John Corlett and I hit the streets of Brisbane to ask the people what they thought this [...]]]> Even though I don’t watch M*sterCh*f it’s extremely hard not to acknowledge its presence. The program producers must be delighted to have had the power to see the executives rescheduled the debate between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.

John Corlett and I hit the streets of Brisbane to ask the people what they thought this says about Australia as a country.

And also check out the article I wrote for Stagediary.com on Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband.

Brisbane City Council opposition leader Shayne Sutton is spearheading this movement: “The issue of banning smoking in the Queen Street Mall is not new and organisations such as Cancer Council Queensland have been calling for the [...]]]> In the last few days the public discussion around smoking in the Mall has fired up (pun absolutely not intended).

Brisbane City Council opposition leader Shayne Sutton is spearheading this movement: “The issue of banning smoking in the Queen Street Mall is not new and organisations such as Cancer Council Queensland have been calling for the ban for some time… This is something I believe the majority of Brisbane residents want to see introduced, and the ban would help improve the safety and amenity of our popular Queen Street Mall.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman acknowledged the popular support for the ban: “The research has shown that overall there is strong public support for some form of restriction on smoking in the Queen Street Mall… However, the issue is not clear cut. The broader population would like a total ban, but mall users and businesses support the introduction of designated smoking areas.”

Anthony Gough (reporter) and I (camera & edit) asked members of the public if they thought smoking should be banned in the Mall.

What do you think? Please comment below.

TEXT: Where the adventure just unfolds

THE Philippines offers adventure, history and fine food in a tropical Asian setting. Most of the Filipinos speak some English, but they appreciated my efforts to use my limited Tagalog. Even with my restricted plans, the fun just seemed to [...]]]> From the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald (Wednesday 23 June p.31)
By David Stuart

TEXT:
Where the adventure just unfolds

THE Philippines offers adventure, history and fine food in a tropical Asian setting. Most of the Filipinos speak some English, but they appreciated my efforts to use my limited Tagalog.
Even with my restricted plans, the fun just seemed to unfold before me in the Philippines. As I randomly walked the labyrinth of streets, I received amazing hospitality from friendly locals with Spanish surnames.
The travel brochures did not tell me that I would be invited to drink suspicious-looking homemade liquor and sing on karaoke systems with cheap, tinny speakers blaring at full volume. Nor was I told that the ever-popular street snack known as balut was actually a partially-developed fertilised duck egg. It tasted better than it looked.
I loved having the chance to barter, and the hustle and the bustle of the local markets.
Manila is safe if you take commonsense precautions to ensure you are not a crime victim. When I strayed into a shady area, my hat was stolen right off my head.
When my legs refused to carry me, I had a range of transport options. These affordable choices were dependent on my courage and value for my life.
The tricycles were either human or motor-powered. The colourful jeepney buses- converted war surplus vehicles- were everywhere. When I rode ferries to isolated islands, I paid extra for the luxury of a life jacket. It is essential to get out of the cities and experience the rural Philippines.
Make sure to check the DFAT travel advisory as part of your travel plans.

Jayant Patel sentenced to jail from DDS MEDIA on Vimeo.

Myles reviews all facets of life

Battle City Brisbane 2010 from DDS MEDIA on Vimeo.

Vision from the break-dancing battle I took last Friday night. It includes some interviews with two crews: Soft Serve & The All Style Dance Crew.