at a tender time at this point when they have no access to a hospital based counselor, as they do not have one in residence. I will be more than happy to do that this evening. I just thought that in the same minute that I read the article accompanying the above picture on the ninemsn.com.au website and was elated, the news about the despair and sorrow these new parents feel, tempered my joy as I recall how I felt at the birth of my wonderful boy. It has been an interesting journey back to those emotions and I went back in what was virtually a click of my fingers.
I am delivering wedding photos this afternoon and am grateful for a free weekend, well almost free anyway.
I am a very fortunate son.
An evening with Neil Sedaka
Last night I had the opportunity to meet another legendary person backstage at the glorious Sydney Opera House on the harbour. I was invited to the Neil Sedaka concert. As I reflected on the songs of Neil Sedaka I knew, I was thinking of Calendar Girl, Oh Carol, Breaking Up is Hard to Do (his signature tune), Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Next Door To An Angel. I then reflected and realised that his songs that I always loved were Laughter in the Rain, The Hungry Years and Wheeling West Virginia,(which incidentally only ever charted and succeeded in Australia). I am largely not affected by the doo wop style songs of the early material, yet, I was not aware that sooo many people have covered his songs.
People who have sung Neil’s songs have been Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Abba, Tom Jones, Connie Francis, Bobby Darin, The Captain & Tenille, Cheryl Crow, even George Clooney's famous songstress Aunt, Rosemary Clooney, Randy Crawford, Nancy Wilson, Gloria Estefan, Shirley Bassey, Graham Bonnet, Crystal Gayle, Jane Oliver, Helen Shapiro, Yvonne Ellerman, Rita Coolidge, Jose Feliciano, Helen Reddy, even the American Idol superstar Clay Aiken and Blues man Paul Butterfield. WHEW! Neil is perhaps the only recording artist in history that had a two time number 1 hit with the same song released some 20 years apart, one released as an upbeat song whilst the other version, a ballad. It is his signature tune, Breaking up is hard to do. One song I wasn’t aware that he wrote is a beautiful song called Solitaire. This has been his most recorded song and has made him a great deal of money.
But I digress, the concert last night was nice, yet this one song performance made it all worthwhile for me. The backup of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the ambience of the Opera House Concert hall all blended seamlessly, and for that brief moment, all was in perfect symmetry (if that is the right word to use) Basically, it was a transcendent moment of the concert. The other highlight for me was when he sang the song Should've Never Let you Go with his daughter Dara Sedaka. She was on a pre-recorded video, like that of Natalie Cole and her famous deceased father. The sync. was faultless and beautiful. 
The lyrics for Solitaire are below.
There was a man
A lonely man
Who lost his love
Through his indifference
A heart that cared
That went unshared
Until it died
Within his silence
And solitare's the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love
It always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
A little hope
Goes up in smoke
Just how it goes
Goes without saying
There was a man
A lonely man
Who would command
The hand he's playing
And solitare's the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love
It always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
And solitare's the only game in town
And every road that takes him
Takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
After the concert I then journeyed into the bowels of the Sydney Opera House to go backstage and meet the man, who has been writing songs for 56 years. The man, who between 1958 and 1963 sold 40 million albums. He said that it stopped almost dead in 1963 due to the rise of a band called, the Beatles! I found him to be very gracious and accommodating. Though his minders were hurrying us up, as they wanted him to leave. He was occupying the same dressing room that Burt Bacharach had, and I took a couple of shots in the room to illustrate the Steinway & Sons grand piano, the leather lounges and the beautiful table full of food. It was a wonderful experience to meet someone who has had such an impact on American music history. I was able to catch up with Leon who is the Qantas in flight producer for Glenn A. Bakers on board audio show, which Neil just loved. I am very grateful for Glenn A., His wife Lorelle and Allison. It was great to be a part of this small historical moment in my life.
The lady on the right of the picture with the handbag is Neil's wife of 45 years, Leba. A lovely lady who gives you the impression she has seen it all. The lady on the left was the producer shaking hands with Neil and you can see Glenn A. Baker there as well.
I thought I would show some pictures of Neil with some notable people whom you might recognise.
Stevie Wonder
Dionne Warwick
Neil and his wife Leba, whom I met, with Reba McEntyre and her Husband
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) and an actor whose name eludes me presently.
and lil ole me!
A post note. The concert was great, but the use of the orchestra, the use of the lights or the actual concert hall stage was never utilised in any dimension similar to that of the musical master Burt Bacharach. I will be forever grateful to have met him.
Oh, before I forget, this is the Calendar Girl film clip. Look at how old and bizarre it looks. Here is the reason why it's here, It was filmed in Australia, using Aussie girls, and ranks amongst the first Music Videos EVER made, if not the first! My how they have progressed. Backstage Neil added that he had met one of the girls from the clip recently, and said how much she had aged! and added, but so have I!....Too funny.
Hey Jude...with a twist!
My Niece Tertia just forwarded me this clip. How Cool is it!!! a 3 year old Korean singstar!!! A great way to start the day. Have a good one everyone.