Posts Tagged christmas
Union calls for asbestos tests on MCA
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on January 24, 2012
AAP
Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art must be thoroughly tested for asbestos before workers return to continue renovations, a union says.
But the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) fears it may be too late for the 400 builders already potentially exposed to the carcinogenic fibre.
Asbestos has been discovered in the mortar of the sandstone building at Sydney Harbour during its $53 million makeover.
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“There was asbestos fibro cement right across the eastern side of this site,” the union’s NSW secretary, Brian Parker, told reporters on Wednesday.
The union claims the workers could have been exposed to deadly airborne fibres after hacking into the building and says they were informed of the risk only in letters sent just before Christmas.
Mr Parker says there have been three asbestos scares at the site, with the latest happening on December 2.
He is calling for a comprehensive report on the building, including sampling and laboratory testing, before work resumes next week after the Christmas break.
“If the company continue to rip down walls, take windows out, take pipes out and take down asbestos fibro cement … then the fact is it is going to continue to expose people.”
Construction company Watpac’s managing director, Greg Kempton, said the company was aware of a “small amount of asbestos” in the museum before renovations began in August 2010 and drew up work plans accordingly.
“When additional asbestos was discovered, we acted immediately by isolating the area and further engaging independent specialists to review the site and develop an approved work plan,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Ric Wang from Watpac Construction told ABC Radio on Wednesday the company was staggered that more asbestos had appeared in the building.
“I’m flabbergasted that … reports that indicate the area is clear and the building is clear can be wrong.”
WorkCover acting chief executive John Watson told Fairfax Radio that allegations asbestos fibres were drifting around weren’t “necessarily founded in fact” and that the union’s claims were alarmist.
However, he told the ABC that it didn’t come as a surprise that asbestos was present in the museum, given the age of the building.
Barry Robson, from the Asbestos Diseases Foundation, said comprehensive tests should be compulsory before any construction.
“We have been trying to get governments for many, many decades to make it compulsory,” mr Robson told reporters.
Workers on the site may not know for decades whether they have been exposed, he said.
“It’s 10, 20, 40 years from now will determine whether you are exposed or not.
“It only takes one fibre of asbestos lodged in your lungs to sit there for decades and it causes mesothelioma, asbestosis,” mr Robson said.
Construction of the former Maritime Services Board building was completed in 1952, when asbestos was a common building material.
It officially opened as the MCA in 1991.
Union calls for asbestos tests on MCA
Running start for the New Year
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on January 13, 2012
While I have been relaxing at home over Christmas, eating and drinking almost as much as if I had been on a cruise, others have been somewhat busier.
In Southampton, for example, port workers are preparing for a hectic couple of weeks during which 13 ships – most of them setting out on world voyages – will bring about £32.5 million of business to the city.
Five ships from P&O, three from Fred Olsen and two each from Cunard and Saga, not to mention a regular turnaround for Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, will see more than 40,000 passengers passing through the terminal buildings during the next 12 days.
Back at the office, two cruise line bosses have found time to write about their hopes and plans for 2012.
Disappointingly, Royal Caribbean’s Adam Goldstein reveals nothing about the new Project Sunshine vessels his company has ordered from the Meyer-Werft shipyard, with construction work beginning this year. however, he does reveal that he expects to increase his own ambitious running schedule with the help of personal trainer Armando Cruz.
Cunard’s Peter Shanks’ sporting activities look like being restricted to spectating at the Olympics – he’s got tickets for the men’s hockey final, and the cycle road race goes almost past his house. But he plans to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the third year running when Queen Mary 2 is in port during a 23-night circumnavigation of Australia.
He is also looking forward to being in San Francisco when Queen Elizabeth sails under the Golden Gate Bridge on February 4, and of course in Southampton on June 5 when all his three ships will be in port together as a carefully stage-managed tribute to her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
Good luck to both of them. And a Happy new Year to you all.
Sydney man survives 25m balcony fall
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on December 27, 2011
Posted December 20, 2011 08:26:15
Police believe alcohol was a factor in a man’s eight-storey fall from a balcony in Sydney’s east yesterday.
The 34-year-old is in a serious but stable condition in hospital with a broken pelvis and internal injuries after falling 25 metres from his Darling Point unit about 5:30pm (AEDT).
Police say the man was hosting a Christmas party and was affected by alcohol when he slipped while attempting to swing from the balcony’s railing.
He fell onto grass below.
Inspector David Zidal says the incident is a timely reminder during the festive season.
“It tends to happen a little bit more at this time of year and that is generally due to people having Christmas parties on smaller balconies,” Inspector Zidal said.
“Quite often what happens is they either overload the balconies or they consume alcohol to an excess and do things that they probably wouldn’t do when they are sober.”
Police say they will interview the man once he is well enough.
Topics: home, police, darling-point-2027
Money matters story
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on December 26, 2011
Dog groomer Emma Goodwin gives pampered pooch Bella a “paw-di-cure”. Picture: Bob Barker Source: The Daily Telegraph
THE look on Bella's face says it all. It's been a tough year and there's nothing like a little pampering to relax.
And she is not alone with reports emerging that dog owners have bucked the slow retail trend to ensure their canine friends looked their best this festive season.
Dog groomers across Sydney have experienced their busiest week of the year leading up to Christmas.
While most dog owners are opting for basic treatments, others have gone for holiday-specific treatments such as Christmas costumes, collars and even festive nail polish or "paw-di-cures".
PawPaws luxury pet care in Rosebery has had its busiest period.
Manager Brad Child said the salon was "triple booked" with work.
He said many customers upgrade their treatments during the holiday period, opting for something "fancier" to impress friends and family.
"just at this time of year because it’s pre-Christmas and they have guests coming over," he said.
While Christmas-themed treats such as turkey and cranberry dog biscuits have been popular, Christmas outfits have proved the most popular.
Banish the blues with sunshine-filled January cruises
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on December 25, 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011 3:24 PM
when the turkey leftovers have finally all been eaten, the presents put away and the Christmas tree taken down, it is all too common to find yourself suffering a bout of the January blues. As a result it would be little surprise if you found yourself searching for cruise deals for 2012.
Indeed, the end of the festive season is one reason to feel gloomy but when you add to this the unpleasant weather the month is known for, with ice and snow one day followed by grey clouds and drizzle the next, it is no wonder you are keen to head off on sun-filled January cruises.
Luckily, by booking 2012 cruises now, you can do just that and you will have something to look forward to once Christmas is over.
you will find there are ships departing across the globe, the majority of which are geared up to transport passengers around some of the hottest and most beautiful destinations on earth.
If you really want the chance to escape the daily grind and soak up the sun you could book a place on a cruise that is heading to the Caribbean. this has long been a popular destination with people keen to relax on soft sandy beaches, take a dip in amazingly warm azure waters and top up their tan.
best of all, by travelling by cruise ship you will be spoilt as you journey from isle to isle, as you take full advantage of the luxurious facilities onboard.
Of course, you may find that January is a particularly busy time for you and if you are unable to take more than a week off, but there are still holidays you can consider.
for instance, over just six nights you can cruise around the Bahamas. this archipelago in the Caribbean is simply stunning and you are sure to come back with a healthy sun-kissed glow as the destination enjoys warm weather all year round.
If you are lucky enough to have more time to spare, you could instead choose to take a break that incorporates far more of the Caribbean, setting off from Miami in Florida, travelling down the coast of Central America and then sailing around the islands.
another amazing break that won't fail to get 2012 off to a memorable start will see you spend the first few days on dry land in Las Vegas. Here, you will be able to take your time exploring Sin City whether you want to book a seat at a show, dine at one of the luxurious restaurants or try your luck at the blackjack tables.
you will then travel on to Los Angeles to board your ship, which will transport you to Hawaii – where you are sure to have ample opportunity to soak up the sun.
Away from the US, you will discover there are still plenty of cruises to choose from. you can visit destinations as far-flung as Thailand and Vietnam, or Sydney in Australia.
Alternatively, you might wish to go to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, or stay closer to home and go cruising around the Canary Islands.
you can expect to find sun at all of these destinations, while you will also be able to enjoy getting utterly spoilt onboard your vessel. Cruise shops are renowned for being packed with fun facilities that help give passengers a holiday to be remembered, from spas, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, to live entertainment and gourmet dining.
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Christmas & New Year in Sydney
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on December 25, 2011
X-mas is just round the corner and we thought we would give you a bit of an insight into what you might want to see, do and/or visit during the festive season break. below suggestions are just that and you might find something that would absolutely kick ‘the back side’, as some of us may say in Advanced Evening. if you do find something better than you definitely deserve to be a part of our class or as we call ourselves ‘The cool bunch’. So without any further ado, here we go!
Are you ready for Christmas and new Year’s Eve in Oz?
We realized that as students, money is sometimes an issue for us. having considered this we made some research about what you might be able to do without spending too much cash.
If you want to spend less than 50 dollars, here are some options:
* you might stroll around Darling Harbour, take some shots of the Opera House and check out The Rocks.
* it would be lovely if you managed to do the Coogee – Bondi Coast Walk. if you do though, you’d better take some snacks and water with you as it’s a fairly long way.
* if you feel that it’s time to celebrate among your friends with your family is away, it’d be a good idea to have a picnic at the Botanic Gardens or at the Domain. again, be careful! most of the places/shops are going to be closed so you’d have to buy everything beforehand.
* last but not least you could spend your day in Darling Harbour watching fireworks. but, if you’d prefer do something else you could also wander around the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the very same attraction from there. It’d be wise to remember that you have to be there really early in order to avoid the crowds.
What if you could celebrate Christmas and new Year’s Eve without spending tons of money but your budget was a bit bigger than $50? Let’s say $200 and less? if you’re in that category, then read on.
A good idea would be lunch while cruising around the Sydney Harbour. not surprisingly a lot of people would have loved to enjoy a seafood buffet with an open bar, at the same time experiencing the unbelievable views of one of the most famous harbours in the world with the phenomenal Opera House in the background. if you decide to do it, you will only have to dish out $130!
How absolutely amazing would that be? if I were you I would not let this opportunity pass.
If you really like the idea of having a lovely dinner on board but without having to spend the above amount, you should check out these budget options:
* $75 Dinner Dance Cruise
For dancing and music enthusiasts
* $55 Home and Stars (Band)
For rockers and people who totally dig live music
* $55 Retro and Stars (Karaoke)
For romantics and amateur singers
If you’re still not sure what to do, here is the main reason why you should choose one of the above.
Simply imagine having an incredible and unforgettable Christmas this 2011. It’s an experience that you shouldn’t be adding to your bucket list. So, to sum up; stunning boat, great food, good music, experienced staff. All this sounds like guaranteed fun for Christmas at a very affordable price!
However, if you would rather do something else, we can recommend other possibilities.
Supposing, you’ve got a travel bug and love adventure. if that’s the case, then you wouldn’t want to miss out on going up the coast to a secluded and remote beach such as Seal Rocks, which is only three hours drive up north. because this camping site is situated right at the beach you’ve got a terrific chance to fall asleep with the sound of waves and greet new Year (!) admiring the sun, which rises right from the ocean…so to speak. It’s self-evident that, if you went there and didn’t forget to grab a pair of flippers, mask, and a snorkel you could discover a vast array of aquatic life! moreover, you could take a walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse; the 2nd most easterly point of Australia and try to spot a whale!
Wouldn’t that be different to what you’re used to?
It’s vital to note that this option will cost no more than $34 per night per site.
Last but not least are the fireworks in Sydney Harbour. You’ve probably seen them on TV but I’m sure it’s a totally different kettle of fish to watch them live. You’ll see a range of unique pyrotechnic extravaganza and surprises this year, such as lightning bolts, crescent moons and a star inside a ring. What if I tell you that this fantastic show is available for free? Wouldn’t you love it?
If you want to spend some extra money, you can experience it while having a boogie with an awesome waterfront view and the best DJs in the world keeping you the company.
As you can see, it’s not necessary to spend heaps of money to celebrate the arrival of 2012 in Sydney. if you were looking for something unusual you would always find a bargain both in terms of actual price and emotions it provides.
Hope some of our suggestions will help you in making your Aussie new Year’s an unforgettable one!
For now though have a Merry Christmas and happy new Year!
Roger and out.
‘The cool bunch’ aka Advanced Evening
THE NECKLACE: Sydney writes itself
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on December 16, 2011
After Christmas, the Sydney Morning Herald invites readers to contribute to the creation of a new art form, a “crowd-sourced” novel to be published over three weeks.
The first chapter will be published on Boxing Day in the newspaper’s Summer Reading section, on smh.com.au and on the Herald’s tablet app.
Readers are invited to read that chapter and then write the next one, submitting it within two days.
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THE NECKLACE … each chapter must be set in a different Sydney suburb.
We will select one contribution to be the next chapter, which will be published on the tablet app and online only. there will be nine chapters in all. Chapters will appear every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three weeks.
Each chapter must be set in a different suburb, be strongly described, and be between 1500 and 2000 words. the only necessary linking element is the necklace introduced in the first chapter. Each subsequent chapter needs to explain how the necklace got to be in a new suburb. maybe it was given or sold, stolen or inherited. the chapters can move back and forth in time.
We don’t know how this will develop: the final collection might be a continuous narrative, or it might be a group of short stories linked only by the necklace and the setting of Sydney.
A new art form … an online crowd-sourced novel will be published over a three-week period.
We also invite readers to contribute comments about the stories, information about the suburbs described, and pictures, including videos. These will be published with the growing novel.
The Herald hopes this experiment will be a new way for many of us to engage with our city.
Please send all chapters, comments and pictures to: thenecklace@smh.com.au
Michael Duffy
Editor, the Necklace
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
See the above explanation for a description of what we’d like you to send us and our email address.
If sending a chapter, please include your phone number, your name and a brief description of yourself (up to 15 words) that you would like to appear if your chapter is selected for publication. we will not publish your contact details.
Anything you send might be published in the newspaper, on the tablet app or posted on our website, with minor editing. You will not be consulted about this, but you will be consulted if any major changes are proposed.
You retain copyright but material can be kept on the tablet app and the website for as long as Fairfax wishes.
Chapters will be published early in the morning of every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three weeks from December 26. If your chapter is selected for publication, we will advise you by phone or (if you do not provide a phone number) email the day before.
Closing times for submissions are midday Tuesday, midday Thursday and midday Sunday for Wednesday, Friday and Monday’s chapters.
No payment will be made.
Thank you for your interest.
Darling Harbour – Sydney, New South Wales, Australia » Visit to Sydney
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on August 26, 2011
tripwow.tripadvisor.com – created at TripWow by TravelPod Attractions (a TripAdvisor™ company) Darling Harbour Sydney Scenic entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions. Read more at: www.travelpod.com Travel blogs from Darling Harbour: – “… my trek starts at Darling Harbour, in a windy and sticky sunshine that gets warm hands in under your coat and tempts you to lean sleepily against lampposts, …” – “… We had a few drinks and a bite to eat before we moved on to Darling harbour …” – “… THe decorations on Darling Harbour were few, but the local Novotel hotel worked out that if they turned off the “vot” in its Novotel lights, it …” – “… The house was at Ultimo, just by Darling Harbour, and we fell for the place straight away …” – “… For christmas eve night we went down to Darling harbour for another carol concert with Catherine, Liz, and some of their housemates …” – “… I found a room on the accomodation board for a 3 bed house 100 yards from Darling Harbour with an 8 week minimum contract which is perfect for us …” Read these blogs and more at: www.travelpod.com Photos from: – Sydney, new South Wales, Australia Photos in this video: – “Darling Harbour – What a big seafood platter!!” by Beardsleyfamily from a blog titled “G’day Australia!” – “Flying the Aussie flag at Darling Harbour” by Steph_nico from a blog titled “Finally in Sydney!” – “Tumbalong Park (Darling Harbour)” by Aliandbryan from a blog …
Video Rating: 0 / 5
It is Australia Day, the national day of Australia! I go around Sydney showing some places like Hyde Park and Circula Quay, where especial celebrations were been held. Sydney had many attractions this 26 January but unfortunately I had to go to work in the afternoon, so I couldnt go to Darling Harbour for the fireworks for example. but I saw the tall ships under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the F-18 jets crossing the sky above the Opera House and the Australian flag held by a helicopter near Circula Quay. The weather was great in Sydney, perfect to celebrate the Australia Day 2010! more videos in Sydney and Australia in www.youtube.com/diogok Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day and ANA Day), and also referred to as Invasion Day by several groups within Australian society (including the Aboriginals), is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Darling Harbour – Sydney, New South Wales, Australia » Visit to Sydney
Arrange your Christmas party on Sydney Harbour Cruise
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on March 20, 2011
Arrange your Christmas party on Sydney Harbour Cruise
Almost all vacant posts in the last few years, I have one of these simple Cruises we have all heard, accepted. the Caribbean is a best cruise end. All these small islands and all that tropical sun! love it. They are cheap, too. about $ 500 you can spend a 3-day cruise $ 2,000 or more for one or two weeks. Most of the food, parties, and amenities are included in the price, but check for details before you make your booking.
A Christmas harbour cruise offers the best trips you can save your dollars. It includes taking your meals, your cabin, you will be promoted on board, parties and all the fun. Each cruise ship is an entire city and end in itself.
There are many types of Christmas cruises and this makes it difficult to pin-point cruise line, how you in your journey. the competition between the various cruise lines is very strong and as if each address individually, you can obtain a less biased opinion of seeking advice from someone else who can advise on the best that a travel agent is. Cruises different groups require different labels such as what you should dress in the evening, so that further consideration should be worn. Also going through the various stations of the cruise for some cruises tend to spend more time at sea than others.
In harbour cruise there are spas, casinos, swimming pools, sports halls, buffets, movies, music, dance and much more. All you on the ground, you cannot at sea on a cruise. It can really be pampered and have a great time meeting other singles. It is a nonstop party! Sometimes I mix a lot. I’m going to definitely meet to third parties. but sometimes I ask to go to meet someone with the rest of the trip. I myself stayed in touch with some of them after the cruise. I do not know that I ‘Meet the one’ is, but it can happen!
On a typical vacation, the family is connected to each other fairly regularly, not on a boat cruise vacations. Everyone can follow his interests and the family agreed on a date. a cruise is a thrill for family reunions because it in. something for every generation to inspire.
Another aspect in choosing cruise boat is your holiday price. Each cruise has different prices depending on the type of book you want to cab. if you choose inside cabin, prices are generally cheaper, but that’s not a good option if you are on the other hand, only artificial light in sunlight. It could even be a good idea, a good overview on the cruise ship to you, before you make your reservation. an older ship have cheaper rates, but also means that you will about modern alternatives of losing the cruise, exciting as the big resorts and stunning glass elevators.
Do something lasting and significant baggage, so it does not recognize only to you, but also allows small eyes, fellow travelers know that your luggage is not their bag. Place sticker on, painting a Day-Glo strips around, sew a teddy bear on the outside … only make sure that he stands by itself.
Cruise ships have a policy against bringing alcohol on board, but the policy is to be enforced very loosely, if you do not put them on display. In other words, not a belt on a case of Budweiser handle and examine it, how you load your luggage or carry-on bag with bottles of Wild Turkey. Discreetly packaged airline bottles of liquor or beer cans probably go unnoticed. Do not sponsor a group of Frat, but we can certainly help a little.
Fun and Progressive Team Building on Board a Sydney Harbour Cruise
Posted by Malcolm in Uncategorized on March 5, 2011
One fabulous advantage of being employed is getting to be part of really fun corporate events in Sydney. Whether it’s a Christmas party, the company’s anniversary, a product launch, there’s a reason to get dolled up and socialize with your favorite co-workers; minus of course all the paperwork and headache. and one of the corporate events in Sydney that staff members can’t wait to attend is team building. Team building is very important as it serves as the ice breaker to any company and begins to develop working relationships among employees and their leaders. and what better way to hold a team building event than to do it on board a Sydney Harbour cruise. a luxury vessel that provides a pleasing environment and awe-inspiring views of the Sydney Harbour will surely liven up those team building spirits. When on a Sydney Harbour cruise, you can benefit from their excellent service, plus menus prepared by executive chefs that are perfect for any of the corporate events in Sydney.
But the main reason why team building is fitting to hold on board a Sydney Harbour cruise is because of the very dynamic and entertaining team building activities offered that aim to inspire and nurture both employees and leaders alike, towards becoming good leaders, team players, and strong competitors. Human Rhythms is one of the team building activities offered wherein grouped staff members each have a special rhythm to play on their own as taught by their leaders. and when every group is ready with its own rhythm, it does cow bell, African drum, or whatever sound their assigned with, together with the other groups and their unique rhythms in order to make music. This activity encourages friendship and teamwork, and it teaches staff members to work in the most organized way possible in order to achieve something. another fun and dynamic challenge on board is the lasershoot, where team building participants shoot at plastic clays launched in the air, using bore shot guns. This game comes with real score cards, great sound effects, and light beams for telling who hit or missed a launched clay. it encourages the participants to be competitive even while having fun. There is also an activity called Murder by Design where participants act, make people laugh, and do some sleuthing. All these activities are hardly ever held in other corporate events in Sydney so they are sure to make a memorable team building experience.
For more information on team building and corporate events Sydney that may be held on board a Sydney Harbour cruise, visit www.elitecruise.com.au.
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Fun and Progressive Team Building on Board a Sydney Harbour Cruise