Post-cyclone. Nature lurks in the streets of Townsville Queensland.

Train passengers.

Caption: This morning I went to sign my dogs up for welfare. At first the lady said, "Dogs are not eligible to draw welfare." So I explained to her that my dogs are mixed in color, unemloyed, lazy, can't speak English and have no clue who their Daddy's (sic) are. They expect me to feed them, provide them with housing and medical care. So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify. My dogs get their first cheques on Friday.........Damn, this is a great country!

At the risk of spoiling any humour, contemporary literacy education might lead us to take another look at the above put-down of welfare recipients. But a model that uses critical literacy like this is under attack as a postmodern fad.
Just like England and America before us, literacy education is debated, often in our newspapers, and a very readable book by Ilana Snyder enlightens us about the prevailing politics and ideology which are hugh. But, tell it to the teachers and the experts. Also, where has my sense of humour gone?

The Literacy Wars  Why teaching children to read and write is a battleground in Australia. Ilana Snyder. Allen & Unwin 2008.

Warrior maiden as a Valentine? What seems an incongruent exhibit was a laugh, in the middle of the main walkway in Jesmond shopping centre, and you know something, I smiled but don't applaud too much of this in advertising (but love leopard skin prints).

A big top, in circus style, has been erected over Market-Town Shopping centre, Newcastle West. The shadows grew. A boxing stadium had previously occupied the site. Synchronisity - I hadn't checked that it was theme day before I posted this photo.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Lion says: "Pasha, I know exactly how you feel!"

Both grounded. Photo by MT of the Pasha Bulker stuck on Nobbys at the same time last year.

NEW YEAR

This Australiana mural just about 'hits the nail on the head' and 'takes the cake'. Survive and thrive in 2008!