#australasian post magazine
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Drag Race Down Under season 4 to start filming in Auckland
New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/drag-race-down-under-season-4-to-start-filming-in-auckland/
Drag Race Down Under season 4 to start filming in Auckland
The Australian queens on season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under will fly to New Zealand next week to start filming, dashing Aussies’ hopes of a move to Sydney.
Applications for the latest season of the show closed in late November. The season four queens have now been picked and their plane tickets are booked.
The Aussies will fly to Auckland on February 16 to join their New Zealand sisters, with RuPaul also returning as host.
It means filming of the fourth season will be done and dusted in two weeks as Ru is due back in New York by March 4.
That week, RuPaul is releasing his memoir The House of Hidden Meanings, with Ru heading out on a US book tour in March and April.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under will return to Australian streaming service Stan later in the year.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by RuPaul (@rupaulofficial)
Drag Race Down Under ‘doing our queens a disservice’
Drag Race Down Under‘s return to New Zealand comes after very poor reviews have dogged the Australasian spinoff.
The show has filmed in Auckland ever since the first season during the pandemic in early 2021.
But now even some New Zealand queens want Australia to get a shot at producing the show, according to an Auckland drag whistleblower.
The anonymous drag queen wrote in a scathing op-ed in local outlet Express last October that the show’s “poor production decisions” are “not good enough” and “doing our queens a disservice on the world stage”.
“It’s hard to believe that if an Australian production company took over for season four, things wouldn’t improve,” the queen wrote.
Two Aussies are returning to Drag Race franchise
Last September, drag queen Isis Avis Loren was crowned the winner of season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.
Isis was the first Australian queen to win the series, following two Kiwis, Kita Mean and Spankie Jackzon.
Next week, Sydney’s Hannah Conda – a runner-up on Drag Race Down Under season two – will return to the franchise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World.
Season two of the UK-based series will premiere in Australia on Stan this Saturday (February 10).
Later this year, another standout Drag Race Down Under queen is tipped to return to the franchise’s new Global All-Stars spinoff.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Online Journals
Popular online literary journals
Cordite
http://cordite.org.au/
Online since 2001, Cordite is a quarterly journal that publishes contemporary poetry from Australia and overseas, as well as translations, interviews, critical essays, and scholarly articles. Cordite is funded by the Australia Council, and also publishes poetry books in print form.
foam:e
https://foame.org
foam:e is a journal of Australian poetry started in 2001, that appears once a year. It accepts submissions from September to November, and publishes in March of the following year. Each issue is usually made up of free verse, prose poetry, or experimental ‘language’ poetry.
Mascara
https://www.mascarareview.com/
Mascara is a bi-annual literary journal started in 2007, funded by the Australia Council. It publishes poetry, fiction, non-fiction, interviews and essays, and has an interest in promoting the work of ‘subaltern’ or marginalised voices.
Meniscus
https://meniscus.org.au/
Meniscus is a bi-annual literary journal active since 2013. It is published by the Australasian Association of Writing Programs, and contains submissions from around the world. Unlike other online journals, it is produced in a traditional magazine layout, and is available to download as a pdf file.
Stylus Lit
http://styluslit.com/
StylusLit is a bi-annual literary journal that has been online since 2017. It is published in March and September, and contains poetry, short stories, creative non-fiction, interviews and reviews. It welcomes submissions from Australia and overseas.
Special interest journals
#EnbyLife — Journal for Non-Binary & Gender Diverse Creatives
https://enbylife.net/
#EnbyLife was started in 2016 by the non-binary Brisbane poet Rae White. It includes poetry, visual poetry, spoken word, short stories, reviews, and essays. Its website posts work in a blogging format, and accepts work from ‘non-binary and gender diverse’ writers from around the world.
Peril — Asian-Australian Arts and Culture
https://peril.com.au/
Active since 2006, Peril is a quarterly that focuses on Asian Australian arts and culture. It is funded by the Australia Council and in partnership with the Asian Australian Democracy Caucus. Submissions are open to writers from all backgrounds, as long as they critically engage with the issues of Asian Australia.
Plumwood Mountain — Australian and International Journal of Ecopoetry & Ecopoetics
https://plumwoodmountain.com
Founded in 2014, Plumwood Mountain is published twice a year. It focuses on work responding to the environment and environmental issues. It contains poetry, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia galleries featuring artists, photographers, and environmental activists.
Voiceworks — Australians under the age of 25
https://www.voiceworksmag.com.au/
First launched as a newsletter in 1985, Voiceworks has grown into a quarterly print and online literary journal. It is published by the youth organization Express Media, and produced by and for people under 25. Its boldly designed website contains fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, and comics.
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Australasian Post magazine, 1974
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Golden girl Shirley Eaton shines on the May 21, 1964 cover of the Australasian Post.
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Jerry Lewis: Through the Years
1957 - Jerry Lewis graces the cover of LOOK magazine and again in 1958
1961 sees this colourful photo spread in Weekend Magazine, allowing Jerry to play dress up.
Circa 1962 - from one of those screen stars fan magazines. Jerry in a publicity shot, soon to be seen in It’s Only Money.
1984 - In Australian Woman’s Day, Jerry talks about his life and career.
1987 - Before the internet told you everything, there were movie experts in magazines who answered your questions about celebrities. This Star Check column acted as a profile on a celebrity career.
Bonus item: Dean Martin.
From 1974 - Australian Australasian Post, this piece on JL’s famous partner
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Photo © Evening Post
“Bob Dylan and Tom Petty trade riffs at Athletic Park, Wellington, February 5, 1986.” “Bob Dylan and Tom Petty's clamorous practice session before their 1986 show at Athletic Park almost cost the pair the gig. It was Dylan, Petty and his Heartbreakers first time playing together and the under-rehearsed musicians drew the ire of residents after a ‘long and loud’ warm-up two nights before the February 5 show. Promoters were threatened with cancellation by Wellington City Council, The Evening Post reported. But the show went ahead in what Post reviewer Anne Hogan said – despite a drug overdose and a handful of arrests – was one of the most ‘relaxed, casual shows the park has seen... like a couple of friends having a jam.’ The only sharp words in Hogan's breezy review were reserved for Dylan's fading features and dirty demeanour. ‘He is hitting 45 now and it's starting to show. And it seems sad that he appears so paranoid, miserable and incapable of a smile.’ Rolling Stone critic Anthony DeCurtis, who covered the Australasian tour for the magazine, was not quite as impressed by the music, nor the 20,000 fans.
The two-and-a-half-hour set didn't catch fire [for the crowd] until Petty lit the blaze three-quarters of the way through with an extended version of ‘Refugee.’ It seems the real show happened at the after party. ‘After the show, Dylan and the gang repaired to the Park Royal Hotel, where, shortly after midnight, Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench commandeered the piano at the hotel bar for an impromptu songfest that featured Dylan, Petty, Stevie Nicks (who was backstage at the show) and backup singer Debra Byrd,’ DeCurtis wrote.” - Stuff (New Zealand), 2015
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Pix magazine now available online
Australia’s post-depression resurgence from 1935 to 1939 coincided with a change in the tempo of public thought and the arrival of new pictorial magazines like Pix which gave the public new ways to imagine Australia and themselves. By the early 1930s, nearly all the magazines previously published in Australia had ceased production and only a handful of the well-established titles from the turn of the century were still in circulation.
Pix played an important role in the post-war aspirations which shaped Australians and their sense of national identity, albeit in a playful, light-hearted manner. At the price of sixpence, the heavily illustrated magazine featured a uniquely Australian mix of scandal, sensationalism, human-interest stories, fashion, politics, culture and entertainment. Its boldly designed covers included a black and white photo, showcasing a Hollywood starlet, fresh-faced Aussie girl (often in a swimsuit) or quirky animal, shot along with attention-grabbing text .
Pix provided many local professional and amateur photographers with an additional source of income by offering top rates for ‘unusual pictures which have not appeared elsewhere’. One of the magazine’s best features was its focus on Australian content with pages of Aussie jokes and cartoons as well as international photo stories. Proudly proclaiming ‘There's knowledge in PIX - every week’, the magazine’s ‘Photo Crime’ series asked ‘how good a detective are you?’, tempting readers to examine the pictures closely for clues to see if they could solve the crime, as well as including a ‘Check What you've learned’ quiz and crossword puzzle in each issue.
Pix also favoured more liberalised attitudes towards sex in its articles and, following in the wake of the late 60s and 70s sexual revolution, became even more daring with its covers and content – often running stories focused on adultery, hedonism and nudity. At the height of its popularity in the 60s and 70s, Pix magazine was read by millions of Australians. The proliferation of tabloid periodicals like Pix, saw the launch of Australasian Post (1946-96) and People (1947-68); so similar in content were Pix and People that the two titles actually merged in 1971.
Every issue of Pix from 29 January 1938 to 25 December 1954, has been digitised and made fully searchable online as part of the State Library's Digital Excellence Program. This is a major initiative supported by the NSW Government.
View the digitised Pix collection on Trove.
By Margot Riley, Curator, Research and Discovery, State Library of New South Wales, 2017
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Longest night, darkest sky
Looking for something to do on the longest night of the year? The Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA), ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D) and their partners might have a little job for you.
Whatever the weather and wherever you are, they’d like you to look to the night skies on Sunday 21 June to help them measure light pollution around the country. It’s a great way to get involved in a growing global movement: citizen science.
Stargazing at Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran, NSW. Credit: Angel Lopez-Sanchez
“We’re expecting thousands of people to join us on Australia’s longest night, to help researchers create a map of Australia’s darkest skies, and learn about light pollution and its effect on people, animals, and astronomy,” says Marnie Ogg, CEO and founder of ADSA.
“Together, our observations will map how light pollution varies across Australia’s cities and regions, and make a Guinness world record attempt for ‘Most users to take an online environmental sustainability lesson in 24 hours’.”
There are myriad reasons to measure and improve our understanding of light pollution.
From a science perspective, astronomy is adversely affected by atmospheric light at night. It reduces contrast between heavenly bodies and the sky and dims the visibility of diffuse sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
Artificial light affects earth-bound life by such things as disorienting some animals and plants, and messing with humans’ ability to get a good night’s sleep – queue link to chronic sleep deprivation and its litany of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and accidental injury. Depending on the power source, artificial light can contribute to climate change by wasting electricity.
Light pollution can also interfere with indigenous peoples’ ability to share and practice culture. Constellations and the night sky have special significance in many traditional cultures, including those of Indigenous Australians.
World map of artificial sky brightness. The map shows, in twofold increasing steps, the artificial sky brightness as a ratio to the natural sky brightness (assumed to be 174 μcd/m2). The table indicates the meaning of each colour level. Credit: F Falchi et al., Science Advances 10 Jun 2016: Vol. 2, no. 6, e1600377
“The Australian night sky is amazing,” says astronomer Lisa Kewley, director of ASTRO 3D.
“Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is painted across the sky. It’s a view that encourages us to wonder what’s out there, amongst the billions of stars. It’s a view that encourages kids to take up science and physics. But most Australians can’t see it – their view of the sky is blinded by light pollution.”
To get involved you need only a computer, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection. Sign up to the project here, then sign in on 21 June from 1pm AEST to get going.
You’ll need to watch some videos, answer the (five) questions, and do a night sky observation using the Globe at Night web app – which the project website will direct you to.
Southern hemisphere sky watchers will be looking for the Southern Cross (Crux) constellation. Northern hemisphere participants will focus on the Bootes constellation.
Observations – valid even if it’s cloudy or raining, so don’t be put off by bad weather – will be uploaded to the Globe at Night dataset in real time.
Globe at Night is an international research program based on citizen science measurements of light pollution in the night sky. Globe at Night’s coordinating researchers compile this information into a public, freely available map of global light pollution.
The Guinness World Records attempt is a fun extra – and note that you have to complete the ‘lesson’ in 24 hours to contribute. It may take several weeks for Guinness World Records officials to confirm the status of this attempt.
Most of us are so accustomed to light pollution that it’s hard to imagine its significance and impact in comparison to an older, darker world – one shaped only by nature’s illumination.
“For example, light pollution from cities distracts bogong moths as they migrate from Queensland to Victoria’s alpine regions,” says University of Melbourne wildlife ecologist Jen Martin.
“If they don’t arrive on time, the endangered mountain pygmy possums that depend on them for food will starve.”
It’s thought that as few as 2000–3000, likely less, of the mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) survives in the wild. For you, one cool evening – or cold, depending on where you live in Australia – might help it endure.
The post Longest night, darkest sky appeared first on Cosmos Magazine.
Longest night, darkest sky published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/
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New Post has been published on Top Auto Magazine
New Post has been published on https://topautomag.com/cars/suzuki/2020-suzuki-jimny/
2020 Suzuki Jimny
2020 Suzuki Jimnyis a stylish 4WD wagon that goes just about everywhere. The Suzuki Jimny 2020 is tough-built and comes with dual gears, which means it will thrive in field conditions that will stop or damage other small SUVs. The compact dimensions of the Jimny also make it easy to drive and park in tight spaces. While exceptionally good, it comes with equipment to make it a handy ride around towns like Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and autonomous emergency braking.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Features
2020 Suzuki Jimny offered features that include air conditioning and central locking with climate control. A 7.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, screenshot and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto smartphone Mirror Sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and AM / FM radio. Autonomous emergency brakes, hill descent control, lane warning, and cruise control. Power adjustable door windows and exterior mirrors. LED headlights with large lamp support and front fog lamps.
#gallery-5 margin: auto; #gallery-5 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 11%; #gallery-5 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-5 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
2020 Suzuki Jimny 4 Door
2020 Suzuki Jimny Interior
2020 Suzuki Jimny Pickup
2020 Suzuki Jimny USA
New Suzuki Jimny 2020
Novo Suzuki Jimny 2020
Suzuki Jimny 2020 Guatemala
Suzuki Jimny 2020 Precio
Suzuki Jimny Cabrio 2020
2020 Suzuki Jimny roof rails to make luggage systems easier. Fifteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, lighter than steel wheels. An adult spare wheel and tire. Part-time dual-speed four-wheel drive. Electronic traction control, which helps prevent pinion on slippery roads and off-road driving. Six airbags, and electronic stability control. The 2020 Suzuki Jimny comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Interior
The overall first impression when you get into a Jimny is that it is a very small car. The small cabin is basically equipped, although it is well finished with the typical Japanese attention to detail. However, the cabin is relatively long, and the upright sitting position gives a good view of the bonnet and to the sides of the car. The driver’s seat is comfortable, but the steering wheel just fits up and down. The Jimny is light and easy to drive, especially as an automatic. Its compact size and excellent vision make it easy to drive in tight cars and the like, something that drivers who are inexperienced or not very confident will appreciate.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Engine
There is only one engine available in a Jimny, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. It delivers the best performance and economy on lead-free petrol premium, but it will work satisfactorily on regular gasoline or E10. It’s a smooth engine that drives the lightweight Jimny through the city in a lively way and provides enough urge for safe highway speeds. It is a bit higher in the top gear though if you are driving fast and you have to put your foot down on the open road and hills. If the engine is paired with the five-speed manual transmission, it uses 6.4 liters / 100km in the official government test based on combined highway and city driving, and slightly more in the real world. With the optional four-speed automatic, it consumes 6.9 liters / 100 km.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Safety
Compared to most other cars, safety is not a Jimny point, with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) giving it just a 3-star rating in January 2019. The low score is mostly attributed to relatively poor pedestrian detection (52 percent). And despite having autonomous emergency braking (AEB), it only got a 50 percent mark for safety support as the AEB did not have night functions or bicycle detection. However, the Jimny did quite well in terms of collision protection, with adult occupancy protection and child occupancy protection at 73 percent and 84 percent, respectively. Anti-lock braking and electronic stability control are also included – both features are mandatory on all new cars.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Pickup
The Jimny has six airbags, with two placed directly in front of the driver and front passenger to protect the torso and head in front impact. Two side airbags protect the front elevators at chest height during a side impact, while two curtain airbags provide head protection in both rows during a side impact. The Jimny also includes a lane departure warning, which alerts you when you cross the line, and reverses a camera.
0 notes
Text
New Post has been published on Top Auto Magazine
New Post has been published on https://topautomag.com/cars/suzuki/2020-suzuki-jimny/
2020 Suzuki Jimny
2020 Suzuki Jimnyis a stylish 4WD wagon that goes just about everywhere. The Suzuki Jimny 2020 is tough-built and comes with dual gears, which means it will thrive in field conditions that will stop or damage other small SUVs. The compact dimensions of the Jimny also make it easy to drive and park in tight spaces. While exceptionally good, it comes with equipment to make it a handy ride around towns like Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and autonomous emergency braking.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Features
2020 Suzuki Jimny offered features that include air conditioning and central locking with climate control. A 7.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, screenshot and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto smartphone Mirror Sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and AM / FM radio. Autonomous emergency brakes, hill descent control, lane warning, and cruise control. Power adjustable door windows and exterior mirrors. LED headlights with large lamp support and front fog lamps.
#gallery-1 margin: auto; #gallery-1 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 11%; #gallery-1 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-1 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
2020 Suzuki Jimny 4 Door
2020 Suzuki Jimny Interior
2020 Suzuki Jimny Pickup
2020 Suzuki Jimny USA
New Suzuki Jimny 2020
Novo Suzuki Jimny 2020
Suzuki Jimny 2020 Guatemala
Suzuki Jimny 2020 Precio
Suzuki Jimny Cabrio 2020
2020 Suzuki Jimny roof rails to make luggage systems easier. Fifteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, lighter than steel wheels. An adult spare wheel and tire. Part-time dual-speed four-wheel drive. Electronic traction control, which helps prevent pinion on slippery roads and off-road driving. Six airbags, and electronic stability control. The 2020 Suzuki Jimny comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Interior
The overall first impression when you get into a Jimny is that it is a very small car. The small cabin is basically equipped, although it is well finished with the typical Japanese attention to detail. However, the cabin is relatively long, and the upright sitting position gives a good view of the bonnet and to the sides of the car. The driver’s seat is comfortable, but the steering wheel just fits up and down. The Jimny is light and easy to drive, especially as an automatic. Its compact size and excellent vision make it easy to drive in tight cars and the like, something that drivers who are inexperienced or not very confident will appreciate.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Engine
There is only one engine available in a Jimny, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. It delivers the best performance and economy on lead-free petrol premium, but it will work satisfactorily on regular gasoline or E10. It’s a smooth engine that drives the lightweight Jimny through the city in a lively way and provides enough urge for safe highway speeds. It is a bit higher in the top gear though if you are driving fast and you have to put your foot down on the open road and hills. If the engine is paired with the five-speed manual transmission, it uses 6.4 liters / 100km in the official government test based on combined highway and city driving, and slightly more in the real world. With the optional four-speed automatic, it consumes 6.9 liters / 100 km.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Safety
Compared to most other cars, safety is not a Jimny point, with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) giving it just a 3-star rating in January 2019. The low score is mostly attributed to relatively poor pedestrian detection (52 percent). And despite having autonomous emergency braking (AEB), it only got a 50 percent mark for safety support as the AEB did not have night functions or bicycle detection. However, the Jimny did quite well in terms of collision protection, with adult occupancy protection and child occupancy protection at 73 percent and 84 percent, respectively. Anti-lock braking and electronic stability control are also included – both features are mandatory on all new cars.
2020 Suzuki Jimny Pickup
The Jimny has six airbags, with two placed directly in front of the driver and front passenger to protect the torso and head in front impact. Two side airbags protect the front elevators at chest height during a side impact, while two curtain airbags provide head protection in both rows during a side impact. The Jimny also includes a lane departure warning, which alerts you when you cross the line, and reverses a camera.
0 notes
Text
PODCAST: Amazon vs. eBay, First Vegan Fund, and more…
Amazon dissed as a sustainable investment compared to eBay. Livent, Brookfield Asset Management, and Sunpower, as renewable stock investments suggested by analysts. US Vegan Climate Exchange Traded ETF appears to finally arrive. Not what it seems though. ESG overlay for corporate bonds enhances portfolio performance says J P Morgan study. Unique ESG Factor ETF. More
PODCAST: Amazon vs. eBay, First Vegan Fund, and more…
Transcript & Links August 16, 2019
Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By! for August 16, 2019—presented by Investing for the Soul. investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing news, commentary, information, and resources.
Investment ideas in these podcasts are generally gleaned from market participants in the US, Canadian, UK, European, Asian and Australasian investment markets.
And, Google any terms that are unfamiliar to you.
Also, you can find a full transcript, live links and often bonus material to these podcasts at their editions’ podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Now to this podcast!
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Tim Nash at Corporate Knights has another insightful Sustainable Stock Showdown. This time comparing Amazon (AMZN.OQ) vs. eBay (EBAY.OQ)! He begins his analysis with the following critical statement, saying that, “Amazon may be primed for growth but amidst worker protests, climate concerns and military links, is eBay a better bet?” End quote. Additionally, Mr. Nash writes about Amazon’s poor sustainability record.
You probably know that Amazon is a top holding in many ESG and sustainable funds. But should it be, given the previously mentioned issues! Do you feel comfortable investing in Amazon when it is heavily criticized on such issues?
Writing about some of these concerns Mr. Nash says, again quoting him that, “A petition with 270,000 signatures was delivered to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos calling for better worker rights and for the company to cut ties with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for rounding up and deporting undocumented immigrants. Although these protests didn’t amount to much action, they certainly shone a light on Amazon’s many problems.” End quote.
By contrast, on eBay, Mr. Nash writes that, and I quote, “eBay is the next largest online retail company and is a much better performer when it comes to sustainability metrics. With a focus on selling pre-owned products, about 16% of eBay’s revenues are estimated as green…eBay publishes a detailed Impact Progress Report that charts its progress on sustainability goals such as growth of sellers in ‘less-advantaged communities’ and a 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.” Close quote.
In summary, Mr. Nash concludes, that, “Sustainable investors will want to consider the financial trade-offs involved in walking away from a stock with Amazonian growth, but they’ll sleep better at night owning eBay and knowing its carbon footprint won’t swallow the planet at the click of a button.” Close quote.
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Next item is about a unique new ESG ETF called the IQS ESG Global Equity Multi-Factor UCITS ETF – now that’s a mouthful! We have this information from an article titled, Invesco launches multi-factor ETF with strict ESG criteria written by Gary Buxton in IFA Magazine.
Talking about his new ESG ETF, fund manager Gary Buxton, Head of EMEA ETFs at Invesco, says, ‘Three of the biggest trends we have seen over the past decade are growing demand for multi-factor strategies, ESG investments and ETFs more generally. Proven expertise in all these areas has enabled us to respond to investor demand by delivering a multi-factor solution that adheres to strict ESG criteria and has all the benefits you would expect from our ETF structure.’” End quote.
Additionally, Mr. Buxton says, again quoting him, that, “Eligible stocks are screened for compliance with the fund’s ESG Criteria, and then scored based on their attractiveness with respect to three investment factors: Quality, Value and Momentum.” End quote.
Most ESG ETFs simply hold a group of stocks screened for only their ESG characteristics according to that ETFs objective – such as only renewable energy stocks, for instance. Whereas a multi-factor approach also includes further screens that might include the stocks perceived quality, value – say its relatively low price-earnings ratio, and momentum, that is the rate of acceleration of a stock’s price or volume of trading.
Anyhow, it’s a unique approach and it’ll be interesting to see how well it works.
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Now, The Motley Fool ran a story that I thought I’d like to pass on. The story title is 3 Top Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now. There are three contributors, and each recommends one stock.
The first contributor is Rich Smith who favours, Livent (LTHM.N), which is a major lithium producer. Though he admits the immediate future might be difficult for the company, he looks beyond that, saying, and I quote, “If you believe, as I do, that lithium is a sine qua non for storing energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar, it makes sense to believe that Livent – one of the top three players in lithium – will outlive its present difficulties, and become much more profitable as time goes by.” End quote.
The second recommendation comes from John Bromels who likes Brookfield Asset Management (BAMa.TO). This is a Canadian asset manager that holds a diverse group of renewable power assets. Mr. Bromels says, and I quote, that, “About 75% of Brookfield's assets are in good-old, reliable hydroelectric power, which helps the company generate steady cash flow and pay a hefty distribution that currently yields 5.6%... [An] MLP ownership isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to add a renewable energy company to your portfolio, Brookfield Renewable Partners is about as solid a bet as you'll find in this sector.” End quote. Now on this editions podcast page, I have a link to a good article describing MLPs for US investors. (See understanding MLPs.)
Finally, Travis Hoium suggests Sunpower (SPWR.OQ). Mr. Hoium likes Sunpower because he says, “Not only are high-efficiency solar panels improving in cost-effectiveness, SunPower is adding energy storage to more projects. One-third of its commercial solar power systems now include energy storage, and the company says it will introduce a residential solar solution later this year. These new products combined with improving market conditions in the residential solar industry may make SunPower one of the biggest winners in energy in 2019.” End quote.
So, check them out and see what you think.
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For a few podcasts now, I’ve been writing about investments relating to veganism or vegetarianism. Well, finally it appears that the first vegan-friendly ETF called the US Vegan Climate Exchange Traded ETF (VGN ETF) is planned for listing on the NYSE on September 10. However, I would deem it quite controversial – even for vegans – as it’s not what it might appear.
Garry White in The Telegraph newspaper in the UK writes that “The fund is not currently investing in vegan food producers, but aims to avoid companies whose activities directly contribute to animal exploitation or environmental damage… Its largest holdings will include companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Facebook and Mastercard. This means the ETF will look pretty similar to other, lower-cost alternatives… although Facebook is included in the vegan ETF because it meets its criteria, the company’s shares were thrown out of the S&P ESG Index in June because of weak oversight in the sale of its user data to advertisers.” End quote.
So, see what I mean about it not being what ethical and sustainable investors might infer from its title!
Garry White’s article is titled, Is vegan investing a marketing fad or a real investment trend? It’s a good read for anyone interested in the rapidly growing market of plant-based food investing.
Another useful write-up on the Vegan Climate Fund can be found under the title, World’s First Vegan-Friendly Fund Opens for Trading, appearing on the VegWorld Magazine website.
And, further insight can be found in this post Ethical Stock Investment To Launch On New York Stock Exchange by Liam Gilliver writing in Plant Based News.
Incidentally, Beyond Meat Inc. (BYND.O) (Nasdaq) was still trading at multiples of its initial public offering price as of compiling this podcast. However, given current market dynamics and the history of stocks that go ballistic, it wouldn’t be surprising to see its share price retreat somewhat in the near future.
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Now for some wonderful news concerning ESG corporate bonds. For the first time, a study finds that adding ESG criterion to selecting corporate bonds boosts outcomes for investors.
In an article titled, ESG overlay 'boosts outcomes for corporate bond investors': report, Susanna Rust, in IPE, writes that "[JP Morgan Asset Management] found that ESG scores could enhance portfolio outcomes via lower drawdowns, reduced portfolio volatility and, in some cases, marginally increased risk-adjusted returns. Although its study showed that using ESG scores improved gross portfolio returns for all categories of corporate bonds, this only held true for investment grade corporate debt once transaction costs were accounted for." Close quote.
These are important new findings by JP Morgan. It had been found that screening sovereign bonds using ESG criteria provided better risk-adjusted returns – but corporate issues hadn't been explored much.
Of course, though I trust JP Morgan to do excellent research, I'd really like to see this, and similar investment industry research, published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. That would help ensure such research can be relied upon and is not just some investment firm 'pushing a product.'
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So, these are my top news stories and tips for ethical and sustainable investors over the past two weeks.
Again, to get all the links or to read the transcript of this podcast and sometimes get additional information too, please go to investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and scroll down for this edition.
And be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or wherever you download or listen to this podcast and please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. That way you can help promote not only this podcast but ethical and sustainable investing globally and help create a better world for us all.
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Now, a big thank you for listening.
Come again! And my next podcast is scheduled for August 30. See you then. Bye for now.
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#water#burger#Unilever#Nestlé#investing#ethical#ESG#sustainable#Morningstar#investors#bonds#stock#ETF#fund#vegan#vegetarian
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New digital marketing and social media conference to provide tips and tools to generate revenue
New Post has been published on https://britishdigitalmarketingnews.com/new-digital-marketing-and-social-media-conference-to-provide-tips-and-tools-to-generate-revenue/
New digital marketing and social media conference to provide tips and tools to generate revenue
A new digital marketing and social media conference, Click Engage Convert, will provide delegates with the opportunity to learn how to deploy the latest best-practice digital marketing and social media strategies, tips and tools that will allow them to turn their digital marketing into a reliable and predictable revenue generating machine.
The conference, which has a particular relevance to professionals across all sectors of the leisure industry, will be held at on 12th October in The Hall at nab, 700 Bourke St, Melbourne.
Event organiser Loren Bartley, who founded Click Engage Convert, explains “the world of digital marketing is changing and it’s changing fast.
“We live in a hyper connected world, where customers are the power brokers, social media algorithms are the gatekeepers and the key to your marketing success lies deep in your data.
“As it gets easier and cheaper to create content, the amount of content increases and the harder and more expensive it becomes for your content to be seen. You’ve probably heard people predicting the end of organic reach on social and if you advertise online, you will have noticed that Google AdWords and Facebook Advertising are becoming progressively more expensive, as well as much harder to get your ads approved.
“It’s difficult to know where you should be investing your limited time and budget.
“As a marketer of your business, you – or someone on your team – need to understand what is changing and adapt your marketing approach to coincide. Failure to do so will result in your business being left behind.
“At Click Engage Convert you will learn the digital marketing strategies that are working right now, direct from world class speakers, with genuine hands-on expertise.
“We have a great lineup of speakers for Click Engage Convert 2018.Our enthusiastic, passionate and inspiring digital marketing educators will deep-dive into their topic of expertise and share with you what you need to do to put the foundations in place to achieve success with your digital marketing in 2019 and beyond.”
Speakers at Click Engage Convert include:
• Jinal Mehta – Agency Development Manager, Google
• Kate Toon – SEO & Copywriting Expert
• Hunter Boyle – Growth & Optimisation Specialist
• Ben Amos – Video Strategist Authority
• Dan Pinne – Messenger Marketing Ninja
• Adam Tuttle – Email Marketing & Sales Automation Master
• Loren Bartley – Digital Marketing Strategist & Facebook Ads Specialist
Bartley adds “you will leave this event with loads of practical takeaways you can actually implement, not lofty ideas and inspiration without substance. Plus, we have designed this conference with networking in mind, allowing you to connect and share ideas with other digital marketing professionals and experts in a fun and engaging environment.”
With Click Engage Convert being held the day before Fitness Show Melbourne and FILEX Immersive 2018, Bartley suggests that those making the trip to Melbourne for either of these events you may wish to head down a day early to take in this event as well.
Click here to view event details for Click Engage Convert in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
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26th August 2017 – Goldfields Oasis recognised for best industry use of Social Media
15th May 2017 – Goodlife links with brand influencers to boost awareness
4th April 2017 – Research shows cricket has Australian sport’s largest social media reach
29th November 2015 – Social media impacts mass participation sporting events
25th April 2015 – Alcohol industry uses social media to present drinking as an integral part of the sport experience
26th September 2013 – Australian Paralympic movement set to harness the power of social media
21st August 2013 – Fitness club members prefer email communication
1st August 2013 – South Australian event to explore the impact and handling of social media on sport
4th July 2012 – Social media shaping the way Australians travel
19th August 2011 – Aquatics and recreation doesn’t receive ‘recognition it deserves’
2nd July 2011 – Luna Park Sydney launches world first attractions and social media interaction
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However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine – if you don’t already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
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Source: https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/new-digital-marketing-and-social-media-conference-to-provide-tips-and-tools-to-generate-revenue/
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Remembering King Kong
It doesn’t have a great reputation but I have a soft spot for the 1970s version of King Kong. There wasn’t a lot for kids and teens at the movies in the serious 70s (pre-Star Wars) When King Kong came along in the middle of the decade, it came with a huge marketing campaign and merchandise push. I had a King Kong T-shirt that I wore to death. Watching it at the cinema was a great popcorn experience. I haven’t seen it in many years and would be keen to see it again. I believe it had an extended edition. I know it pales in comparison to the original but the FX were state of the art at the time and did the job.
Above: Kong made the cover of several Australian publications. I recall I used to have a King Kong souvenir magazine which I haven’t seen for years. Wonder if I still have it somewhere.
Below: Australasian Post did a big two page spread on the remake.
Below: Jessica Lange became the new Fay Wray.
Below: Here’s Jessica fronting a Women’s magazine in a lovely ... er.. ok.. !
Below: Lange was known as the King Kong girl for several years but smashed it out of the park a few years later with roles in TOOTSIE, FRANCES, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE and others. Proved her acting abilities and became a major actress.
Below: Kong was a big release on VHS video a few years later. It also had a sequel called KING KONG LIVES that came out around 1986. Saw that one too but recall it wasn’t crash hot.
Below: Here it is. The magazine I used to have. Found this on eBay where someone is selling it (starting price $99) Remember putting that poster on my wall. Must look for my copy. Looks like an Australian publication. Wonder who won that beaut Kong mask.
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Todd Wilson Explores Barbershop Harmony in Australia with BHA President Ian Mulholland
Todd Wilson had a chance to interview Ian Mulholland for our email newsletter. Todd is one of our founders and serves the Nashville Singers as Executive Director and Artistic Director.
You can subscribe to our newsletter by texting the word SINGERS to 42828
Published December 18, 2017
Ian Mulholland has been involved in music from an early age. He can play most brass instruments, piano and guitar. A barbershopper since 1987, Ian has done it all. He has directed choruses, arranged over 50 songs(and published the Great Australian Barbershop Songbook), sung in two BHA champion quartets and the BHA champion chorus, representing BHA at International level seven times. He helped form the Australasian Guild of Barbershop Judges, and is a qualified Music Judge. He has served on the boards of BHA and Western Region, and is currently BHA President and a Life Member.
TW: What person or group do you credit with bringing barbershop harmony to Australia?
IM: Barbershop music existed in Australia, and there were a few scattered groups singing it, but there was no organisation as such, of either quartets or choruses. In 1984 a quartet from Perth, Western Australia, who had discovered barbershop and then found out about SPEBSQSA, attended the International convention in the USA. They returned to Australia excited about barbershop music, and started the Western Australian Association of Men Barbershop Singers (WAAMBS) in 1985. By 1987, this has become the Australian organisation known as AAMBS (the “Western” dropped off). Initially there were two choruses, one in Perth and one in Gold Coast. There were a few scattered quartets, and the early competitions were conducted via video entries. In 1991 the first AAMBS Convention was held with choruses and quartets competing.
TW: What can you tell me about those early years?
IM: Barbershop music was new, and everyone, including the public, was excited by it. As the movement grew in Australia, AAMBS expanded, and now has 800-900 members at any one time, with 25 Registered Clubs (called chapters in the USA) and over 70 registered quartets. In the early years, Conventions were held every two years. The winning quartet and chorus were offered the chance to compete at International, but representation was sparse. We simply didn’t have the background, skill set, or knowledge to compete internationally. That has changed in recent years. Each year now, we have choruses and quartets who qualify on their scores alone to compete at International, and in 2017 our youth quartet came 3rd in the International Collegiate quartet contest, and 22nd in the Open quartet contest. Our best chorus has finished as high as 14th in the International contest.
TW: How many quartets and choruses are singing barbershop in Australia today?
IM: As above, around 25 Registered Clubs and 70 quartets.
TW: What percentage of your performing groups would you estimate are focused on competition (performing at a high level of proficiency) versus those attracted more to the social (camaraderie) aspects of the hobby?
IM: About 50% are keen on competing - they do other things too. Generally we get about 50% of our members attending conventions. This has changed over the years unfortunately, as our top groups get better, those who don’t reach the same levels get discouraged and don’t compete anymore. It’s one of things we try to manage by offering other performance opportunities at our Conventions, in a non-competitive setting. It is starting to have the positive effect we had hoped.
TW: Your organization underwent a name change in 2012. Was there some resistance from some of your members? What lessons were learned from that process?
IM: The name change in 2012 was logical, and met with very little resistance. The change we made to include mixed harmony in 2015 caused much more concern amongst some of our older members, who completely misunderstood the reasons for it. They saw it as a threat to their male-only Clubs. However, we never intended that Clubs would have to go mixed. Instead, Clubs could choose. We already had two mixed Clubs who were looking for a home, and in our last contest we had two mixed choruses and 9 mixed quartets, with the top mixed chorus marginally out-scoring the top male chorus. The lessons learned were that change always presents challenges. If the change is for the good, then stick to your guns, and make it happen, despite the mud that gets thrown.
TW: What is something that you would say your organization does very well?
IM: We are open and willing to learn from other organisations and other musical genres.
TW: What is something that we in America could learn from BHA?
IM: Be open to new ideas and embrace progress. Note, with reference to BHS, the recent strategic view certainly puts this on the table.
TW: What is the biggest challenge you face as an organization today?
IM: Building membership, against a backdrop of ever-increasing pace of life, and competition from other hobbies.
TW: How would you describe the governance and management structure of your organization? Do you have paid staff and office space or is this an all-volunteer organization? (chapters, clubs, board-driven, staff driven) Male members? Female members?
IM: We are an incorporated, not for profit, organisation. We are volunteers, except for an Executive Assistant, who we pay about 10 hours per week. We have about 800 male members and 40 female members.
TW: If a philanthropist came to you to stating that he/she really loved barbershop and wanted to make a difference, along with an offer to donate $1,000,000, to Barbershop Harmony Australia, where/how would you invest those funds to make the biggest impact on your organization's future?
IM: We’d definitely invest in more education and coaching visits, using experts from around the world. We would also launch a much bigger campaign to educate youth about barbershop singing.
TW: Let's flash forward five years from now. If there was a feature story about barbershop singing in your biggest national magazine, what would the story likely be about?
IM: Australian group wins International Barbershop Contest.
TW: What/who got you hooked on barbershop harmony?
IM: For me personally, it was the group of guys in Perth who were singing barbershop, and I liked the harmonies and sound. I had always been a harmony singer, in bands and other genres. What really got me going was obtaining a recording by The Second Edition (1989 International champion quartet), who sang songs and arrangements that really connected with me. Very soon I had a rather large collection of International quartet CD’s!
TW: Do you have any hobbies outside of barbershop singing?
IM: Yes, I also sing and perform musical theatre, and play guitar/keyboards/sing in a rock band.
TW: What exactly do you do as the leader of the Barbershop Harmony Australia? What are your key responsibilities?
IM: As President, I oversee all aspects of our organisation. We have Vice Presidents in a number of areas - that we believe need to be our focus to grow and develop our member groups. These are: Events (conventions and the like), Membership (both recruitment and retention), Marketing (getting the message out to members and the general public), Music (education, including chorus director development), Youth Development (encouraging young people to sing barbershop), and Contest and Judging (training our own judges, running our own contests, independent from BHS). Our policies generally align with BHS, but not entirely. We are an autonomous organisation. For example, we have female members, and we encourage and foster mixed harmony singing.
TW: What sustains BHA financially? (dues, events, merchandising, donations, grants. etc)
IM: Our yearly fees sustain or non-discretionary expenditure (such as insurance, performing rights, cost of contests etc.). Our discretionary expenditure (e.g. music education, youth development etc.) is largely funded by surpluses we make from our Conventions.
TW: How often would you say you are in communication with the leaders of BHS, SAI, or the other international affiliate organizations?
IM: On a weekly, or at least, monthly basis. We have a chat group, facilitated by BHS where we can post ideas, and generally keep in touch with each other. Also, at International Conventions we have an Affiliates meeting as well as a meeting of the World Harmony Council (that includes Sweet Adelines International). On a local level, we cooperate with the Sweet Adelines continuously. In Australia we have six regions (being a big country) and we invite Sweet Adelines quartets to compete in our regional contests (although we don’t have female quartets in our National contest). We also share education and coaching opportunities as they arise. In many places, the local male and female Clubs combine for concerts etc.
TW: What are your top three organizational objectives in the next 24 months?
IM: 1) Roll out of our national education initiative (every Club gets an education visit every year), 2) Continue to run successful Conventions, with increasing attendance each year, 3) Continue to build our membership, especially amongst youth, and awareness of barbershop through the school curriculum.
TW: What are the top three items on your wish list for 2018?
IM: 1) Continue to support our members through services such as education, 2) Take up by all Clubs of our National education initiative, 3) Increased attendance at our National Convention, with improved scores.
TW: What cool and exciting events do you have coming up in the near future?
IM: We have our Regional contests rolling out in April-May, followed by our National Convention in September. Details are available on our website.This year we brought out Deke Sharon to run some workshops and it was very successful. We’re looking at doing something similar in the next 1-2 years.
TW: Do you have a email newsletter or magazine where people could subscribe to stay in touch with the activities of your organization?
IM: Yes. It’s called “In Harmony”. You can find it here: https://www.barbershop.org.au/newsletters
TW: If someone was visiting Australia and wanted to visit a local barbershop club, chapter or chorus, what's the best resource for them?
IM: Our website: contacts for Clubs is here: https://www.barbershop.org.au/clubs
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