Carnival Cairns, Australia

Welcome to the May 21, 2008 edition of Carnival of Australia and introducing Blog On Cairns. Cairns is my home town (I am in LOVE with Cairns actually) and business blogging is finally being used as a business tool amongst Cairns business owners. Blog on Cairns is to help Cairns bloggers navigate the blogosphere and put you in touch with the myriad of excellent Aussie bloggers.

Before we begin, a word from the host: How do you donate money to charity without spending a cent??? Answer: Be the change you want, hero day June 13

Remember French Knitting? Jen over at Semantically Driven (last fortnight’s host and therefore first post off the mark in this carnival edition) has provided some amazing photo explanations of  Making tomboy stitch.  Jen posits; “This might be a blast from the past for many people. I’m wondering how many of you used to do Tomboy Stitch?” I did Jen and I taught all my kids to do it too. We called it French Knitting and like your son’s school, we had snake competitions to see who could make the longest rainbow serpent.

Animals

Joh sent in some of Andy’s photography: In Minature Flying Wombats posted at poohduck I faced my envy of not being able to capture flying wombats the way Andy has and instead fell in love with the life stills. Thanks for this Joh. I’m going to become a regular voyeur.

GP presents The Rundown on Roundup posted at Innstyle Montana- Come on Inn, saying, “A rundown of the lessons learned from my first endurance ride.”

 

 

 

Blog On Cairns

Meet Paul Dymond of Have Camera will travel. A Cairns based international photographer, Paul is contracted to Lonely Planet Images and has been featured in more than 30 of their guidebooks ranging from Tokyo to Zambia, from Nepal to Thailand and a few places in between. In Photographing in the rainforest… Paul loans his expertise to people visiting the rainforests surrounding coastal Cairns and helps them to decipher the moments of rainforest sun light needed to take photographs like Paul’s one on the right. Shot at Daintree Eco Lodge, a place I adore, after seeing how he makes his shots talk pure bliss, I think I’ll leave the photography to Paul while I soak up the spa instead (he he). How astoundingly divine is his rainforest stream photograph?

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Keran from Birdwing Therapies (Hoare St, Manunda) attended the annual breakfast held by the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service at the Sheridan Plaza Hotel, North Cairns. Hobnobbing it with all the local and state leaders, Keran shares with us their concerns the significant impact domestic violence has, not only on the victim’s personal safety, but also on their ability to be housed.

Andrew Griffiths, Australia’s Leading Small Business Expert, is a Cairns man. In Just how important is small business in Australia? Andrew ponders division: If several smaller parts make up a whole, is small really big? I am a regular reader of Andrew’s blog, and Andrew and I are business neighbours (we both operate our business home base from Edge Hill). I recommend Andrew’s marketing services, his numerous books and his guest speaking powers.

Melody, Cairns own biglittlesister, has just returned home from a European jaunt. A Visit to Monet’s Garden was a dream come true. Her own daughter named after the French impressionist, Melody lost herself in the splendor of the canvassed gardens in Monet’s home: Giverny area Gardens.

Cairns Action for Sustainable Transport reminds us of World Environment Day June 5. There is a close link between environmental issues, sustainability and child protection so I am very interested in anything to do with protecting the earth. This years theme for World Environment Day is The theme is Kick The Car Habit and Cairns cyclists are meeting at 7.15am at Westcourt Plaza, Mulgrave Rd, to ride to the Cairns City Council lawns for a rally, speakers and refreshments from 8am to 8.30am.

Who doesn’t yet know of Cairnsblog.net? Possibly worn out following the recent local government elections, Mike Moore has not posted of late. We miss you Mike, get on your bike, your stuff we like!

Our life in Tropical North Queensland is completed by CAIRNS UNLIMITED DIGITAL UNDERWATER CAMERAS – PHOTOS. Amazing reef and rainforest photography, I recently won a photographic competition offered over at Cairns Unlimited. I am a bad photographer – what I see through the lens in NEVER what is produced when processed! But….guess the picture I can do. In “Guess that photo” competition I picked the colours as a giant clam. Winning bounty from Cairns Unlimited included a copy of An Anzac’s Story by Roy Kyle (Boy has his hands on the other win, The Thin Red Line, and I will never even get to see it now!!!!). Introduced and edited by Bryce Courtnay, An Anzac’s Story is a moving read. To celebrate the joining of forces (Cairns bloggers to Carnival of Australia) and to assist in the positive marketing of all that Cairns bloggers have to offer, I am (re)giving away this book to the first Cairns Blogger to leave a comment below and a link back to this Carnival Post.

Cairns artist, Jean Burman (painter, writer and curious dreamer): what a pleasure and splash of local cultural comment her blog is. Jean uses her site well as a combination sample of her talent and skills. Combining citizen journalism with self illustrated posts, Jean has her say while positively marketing all that she offers. I am glad you found blogging as a social change platform Jean and I am thrilled at the way you utilise blogs as a business tool.

Surely everyone already knows of the enigmatic Nicky Jurd from City of Cairns. If you don’t, you need to familiarise yourself with Nicky’s Web design and search engine optimisation service. If you are interested in Blogging For Business then you need to subscribe to Nicky’s blog and harness blogging as a tool. Nicky and I (Megan) are intending to join forces and bring business blogging to new heights in Cairns. If you are interested in either staring, enhancing or promoting your blog, talk to Nicky or Megan.

Nunyaa lives slightly south of Cairns. Although we have only recently blog connected, Nunyaa says we have met previously. Love the connections that are formed in small regional centers. I can only hope you didn’t meet me on one of my “badly behaved” days Nunyaa. I don’t always keep my foul opinions to myself if the right topic button is pushed!!!! In SECRET AGENT ORANGE TESTING !! Nunyaa considers the secret dumping of toxic chemicals on rural isolated communities.

It seems that the social and professional services are well represented in the Cairns blogosphere. PSI Psychology Tutor is an extension of a local psychologist’s conversations with her students. While her web site is current, her blog is not updated regularly, I can only hope that Char will be inspired by the growing community of Cairns bloggers. Leave her a comment perhaps and invite Char back to the esplanade of blogging. I’ve included a trackback so lets see if Char comes to visit us at the Carnival of Australia.

Spasmodic Dysphonia and SWAGS Cairns are two blogs belonging to Cairns Social Workers. Again, not regularly updated, I can only encourage you women (one of whom is my mother) to post regularly and enjoy the growing platform of positive Cairns online marketing.

Biased I am…we live in paradise and enjoy copious Tropical Passions. A great way to keep abreast of local restaurant reviews is to consume the tropical and passionate mixings of Cairns own Kitchen Slut. For an appetiser, in Unbeaten bush track reveals rainforest oasis only 40 minutes from Cairns, the kitchen slut reviews a hidden restaurant gem that I have long wondered what was actually down that road.

Parker Travel Collection operates a blog style platform to ensure corporate news and  featured announcements find their way to an international, national and local tourism customer base. That is smart business. Cairns is full of tourist industries who could follow suit and implement a blog as part of their marketing and advertising. Congratulations to Parker Travel Collections for using Web 2.0 technology to take Cairns to the rest of the world.

I hope you Cairns bloggers become regular contributors to the Carnival of Australia. I have added a category especially for you (Blog On Cairns) and if we grow large enough I will raise a separate carnival. For now though, just join us for some great fortnightly blog discoveries.

Business

Martin Russell presents Comedy Wanted Ad posted at Word of Mouth Marketing. Very interesting reminder about the voracity and robustness of a marketing call to action. Can you pick the tragedy in the comedy?

Michelle Sweeney is giving away boobs, shoes and scraps: 3 New Competitions For Australian Readers posted at My New Shiny Shoes. Jump on over to see how to win three separate lots of goodies.

Leigh from All for Women reminds us about the Top Australian Women Blogs. If you are a female Australian blogger, is your blog included for indexing (just let Leigh know you want to be measured)? Imaginif is sitting at number 7 so I’m pretty chuffed with that. Consider listing with Meg too for the Top 100 Australian Blogs Index.

Des Walsh presents Thinking About Blog Monetization posted at Thinking Home Business. Some interesting reflections on Caroline Middlebrook’s post asking whether one’s blog monetization “left money on the table”, Des raises several monetization issues, including paradigm rhetoricals. But, from a purely pragmatic point of view: Are the popular culture of 125 x 125 pixel ads off putting? I rather like them Des and I am much more likely to click on them than large flashy banner ads. What do others think? Let Des know.

Here’s a very interesting post from the lovely Sueblimely on why Social Networking Can Be Bad For Your Blog. Leigh from Crazy Meezer and I were just eyarning about this the other day – where have some of our favorite bloggers gone to – they are updating irregularly but are active on some of the social network sites. I have found it helpful to re-ask why it is that I blog – to get my information out or to get myself out? I use my blogging as part of my marketing plan…not all of that can be done in virtual social networks so I have now found a balance I am happy with. Great article Sue. Thanks for the reflective process you set off in me.

Culture

PlanningQueen (one of my favored child centric bloggers) presents Tear Down The Great Fire Wall Of China posted at Planning with Kids, saying, “Some practical steps that you can take to protest against censorship in China.” If you like social action, then PQ has information on an Australian project that is moving mountains walls.

The amazingly talented Suzie Cheel presents How I Started Making Art Quilts posted at Suzie Cheel Art and beyond. Launching her new Art Blog, Suzie shares the story of how she became an art quilter. She also tells the story of Quilts 2000, a fund Raiser for the Paralympics in 2000. Wow Suzie, that was a fantastic effort and your quilt raised a HUGE amount of money. Congratulations and thank you for leaving your comfort zone.

Family

Joh presents Get off the Road!! posted at Joh Blogs, saying, “A significant step towards adulthood for my son.” As a mother I share your freedom cum stomach wrenching driving pride Joh. Now if only we can get rid of passengers who do not wear seat belts, our sons will be okay.

Food

Dr Martin W. Russell presents “I Can Make You Thin” by Paul McKenna – A Review posted at Dr Martin W. Russell. A book review, Martin contends that eating the four rules of the book are a sure fire way to improve your nutrition, life and self image:

1. When you are hungry, eat.
2. Eat what you want (not what you think you “should”.)
3. Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful.
4. When you are full stop.

I have declared the rest of my life a diet free zone: diets are so negative. Health and total nutrition though, that’s what I get motivated by, so I agree with Martin’s reduction to four golden life rules. How about the rest of you? What do you think of Martin’s review? 

Helping a mate

Craig Harper presents I Don’t Like You posted at Craig Harper – Motivational Speaker. Stop flashing Craig (he he, couldn’t resist it)! Craig reminds us: “Newsflash 1: Some people aren’t gonna like you. Newsflash 2: That’s okay.” Megan is such a child and retorts, “News flash 3 – I like your blog and straight forward style, Craig. It does not present as a significant barrier to my personal or professional growth so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me as a reader.

Mates

Belongum presents Of Warships and Women… posted at Belongum’s Weblog, saying, “A thank you to the women that served alongside of me – they didn’t get many on the job!” Belongum, my father was in Small Ships., for both the Australian and American Armies. I grew up in an Army barracks overseas and Dad did three tours of duty in Vietnam. His photographs featured many uniformed women. I echo your sentiments of thanks.

Personal Development

Suzie Cheel presents Being Wonder Woman Sucks Sometimes! posted at The Abundance Highway. In a moment of doubt Suzie reflected and subsequently asks us: “Do you sometimes “bite off more than you can chew?” That’s certainly what I felt like last night. So I went to bed. You know head under the pillow solution? Also, the internet connection was like watching grass grow.” In her state of being overwhelmed, Suzie found ways to underwhelm herself and let the laws of attraction find their own way back into her space. Suzie, I am sending positive thoughts your way on your journey to Vancouver to further facilitate the Law of Attraction.

Politics

Gavin R. Putland presents Unprintable Remarks On The Budget posted at Prosper Australia. Oh dear – two newspapers may have shown their political bias by not renting Gavin’s considered comments. Thank goodness for the third one though (and for citizen journalism via the spread of information in the blogosphere) who put up some shelter in the Herald Sun.

Colin Campbell, another regular Carnival of Australia host, presents Sun Sets on Solar Rebate posted at Adelaide Green Porridge Cafe, saying, “Who would have thought that Johnny’s renewable energy policy for solar power on people’s houses would be so popular that the Rudd Government plans to strangle it????” I’m faced with a similar issue at the moment Colin (gray water tanks) but the tank wins over the mortgage.

Sport

Frank Sherril presents Not Building Enough Muscle? Then Discover How To Quickly Avoid Dangerous Training Plateaus. posted at Frank Sherrill’s Rants. I’m pretty sure this has nothing to do with Australia or being Australian. Frank what is your Aussie connection?

Travel

Aussie expat Nathan Low presents many Letters to home posted at An Ozzie in Boston. His blog is ”a story about an Aussie’s adventure in Boston. Also with technical and moving help.” I removed the link to the post you wanted included Nathan – bit raunchy for a child protection blog I think! Instead I’m presenting your entire blog so that readers can choose what they read.

Have You Ever Had Thoughts Of Running Away From Home? Carole from Healthy Living Lounge has. Should she or should she not get her groove back by running away? I say GO CAROLE.

That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Australia and Blog On Cairns. Submit your blog article to the next fortnightly edition of the Carnival of Australia using the carnival submission form. I have added Blog on Cairns as a category so you Cairns bloggers can add your posts and choose that category.

Upcoming hosts of the Carnival of Australia can be found on our blog carnival index page (or the widget in my side bar). Keran over at Birdwing Therapies (a Cairns blogger) will be hosting the next Carnival of Australia on June 4, 2008. Submissions must be in by Monday 2nd June by 11pm. Prevent forgetting and subscribe to automated reminders below:

Subscribe to automatic Carnival of Australia reminders. Never miss an opportunity to get your posts in. Two reminders a fortnight: one to submit, one to check your links.
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Don’t forget the Australian Childhood Foundation’s Childhood Hero Day on June 13. Capes are only $5.00 and badges $3.00. Such a little cost to help keep kids safe.  Please buy one.

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