Donating Blood

Well, now I really feel pathetic! It has taken me more than 30 years to do that. After donating blood at a mobile blood bank today, I can finally report that the biggest pain attached was the walk across the park in the heat. After registering online at https://www.donateblood.com.au/become-a-donor/appointment/create
All I had to do was fill out some paperwork and lay back having a bludge for 10 minutes. I even got a Biscuit afterwards. I was hoping for a hug but settled for the biscuit.

Sorry to apply pressure but I'm just going to have to challenge everyone who reads this to go and do the same. I needed blood once to save my life. Your single donation can save 3 lives. Think about that.

Go on... do it. Free biscuit.

Video Innovations http://www.filmu.com.au

Heading out to give blood

Today I am doing something that I have wanted to do for decades. For all those years it all seemed like too much hassle. Once I registered online and made an appointment to give blood, it wasn't a hassle at all.

My life was saved once after an accident by transfused blood and so was the life of my wife and son at his birth. We should all do this.

Here is the link. https://www.donateblood.com.au/become-a-donor/appointment/create

Australia Day the day after

And what a great day it was. Albeit a tad warm, with temperatures in the low 40's where we spent the day filming at the Grand reopening of the Australiana Pioneer Village at Wilberforce.


The crowds well exceeded 1,000 and although it was so hot, the vibe couldn't have been better. The old village buzzed with activity and excited kids. They were glued to the sights of blacksmiths hammering out little horseshoes which were then given to them. There ladies spinning wool. They were even able to watch someone shearing the wool from the sheep first.

There were Clydesdale horses, A Light Brigade horse regiment with mounted soldiers. Old cars and tractors. A day all the kids and their parents will remember. Importantly, it signaled a new beginning for school groups to use the village again and announced that the village is once again open for business.

We are told that there will be regular events of some sort in the future.

Something else that stood out like a loud statement from proud Australian's at the village yesterday was the fact that very little rubbish was left anywhere on the grounds. A very stark contrast with the sight that greeted clean up crews arriving at Bondi Beach this morning. Each and every person who trashed Australia yesterday (or any day,) should be ashamed and should think twice about calling themselves Australian. Take your garbage home with you guys. Its not hard. No harder than taking it on the way there. If you are Australian, how can you trash Australia?

Good News from Qld

In Breaking News... Some much needed good news just in from Queensland, we can now report that in the Town of Boggabilla on the McIntyre River where the ducks are plenty and the fishing's beaut... The Wobbly Boot Hotel is safe. This news has relieved the worry of many faithful patrons from both sides of the border.

Qld Flood Relief Jan 13th 2011

We have all watched the scenes unfold in this huge tragedy north of the border and few would be unaffected by it all.
I spent much of  today filming at the Richmond RAAF Base in NSW where 2 giant C17 aircraft were each loading 66 Tonnes of grocery items to be transported to the many homeless in Qld.


In typical ANZAC fashion, much of this relief had been donated by NSW business. Donated and transported to the RAAF Base where it was all repacked by huge teams of airbase personal.

The RAAF Pilot and Co Pilot  I spoke to on board one aircraft, both have wives who were in the flood zone. Safe but effectively homeless. These aircraft had fled the soon to be flooded Brisbane airport to visit Richmond. They will be returning to Amberly Airbase which is still dry and the food relief will be distributed from there.

An enormous effort being put in by these people. It is humbling to see the might that our country can bring to aid those in need. If you have ever wondered why our defence force spent so much money on these new transport planes, this is why. These two flying giants reached Qld with 132 Tonnes of much need supplies in just 2 and a half hours.
More will follow in the coming days and weeks.

All the best Qld. We're thinking of you.

The simple things

As some of us begin adjusting back into the old work routine after our Xmas break, I find myself reminded of simpler times.
So many of our waking hours are now Dependant on some kind of amazing new technology, a microwave, a smart phone, instant communications worldwide, cameras that no longer need film or even tapes.
How refreshing is it to wind down beside a river or the sea, in a spot where none of those devices work, nor are they welcome. To know that your peace will not be disturbed by incoming text messages or other instant communications. As for all those emails piling up in your virtual inbox back home,,, well, they will still be there when you eventually arrive home.
And here we are beginning the 2nd decade of the 21st century.
Happy New Year folks.
Doug