Was it not only three plus months ago that we were undergoing the largest economic downturn since the great depression.

Demand was sliding, unemployment was going to rise, low interest rates due to low inflation expectations, housing prices falling, stockmarket on a freefall, debt out of control and then suddenly everything appears to be pretty rosy.

Has anything actually changed? My humble opinion is no. Why?

- Demand still rising slightly mainly due to access to debt, helped by a little stimulus - thanks Kevin and well done for avoiding that recession.

- My understanding of the definition of unemployment is that it only kicks in for those working less than 12 hours per week. Not only have many workers’ hours been cut in the last 6-12 months but I reckon many of those middle management workers who were lucky enough to cop a redundancy still aren’t standing in the dole queue.

- Interest rates are on the rise. The RBA in their wisdom state that inflation is above acceptable levels and hence textbook monetory policy says to raise interest rates to calm things down. Hello folks have a look beyond the numbers and perhaps see why your ‘basket of goods’ is getting a little more expensive. We have the most ridiculous duopoly in the 2 major supermarkets Coles and Woolies which was quantified by a report over the last few days which stated grocery prices had increased 41% since 2002 (Imagine how many consultants it took to find that out). Petrol prices up, gaming up yet strangely enough no real pressure on wages which is actually one of the main reasons to raise interest rates when inflation rises. Honestly.

- Housing prices are starting to rise in a few areas. Helped a little bit by the dash for the first home owners grant. Construction sector also going pretty well thanks to more of Kev’s stimuli. Both props ending very shortly so should be interesting to see how the market goes.  In fairness there is a bit of a shortage of housing as our population grows. One thing for housing prices to go up due to an increasing population and another to determine where everyone is actually going to work in 20 years. Any ideas Kev, Julia or shoud I read the 2020 summit paper more closely.

- Great to see the stockmarket rise back to the levels it was nearly 12 months ago. Obviously massive multiples on company earnings is justified. Things surely have to get better, in fact fifteen to twenty times better. We have a lot riding on the value of superannuation to help ease the burden of the ageing population so go the All Ords. And well done JBWere for sponsoring the Masters and having a couple of your senior execs have a round with Tiger. I am sure those people who paid you your large commissions when having to sell at a huge loss over the past 12 months would at least be happy to see their hard earned money well spent.

- Debt has been reigned in a little thanks to a few government bailouts mainly o/s. Apart from that debt is still alive and well and is a sleeping giant. The sooner something serious is done (by all concerned) the better.

So things are looking good. A little cynical yes. My advice;

- Do something good for those around you and even those you dont know

- INNOVATE at work, at home and wherever else you choose to spend your time

- Buy BHP shares.

Why, because it Just Makes Sense.

The Evo Curtain System not only looks great but has significant environmental benefits when compared to existing curtain tracking systems.

Evo Curtain System

This is a good initiative and it will be interesting to see who does and who doesn’t sign up to have the Carbon Footprint of their product shown on their label.

Whilst I understand the need for import/export to maintain a healthy economy here in Australia, wouldn’t it be nice to see some pressure back on the major retailers to purchase local where possible. It would also be nice to see them not screw local suppliers (ie farmers) but that is a whole different story.

It is also really important if they are to introduce labelling that the measurement process is consistent and transparent.

Carbon Footprint Labelling Headed to Australia - G Online

Some really good (yet simple) ideas here which could be useful for any type of organisation. Just amazes me that some of the basic principles outlined here are not utilised.

Unfortunately I think this is much to do with inept middle/senior management who are more concerned about protecting their jobs than actually improving the business that they work in.

The Sydney Theatre Company, through a combination of public and private funding, is to embark on a extensive program of energy and water saving through initiatives including the installation of 2000 solar panels.

This is a great initiative, but when will the Government really get serious about solar and provide some incentive for businesses large and small to introduce similar measures.

It is pretty easy to let failure get to you, but it almost seems the case that one has to fail at least once to see success in the future. Almost like a test of persistence and hard work.

Acceptance of Failure as a Spur to Innovation - Craig Newmark - SFGate

The Science Museum in London is looking to find the greatest scientific invention in human history via a public vote.

Cast your vote from the shortlisted Top 10 using the link below.

Top 10 Inventions In Human History

Anything to make a newborn baby more comfortable and enjoy bathtime has to be a bonus for parents (and the baby!)

The TummyTub has recently been voted the ‘Best of the Best’ in baby baths.

To order online and for a range of stockists visit;

Australian Distributor - SunRos

TummyTub USA

2. Blow Up the Pokies - The TAB and Keno seem reasonably harmless but the pokies are a disgrace and an indictment on society. To the State Government - you have become far to dependant on them and it is time to show some real leadership and responsibility and get rid of them or at the very least restrict their use.

3. State Governments - Unfortunately seems for many involved like a great excuse for people having a job that would not normally or should not have a job. Health, education, roads - they just never seem to be able to get it close to being adequate so maybe give someone else a go.

4. Violence - We had a 40 person brawl within a 100m of where we live on Sat night. By the way where we live should be classed as one of the greatest places in the world but it aint. One bloke got stabbed.

Simple solution. Please close pubs at 12am and nightclubs max 2am. Nothing good ever happens after 2am I can assure you.

I really dont want to be a prude, but i think it just makes sense.

If anyone else would like to contribute to ‘What Really Annoys Me’ please let me know.

There is little doubt that with the lack of spending on infrastructure upgrades across Australia over recent times there is a real chance of widespread blackouts in the near future.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has released a statement explaining this.

So stock up on some candles and hope that the ‘powers’ that be make the correct decisions.

Blackouts Inevitable Without Tech Boost