I realize it’s been some time [two weeks - eek!] since we last updated the blog. It’s not for a lack of interest on our part. We love that everyone reads our blog and can share in our adventures Down Under - although those of you checking it every morning may be disappointed more often than not - and having the blog encourages us to stay off our duffs and get out and explore this amazing country. We also appreciate the comments - especially those from Bing. [And no, we've not made it to the Foster's brewery yet :-)]
After a busy January, we needed to take a weekend off. Not much to share from the first week of February other than the usual - going to work, running necessary errands, etc. Oh, but we did receive one great piece of news... we are going to be RJ's godparents! I know it's too cheesy, but here it comes nonetheless, "Jeanna and Bob made us an offer we couldn't refuse." We're totally excited and this means a trip back to NJ in April for the christening. Undoubtedly, we will spoil - and enjoy every minute of it - our new nephew and godson. I just hope he likes kangaroos, kiwis, cricket, and footie. He - and many of his friends - may be very confused by the gifts we shower him with.
And now for some relevance as to the subject of this entry. Today, the Parliament officially and publicly apologized to the Aboriginal people of Australia. In a 361-word statement crafted with Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and advisers, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd used the word "sorry" three times — acknowledging its power in indigenous culture. The apology was directed to the "stolen generations". Years ago, the government set out to improve the quality of life for its indigenous people. The government systematically plucked children from their families and homes to provide them a descent education in the hope they would grow up to make a better life for themselves. As a result, children were forces to live away from their families and their culture for their developing years. At 18, these new adults were released from the public education system and asked to make a life of their own. Despite the education, these young adults were still treated as Aborigines in the general public. Upon returning home, many were labeled outcasts by their families and communities. The practice ceased, and as I understand it, this apology was long overdue. A great day for Australia.
So I apologized for not writing, PM Rudd apologized for the former actions of the government, but there is still another public apology that was made today. Channel 9 [one of our five channels] apologized for not being able to air the mini-series "Underbelly" tonight in Victoria. It's an Aussie version of "Sopranos" except that it’s based on a very true and new story of organized crime in Melbourne. Although many have been arrested, the criminal investigation is ongoing and all the legal proceedings have not yet taken place. I'm not entirely sure why, but the Supreme Court barred the airing [it was to debut tonight] in Victoria only. However, Melissa was able to watch it as she is in Sydney tonight. A great day for Melissa.
This past weekend, we did take a trip. Stay tuned for that entry [and pictures] tomorrow. A hint, the picture used for this entry was taken there.
After a busy January, we needed to take a weekend off. Not much to share from the first week of February other than the usual - going to work, running necessary errands, etc. Oh, but we did receive one great piece of news... we are going to be RJ's godparents! I know it's too cheesy, but here it comes nonetheless, "Jeanna and Bob made us an offer we couldn't refuse." We're totally excited and this means a trip back to NJ in April for the christening. Undoubtedly, we will spoil - and enjoy every minute of it - our new nephew and godson. I just hope he likes kangaroos, kiwis, cricket, and footie. He - and many of his friends - may be very confused by the gifts we shower him with.
And now for some relevance as to the subject of this entry. Today, the Parliament officially and publicly apologized to the Aboriginal people of Australia. In a 361-word statement crafted with Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and advisers, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd used the word "sorry" three times — acknowledging its power in indigenous culture. The apology was directed to the "stolen generations". Years ago, the government set out to improve the quality of life for its indigenous people. The government systematically plucked children from their families and homes to provide them a descent education in the hope they would grow up to make a better life for themselves. As a result, children were forces to live away from their families and their culture for their developing years. At 18, these new adults were released from the public education system and asked to make a life of their own. Despite the education, these young adults were still treated as Aborigines in the general public. Upon returning home, many were labeled outcasts by their families and communities. The practice ceased, and as I understand it, this apology was long overdue. A great day for Australia.
So I apologized for not writing, PM Rudd apologized for the former actions of the government, but there is still another public apology that was made today. Channel 9 [one of our five channels] apologized for not being able to air the mini-series "Underbelly" tonight in Victoria. It's an Aussie version of "Sopranos" except that it’s based on a very true and new story of organized crime in Melbourne. Although many have been arrested, the criminal investigation is ongoing and all the legal proceedings have not yet taken place. I'm not entirely sure why, but the Supreme Court barred the airing [it was to debut tonight] in Victoria only. However, Melissa was able to watch it as she is in Sydney tonight. A great day for Melissa.
This past weekend, we did take a trip. Stay tuned for that entry [and pictures] tomorrow. A hint, the picture used for this entry was taken there.
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