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Well Stone the Crows! Or are they Ravens?

Well Stone the Crows! Or are they Ravens?

Back in 1900 someone wrote to The Telegraph (Brisbane) with a story demonstrating the reasoning powers of crows. A family had a pet crow plus a pet cat, and the two barely tolerated each other.  One morning the cat was given a tasty treat, which the crow

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SANTA’S ‘NICE’ LIST

SANTA'S 'NICE'  LIST

Hello, this is your Christmas correspondent, Editor Des. Have you heard of a Santa’s  Nice List? Well a lovely lady called Amelia  at our village laundromat put one up in her front window. It’s in Wentworth Street at Blackheath. That’s in the Blue Mountains in case you

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ARCHIE COMICS – AND X-RAY GLASSES 😎

ARCHIE COMICS - AND X-RAY GLASSES 😎

American comics, especially Archie comics,  were as much a part of  my Tasmanian childhood as books were. How I loved  those  high school pals and rivals…. Archie, Jughead,  Betty,  Veronica and Reggie.  In pre-television days it was ‘Yankee’  comic books that introduced me  to the wonder of

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THE CRICKET CHRISTMAS CAKE🏏

THE CRICKET CHRISTMAS CAKE🏏

Cricket matches,  especially Ashes series, do not usually engender  goodwill between Australia and England. However, as Christmas approached in 1932, Australia made a remarkable gesture. A giant, Ashes themed   cake was sent to London to be distributed to the city’s hospitals and children’s homes . It weighed

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BYE BYE BLACKBIRD. WELL, NOT QUITE!

BYE BYE BLACKBIRD. WELL, NOT QUITE!

I have a single English blackbird in my Australian garden. But oh dear, what a mess he makes of my paths with his incessant scratching around for worms and insects.  😨 I have been tempted to pop him in pie.   OK, let’s  begin with some words

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CHRISTMAS, AND TASMANIA TAKES THE CAKE!

CHRISTMAS, AND TASMANIA TAKES THE CAKE!

Christmas cake is best eaten when you are very hungry…. with a good, strong cup of tea.  🍵 🎄 Now this may be controversial, but I hate the addition of any sort of icing, especially that thick royal icing.  You can just  stud the top with almonds,

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THE OXFORD MURDERS – A REVIEW

THE OXFORD MURDERS - A REVIEW

Well, I have to say that the  2005 novel The Oxford Murders may be the most irritating book I have ever read.  I found it in our wonderful little Blackheath (Blue Mountains) community library in Wentworth Street.     The title appealed to me because I love

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The Magnifying Glass 🔍

The Magnifying Glass 🔍

A magnifying glass provided as much enjoyment to children of the Baby Boomer generation (Yes, I’m one) as expensive toys. The following photo was taken at my birthday party in 1957. It’s hard to spot, but the little boy  is holding our large magnifying glass to his

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A Taste of Paris in Katoomba 🥐

A Taste of Paris in Katoomba 🥐

I do realize that Katoomba is a long way from Paris,  but we Blue Mountains residents adore  croissants as much as anyone else around the world.  This sulphur crested cockatoo is no different. But which ones to choose?   Well don’t look at me mate, it’s entirely  your

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A HOLLYWOOD DREAM

A HOLLYWOOD DREAM

  Around the world, Hollywood was a magical place in the eyes  of  those struggling during the Great Depression. Tasmania was no different. In 1933 the following article appeared in a Hobart publication.  Starstruck young people sent in their photographs and vital statistics and dared to dream.

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