Life, Down Under. The digital diary of Vera & Alex Olah

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Post #262 28 February 2023

Gentlefolk,

This post describes our main activities during the month of February 2023.

The contents of this post are in the following sequence:

Photos of our activities during February 2023.

Some news items which caught my eye in February 2023.

International Trade.

Best ever generation?

First, photos of some of our activities during February 2023:

We have been fortunate to have a wonderful Eye Specialist, Dr David Tridgell. He looked after Mom for years, and then us. Dr Tridgell has advised that he will retire in July 2023. End of an era, sad!!!

Our friend Ghislaine visited from Sydney, haven't seen her since pre-Covid. We had dinner with Aniko and Peter.

The main public activity organised by the Australia China Friendship Society is the annual Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is held two weeks after Chinese New Year, and marks the end of CNY celebrations. We missed the last two years beecause of Covid.

Carol Kiel, President of ACFS, being interviewed by ABC TV.

Carol with Minister Sun representing the Chinese Embassy.

Some of the onlookers at the Lantern Festival. It was a cool, windy night, not pleasant. Perhaps around 300 turned up to watch performances of Chinese music, dance, martial arts, etc.

Performance by the ANU's Ensemble of Chinese Classical Music.

One of the dance performances.

Wonderful exhibition of Cressida Campbell (born Sydney 1960) woodblock paintings at the National Gallery of Australia. She now lives in Bronte, Sydney.

Self-portrait of a young Cressida Campbell.

This novel is set in Beijing in the 1980s. The author, Nicholas Jose, was Cultural Counsellor at the Australian Embassy. We were at the Embassy just before him, and could relate to many of the scenes in the book. An interesting read.

The team in the Trade Office of the Australian Embassy, Jakarta in 1988; from left Colin Hook (The Boss), Andrew Homer, Me, and Paul Brewer. Paul died two weeks ago in Brisbane; we watched the funeral which was streamed.
Following his posting in Jakarta, Paul did an MBA, and then a PhD. He had a distinguished 'second career' as a lecturer in the Business School of the University of Queensland.

Paul Brewer was a keen member of the Jakarta Hash House Harriers, as I was. We set the Australia Day run in January 1989 together with another Aussie, Ian Murray. Paul had a wry sense of humour and always saw the lighter side of life. A great colleague. RIP, Paul!

Dinner with Robin and Tieke.

Jen visited Canberra for a reunion with some of the girls she went to school with.

Noel Cock married Thuy Hoang on the shores of Lake Ginnindera in Belconnen. Noel met Thuy in 2014 during a visit to Vietnam. The relationship developed despite distance and Covid. We wish them all the best for a wonderful future together.

I attended the launch of this new book, at the ANU. Don met Neville White at Latrobe University in the early-1970s. Neville became an academic (anthropologist); after a few years teaching he moved up to NE Arnham Land to study the Indigenous population at first hand. Neville went from observer to participant. The book describes Neville's life and contribution.

Don Watson signing books after the launch.

We went to this concert in Queanbeyan with Sue and Frank. The audience were almost all our age - people who grew up with The Beatles in the 1960s.
Did you know that Lennon (1940-80) & McCartney (1942-) were one
of the most successful song-writing teams in history? They wrote 192 songs, many very popular.
They were both from Liverpool, England and from humble origins. John's father was a merchant seaman; while Paul's mother was the main income-earner in his family.

Damien Lieth and Darren Coggan on stage; they were backed by 3 violins and a bass which made for a much bigger sound. Some of the songs: All my loving; Can't buy me love; Eight days a week; Eleanor Rigby; Love me do; Lucy in the sky with diamonds; When I'm 64.
Lennon & McCartney - musical legends!!!

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News items which caught my eye during February 2023.

Global

Big earthquake near Turkey/Syria border – over 50,000 dead, widespread destruction. Another smaller earthquake.

After 8 years Nicola Sturgeon resigned as SNP leader.

Indian conglomerate Adani cancelled proposed $2.5B share sale following plunge in share price as a result of an unfavorable report by Hindenburg Research.

Shell announced a profit of $40B in 2022 (the most in its 115 year history). BP profit $28B, also a record. French Got energy giant EDF reported a loss of $18B because prices capped.

35 countries have asked the IOC to ban Russia & Belorussia from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

English Premier League club Manchester City charged with 100 breaches of financial rules 2009 – 18.

After 44 years, English comedian John Cleese and his daughter Camilla will star in a return series of Fawlty Towers.

Credit Suisse reported a loss of $7.9B in 2022.

The Canadian Govt will boost spending on healthcare by $149B over 10 years.

Novak Djokovic had his 377^th week as World #1, a record.

Death toll from the Turkey/Syria earthquake over 50,000 and climbing.

Israeli army raid of Nablus resulted in 11 Palestinians killed and 80 wounded.

UNGA passed a motion condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (for 141, against 7, abstained 32).

Indian Govt pressured BBC office following documentary critical of President Modi.

The Australian womens cricket team beat South Africa to win its 6^th T20 World Cup.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

First anniversary of Russia’s invasion on 24 Feb 2022.

President Biden visited Kyiv; pledged support “until the end” and an immediate additional $500B. Then he visited Warsaw where he met several European & NATO leaders. In reaction, Putin pulled Russia out of the New Start nuclear weapons limitation agreement.

President Zelensky visited London and Paris seeking continued support including fighter jets.

US said that Russia has committed “crimes against humanity’.

The Russian economy shrank by an estimated 2.1% in 2022, less than expected.

USA

President Biden gave the annual State of the Union address to Congress.

An alleged Chinese spying balloon was shot down after transiting parts of the USA. China claimed it was a weather balloon which had gone off course. Later US jets shot down three other small unidentified objects.

Federal Reserve raised interest rates 0.25% (much lower than previous increases).

Boeing announced cessation of production of its iconic 747.

NFL Super Bowl: Kansas City Chiefs 38 beat Philadelphia Eagles 35. It was the first time two Black quarterbacks started (Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts).

After 23 years in the NFL, champion quarterback Tom Brady (45) announced his retirement, this time ‘for real’. He won 7 Championships; 89,214 passing yards; 649 touch downs; 251 wins.

The US secured access to 4 additional military bases in the Philippines.

According to preliminary figures, in 2022 US had a trade deficit in goods and services of $948B (up 12% over 2021). Goods exports to China totaled $153B, while goods imports from China totaled $536B giving a bilateral trade deficit of $383B.

NBA: champion basketballer LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul Jabber’s 39 year record of 38,387 points when James scored 38 in the Lakers loss against Oklahoma City. James has won 4 Championships since joining the NBA in 2003: 2x Miami Heat; 1x Cleveland; 1x Lakers. What a champion!

Famous songwriter Burt Bacharach died aged 94. Actress Raquel Welch died aged 82; she starred in 30 films and 50 TV series. Bruce Willis (67) has dementia.

Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 2024 Presidential election (Trump running, also likely Ron DeSantis).

Winter storm hit 29 States; 5,000 flights delayed or cancelled.

City of Seattle banned discrimination on the basis of caste (aimed at Hindus).

Australia

The Reserve Bank increased interest rates by 0.25% (to 3.35%). The unemployment rate increased from 3.5% to 3.7%.

The Minister for the Environment blocked a proposed coal mine which would have been close to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Australian War Memorial announced the replacement of external Chinese CCTV cameras (seen as potential security threat!).

Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart, Commerce Minister Wang Wen Tao held virtual trade talks (first since 2019). The first shipments of Australian coal reached China.

Member for Aston (Victoria), former Minister Alan Tudge, resigned from Federal Parliament. The by-election on 1 April will be keenly contested.

Senator Lydia Thorpe resigned from The Green, She will sit as an independent “to better represent Black sovereignty”.

World Pride held in Sydney 17 Feb – 5 March; 300 events, expect 78K visitors. Prime Minister Albanese (& wife) marched in the parade.

The Federal and Queensland Govts announced $7B funding agreement for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Official launch of the ‘Yes’ campaign – a referendum will be held in the last quarter of 2023 to enshrine an indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Coles and Woolworth Supermarkets dominate the food sector; both announced record profits: Coles A$643M (up 17%), Woolies $907M (up 14%).

Qantas half-year profit A$1.4B.

China

According to the Pentagon, China has 340 vessels in its Navy while the USA has 280.

Foreign Minister Wang Jie presented a possible peace plan, but rejected by Ukraine and USA.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

My 30 year career as an Australian Trade Commissioner gave me an interest in matters related to international trade. I subscribe to Bloomberg's excellent daily newsletter "Supply Lines - tracking Covid-19's impact on trade" (former title 'Trade Matters').

Here are some of the more interesting graphs in the Bloomberg newsletter during February 2023; they are largely self-explanatory.

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*Best Era Ever; Best ever generation*

Born in ....................   40s/50s /60s
Grew up in ..............   60s/70s
Educated in ............   70s/80s
Ventured out in ......    80s/90s
Stabilised a bit in....    2000s
Got a bit wiser in.....   2010s
*Made it to .............    2023 oooph!*

*We have lived in* .....
EIGHT Different *Decades*
TWO Different *Centuries*
TWO Different *Millennials*

We have been through...Phonebooth, Pager, Beeper, Thuraya/Satellite phone, Mobile phone to latest Smart phone -

Radio, Transistor radios, Black & White TV, TV with glass shell screen to compact TV, flat screen, to Smart TV.

Gramophone player, Tape recorder, Betamax/VHS Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), Walkman, Cassette player, Cartridge player, YouTube to Wireless Streaming.

Handwritten letters , Typewriters (Popular brands: Remington, Imperial, Oliver, Olivetti, Underwood), Dictaphone, Pitman Stenography as shorthand to Electric Typewriter, Electronic typewriter (Brother, golf ball, typewheel), Telegrams, Teleprinters (Telex), Fax Machine to eMail, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram.

Money Orders, Postal Orders, Bankers Cheque, Travellers Cheques, DD to
NEFT, RTGS, PayTM, Google Pay, etc.

Basic computers (20 MB Hard disk drive to 2 TB) to latest laptop, 5.25 inch to 3.5 inch floppy disk to CD disk to PenDrive -

And ...

We missed the Spanish Flu .....but here for Covid.. Ah!

Some of us were hippies and yuppies. We looked good in bell bottoms and turn-ups, went through pencils "drainpipes"and then settled for a cut in-between.

Walked, cycled, rode, drove, went on train, on sea, played in the streets with dust, mud, went underground, in the air, surfed, flew & now awaiting the Elon Musk SpaceX to the Moon.

Wow!!! What a Life it's been

......

That's it for this post.

Our best wishes, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Vera & Alex Olah

Canberra, Australia

Tuesday 28 February 2023.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Post #261 31 January 2023

Gentlefolk,

This post describes our activities during the month of January 2023, the start of a new calendar year.

The contents of this post are in the following sequence:

Photos of our activities during January 2023.

Some news items which caught my eye in January 2023.

International Trade.

The highlight was our time at the coast (Broulee), first for two days over New Year and then later for two weeks.

First some photos taken during the month.

Andrew & Caz rented a house for a week at 111 Annett's Parade, Mossy Point. Brilliant location, just above Candalogan Creek and close to the beach as well. Vera & I joined them for a couple of days over New Year (we stayed with Barbara, where Jen & Tom & boys were also staying). The kids played cricket on the flat grassy area below the house.

Eddie gettiing into surfing. Both he and Caz had a lesson to get them started.

Isaac's mum, Simone Roberts, designed a special "Amazing Race" around Broulee/Mossy Point to celebrate his 12th birthday on New Year's Day.
Simone divided the group into 5 teams (see below); they had to find their way to 10 check points and work out the clues to the other check points.

Five teams: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Red, and Purple.

Simone briefing the participants.

Paul and I were designated to man one of the check points, a Ninja Warrior course on the grounds of St Peter's School.

Simone announced the winning team - Pink! (Bonnie, Liza, Andy Jay, Nate, and Ellen). Well done!!!

I attended the funeral in Sydney of Frank Walsh, a legend of the Trade Commissioner Service.

Frank's funeral was held at St Mary's Church, North Sydney. Big crowd.

Friends farewelling the hearse outside the church. The wake was held at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli.

After the funeral, old friend Tom Yates showed me around the new Austrade (Australian Trade Commission) offices in Barangaroo - impressive! It's 21 years since I left Austrade and Tom is about the only one I know there now.

Vera & I attended the Canberra International Tennis Tournament.

The winner in Canberra was Hungarian champion Marton Fucsovics; his highest ranking was World #31, so no slouch. He went on the play in the Australian Open in Melbourne, but was beaten in the second round.

Theresa Barbaro, former Austrade colleague from 25 years ago; she is a tennis tragic.

Vera and I rented this 'Pink House' in Broulee for 2 weeks, 7 - 21 January.

What a lovely house. We invited various friends to join us.

We overlapped with the Roberts for two days. Dinner at Barbara's place. From left: Vera. Tom, Nate, Simone (hidden), Isaac, Sid, Francesca, Jen, Barb, and Marty (hidden).

Saying goodbye to the Roberts before they headed back to Brisbane. From let: Nate, Jen, Kurt, Sid, me, Vera, and Tom.

Vera & Tieke on bush walk.

With Tieke and Robin Brown, friends from Canberra.

The granite for the Sydeny Harbour Bridge came from a quarry near Moruya. A town of over 300 was built to house stone masons and their families. Stone masons were recruited from Scotland and Italy. The granite was mined and cut here and special ships took it to Sydney.

Vera, Tieke and Heath McMichael near the granite quarry..

We visited the village of Bodalla, known for its dairy products.

The old Bodalla pub, established more than 100 years ago.

Robin, Tieke and Heath on beautiful North Broulee beach.

Other friends came from Sydney: Charles, Nikki, and Rob.

From left: Carole Hodge, Nikki, Charles Yu, Niu Cai Qin (Charles' mother), Vera, Rob Hodge.

Barbara Roberts and I swapping stories of our visits to Iran.

More visitors: Niniek & Paul Milton and Helen & Neil Moffat.

At Catalina Golf Club, Batemans Bay; from left: Paul Milton, Paul Flint, Noel Cock, and David Evans.

Lunch with our former neighbour in Waramanga, Bernie Ryan (he and Jen now live at the coast).

Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit) on 22 January.

The Australia China Friendship Society held a Lantern-making workshop.

Light show at the lake for Australia Day (26 January 2023).

The president of the Australia Indonesia Association, Les Boag, welcomed the Indonesian Ambassador and friends to a picnic by Lak Burley Griffin on Australia Day.

The Chinese community held a Forum on Australia Day.

Dr Ying Liu described how she became a General Practitioner (GP) in Canberra.

Chinese community choir.

The Australia China Friendship Society hosted a dinner to commemorate Chinese New Year; farewell Tiger, welcome Rabbit.

I read two books during the month.

I enjoyed Ash Barty's book, published last year.

Ash Barty was ranked World #1 womans tennis player for 121 weeks. She won the Australian Open in January 2022, and then retired. She was only 25, and World #1 - people couldn't believe that she would walk away, but she did. Ash said that she had achieved her goals, and that it was time to live a 'normal' life. She married Garry Kissick (a golf pro) in July 2022, and has just announced that she is pregnant. We wish her well - a truly remarkable person!

A good novel by a fine Aussie author.

A film was made of this book, starring Eric Bana as federal agent Aaron Falk.

The price of petrol at Costco, Canberra at the end of January 2023.

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News items which caught my eye during January 2023.

Global

The Geneva Academy list 116 armed conflicts occurring around the world.

Lula da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s new president (Former President Bolsonaro had left for Florida). On 8 January Bolsonaro supporters invaded the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Presidential Palace.

Ronaldo signed with Saudi Arabian team AP Nasser for $300M pa

Pope Benedict 16^th died.

Canada introduced a law banning the purchase of residential property by foreigners for two years (property prices had jumped 38% since 2019).

Several countries, including Australia, required pre-departure Covid testing for travelers from China.

Croatia replaced its currency (Kuna), with Euro (K7.5= E1) and joined the Schengen Zone.

Power outage at Manila Airport affected 300 flights (56,000 passengers).

The Energy Profits Tax (super profits) introduced in November will see Shell paying tax for the first time since 2017.

Bernard Arnault CEO of LYMH named world’s richest person (net worth $152B).

Miss Universe 2023 is Miss USA R’Bonny Gabriel (Filipino American).

Yeti Air crash in Nepal, 68 dead.

Canada agreed to pay $2.8B to settle a class action lawsuit seeking compensation for loss of language and culture caused by its residential school system for indigenous children. A charity will administer the funds.

Brazilian President Lula sacked the Army Chief of Staff ; 1,200 still in detention following the 8 Jan attacks on the Congress and Supreme Court.

Jacinta Ahern stepped down after 5 years as Prime Minister of New Zealand; replaced by Chris Hipkins (44).

Israel: high tension after 9+ Palestinians killed by military, followed by 7 Israelis killed in a Jerusalem Synagogue.

Heavy rain caused flash flooding in Auckland, New Zealand.

Terrorist bombing of a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan; 60+ dead, 157 injured.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

According to the Kiel Institute UK has provided $7.5B to Ukraine, France $1.5B, Poland $3B. They will provide modern tanks.

At least 63 Russian recruits were killed in Makivka, Donetsk by Ukrainian missiles.

Putin proposed a 3 day truce during Orthodox Xmas (7 – 10 Jan), but rejected by Ukraine.

Top Ukrainian officials resign in anti-corruption drive.

Several countries announced they will send a total of about 100 modern tanks to Ukraine: UK 14 Challenger tanks, Germany 18 Leopard tanks; Poland 14 Leopards; USA 31 Abrams tanks. It will take several months to train Ukrainians in tank operations and maintenance. Russia called it an escalation and reacted with missile attacks on Ukraine.

USA

Kevin McCarthy was finally elected by the Republicans on the 15^th ballot as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

House Ways & Means Committee released Trump’s tax returns for 6 years.

Elon Musk’s net worth fell by an estimated $200B to $137B (Tesla shares fell 65% in 2022 despite sales of 1.3M vehicles).

Many inconsistencies found in the CV of newly elected Republican Congressman for NYC, George Santos.

USA to limit immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to 30,000 per month.

Despite slowing economy US jobless rate fell to 3.5% in December; inflation rate 6.5% for 2022, average hourly earnings up 4.6%.

FAA computer problems delayed 8,000 flights (of which 1,200 cancelled).

Illinois joined 8 other States to ban sale of semi-automatic weapons.

Goldman Sachs laid off 3,000 staff, Black Rock laid off 500.

Caifornia hit by heavy snow and rain; widespread flooding.

California, with over 6 million Asians, proclaimed Chinese New Year as a State Holiday.

Three mass shootings in California, total of 41 in USA in January. There are an estimated 400M firearms in the USA; 45% of Households have a gun.

Following death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis on 7 January, 5 policemen (all Black) fired and charged with second degree murder. Widespread demonstrations in many cities against police brutality.

FBI took down the HIVE ransomware site which targeted educational and medical facilities.

After 2 year ban, former President Trump was re-admitted to Facebook and Instagram.

Former president Trump held rallies in New Hampshire and South Caroline – the start of his run for the 2024 Presidential nomination.

Australia

Two helicopters collided at the Gold Coast, 4 dead.

Australia to buy HIMARS and NSM missile systems from the USA.

Cardinal George Pell died aged 81.

PM Albanese visited Alice Springs in response to spike in violence. Partial ban on alcohol will be re-instated (abolished July 2022).

Australian inflation was 7.8% in 2022.

Australian Tennis Open: Aryna Sabalenko (Belorusia) beat Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) to win Womens Single 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata beat Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski to win Mens Doubles 6-4, 7-6; Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 to win the Mens Singles. Djokovic has now won the Aussie Open a remarkable 10 times. He has 22 Grand Slam titles, equal to Nadal. What an amazing champion!!!

A referendum will be held later this year to enshrine an indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution. The 'No' campaign has kicked off, the 'Yes' campaign will commence next month.

The Australian dollar jumped 4 cents, now A$1 = US$0.71. Why?

China

Chinese New Year celebrated on 22 January – goodbye Tiger, welcome Rabbit (Gui Mao = water rabbit).

Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, will give up control of ANT Financial Services Group (Ali-pay).

China said that 59,938 died with Covid from 8 Dec 2022 to 12 Jan 2023.

China’s GDP rose an estimated 3% in 2022.

China had an overall surplus of $878B in foreign trade in 2022; trade with USA had a surplus of $404B: exports $582B (up 1.2%) and imports $178B (down 1.1%).

China’s population fell in 2022 by 850,000 to 1.41B (first fall since 1960). Births were 6.77 per 1000 population; deaths were 7.37 per 1000 (In comparison: USA birth rate was 11.06/1000, UK’s 10.10/1000, India 16.42/1000).

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