It’s been a crazy year here at Real Dirt HQ – that is my laptop and office on the south coast of NSW…But I have been a little quiet the last few weeks as I have been travelling for my next book.
After a short break until mid-January I hope to get things cranking up again. I have been giving the website a lot of thought and I am keen to see it become more comprehensive in 2009.
One of the things I am most keen to see is more interaction with visitors to this site…When I set up Real Dirt I wanted it to be a place for other people’s stories, pictures, anecdotes and news. So let me know your feedback – either send me an e-mail or post a comment. The best thing about the site for me has been the comments – so keep ‘em coming!!
Happy New Year!
Hi James, I met you years ago at the launch of “The Secret Life of Wombats” at Taronga Zoo. I was with Gaylene Parker and Pat Hall (from NPWS). I think your website is fantastic, and when I get time, I’ll read more of your articles. Am nearly finished “Real Dirt” and admire you for being so ‘out there’ a lot of the time. Gaylene is still involved with her wombats, microchipping and radio tracking some–two hand-raised wombats now have joeys which is SUCH good news. She has just got approval to radio collar these 2 joeys.
Best wishes to you, Prue and the kids for a fabulous Christmas, hope you are spending it at home, which sounds idyllic. I live in the bush at Mittagong, which is cooler, but also idyllic, although the possums have eaten most of my herbs and the wallabies have chewed on my tubestock natives, but I love them!
cheers
judy macmaster
Misplaced economic fear and low national pride when it comes to recognising the impact of taking a stand against larger OECD nations seems to have put climate change environmental reform on the backburner.
We know the dinosaurs in the coal lobby are powerful.
We all know that the global economic system requires reform.
We also know that quick fixes that boost immediate consumption won’t help climate.
However, as a Carer, I learned fast that the Rudd government is poll-driven.
If enough punters want something and show a strong economic reason for it, the government will respond.
So educate, educate, educate.
I was so disheartened when, after a long election campaign for the Carers Alliance, the government announced carer’s cuts.
But public outcry, a decent 4 Corners programme and some arguments in favour of including in the economy have led to a moderate backflip.
Another few billion was chucked carers way. Its a very gratifying experience for any activist.
Gratitude might even do more. One day the cost of electric wheelchairs for lifelong spastics will not have to be covered by charities!
Just keep standing up to them. Don’t despair. This is the time for the young to show that investing in the future does not mean shipping coal offshore and cutting carbon reduction targets.
This is not a time to mope. Show your inspiration and your anger as never before.
And we’ll overcome.
Again.
Thanks James, Real Dirt has been an informative source of environmental news and a welcome forum for discussion on environmental issues. I look forward to more in 2009.
Happy Christmas
True – it’s a really good way of keeping in the loop of environmental news. I reckon that’s what most people probably read it for…..an easily understandable summary of some curly issues.
Merry Christmas and a Happy Roo Year!
Hi James,
I had read and enjoyed, the Wollemi Pine and Wombat books and am interested in the environment and sustainability whilst being ensconced in Sydney. I had read your Good Weekend story about Moruya. So, my thoughtful wife had sought out Real Dirt to give me for Christmas. We had also killed our first chicken a few days before Xmas and had almost gagged in the process. Another reason for interest.
I was pleased to find the Realdirt website at the end of the book. It gives me an opportunity to tell you that I really enjoyed it. I really appreciated your honesty about your background and your journey.
I am wondering if the Lomandra with the edible bits is Lomandra longifolia?
Happy New Year to you, Prue, the kids, the animals, the forest and the land you are caring for. Keep up the good work!
Let us all hope that 2009 will see some major changes to the overconsumption that has been the basis of 20thC economics.
If so it’ll be perforce – when the layoffs, sackings and bankruptcies inevitably begin now that the artificial stimulus of the federal largesse has evaporated.
As with most diseases/addictions the cure will be the more difficult for the overlong denial that has been axiomatic to the modern, thrusting Nu Ekonomics.
Remember the ‘cargo-cult’ delusion that was claimed to have repealed the laws of gravity and physics?
James,
I loved Real Dirt – devoured it in about 3 hours in one sitting. Very inspirational indeed. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this site.
Cheers,
Dana