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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image WHATS ON CENTRAL COAST BLOG Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image THE RETURN OF THE BLOG:
When Whats On first began there was a blog. It fell by the wayside with the constant spammer and back link trogs that scour the net for such items.

Well the time has come the Web chick said, to bring it back.

Welcome, once again to the Whats On Blog.

Have your say, comment on topics, or send in thoughts of your own (printable ones only, this IS a G Rated site after all).

To avoid all the spammer's and bot things I have set it up to comment and/or submit via a normal, simple email. No confusing forms, subscription requests or whatever so even the novice with only email experience can have their say too.

I have also included a sample of some Blog's from way back when; what a trip down nostalgia lane that was.
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image AGENTS UNPLUGGED:
I was recently involved in an urgent campaign to make Musicians and Venues aware they were under attack from an ill-informed and sorely lacking governing body.
The removal of some industry licences, in an already shark infested industry, was an unbelievably drastic move. Incorporate this with the fact that some of the people this affected – Musicians and the Agents themselves WERE NOT EVEN NOTIFIED and a recipe for disaster were set into motion.

Despite the few submissions we were able to round up and other submissions (including the AHA) quite overwhelmingly saying NO the powers that be decided that it was time to remove the licensing system anyway.

This was last year and we have been searching and enquiring for many months to see what has been happening with this issue.

Imagine my absolute surprise, confusion and delight to discover recently a new website that is just what the doctor ordered.
I include the word confused as the decision and upgrade of the music industry still has not gone through Parliament BUT – this website had a list from Industrial Relations who it would appear have finally released a list of LICENSED agents!!! I know – confusing, but I can only presume this is to assist musos, venues and honest agents while we float in the black hole of indecision and inaction from the government.

While this is a great start I am hoping to see what improvements they can come up with to deal with the disreputable ones hiding behind some of those licenses

This website also has a list of FAQ’s, some brilliant information regarding Musicians and Venues rights to fair trade within the industry and so much more. I am looking forward to the forum too. Finally a platform to find out, discuss and discover how to deal with the disreputable people so keen to leech out a living from your blood, sweat and efforts.
Somebody really knows their eggs. I am presuming this is a new site as a few links are still inactive but the information online so far is enough to help out any muso or venue who feels they are being ripped off by a shonky agent.

The new site is AGENTS UNPLUGGED (so love the logo) and I am keen to see the completed site online ASAP.

If you have any issues or are just curious as to what rights you have in the music industry, I cannot strongly enough suggest you check it out. It can only add to your knowledge of your own business and it can also save you plenty of dollars and bucket loads of frustration.

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT :
It’s an odd feeling – you go to sleep and short of an invasion from Mars or a foreign country you expect that the world as it was before you set the alarm and dreamed many a dream, will be the same when you wake up to decipher those dreams.

During the day, if you are one of the lucky ones, you discover there has been a theft – you have been robbed. All your possessions are still where they ought to be but the list of freedoms that we have taken for granted (because many of our forbears have given their lives for them) has been chipped away without our knowledge and permission by the same people we give our trust (well our votes, well in some cases) to guard our constitution including our rights and freedoms. What happened? When did we lose the right to have a say?

The arts are a major part of our economy. The music industry (one of the largest industries in the country) or performing and visual arts have an occasion, participant and or admirer in almost every town in this beautiful country of ours.

The removal of some music industry licences (they also had lift mechanic and some Real Estate licences on the block too – I shuddered every time I stepped into an elevator) DIRECTLY effected two most important groups of people – Musicians and Musicians Agents.
Guess who weren’t notified of these changes? Yep – Musicians agents and musos. The results of this change would turn our musos to shark fodder. An invitation to open season for unlicensed Agents being able to charge as much commission as they see fit and an influx from out of state agents that have been free to do this for many years.

Despite the majority of the submissions being toward KEEPING the licensing scheme in place but with changes to make the shonk’s accountable; the decision was made to can the licencing. Mind you, those Agents (remember the ones whose living depends on this issue and were NOT notified) who do the right thing are still expected to pay another annual licence fee until the final outcome of this is resolved.

The recently publicised battle with the ’commercial photographic members’ who now have to pay ridiculously high costs for permits (which could take up to 14 days) and the ‘midnight passed’ legislation is another example of the disdain shown the members of a community of passionate people who write, sing and photograph this beautiful nation and her iconic landmarks.

Spontaneity is a major part of photography; that perfect capture of that classic moment – how do you ‘plan’ being there when the sun hits the bridge or Uluru in a certain way – I mean if photographers could predict these events they would more than likely be all our best friends dishing out the winning lotto numbers each week.

If not for the songs and images of Australia penned and shot by some of our most famous and some not so well know Aussies, would Australia be as well depicted internationally as she is?

Rather than penalise these passionate people I suggest we thank them.

Oh - and if you like the odd sip of ale or vino or other be on guard.

With statistics now showing that alcohol is responsible for more, violence, death, injuries, child and domestic abuse etc than the humble ‘self harming cigarette’ you may find yourself on an almost daily roller coaster ride of inane changes and almost leper like, borderline criminal treatment afforded smokers over the past few years by the powers that be.

They wouldn't dare - would they?

POSTED;
01.09.2010 @ 1130 by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image IT'S A GAS, GAS, GAS:
While we were all being media bashed by the pollies the world still turned and the events already in play continued.

We heard the, more open than the Simpson Desert, response from Ms Gillard regarding the offshore drilling proposal “no drilling permit has been issued” and her local representatives Deb O’Neill and Craig Thompson saying that drilling was not going to occur.

Are the multi million dollar players in this issue silly enough to commit to and pour millions of their own and stakeholders dollars into a non event? Not at all likely one would think.

I could find no information to the contrary that this event is well on the way to being a done deal...
* Advent Energy has entered into an agreement with Apache Energy and Diamond Offshore Drilling, who own the drilling rig Ocean Patriot, which has been contracted to drill the PEP11 (with joint venture partner Bounty Oil and Gas). The PEP 11 permit covers an area of 8,200 sq km.
* An exact date for drilling is yet to be determined, although oft reported estimations say it to be within the third quarter of 2010, around September/October so far. The Ocean Patriot is currently in an operation that was planned for mid August. The approximate cost for the Ocean Patriot is around $380,000 to $420,000 per day.
* The estimated to cost of the first well is $20 million.
* Advent Energy Executive Director, David Breeze has said "This project with be the first drilling rig to explore for natural gas off the coast of NSW, and represents a major step for the company and its shareholders".
* The gas has been identified by oil and gas seeps and naturally occuring oil slick occurrences along the coast from Long Reef to Catherine Hill Bay, especially in the Cape Three points, Terrigal area.
* Greens candidate for Paterson, Jan Davis is concerned that this will be the first step in the dangerous offshore exploration saga that ended so tragically in the Gulf of Mexico a few short weeks ago.
“Both State and Federal Governments should have said no to this new venture. Communities will want answers, for instance, what is the scale of drilling ultimately envisaged? How close will drilling platforms be to the shore? Where would the gasification processing be done? How will the end product be transferred, by ship, by pipeline?
“History shows that in NSW an exploration licence is merely the first step in the full-blown mining operation. There has only been a rejection on one coal mine on environmental grounds, and that was one of the smallest Australian owned proposals.
“Once the multi-nationals are involved in exploration, governments of both Federal and State origins find it hard to say no. The argument that it is cleaner is spurious when it is coal that is being used first of all, but drilling into the ocean seabed so close to our coastline is not sustainable. We need an exploration exclusion zone around the coast,” Jan concluded.
* A supply base in Newcastle has already been established by Advent and contracts awarded so far include: Mud logging, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Fishing and P&A, Liner Hanger, Cementation Products, Drilling Tools, Casing and Tubing Running, Rig positioning and Vessels and Helicopters.

All indicators say that this is going ahead lest someone upsets a very big, powerful and rich apple cart by saying NO.

So what will this mean for our most precious Central Coast home? With the horrific images of the Gulf/BP unusually deep sub sea rupture disaster (blamed on faulty BOP - Blow Out Preventors - and back up systems failure) still fresh we may be a little apprehensive.

In Australia, government approval must be obtained before a well can be drilled and then must conform to statutory conditions and are covered by industry Codes of Practice

Bounty Oil claims in a media release that “Any commercial scale gas discovery will have the potential to generate jobs, economic growth and investment in the Newcastle/Central Coast region as well as deliver a much needed new source of clean energy for the State of New South Wales.
Commercial development of a gas discovery would also have the potential to make a contribution to Australia meeting its Kyoto protocol objectives through the supply of gas for a new generation of low carbon emission gas fired power stations in New South Wales.”

* Bounty and Advent have said they will ensure that they fully comply with all environmental and regulatory requirements in connection with the proposed off-shore drilling program in PEP11.
A Submission on Proposed Asset Energy Ltd PEP 11 Exploration Drilling Program (dated 22/07/2010) airs a few concerns…
* that the adverse impacts offshore mining can have on the environment will not only lead to environmental degradation but also to negative social and economical impacts on the Region as the natural beauty of the coastline is integrally linked with tourism and is one of the major factors for residents moving to or already living in the Shire.
* The lack of definitive information on the response measures to be employed during potential emergency situations such as a subsea rupture. As demonstrated by recent international events, a rupture of this kind has the potential to cause widespread environmental, social and economic damage and as such response measures should be determined prior to any disruption of the seabed.
* Council’s main areas of concern include, but are not limited to.
- Lack of information on response to emergency situations, such as a subsea rupture
- Release of hydrocarbons from either the sea bed or pipes into the marine and shoreline environment.
- Toxicology from disposal of 408.99m3 of cuttings into the marine environment.
- Water, air, noise and beach pollution.
- Impacts on rare and threatened species listed under Federal and State legislation, and/or identified locally.
- Acoustic affects of seismic testing.
- Disruption of whale migration due to seismic testing, drilling and presence of semi-permanent vessels and associated infrastructure.
- Changes in pelagic fish ecology and congregation due to the presence of semi-permanent vessels and associated infrastructure.
- Physical damage to the sea floor and important habitats.
- Visual impacts of surface infrastructure and activities.
- Exclusion of recreational vessels from exploration zones.
- Facilitation of noxious or invasive species invasion due to the presence of semi-permanent vessels and associated infrastructure.

Another idea regarding the opposition of offshore drilling is that the companies are then forced to drill further from the coastline with massive depth increases making it potentially dangerous should a deep subsea rupture occur. They are apparently easier to contain and fix in shallower waters. This from the RESILIENT EARTH website.
“The sort of occurrence that we've seen on the Deepwater Horizon is clearly unprecedented,” BP spokesman David Nicholas told the Associated Press. “It's something that we have not experienced before ... a blowout at this depth.”

There is much more relative information regarding this out there. I am perched on a fence at this time. While I am not an environmental extremist, I do have concern for what state the earth will be in for my grandchildren’s children; But - The Central Coast depends in a large part on its tourism industry. To keep the visibility of an offshore rig to a minimum or negligible, the rig would have to be out further in deeper waters increasing the potential risks if there was a blowout or problem.

It sure is a thinker – What do you think?

POSTED;
22.08. 2010 @ 1750 by Debbi

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Mitch - I was at a meeting today Deb and we were told the drilling was never off the table, just delayed because of the rig's current job!
Debbi - I was going to give you a call and do an interview on the effects to the local fishos with the exclusion zone that would be in effect when it all began.
I was stunned when I heard Gillard's response and then the 2 local labor candidates saying that they had stopped it.
Mitch - Yep, all lies Deb...
POSTED;
23/08/2010 @ 0800
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image THE POLITICAL 'POPULATION GROWTH' BALL:
There is nothing like being ripped from your safety cocoon of ‘normality’ to the influx of almost alien thought patterns and the 21st century of change.

We all dread to say ‘back in my day’ and heaven knows my Mum, understandably at over 80 years of age, said it often enough but my kids have pulled me up a few times of late doing the same thing. I have also heard it from long time local friends and residents and thoughts of moving are being bandied about quite regularly. Accept and move on or move out.

My kids are more accepting of these changes as they grew in to and up with many of them and I myself was witness to them during that time too. They only know the world that did and does surround them – not what it was like. They will only see the societal changes of their own and the next generations. Peaceful; There seems to be so little folks feeling it these days – there is an air of tension surrounding any part of mother earth that has a large conglomeration of modern society.

If your kids were bullied you dealt with it, the police were allowed to stop hoons and vandals and god forbid you were stupid enough to treat them with disrespect. We could play under the hose and sleep with the windows and doors open in the hot weather, play outside, ride our bikes and have an outdoor life without fear of harm, it is as alien to the new generation as today is to mine.

Gone are the days when I could take my family to the doctor and see him in an acceptable wait time. Now it’s must call first and a two week wait. The local hospital – a two year wait for urgent surgery.
My grandmother and her friend’s baked cakes and lamingtons and held many fundraisers over a few years to raise funds to get Gosford hospital built.

When you consider the taking and destruction of homes, full of family memories, the trees – much needed for our NOT overrated oxygen - to cater for the traffic and fluctuating but almost permanent water restrictions and one has to wonder how on this earth can anyone consider let alone state publically with an apparent air of conviction there is room for an immigration injected population growth, not just here on our Coast but in the country, without the life sustaining amenities and improvements BEFORE that growth occurs.

To hear politicians stating there is plenty of room on our Coast for an increase in population makes me shudder. Arguing with each other the ‘over the top’ numbers of acceptable immigration one would think these folks also forget that many of the people already here are going to increase the population with families of their own.

To hear Dick Smith echoing my thoughts of dramatically reducing the immigration intake figures made me feel less like a territorial bigot and more like one who has seen the changes and recognises the idiocy, dangers and changes of too many more real families being crammed into a diminishingly small space with less effective amenities to service them for the freedom and half way decent life their families fought and continue to fight for.

POSTED;
21.08. 2010 @ 0950 by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image SHE DID A LOT FOR ME:

ELAINE PEARL - 1925 - 2010

There are zillions of thoughts that constantly cross through the mind on the passing of probably the most important. constant and supportive person in your life - your Mum.

Mums just are and they just do - they are so much that you never knew and you want so much more of, when those kind, tender, supporting but hard worked hands are no longer there to hold.

While being Mums carer for many years has been exhausting, worrisome and often frustrating I would not trade a second of being there.

We shared a bond we two that much could have unraveled but the bond held tight.

Mums are the sculptor of your morals, the leaders of your way, the discipline for your learning, the forgers of your strength, the coach of your manners and the absolute unconditional love in your life.

There will only ever be that one that deserves the true meaning of Mum. She gave up so much of her life and did so much for us as well as many other people that I was so proud to hear the many comments on how grateful people were to have met her. That's my mum.

Sleep well and the sweetest of dreams Mum. You so deserve the peace you now have and we will carry on doing the good deeds you showed by example.

Love you more!

POSTED;
17.04. 2010 @ 1610 by Debbi

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In 1996 three very special people came into my life and changed me much for the better. Debbi and her daughters Kelli and Cindi are like my family and i am blessed to be a part of their journeys through this lesson that is called life I then soon after got to meet a fourth wonderful lady, Deb's mother and the girls grandmother, Elaine Pearl Rae. A tough feisty (like her daughter) gentle, generous and honourable lady who was devoted to her family, Elaine always had a sparkle even when her physical condition became bad in the last few years. She was more then ready to give me a friendly verbal clip around the ear if i strayed out of line! My fondest recollections are of Christmas lunch at her little green house at Erina with all her family around-lots of pressie’s, food and lots more love-and i was always made welcome and to feel a part of it all. I got to know a little of the family history and how her first and second husbands put their lives on the line for Australia in WWII. I would have loved to have known them. Her work with the Red Cross said volumes of the caring nature of this extraordinary lady who raised, loved and nurtured five children and was blessed with grand and great grandchildren.
Elaine, you were a lady of old world values who gave so much to the new world. Til we all meet you again, we will love and miss you.
Journey well, fly high..... You have earned the stars.

Dave Underwood
POSTED;
25/07/2010 @ 1100
Di Morrissy portrait by David Andrews image courtesy Di MorrisseyWhats On Central Coast Logo Button image WHAT PRICE PROGRESS:
While I sat at the monstrosity that is the Terrigal Drive & The Entrance Road traffic lights recently I realised just how much change locals and recent new residents have endured on what used to be this most peaceful laid back Central Coast.

Sitting atop that man altered hill (it was raised to accommodate whatever they needed to do with the roadwork's) I remembered the War Memorial that used to sit where the left turn lane now is, I remember walking to school and topping the much smaller hill to see a service station, a post office, peoples homes and trees. My grandson found this hard to believe, sitting in the car with me and seeing the view in front of him.

I feel empathy for those living along the current roadwork's at Erina Heights near the school (well those that still have their homes of course) and those yet to be subjected to the nightmarish time that is progress, having endured the same for almost 2 years when they did the changes around Hubbards Creek. The dust, the noise, the simple fact of having access to your home or even just putting the bins out on garbage night, the noise, did I mention the noise? Workcover would shut down residential roadwork areas I am sure, if the residents were employees or at least issue them ear plugs.

But even all that paled as I saw the total destruction of the trees near Matcham Road and then the nursery, the Raymondale Art School and that beautiful home behind it.

Those who knew local icon David Andrews and frequented the art studio for either classes or to visit a friend will know what has just been destroyed. Beautiful oregon beams, hand made lead light windows, Archibald entry art pieces hanging on the beautiful mud brick walls and a home away from home for friends, students and even the odd music stars (sorry Scott-E I mean that in the nicest way).
It was the place where famous people like Di Morrissey, Madame Lash and others sat for portraits, Peter Pan sailed a ship, the mythical head of John the Baptist sat on the platter, the muses watched over you, a wonderland of interest, history and fun adventure. It was a place of warmth on cold nights, tofu dinners, scary DVD nights, a myriad of books, so many books, first editions, art, mythology, astrology, homeopathy so much to see, learn and do or just a place to have a great wine and chat with wonderful friends.

The home built not so long ago behind the studio was gorgeous. It could easily have been in a home magazine but it had ambience as well. The observatory at the top was also a glorious addition.

There was no option for a public sale of the house, (who would buy it anyway with a road at your front door) and land as per the acquisition of land by the RTA. We take it and you lose it' basically is the option this home owner (and others no doubt) have faced. It's all gone now, bulldozed away, and for what? A few extra feet of bitumen?

For many years the population has grown. The roads, not to mention our natural resources, hospitals, doctors etc have become so overloaded that they are all at breaking point.

So, what will an extra lane in each direction really accomplish? An extra 5 minutes off the trip to and from work or school? There are still bumper to bumper waits along the way and even with the finalisations of the roadwork's there will be too.

Am I a whinging local who detests this amount of progress? Absolutely! But ask any of the hundreds of thousands of visitors and holiday makers who have moved up here to escape the city or city suburban life, 'the rat race', how they feel. The same life they tried to escape by moving here is shadowing swiftly. How do we balance these changes and still keep the reason millions of people visit here time after time? What will become of our famous holiday area? When, where and how will it end are the questions I would like answered.
POSTED;
28.02.2010 @ 1255 by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image ADVERTISING AND WHATS REALLY BETWEEN THOSE LINES:
There are some teachers that have significant impact upon our lives as kids. They can be good or bad impacts but the one that I relate to is a good one – Mrs. Margaret McGowan.

Back in the days of a more free childhood there were fewer restrictions, political correctness issues and more common sense (well most of the time). Police were allowed to police so you toed the line and being a kid didn’t mean how sexy you could look at 12 years old. None of us even wanted to look at a Dolly magazine after some intellectual insight and spot on predictions regarding the effects this may have on our kids from this wonderful lady. It was puddles and mud pies in a downpour of rain; Being a kid and having fun.

Mrs. McGowan was cool. She was sophisticated and down to earth and she instilled in us self respect and awareness. Our favourite topic was advertising and how to read between the lines… What was said had to be basically true so the word twist started and is still in fine form today.

* Clinically proven or clinical studies MUST have been tested in a clinic – veterinary, dental didn’t matter – a great con by advertising companies.
* An ad I heard for a mass burger chain advertising breakfast with a freshly CRACKED egg – not a fresh egg. What? did they think we are concerned about when the egg was cracked? I would be more concerned about how long ago the egg was laid. Eeeew, if you could, wouldn’t saying the eggs were fresh be a better pitch?
* A recent pizza chain advertising ‘now with quality fresh ingredients’ what the hell were they feeding you before then I dared to ask?
* A shampoo company (allegedly with major amounts of silicone) giving you healthy or healthier ‘looking’ hair.
* Supermarket chains – Take a good look at how they advertise their produce and compare it to the signage in a market or fruit and veggie shop that DOES get and sell fresh produce. They often use the word 'fresh' but listen to the before and after's. Do they EVER say our produce IS fresh and from local farms?

There are many ploys to get your hard earned dollar. We all need or want ‘stuff’ so one company has to stand out above the rest to be the favourite but when they resort to these tactics, well it’s nothing short of insulting.

Listen to what they are NOT saying and read between the lines before you buy. If a product is what it claims to be they can say it. You choose and our choices will weed out the wheat from the chaff.

My pick of the bunch; a cola company splashing the words 'making the impossible possible' on the TV screen. They're not saying they CAN actually do that but I instantly think how about granting all of us a second natural Mum to give the first one a break.
I'd Like to see them do that...
POSTED;
16/10/2009 @ 1305 pm by Debbi

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What a wonderful world it is away from the media, the pressures to buy the latest and you beaut gizmo, social demands placed on children and teenagers. Taking part in local cultural and artistic activities. Calling on your neighbour for a chat and a cuppa. Giving quality time to your children and grandchildren, helping a mate in need and finally showing gratitude for the things that enrich our lives.
Live to love and love to live, embrace happiness and find inner peace.

Jim Heywood
POSTED;
21/10/2009 @ 1800
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image WHAT KIND OF PERSON WOULD DO THAT?:
In this 21st century there are a zillion protections in place for those who work.
Zero tolerance on abuse, sexual harassment, gender discrimination etc...

So what do you do when a sitting judge says "That's your line of work, it is to be expected, deal with the assault"
You suck it up of course and get on with the job. There is more to this job than that - there is being abused, attacked, spat on, seeing the most horrific side of the human nature, seeing the results first hand and real of the carnage of a speeding P plater or a drunk driver and perhaps even being killed yourself.

What kind of person, gets up every day to go to a job that sounds as bad as this? A Police Officer. Why? Because they believe they are helping folks like you and me and ensuring that the world turns as we and communities expect it to.

Tuesday the 29th of September is Police Remembrance day. You don't have to do anything about it really but if you happen to be near a service, pop in and show the gratitude or even just spare a few minutes thought and thanks to the mums, dads, and families of those who have died in the line of duty protecting the way we expect to live.

Our expectations do come at a price - a lot of us don't realise just how much.

POSTED;
26/09/2009 @ 1505 pm by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image SO NOW WE WAIT:
It was days and hours of research, writing, tweaking and stressing to make the deadline, but it is done.

Now we wait to see the fate of our beloved NSW Music Industry.

While many were unaware there are changes coming and couldn't submit to voice their opinions, many did know and perhaps didn't bother while those that know the drastic changes that may come from this ill informed review (hopefully) saved those collective butts by taking the time.

While many of NSW's performers are opposed to booking agents they are a part of the industry.

A venue operator and others are too busy to vet the hundreds of applications for entertainers they receive while this is what the booking agent does.

Its a sign of these busy times that agents are widely utilised by the venues and other employers who will grant you a gig.
if you look at this objectively it raises the standards for performers in the industry.

Gone will be the days of performers going into popular venues undercutting rates just to show their talents. Gone are the days of lack of professionalism. An agent won't book a performer who is not a professional as their own rep is on the line.

While it does become frustrating for those who used to, quite successfully, book themselves agents (the honest ones) can and probably will improve the local industry.

Good luck to you all and my sincere appreciation to those who took the time to submit, your peers owe you much!

POSTED;
03/08/2009 @ 11.30 pm by Debbi

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Yes those of us who are concerned, wait in anticipation and live in hope that we don't take a backward step As the industry has come a long way since the dark ages of the 60s and 70s performers have been educated in the awareness of their workplace conditions and award entitlements.
The working relationship between artist and a majority of booking agents and managers has been a healthy one over the past 3 decades.
The industry has had the power to curb the progress of some unscrupulous operators who continue to trade (fortunately on a small scale under the present legislation).
Of course this present scenario could change if planned amendments to the act are successful.

Many young musicians and students are currently enrolled in accredited courses in this State on the important elements of dealing with entertainment representatives ethically and professionally.Will these graduates encounter a climate of uncertainty as they deal with unlicensed representatives?.Are the educators aware of these planned amendments to the act and should course curriculum's be more fashioned towards dealing with situations of ambiguity when dealing with an unlicensed representative.

I think the more we analyse this subject matter the more anomalies the POWERS THAT BE will discover in time and hopefully reconsider a legislation befitting a healthy and prosperous entertainment industry in the 21st century.

Jim Heywood
POSTED;
07/08/2009 @ 10.00 pm
Yawn! oops i think i caught the apathy virus i've been waiting with baited breath for more input on the entertainment act amendments it looks like there is just 2 concerned people on the coast but you know good people the dust has settled and we live in the real world .Watch the panic when the mud sticks,dazzle at the charlatans as they pay you not peanuts but the crumbs at the bottom of the bag.
ACT NOW OR FIND ANOTHER PROFESSION
Jim Heywood
POSTED;
05/09/2009 @ 1730
Thanks Jim
We have contacted all the Shadow ministers who will help us in the cause. It was to be discussed on the 2nd of September but now will be the 8th. I will let you know how it went when I know.
Deb
Telecross caller Elaine and great grandson - whatsoncentralcoast imageWhats On Central Coast Logo Button image END OF AN ERA:
All around us, up close or strangers, there walk those quite, unassuming, selfless heroes we call volunteers.

These folk selflessly do charitable deeds that may or may not affect us personally but do help many in our community.

One such lady is Elaine (Pearl) Rae.

Elaine has been doing the RED CROSS TELECROSS SERVICE since 1984 and on many an occasion calling more than one person per month to help meet the extreme demand of those in need and so few volunteers.

Elaine continued doing her Telecross Call through the death of her husband and her sister, through a fall or two that left her almost bedridden and through many of life's general illnesses, sad times and mayhem. The only time Elaine took off was when hospitalised and an actual holiday away for a few days.

While there are many, many Telecross callers out there, perhaps some even calling one of your grand parents, Elaine is a very special case; She celebrated her 84th birthday in early July, yes, her 84th birthday.

While this birthday is a definite celebration and the milestone of hitting 25 years with the Red Cross was a long time dream, Elaine has sadly, regrettably had to pull the plug early.

She has realised that her own health issues make it difficult to assist those in need, as best they need, so 4 months short of the 25 years she has had to leave her long time sentinels post.

This has broken her generous heart and no end of reassurance of the legendary job done and the few lives known for sure she has saved have been able to alleviate the sense of letting down those in need.

Don't sweat it Mum you have done a brilliant and remarkable job and we are all extremely proud of you!

Congratulations.

12/06/2009 @ 4.30 pm by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image CROOKED KIWI'S GET A FEW TONGUES WAGGING:
I was watching a show called Underbelly the other night.

In between snoozing (I’m not a big TV fan) I realised that if I was a New Zealander I would be feeling a tad paranoid about now.

It was interesting to hear my thoughts also reflected by some local radio jocks as well.

Australia (according to this show) appeared to be inundated with crooked Kiwis coming over here to rip us off before they bumped us off, not only taking over a variety of local ‘industries’ but also ‘conning’ the local Aussie population from the streets to the Airports (no – that didn’t go down well at all). I thought it a tad unbelievable and over the top at first only to discover this is apparently based on true events and while the period and crimes were big news way back when I wondered how much had changed.

There were Royal Commissions with a few rolling heads resulting if I recall but I guess the lesson learned was vigilance.

Modern technology and sniffer dogs etc probably do curb a lot of this these days but where the big bucks were concerned, well, ‘where there was a will there was a way’.

I will be looking forward to catching an episode where the Aussie's finally show crooked ‘newbies’ that we are not a nation of idiots, the good triumphs over the evil, and eventually they will be caught out - Again.

Hello to all my Kiwi friends and I wonder how you feel about the show so far …

18/02/2009 @ 4.30 pm by Debbi

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Hey Bro er Deb eh,
Sorry sometimes it just rubs off on you being around our Maori and Pakeha cousins from across the pond. The thing that mostly occupies our minds in all seriousness is Rugby Union. The annual meeting of the two nations, who will take home the coveted Bledsiloe Cup, The Wallabies, or The Allblacks.
We all talk it up and speculate but the great leveler is on the rugby field where many a fine tournament is decided, win,lose or draw.
The only crooked thing about a kiwi is the way they walk off the field after being convincingly defeated by THE WALLABIES, go home and lick their wounds, and come back with hunger in their hearts for another lesson in art of playing rugby.
May the green and gold prevail in 2009.

22/02/2009 @ 11.50pm by James A Heywood
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image PRINGLES: JUST NOT THE REAL THING:
I know they have been around for a while and appear to be popular, but WHY? I ask you.

When something is popular and you don't like it you can sometimes feel a little alienated and paranoid about having an opinion.

In a simple conversation recently regarding other ways to peel potatoes someone else also mentioned that they weren't on their favourites list either. I thought I was alone, I was labeled old fashioned by my kids, it was a just a simple preference thing.

I remember the days, way back when, where trust was the flavour of the day. Our bread and even ice creams, like the humble paddle pop, came in open packets.
Unheard of in this 21st century.

Many consumables are tainted with something that is bound to make you sick these days. Even at the humble fruit shop!
If we all paid credence to the one million and one study results we are bombarded with almost daily, we possibly wouldn't venture out the front door or clean our teeth.

The humble potato was first dehydrated, initially for convenience, many years ago. It's not that I'm a big fan - I just remember it was the era of silly nick names and mine of course was 'mashed potato'.

So how do they get dried potato (which appears to go 'flaky' when all the moisture is removed), to cook to the point of being crisp?
And whats with the shape? Are they stamped or moulded while cooking or after cooking and still a glug?

Now the good ole Smiths Chip (or crisp as they are called) may not be at the top of the nutritional value list either but are great for that salt hit craving that sometimes attacks.
You know it was a real whole potato sliced and cooked. It even looks like a potato slice.

Maybe my dislike can be linked to one of those old studies on food appearance/mind acceptance test results I learned in advertising awareness classes in school.

Ahh - its the little things that tweak the imagination.

03/02/2009 @ 9.40am by Debbi

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I prefer to make my own and bypass the middle man/woman nothing like the homemade chip slice it to your required thickness and certain types of potatoes make an ideal tasty morsel and don't forget to drain off excess oil before you serve.
Most of my friends have tried Pringle's and like myself always choose the homemade variety .I CALL UPON ALL HONEST CENTRAL COAST CHIP LOVERS PEEL,SLICE,THEN GENTLY FRY. A GOOD HOMEMADE CHIP WILL STAND OUT ABOVE ALL OTHERS.

10/02/2009 @ 5.40pm by James A Heywood
Hi Deb
I’m with you on this one; I never could understand the fascination with those ‘chips’ that seemed to invade our shores from foreign lands, and became the “IN” thing at the time, screaming “I’M AN IMPORT, TRY ME” as you wandered past it in the aisle with a severe case of the munchies.
Sadly however, most who tried them were very disappointed – me included.

Maybe the Companies plan for longevity in the marketplace was always going to be partaking in aggressive marketing ploys and undercut other, more well-known and respected brands, just to survive. I mean really, the chips are so thin that you can pretty much see through them!

The question begs to be asked though (at least in my mind); how much fat is each wafer-thin chip lined with? How many can you really eat before you’re ready to be sick?

I must confess, I’ve done half a long tube of them, and have never gone back – and I’m thankful. I know a lot of others who have done the same thing; and the results are the same; sick to the back teeth.

The REAL deal (Smith’s in case you’re wondering) have been around for as long as I can remember, and despite their being more air in the packs nowadays, quality shines through, and that’s what I’m after – a munchie that actually LOOKS like a potato, TASTES like a potato and IS a potato! (I neglected to mention that I’m a potato fan didn’t I?)

Do you think Gen Y will be reminiscing in 20 years time saying… “Hey, do you remember those Pringle's chip things, I wonder what happened to them?” Gen X of course is still in memory lane about the Paddle Pop competition and I for one, can’t believe that I used to be able to consume an entire box and still never win a prize.***
Smith’s (I don’t care if they are imports) for me is the way to go. I love my spuds, and have had a few potato-orientated nicknames that relate too, but they’ve stood the test of time, and like all true products, they’re worthy of attention.

Signed
A Spud Nut!

04/02/2009 @ 10.40 by Spud Nut
Whats On logo button WHATS ON CENTRAL COAST BLOG ARCHIVES Whats On logo button
Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image Now This Is HELP:
There are times when we are out of tune with the signals and times when every little thing becomes a sign.

I discovered tonight an old newsletter from June 2001 and it appeared from nowhere. I remember getting it but I cannot remember where, when, who, how or why....

This is one of the stories in it; perhaps the answer does lie within...

At close to midnight on a stormy rain drenched Alabama highway back in the 1960's, an elderly African American lady stood near her broken car with a broken spirit. Surprisingly a young white male stopped to assist her. he dropped her somewhere safe, organised help for the car and then popped her in a cab. In those troubled times this was a big deal.

She was in a hurry but took the time to thank him and write down the young mans address.

About a week later the young man received a delivery to his home of a huge console colour TV. There was a note attached, it read...

"Thank you for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but my spirits as well. Then you came along. Because of you I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. Sincerely Mrs Nat King Cole."

We never really know what happens or is happening in other people’s shoes.

Quite often a few of us never even seem to care.

The joy this simple act gave to this woman and her husband is a joy no one else but the young man and the couple will know. Don't give up though; we could all keep trying to find out.

11/03/05 @ 11:55:39 pm by Debbi

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Whats On Central Coast Logo Button image Mixed Bag:
Is life really like a box of chocolates or more like a bag of mixed lollies?
Life and living so often get compared to all sorts of things and these comparisons may seem relevant at the time.

But life is change. Without change life and those who live it would stagnate.

Now change and a mixed bag of lollies may seem worlds apart but - if you don't like those awful black jelly babies you then choose not to have them. The same as life. If you do not agree to one's perception or grasp on life, you choose not to have them in your life.

The fun part is discovering what lies deep inside. We all know that chocolate éclair lolly has that chocolate (or other) flavoured goo on the inside. We really can't go around biting people to see what they have inside, so, we endure the all day sucker confection.

In a bag of life you will possibly get a few nuts as well.

In both bags you can get sweet or sour, hard or soft, hot or bland, colourful or plain and sticky, chewy or crunchy. The choice is there and the choice is ours.

Know your lolly!

It won't guarantee you disappointment but its such fun searching through the bag.

07/05/05 @ 05:34:32 pm by Debbi

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