Latest news with #DryJuly
Sydney Morning Herald
01-08-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Finished Dry July? Try Spud-free September next
As you read this, I'll have just finished Dry July. I'll be enjoying Saturated Saturday. Or perhaps Seriously Sozzled Sunday. Just kidding, of course, the whole point of Dry July is to reset your relationship with the demon drink, hopefully in a lasting way. All the same, there were some tough moments, particularly when searching for zero-alcohol wines. One 'shiraz' was so poor I turned over the label to ascertain which of Australia's wine-making districts was responsible for the horror. Barossa perhaps? Coonawarra? In fact, the winery listed its address as Surry Hills, which did make me wonder from which side of Crown Street they'd sourced the grapes. Another problem: you decide to distract yourself by watching a bunch of TV shows, only to realise that the characters in almost every program are constantly drinking. Hardly a scene goes by without everyone tucking into a glass of chardonnay, pouring a frothy beer, or marching into a party in which they are offered champagne in attractively frosted flutes. Maybe they need a special warning at the start of the film. Not so much 'strong sex scenes' as 'constant drinking.' It reminded me of the time we were renovating our kitchen. Whatever the drama, in any kitchen-based scene I was constantly distracted by the choice of benchtop. 'Did you see that brutal murder,' I'd ask Jocasta, 'and how easily the killer wiped the blood off those Corian benchtops? Maybe that's the surface we should get.' Jocasta would nod her agreement. 'Yes, and the knife block, from which he sourced the murder weapon, appears to keep the blades nice and sharp.' There's a problem, too, for those of us with addictive personalities, as you tend replace one vice with another. I still remember giving up smoking 40 years ago, creating a spike in the sales of Tim Tams that must have caused the Arnott's factory employees to work triple shifts. Every time I wanted a cigarette, particularly on a long drive, I'd reach for another packet of Tim Tams. Sydney to Goulburn was not so much 194 kilometres as three packs of Tim Tams and a strawberry milk chaser. This time around it's been dark chocolate – the New Zealand brand is the best – cashews, and the inhalation of a whole avocado at about 9pm each night. Dry July may have helped my liver, but not the size of my belly. The most lasting limit on my drinking may be my inability to fit through the turnstiles at the local grog shop.
The Age
01-08-2025
- The Age
Finished Dry July? Try Spud-free September next
As you read this, I'll have just finished Dry July. I'll be enjoying Saturated Saturday. Or perhaps Seriously Sozzled Sunday. Just kidding, of course, the whole point of Dry July is to reset your relationship with the demon drink, hopefully in a lasting way. All the same, there were some tough moments, particularly when searching for zero-alcohol wines. One 'shiraz' was so poor I turned over the label to ascertain which of Australia's wine-making districts was responsible for the horror. Barossa perhaps? Coonawarra? In fact, the winery listed its address as Surry Hills, which did make me wonder from which side of Crown Street they'd sourced the grapes. Another problem: you decide to distract yourself by watching a bunch of TV shows, only to realise that the characters in almost every program are constantly drinking. Hardly a scene goes by without everyone tucking into a glass of chardonnay, pouring a frothy beer, or marching into a party in which they are offered champagne in attractively frosted flutes. Maybe they need a special warning at the start of the film. Not so much 'strong sex scenes' as 'constant drinking.' It reminded me of the time we were renovating our kitchen. Whatever the drama, in any kitchen-based scene I was constantly distracted by the choice of benchtop. 'Did you see that brutal murder,' I'd ask Jocasta, 'and how easily the killer wiped the blood off those Corian benchtops? Maybe that's the surface we should get.' Jocasta would nod her agreement. 'Yes, and the knife block, from which he sourced the murder weapon, appears to keep the blades nice and sharp.' There's a problem, too, for those of us with addictive personalities, as you tend replace one vice with another. I still remember giving up smoking 40 years ago, creating a spike in the sales of Tim Tams that must have caused the Arnott's factory employees to work triple shifts. Every time I wanted a cigarette, particularly on a long drive, I'd reach for another packet of Tim Tams. Sydney to Goulburn was not so much 194 kilometres as three packs of Tim Tams and a strawberry milk chaser. This time around it's been dark chocolate – the New Zealand brand is the best – cashews, and the inhalation of a whole avocado at about 9pm each night. Dry July may have helped my liver, but not the size of my belly. The most lasting limit on my drinking may be my inability to fit through the turnstiles at the local grog shop.
Sydney Morning Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
NAB runs into a governance bin fire with a boozy accelerant
I wonder whether National Australia Bank's chief executive, Andrew Irvine, has decided to participate in 'Dry July', following the explosive report that some major shareholders have expressed concerns about his drinking and his management style. Shareholders airing their grievances about executive behaviour at top 20 companies is pretty unusual. And for institutional investors to draw attention to a chief executive's drinking as a red flag, as reported by The Australian Financial Review, is even rarer. It has left Irvine in the invidious position of whether to respond to a 'do you beat your wife' type of question. And NAB will now undoubtedly be engaged in a fishing expedition to find out who said what to the media. So far, there has been no official response from the bank's chairman, Phil Chronican. NAB has gone to ground, which can sometimes lead to more drama, as it leaves the door open to the spread and amplification of rumours. The complaint was apparently made directly to Chronican, at a lunch at which fellow director Simon McKeon also attended, is not one he can ignore, even if no disciplinary action will be taken against Irvine. Loading Instead, NAB's internal response has been to step up external mentoring of key personnel, including the chief executive. Whether the complainants, one of which is reportedly fund manager Pendal's head of investments, Crispin Murray, have a broader beef with the management or performance of the bank isn't clear. In a general sense if a business is doing well, shareholders are unlikely to take issue with how it is being run. And it is unusual for shareholders to play the role of the 'sobriety police'. Irvine's predecessor, Ross McEwan, is credited with turning the bank around after years of mishaps under previous regimes in which the bank displayed an uncanny accuracy in shooting itself in the foot.
The Age
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
NAB runs into a governance bin fire with a boozy accelerant
I wonder whether National Australia Bank's chief executive, Andrew Irvine, has decided to participate in 'Dry July', following the explosive report that some major shareholders have expressed concerns about his drinking and his management style. Shareholders airing their grievances about executive behaviour at top 20 companies is pretty unusual. And for institutional investors to draw attention to a chief executive's drinking as a red flag, as reported by The Australian Financial Review, is even rarer. It has left Irvine in the invidious position of whether to respond to a 'do you beat your wife' type of question. And NAB will now undoubtedly be engaged in a fishing expedition to find out who said what to the media. So far, there has been no official response from the bank's chairman, Phil Chronican. NAB has gone to ground, which can sometimes lead to more drama, as it leaves the door open to the spread and amplification of rumours. The complaint was apparently made directly to Chronican, at a lunch at which fellow director Simon McKeon also attended, is not one he can ignore, even if no disciplinary action will be taken against Irvine. Loading Instead, NAB's internal response has been to step up external mentoring of key personnel, including the chief executive. Whether the complainants, one of which is reportedly fund manager Pendal's head of investments, Crispin Murray, have a broader beef with the management or performance of the bank isn't clear. In a general sense if a business is doing well, shareholders are unlikely to take issue with how it is being run. And it is unusual for shareholders to play the role of the 'sobriety police'. Irvine's predecessor, Ross McEwan, is credited with turning the bank around after years of mishaps under previous regimes in which the bank displayed an uncanny accuracy in shooting itself in the foot.
7NEWS
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
5 of the best non-alcoholic drinks for Dry July: Sparkling wine, zesty margaritas, botanical gin and more
If you're doing Dry July this year and are on the hunt for a delicious non-alcohol alternative, there are plenty of tasty options available. From sparkling rosés that rival Champagne to botanical-infused gin alternatives and zesty booze-free margaritas, these drinks prove you can sip in style without the hangover. Whether you are hosting a party, going away for a girls weekend, or simply want a weeknight pick-me-up, these non-alcoholic drinks are an ideal option. Here are five standout options that deliver all the flavour — minus any alcohol. 1. Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rosé, $20 at Sans Drinks After a non-alcoholic rosé? You'll love this Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rosé, not only is it delicious, it's also affordable. Expertly crafted using traditional French winemaking techniques and celebrated by BBC Food as the closest non-alcoholic alternative to real Champagne. It delivers a dry, classic flavour with a delicate rose hue and fresh summer berry aromas. Plus it's also certified organic, vegan, and low in calories and offers a sophisticated, guilt-free option for any occasion. 2. Barnes and Brown Lady Juniper Gin, $35 at Craft Zero Just because you're not drinking alcohol, doesn't mean you have to give up gin. This Barnes and Brown offers a finely crafted non-alcoholic liquor inspired by the timeless flavours of a classic London Dry Gin. It captures the true essence of traditional gin with bright aromas of orange blossom, lime, jasmine, and juniper. On the palate, expect bold notes of bitter orange peel, complemented by juniper, black pepper, lemon myrtle, and subtle floral undertones, finishing with a dry, slightly spicy kick. This is a refined, alcohol-free option for gin lovers seeking depth and complexity without compromise. 3. Naked Life Non-Alcoholic Margaritas, $15 at Woolworths These delicious non-alcoholic margaritas taste exactly like the real thing. With zesty Tahitian lime extracts, unmistakable tequila notes and just the right touch of salt, Naked Life margaritas are crafted with distilled botanicals. Perfect for weekend adventures, you can pick up a four pack for just $15 at your local Woolies. 4. The Everyday Set of Non-Alcoholic Wines, $75 at NON If you love the taste of wine but prefer to skip the alcohol, NON's alcohol-free wines tick all the boxes. This three pack of gourmet wines is perfect for any special occasion or girls weekend. The pack comes with a salted raspberry chamomile sparkling wine, a still toasted cinnamon and yuzu and a still oaked blackberry and plum wine. 5. Remedy Sodaly All Natural No Sugar Soft Drink Lemon Lime & Bitters 24x250ml cans, $36 at Amazon Australia We're big fans of Remedy Sodaly's drinks, they are so delicious and not too sweet. Bursting with real fruit flavour, it's made with 100 per cent natural ingredients and contains no sugar, just full-on taste with zero guilt. With only 8 calories per can and a base of apple cider vinegar rich in gut-friendly prebiotics, Sodaly supports digestion and overall wellbeing. It's a feel-good fizzy treat you can enjoy any time.
