“Reverse Mode” means you sit in specially designed seating which flows from the choir stalls to the stage and gives you an immediate and engaging experience. This is the view performers usually see of the audience seating. The chair centre-stage (with microphone) is where the guest speaker, eminent philosopher and author Professor A.C. Grayling sat during his interview with host Dr David Burton. I took the photo and sat back for some Philosophy and Life.
“Descartes : The Life Of Rene Descartes and Its Place in His Times” by A. C. Grayling (Hardback)2005
My Goodreads review: “Been awhile since I read this book but last night I attended a talk given by Humanist A.C. Grayling, chaired by David Burton, and thought I’d put a comment on my blog. Not about his many controversial and philosophical books but about his delivery style, no doubt well-known to his students and devotees. I was fortunate to sit next to Prof Grayling’s brother John and exchanged views before the floor was opened to audience question time. What I did not tell John was that I thought Grayling spoke well and interestingly but with a sense of rote, the ingrained inflections, slightly off-topic then cleverly returning, the humorous asides and thoughtful pauses obviously well honed over many years of public speaking and international tours. All the while keeping his eye on the clock. Kudos to Prof Grayling for his resilience, composure and charming manner but somewhere along the line the spark in his fire appears to have dimmed and I was not warmed by his fine words. GBW.”
Birdlife co-exists with humans in every big city. Not sure if this Bush Stone-curlew was initially at the South Bank Cultural Centre to visit the Gallery of Modern Art or the Museum’s ornithological displays, but seemingly for dinner. Curlew was guarding its meal and nervously waiting until the walkway was clear.
Bush Stone-curlews live on the ground and are mostly nocturnal. This night it was not wailing its unnerving cry, just waiting for me, the photographer, to leave so it could get on with the job of takeaway for the family.
Feeding Habits: Bush Stone-curlews have a wide-ranging diet for such a fragile-looking bird, they prefer to feed on insects, molluscs, small lizards, seeds and occasionally small mammals. Feeding takes place at night. During the breeding season, nesting birds will search for food in the vicinity of the nest site, while at other times the birds may travel large distances. All food is taken from the ground. Bon Appétit 〰🐤
This post is for the amazing South Australian Ngarrindjeri Lakum, Ngarrindjeri Weaving, and also my grandmother who gave me a very small yet beautifully woven basket (with a little lid) which she watched being created by an Indigenous weaver many years ago. It still holds a cotton pouch containing my grandmother’s homegrown dried lavender. I never knew how this delightful little basked was woven or what it was woven with but now I know – the swirling pattern is water rushes with pine needles for contrast!
“The seven No:ri (pelicans) in flight formation represent an understanding that by working cooperatively a community can achieve far more than a few working in isolation. The sister basket reminds us of our Ancestors and the gifts they entrusted to us all.” Visuals Tim Barnes and Earth Art.
With little fanfare, many Ngarrindjeri Weavers traditional work entered mainstream living in 20th century. I remember woven placemats on the dining table and woven baskets at picnics. It was not uncommon to see water-rush woven items hanging in the doorway of grocery shops, the natural equivalent of today’s reusable carry bags. For several years I kept scented soaps in a small round woven container with a perfectly fitted flat lid, little knowing its origins – see photo below.
A MEMORY FROM GRETCHEN
CONNECTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS: “The Ngarrindjeri have a system of ceremonial exchange between neighbouring groups within Ngarrindjeri territories and also with people living further afield. Cultural exchange routes follow the river system north into New South Wales, east along the Coorong through the South East of South Australia to Victoria and North West to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and through to the Northern Territory.” BEFORE EUROPEAN ARRIVAL: “Prior to European arrival/invasion, woven items were highly valued as part of this exchange system. Ngarrindjeri cloaks and baskets were among the items exchanged for tools and materials that were not found in their area, and locally weaving was traded for speciality items like tanned hides.” CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND TRADE: “Today (when book published) there are many Ngarrindjeri Weavers who teach their cultural weaving in schools and at community events. In so doing they continue the traditional practice of trade through exchange. In the 21st century we think of this continuing practice of trade as the development of economic enterprise.”
The community of East Brisbane and Kangaroo Point is calling for help. It is now public knowledge that the Queensland Government plans to knock down the iconic Woolloongabba ‘Gabba’ Sports Stadium and rebuild on this legendary site.
This will leave three inner city suburbs without a public school, turn Raymond Park into an Olympics warm-up track, and waste many billions of dollars that could be spent on things Queenslanders urgently need, e.g. public housing, schools and hospitals.
You are invited to join the “Rally to Stop the Gabba Demolition” outside the stadium in Woolloongabba Place Park, 810 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, from 10am on Saturday 25 November, 2023.
Homes will be demolished, a school closed down and original parkland trees will be removed. The historically significant heritage-listed East Brisbane State School (officially Brisbane East State School until September 1994) is one of the first large brick state schools in Brisbane. The original portion of the school was erected in 1899, with extensions added in 1900, 1938 and 1939. The single-storeyed timber Infants School was erected in 1910–11.
I think Queensland politicians and builders need to stop demolishing the past, and stop inflicting ill-conceived plans on the future of Brisbane.
“Saturday’s rally is about showing Government that the community here are not alone – more and more Queenslanders are asking why billions of dollars of their money should be wasted knocking down and rebuilding a stadium.”
Also, Woolloongabba protesters believe it’s a short-sighted Government project with no thought for residential areas, or green spaces, and will add future congestion to surrounding suburbs and city zones. Local residents are not accepting it and ask supporters to join their protest at Woolloongabba Park Place at 10am on Saturday 25 November, 2023.
Under the sweet-peas I stood And drew deep breaths, they smelt so good. Then, with strange enchanted eyes, I saw them change to butterflies.
Higher than the skylark sings I saw their fluttering crimson wings Leave their garden-trellis bare And fly into the upper air.
Standing in an elfin trance Through the clouds I saw them glance… Then I stretched my hands up high And touched them in the distant sky.
At once the coloured wings came back From wandering in the zodiac. Under the sweet-peas I stood And drew deep breaths. They smelt so good.
By Alfred Noyes
Alfred Noyes was a British poet. He was born 16th September, 1880, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, UK. He passed away 28 June, 1958, on the Isle of Wight. A traditional English poet, mainly remembered for his lyrical verse. The heart-wrenching “The Highwayman” and “Drake” are his best known works and illustrate his love of the sea.
It is said that the Romantic poets such as Tennyson and Wordsworth greatly influenced him. In 1949, due to his increasing blindness, Noyes dictated all his subsequent works. He also wrote for children and in 1952 he published a very popular children’s book “Daddy Fell into the Pond” and other poems. Info: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/alfred-noyes
🌺 An annual plant of the pea family, sweet-pea flowers are cultivated throughout the world for their beautiful petals and soft perfume. Their rather unflattering botanical name is Lathyrus odoratus but the meaning comes from the Greek word lathyros meaning pea and the Latin word odoratus, meaning fragrant. Alfred certainly liked them!
‘The Detective Up Late’ by Adrian McKinty (Book 7 Sean Duffy series 2023)
What a guy, what a book! I am talking about the author as well as the character. Straight to hardcover edition. I have read all Adrian McKinty’s novels but none so brilliant, clever, absorbing and addictive as Detective Inspector Sean Duffy of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Somehow Sean Duffy of Carrickfergus RUC is grounded, he tries to keep his humanity intact and his reality in focus but the halo frequently slips. I read the books in order (hanging out for each new publication) and got a strong sense of personality and practice, of common law and uncommon citizens, e.g. rioting and retaliation, cons, crooks and criminal matters that police deal with on a daily basis. Often a bit of Duffy tongue-in-cheekiness is thrown into the mix “Radio 2 was playing ‘Ebony and Ivory’ over in the Incident Room. I sat up and paid attention. I liked to hate that song” thinks Duffy.
What’s this story about? Well, McKinty’s book titles refer to songs. This title is derived from a Tom Waits song “Bad as Me” and fits well among the irony and dark observations. DI Duffy comes back from an Israel holiday to workplace boredom (nobody wants his bottles of holy water) until a missing Traveller girl Katrina McAtamney tweaks interest. Is she dead or alive? Like real life, Duffy’s work colleague Detective Sergeant “Crabbie” McCrabban is easing himself towards retirement and Detective Sergeant Alexander Lawson is settling in. I got the feeling Lawson’s the token “woman” cop in the story even though WPC Warren is seconded? Characters are diverse and leads are chased; suspects interviewed and statements are fully dissected. A big piece of evidence is discovered. Plenty of lead-chasing work back-and-forth from the cop shop but nothing brings the teenage girl’s whereabouts any nearer or clues any clearer.
During the 1980s I watched Irish TV news bulletins covering The Troubles but was removed from the IRA Belfast horrors. All I remember is the nightly updates “more bombings”. Now, thanks to McKinty and Duffy, a literary picture has been painted and it’s thought-provoking. Yeah, time moves on, now 1990, but Duffy still checks under his car for tilt bombs. Beware, Sean Duffy is not a squeaky clean cop. Although he now has a more “normal” homelife with Beth and little Emma, involving ferry crossings back and forth, he still gets righteously angry. This is tempered by his deep knowledge of music and literature and his strong sense of justice, even as he tweaks the rules and infers dire consequences on hapless suspects. Probably couldn’t get away with it now. And be prepared for swearing at appropriate times, although surprisingly none when they got lost in Coventry’s one-way street system enroute to an interview.
Author Adrian McKinty’s literary identifier, e.g. intertextuality and breaking the fourth wall, does not detract from this compelling story. They drew me through the story. See Chapter 18 “The Fourth Floor” for an excellent example. Apart from Sean’s unsubtle quotations, look for what I think are appropriate genre nods. A nice balance exists between high action, soft moments, cops-and-criminals, scenery and settings, using quick screenplay-scripted dialogue which at times can be philosophical or a tad predictable like the syrupy ending. You may never see me write it again but Sean Duffy could make a great character in a prime time Éire/UK television series. This is reflected in varying locations and grim humour. A strong actor could follow the threads, face the slog of interviewing, the hope of a confession, the tension of a life-and-death encounter.
You knowhow some crime books just click, you are absorbed into the story? Well, that’s what I find when I read Adrian McKinty’s work. Overall, the clues are there to identify the killer. Enjoy reading this investigative tale for yourself—and take a guess if it will really be the final book.
Adrian McKinty—Author Adrian McKinty was born and grew up in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. After studying philosophy at Oxford University he emigrated to New York City where he lived in Harlem for six years working in bars, bookstores, building sites and finally the basement stacks of the Columbia University Medical School Library in Washington Heights. In 2000 he moved to Denver, Colorado where he taught high school English and started writing fiction in earnest. In 2008 he moved to St. Kilda, Melbourne Australia with his wife and two children. In 2023 he is currently residing in New York City with his family. He has written numerous other books and won numerous literary awards. Visit his official website for more details: https://officialadrianmckinty.com/
Street performers and buskers have existed all over the world since ancient times delivering accessible entertainment to the masses. Many people volunteer their time to historical re-enactments and charity events. It is an opportunity for undiscovered talent and the fearless and creative artisans of theatre to strut their stuff for a coin in the hat. However, a hat is not the only consideration for a street performer.
Australian Laws regulating street performances vary between Australian States. I don’t think these Maryborough performers need to worry but if your performance contains possibly offensive dialogue and/or conduct, you will need to be aware of the Summary Offences legislation. This includes legal constructs of what is considered to be “offensive” and who is the “reasonable person” in the 21st Century.
After reading Hugh McGinlay’s first book “Jinx” I snapped up a copy of “Silks” from Clan Destine Press with many thanks for such a great read set in the southern city of my birth.
An entertaining author and musician, Hugh McGinlay says he’s surprised that readers accept his imaginary friends. Imaginary or not, I was right there with them every step of the way. This is book four about intermittent milliner (hat-maker) PI Catherine Kint and her offsider barman Boris Shakhovskoy. They witness the death of aerial circus performer, Silver, during her silks (or ribbon/tissu) performance but was it accidental or murder?
Vespa-riding Catherine “felt cold and sad and couldn’t stop thinking about the sound.” Boris felt the same, and he’s shaping up to be my favourite character, right from the start showing his multi-talented skills. I am not really sure I like Catherine calling him “dear” because she sounds like a mother-in-law. But between examining leads and serious allegations their dialogue is often laugh out loud; and this time Boris has two romantic interests.
Experience palpable tension walking home after the late shift, Boris continually looking over his shoulder, checking corners, concerned about being followed by the bad guys seemingly as interested in Silver’s death as the police. And naturally it involves her missing mobile phone. At one point Catherine and Boris escape detection by literally hanging by their finger tips. Later Boris hangs around as Catherine is lured into a life-threatening encounter.
Earlier, Silver’s distraught father Anthony Barwick says to Catherine “You don’t have many rules, and you’re smart. That’s what I’ve been told.” He wants her to investigate his daughter’s death. Can he be trusted? Silver, or Mia, by all accounts was an enigmatic wildchild. A family in crisis, a culture of secrecy and this plot kept me reading far into the night.
The location is again firmly set in Brunswick, Melbourne (Australia) with rainy day scenes and several digs at the cold weather.
“The rain might be cold, but I only notice because I’m living.”
Ciara Beretta Silks chapter 2 page 13
Author Hugh McGinlay writes believable crime fiction and pragmatic lead characters with unexpected traits, edgy yet loveable, cool yet kind. Remaining true to its roots, this series can be habit-forming for crime readers.
Carolyn Martinez, Director of Hawkeye Publishing says ‘A cleverly crafted short story is not only enjoyable to read, but is also an excellent strategic step for a writer’s career. A shortlisted story shows publishers that you have unique and creative ideas, know how to draw readers in, and understand how to wield words to their maximum effect.’
The writing group Brisbane Scribes, said ‘Deciding on forty titles to be published in an anthology was problematic enough, but distilling that list to a shortlist stimulated much debate amongst the judges with some passionate advocacy of individual selections. As would be expected, all on the list are well-written explorations of the competition theme and vary markedly in style and subject matter.’
Entrants should be extremely proud of the story they’ve produced and pre-orders are now open.
If you would like to read more about what Hawkeye looks for in short stories, check out Winning Short Story Competitions info below. Each order of this fantastic book includes a previous year’s anthology (while stocks last).
Looking to enter next year?
The 2024 Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Competition theme is: ‘The Look That Said It All’.
Hawkeye Publishing can’t wait to read your take on this theme!
The competition opens on the 1st of January 2024. For more information click here.
The Ten Penners have created an anthology of magical creatures and mysterious moments. Young humans took me on their humorous and enlightening adventures involving broomstick riding, crystal balls, a backyard concert, a magic mirror, intrepid Pixie P.I. Dandelia Oakleaf, frogs, friendships and more—read on!
The Ten Penners latest anthology Backyard Beasts and Curious Capers contains imaginative reading for that age group of children who love a good giggle at preposterous things. Or are they preposterous?
✨BOOK LAUNCH✨
Book launch at BOOKS ETC, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise Saturday 21st October 2023 – 11.00am to 2.00pm “Come and have your book signed by a Witch called Floriece, a Pixie, and Jeremy the Spaceman.”
BLOG TOUR & BOGGLE COLOUR-IN COMPETITION DETAILS BELOW
Perhaps making a rocket is not such a strange idea?
‘Jeremy Albatross’ by Marion Martineer highlights the delight and disaster of making a backyard 🚀 rocket. This story is both funny and a health and safety warning during an action-packed BBQ for Dad’s birthday.
‘The Trees are Alive!’ by Jill Smith (of Poo Boom Cat fame) is a tale about Maggie and Caleb who get ‘a cubby house and a living garden’ during the school holidays when they rejuvenate an old tree 🌳 and receive benefits in return. Part awareness, part ecological, a story of nurturing and working with nature.
‘Wizardo’s Spell’ by Jennifer Scicluna involves Simon digging in the backyard with his father. Or not digging in the backyard with his father “Who wants to plant boring 🌸 begonias?” Simon relents and with a whack of his spade he falls through the earth into Muderoon where he meets irascible Agrim Kateus.
Only a quick glimpse at three Ten Penner author tales but you can discover a brave cat, a sensitive tree, a blue Quoggle and a fright night sleepover. In fact, twenty inventive short stories for young readers. Here’s the list:
Ten Penners, twenty stories! Always imaginative and highly readable, their newest anthology Backyard Beasts and Curious Capers contains fantasy and fun with cool character illustrations, kooky critters and silly stuff which appealed to me. Apologies if I’ve left out your favourite. There’s much more including a wakeboarding octopus and an old fairytale reimagined. Ideal for 8-12 year old readers and group reading. Story length would also suit reading before bedtime, or reading in your favourite tree. Just don’t laugh too hard!
Saturday 21st October—BOOKS ETC. Paradise Centre Surfers Paradise 11 am to 2 pm. Saturday 28th October—Big B Books 10 am to 12 noon outside the shop. Saturday 4th November—The Ten Penners monthly meeting (near Melbourne Cup) Saturday 18th November—Gold Coast Writers book launch/promotion 15 mins confirmed. Saturday 2nd December—Upper Coomera Library 1 hour 10 am to 11 am (then their Christmas Party lunch at the café) Saturday 9th December-—Bookness, Mudgeeraba (to be confirmed) Draw the Quoggle colour-in competition winner! NOTE: The PrizeActivity Packwill include more of their characters to colour-in. A badge. A Word Search. A copy of Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers, signed by the authors, and more. Please send your entry via email tothetenpenners@gmail.com Or hand them to The Ten Penners at their presentation. CONTACT: The Ten Penners look forward to your feedback on their new book so please visit their WIX site, become a member and make a comment: https://thetenpenners.wixsite.com/the-ten-penners/blog
Thoughts Become Words 