It Pays to Protest

Herald Sun today......

"CHINESE officials will soon meet a representative of the Dalai Lama in what would be the first such known encounter since last month's deadly unrest.

The surprise move was welcomed by a spokesman for the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader as a step in the right direction.

China has come under intense foreign pressure to hold talks with the Dalai Lama since rioting erupted in the regional capital, Lhasa, last month, spreading to other areas populated by Tibetans.

Beijing's crackdown in the Himalayan region, as well as criticism of its human rights record, triggered protests that have dogged the Olympic torch as it travels the world before China hosts the Games in August.

"Only face-to-face meetings can lead to a resolution of the Tibetan issue," spokesman Tenzin Takla said.

"His Holiness, since March 10 when (anti-Chinese) protests started, had been making all efforts to reach out to the Chinese Government, and he hopes the Tibetan issue can be resolved only through dialogue," he said from Dharamshala, seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Xinhua news agency quoted an unidentified Chinese official saying that in view of the Dalai Lama's repeated requests, "the relevant department of the central Government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days".

"It is hoped that through consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence, and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks."

Beijing had resisted pressure to meet the Dalai Lama and accused him of instigating violence."

A Solid Gold Sheila ..........

One of our dearest friends, Jill, is a frustrated choreographer/director/ actor and dancer. Over the eleven years I have known her, she has been a tireless worker on many committees. Any time there is a celebration within these many organisations, she has grabbed the chance to 'put a show on' and jump into the limelight. She inspires others to take part, sets the scene, does a lot of the costumes and gets the show on the road.

Yesterday was the culmination of one of these efforts, where her local women's group had a ten year celebration. A hundred ladies from that branch and elsewhere came for a luncheon and show. I was an invited visitor, and finally had a crack at using my video within my new camera, which I might add, worked a treat.

They chose the Village People and the YMCA song, and they got the costumes together for each member of the group. Jillo was the African American in leather. We sourced a black affro wig from my daughter, and she wore my bikie leather jacket and my man's Harley belt. She glued black fluff onto her chest and you can see the rest.

Very scary.....

All the ladies were terrific, particularly the policewoman, who was just fabulous.

I might add, all of these ladies were in their 60s and 70s.

If that wasn't enough, they did a synchronized swimming piece, with the girls 'swimming' at the Beijing Olympics.

Luv ya heaps Jillo; your blood's worth bottling .....

Random Acts of Kindness

I'm a big advocate of people doing this, and if I do something for people and they want to give me something back, I say, 'pass it on'.

I had three complimentary tickets left on the last day of Art Melbourne, valued at $20 each. I looked at them and wondered whether to throw them out or be creative.

As I was going to the front entrance, I looked around for friendly people and spotted a woman going in on her own. I called her over and asked whether she was paying to go in and she said yes. I handed her a ticket, and she nearly hugged me ..... so excited.

I found a young couple and did the same, with the same result.

I got more of a charge out of doing that than anything else over the four days.

Try it; it's a really excellent feeling.

The Royal Exhibition Buildings - More Photos

Victoria's Finest Building. Nothing needs to be said....

...and Now for Some Light Entertainment

This is such fun, it makes me proud to be an Aussie ......

Photos From Melbourne

The spectacular Royal Exhibition Building

A quiet moment in the corridors of Art Melbourne

Our hard working curator and an artist celebrating with a champagne before opening.

A full sized model plane suspended in the foyer of the Museum, next to the Exhibition Buildings

A model of a giant Great White Shark suspended in the stairwell. There was a stuffed seal 'swimming' nearby. The shark must have been about six metres long, and it's suspension gave the feel of being in the water. Truly terrifying.

Dinosaur skeleton also in the foyer.


Lock your bike onto the rack? Seems safe, doesn't it?

A very independent young fellow strolling confidently ahead of his mother. We thought he looked great.

The view from our hotel in Spencer Street

One night down and all the 'be seen people' were there for the VIP party, swanning round with champagne in hand.

Today was much more civilised, and then another party night tonight. It's huge and humbling, with truly spectacular work and scruff stuff. 100 Galleries from all over Australia, each with their stable of artists, and 15,000 expected people coming through the doors.

We couldn't wait to get home to our unpopulated place in heaven. I'm back again on Sunday to pick up unsold pieces.

More later............