• Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individually but we are part of a community and as such, we have responsibilities to each other, so my son'a vaccinations are up to date. The reality is that no one knows what will happen to us or our children, whether we are talking about injury by vaccine, or injury by preventable disease, or running in a marathon where a terrorist is in wait, or getting in a car and being wiped out by a drunk driver. We all do what we can for our kids and we can try and protect them as much as we can - but none of us escape misfortune. I have a friend whose son has shocking tumours and a limited life span. My own son has a platelet disorder which means we have to be constantly vigilant that he doesn't injure himself lest he bleed internally. Let's do what we can for our own - but let's not harm others in the process. - Alice Smith
  • What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! Sonya, I look forward to tomorrow night's documentary. Thanks for taking (what sounds like) a rational approach. - Misty
  • Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversation she's hoping for. Be very interested to hear your response after viewing the doco. - Wendy Harmer
  • As someone who doesn't follow the Australian Vaccination schedule, I already feel like I am risking ridicule and worse posting here. We have been hassled and hounded by doctors, nurses (one of us is a nurse) and other parents. Blamed for the resurgence Whooping cough and related deaths, etc. Our stance is that we immunise based on our own needs and intelligence. As a for instance, we are not convinced that our children needed to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B at birth, especially given that the vaccine contained Thiomersal when it was recommended to us. I'm not sure how aware you are of the Japanese experience with the DTP vaccinations in the mid 1970's, but as a result of many adverse reactions and over 30 deaths as a direct result of the vaccine, the schedule was altered and children were vaccinated later. I am aware that the vaccine is no longer a whole cell vaccine, however it is worth considering the delicate balance of the immune system in infants below 6 months of age. So we immunise roughly to the Japanese schedule. There is no Hep B or vericella. And MMR is given as MR and Mumps separately. We will make the call on Japanese when we visit next month. I note that the tone in the promotion of the doco appears to depict the non vaccination school as driven by emotion with the pro vaccination argument being driven by Science (which is a pretty broad concept). Our decision to vaccinate alternatively has been based on a lot of careful research and is based on risk mitigation considering that vaccinations do carry a percentage of risk, however small. We have the advantage of also being Japanese citizens, (myself a spouse resident) and can access the differently combined vaccines and scheduling. When recently discussing this on a facebook post I was branded an anti Vaccinator. Abused and blamed. My response is that I think there is a better way. A much better way. And the heavy handed pressure to Immunise to schedule, which then elicits a strong anti response from those who question, but are discouraged strongly and frowned upon for questioning, has created a climate of 'for or against', emotion or science, us against them. All pretty narrow reductive way to explore a whole collection of different diseases, risks, and vaccines (including their varieties of compositions, combinations and timing). So we have attempted to immunise the best way that we can ascertain. It's a tricky time consuming task to get all the info on each different vaccine from the manufacturers, to research each and every disease to ascertain the risks of actually contracting it and then what the risks associated with the disease are, but it has been worthwhile. I think that the community could benefit from a less doctrinal approach to the current immunisation schedule and regular review of disease risks and the vaccination schedule response. - Jackdan
  • I'm an E cup. When I was younger and skinnier I was only a C cup and could handle underwires. Then I got pregnant and discovered the bliss of maternity bras. Post babies and breastfeeding I went back to the wires only to find they poked me and now I've got 'birdseyes' in my cleavage. I cannot fathom the underwire. Obviously the person who designed it has never had to wear one. Having big boobs we're all encouraged to wear them, but now I'm old and fat they're far too uncomfortable to contemplate. I'm happy with my 'wirefree' bras. I figured that if manufacturers could make a maternity bra without wires that fitted perfectly and provided excellent support to lactating breasts, they could do the same for large, non-lactating breasts too. I found the perfect fit for me at a large chain store and bought the same type for years. Not terribly sexy, but comfortable and serviceable. Now I've discovered same large chain has a moulded cotton bra in large sizes. Better still, you can order them online when the sales are on and collect them from the store. Bliss! - BeansGran
  • Well put Sonya. I am so glad that you have created this documentary. Also, you have put forward a voice of reason backed up by compelling evidence & your own credibility. I am pro-vaccination, but I understand why it is an delicate decision for many parents. I haven't come across the anti-vax theories (I'd never even heard of the AVN until Mamamia kept writing & tweeting about them). I'd always just followed the immunisation schedule. But I have come across a lot of pushy pro-vaxxers and I have to say, it is a turn off. I understand that it's a passionate issue. But is it an effective way of increasing immunisation rates? Of course not. Some pro-vaxxers make it their full time job to name, shame & harass people opposed to vaccination. Is harassment going to change their position, heck no! Is it going to galvanise their anti-vac position, quite probably! I just think we need to be smarter about this. I know it is not a "debate" in the sense that the science is in on the benefits & general safety of vaccines. But it completely normal to feel uneasy about purposely injecting your child with something most of us know very little about. And then watching their every breath that evening as they process that vaccine. Sonya, I hope that your documentary is the beginning of the change in the way we talk about immunisation. Well done. - Kasey
  • I am very impressed by what you've set out to achieve and how you've come about it. Much of my work these days is in vaccination and I work hard to break down the myths and false beliefs people have about vaccines. I find listening to concerns, empathy and responding with good evidence based information has been the most successful manner I've had so far. I also reassure parents that it is always their choice, but I also share that I am a mum too and that I choose to vaccinate my child fully. And funnily enough that's usually the clincher. Respect, good information and empathy can go a long way. I really hope that many people watch your documentary and help absolve the many concerns and myths surrounding vaccination that are out there. You must be proud of your work :) - The Huntress
  • Not everyone has access too or any interest in the internet, you cannot drive a tractor and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot drive a car and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot wash the dishes, the clothes, yourself and watch the internet but you can listen to the radio, you can also lie in bed with Phillip Adams, half my University of the Third Age students go to bed with Phillip. Australia's best journalists were trained by the ABC. What I don't understand Gee is your palpable hatred, how can you be so angry all the time, just relax and learn that we are all different and some of us prefer the quiet nature of the ABC compared with the ranting and rage of radio shock jocks and commercial TV. Your phrase 'slash and burn' is shocking to me, no one I know hates anything, no one I know wants to destroy things or institutions, not even the IPA, why such violence of language? - sue Bell
  • [...] Science says vaccinate! [...] - LET'S TALK (NOT SHOUT) VACCINATION
  • Thankyou Emma for your good work and humanistic attitude towards others. I could not do your job and be nice to others at the same time, i'v e realized. The other ABC journo's et al should be taking notes.......all the best in your career! - louise
 
23
Categories:  Adventure, Lifestyle, Wellbeing

MRS WOOG’S AMERICAN ADVENTURE

By Mrs Woog
August 8, 2012

I have just returned from two weeks in New York City. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. The Capital of the World. The city so nice they named it twice!

It was my third visit there, and every time I return home not only am I stupidly exhausted, but with plenty of things to think about. I would like to share with you my thoughts on Americans.

Bravado.
Americans are stuffed full of bravado. They love winners and those who can achieve. Unlike Australians, who are only really allowed to achieve so much before they are publicly beaten back down into submission. The Olympic spirit was alive in bars all over Manhattan and they were only watching events that featured Americans. Americans winning, more specifically.

I met a lot of Americans who talked themselves up, big time. I was not used to this, as we are expected to be humble in our achievements. It was refreshing and infectious. They indeed take the Gold Medal in confidence. WORK IT, GIRLFRIEND!

Bacon.
My most favourite of all pork products, in this great city it is not just confined to the breakfast menu.

No, ma’am! You can find it in ice-cream, cookies and even cupcakes. But my favourite find was a Bacon Martini, which I just could not bring myself to order. Which was strange, as it combined two of my favourite products in one glass.

Americans LOVE their bacon and consume 1.7 billion pounds of it every year. Even more, if you take the last few weeks into account… What??? I was doing my bit for the pork industry!

They say Bacon is enjoying a resurgence right now, but really, did it ever go away?

Shorts.
Did you know that you did not have to be a size 8 to wear short shorts in America? That is right. Size does not matter when it comes to dressing for a hot New York City day. The tourist uniform seemed to consist of crotch-hugging denim shorts, an I Heart NY t-shirt, trainers and socks and a I Heart NY cap. Oh, plus a bum bag that you clutch onto for dear life lest ye be rolled by a gang member… in Times Square, an area that has more police present than the entire town of Goulburn. In America, they call them Fanny Packs, which made me giggle every time I heard some short-wearing tourist from Texas yell “Dwayne, can you grab my fanny pack?”

Being fat in America is just a matter of fact and even companies like Levi are catering to this market. When I saw a rack of really, really wide jeans that I thought were made for dwarves, it took me a while to realise I was in the Little Miss Plus Sized department.

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23 Responses to this article

  1. Carolyn August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You forget to mention bad coffee. NY can do it in some places but try finding a decent cup in Nashville.

     
  2. Lisa August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You just summarised it perfectly. And I thought it was just me who was deeply suspicious of the cheese.

     
  3. Anon August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Got to say Mrs Woog, that I agree the Americans have amazing service. However, the reason you get such great service, at least in the food industry, is because they are paid a minimum wage of $7.00 an hour and have to make the rest by tips. Not sure how that works in retail. Actually, according to their department of labour stats, your employer can pay you, if you work in a profession that relies on tips, as little as $2.00 per hour, as long as your total income, including tips, totals at least $7.00 per hour.

    I personally, would rather have shitty service by moody uni students in Australia, knowing they have a mimimum wage of about $15.00 an hour and they have a whole raft of statutory entitlements like annual and sick leave (unless casual of course).

     
    • Bronte Girl August 8, 2012 Reply
       
       

      Agreed Anon. I travel to the US three times a year and agree that all service related industries are minimum wage and heavily reliant on tipping. I too prefer the moody uni student who has the benefit of award wages and entitlements.
      One thing Mrs Woog forgets to mention is the American obsession with never saying or using the word TOILET. It’s either the bathroom, restroom or little lady’s room!

       
  4. Debyl1 August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    An American adventure described as only the wonderful Mrs Woog could do.Loved reading every word.You never fail to put a smile on my face and brighten my day.xx

     
  5. Sarah August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I LOVED this. Maybe someday I’ll make it to Australia and do the yang to your yin. Much love, Mrs Woog!

     
  6. MadamBipolar August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Did you get me some of those jeans?

     
  7. Lisa F August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Lycra!
    ……but that was the 90′s……
    Great read xx

     
  8. foolio August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Re service, I would like to see people being paid properly AND giving good service. I think the service in Australia is generally terrible. (The service in NZ is fantastic by comparison, and it’s not because of tipping). I was in New York in (our) autumn and I actually found the service mostly (though of course not always) more ‘genuine’ than in two previous visits that were some years apart.
    I wonder whether 9/11, the GFC, and warmer role models such as Michelle Obama have made ordinary Americans more aware of the need to be nice to each other? Would be nice to think so…

     
  9. Amacamchumps Sarah August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Little Miss Plus Sized department – wonder how long before that comes to Australia?

     
  10. Josie August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I live in NYC, and have to disagree with the service part. It might just be because i shop more at Burlington Coat Factory rather than Bloomingdales
    ;D
    but I’ve found that being incredibly unfriendly and uncaring a requirement for anyone with “Customer Service” in their job title.
    AND they want a tip for it.

     
  11. Sam W August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Mrs. Woog, you are a wonder! I read your posts with relish (pardon the pun), always highly entertaining. Gotta agree with you too about the radioactive orange sqauares the Americans call cheese – I’m sure those things glow in the dark….

     
  12. bigwords August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Hilarious. Cheese = bad. NYC = AMAZING. x

     
  13. Char August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Agree with all that but also Anon, retail and service industries in general are poorly paid. I had terrible service in Macys in NYC every time I went there, it was like the people were asleep. I disagree with you on Myer. My local, anyway. I’ve had absolutely brilliant service there, especially in fashion. One Myer sales assistant, who had served me twice before but remembered me, was shopping there with her daughters on a Thurs night, dropped her kids in a change room and helped me with my dress selection. She chose a gorgeous dress that I would never have picked up. I had 4 women helping me that night, and after thinking I’d never find anything that would fit me and look good, I ended up with a frock fit for a late 40′s princess. V happy with my Myer and proud to say so. :-)

     
  14. Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Love that the American salad comes with layers of cream and, yep, bacon.

     
  15. Fifi August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Mrs Woog, I totally agree with you on the lack of service at Myer, particularly the Sydney Pitt St store.
    Sometimes I wonder if anyone does actually work there. There is never anyone at the Pay points and good luck if you want to try on a pair of shoes!

     
  16. Jules August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    NYC – Street Food!
    The spirit of competition in the US and to be competitive is not seen as a bad thing – it drives innovation and change.
    Portion size – ask for a small salad and expect to be served enough to feed a family of 5. If you ask for a corn beef sandwich expect a side of beef to be inserted between 2 slices of bread.
    Choice – sometimes the amount of choice is overwhelming, but then again it is a very consumer driven economy.
    I love NY, but I wouldn’t want to live there!

     
  17. Linda August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I was so well looked after in the Macys store I thought they were my new best friends- I suspect there are some commission based salary arrangements in place.
    Liquid cheese, orange cheese, cheese with fries all revolting, however, the city also has some guidelines in place with lots of places identifying not only calorie but also fat contents on menus and menu boards and lots of healthy eating options too which was great but portion sizes in many places we’re still huge! Especially the “soda” serving sizes at the ice hockey and other events they were more likesmall wading pools than drink containers, which may explain the little miss plus range.

     
  18. RobynMarie August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Let me just say I love New York. But try asking for a black coffee. Or a white coffee. I thought I was about to start a race riot. WTF? No one tells you it’s just coffee, and you sort the rest out yourself mmm. And where exactly do you tip? Macy’s service was mind blowing but no tip. Coffee shops – rude, attitude, and where is my tip. I ate on the street and gave the tip to the homeless. But I do love New York and can’t wait to go back!

     
  19. Loz August 8, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Cheese in a can. Enough said.

     
  20. Amy August 9, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Mrs Woog. I love you. Simply. You make me laugh. Lots. Thank you. Amy x

     
  21. Maureen August 13, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Brilliant article!! You are SO right about the cheese- there is nothing dairy about it!!and now I know I can wear my shorts with confidence when I next visit America!

     
  22. Mel August 13, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Great article.
    I always found it kinda catchy when you thank someone for their service in the US and their response is “ah ha”. Im not overly sure what it means but it sounds friendly enough.
    However, i must say one negative about visiting the US and that is their customs. And Im not just talking about the LONG wait to reach the clearance area. The customs people frighten me- I always feel like a naughty girl and have to think twice about whether or not I did actually “pack my own bag or leave it unattended”. Once I am cleared I find myself over thanking the mean looking man who has just allowed me into HIS country where I will spend my life savings to help boost HIS economy. Something wrong about that.

     

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Comments

  • Alice Smith: Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individual...

    Reply|Read all

  • Misty: What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! ...

    Reply|Read all

  • Wendy Harmer: Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversati...

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  • Jackdan: As someone who doesn't follow the Australian Vaccination schedule, I already feel like I am risking ridicule and worse p...

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