Let the Sun Shine . . .

So, it's hot and sticky - must be Australia Day.

For your enjoyment - some recent 'Australia' news stories

Local Heroes Recognised - A scientist, two nurses and a charity founder win the Australia Day awards. Not a sports person or celebrity in sight.

Come Let Us Rejoice - A thoughtful piece about where Australia is now. Worth a read.

Howard puts emphasis on old Brit values - Howard's still an idiot.

There was also some interesting stories about New South Wales jamming 'values' and the National Anthem (both verses) down children's throats, because that will stop riots.

And finally A Dummy's Guide to Australia Day

At last year's Australia Day celebrations in Surabaya, organized by the Indonesia-Australia Business Council's East Java branch, the MC asked the gathering a most embarrassing question:

"What does the day actually celebrate?"

A loud silence followed. There was much staring at the ceiling and scrutiny of fingernails before visiting Queenslander Rob Wardrobe (who represents his state in Jakarta) offered a mangled version of history.

Then everyone got back to the serious business of drinking lots of beer.


Today I'm congratulating my friend from Uni who is receiving her Australian Citizenship, and then I'm heading up to Caloundra where I've been nominated for a local Australia Day award. Then I'll probably come home and drink some beer

(ooh Vegemite for Morons!)