ANZAC Day.

ANZAC Day April 25. We remember the thousands of soldiers who died, fighting, today, in Gallipoli, in 1915. The day will start with a dawn service. A tradition started in 1923 and observed in both countries, people gather and solemnly remember those that gave their lives. It is accompanied by silence, candles, and the mournful caress of "The Last Post." Today is not a day to glorify war. It is a day to recall the struggle of a generation of boys, who were lost, because of the conflict in WWI. The Russians, were in a heated and bloody battle in Caucasis, and pleaded with the British to help. In a hastily drawn up plan, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were dispatched to the south of Turkey, so the Turkish forces would have to be diverted. It should be noted, that in WWI, New Zealand lost the most, per capita of any country. Australia had the highest casualty rate, of every nation. These boys, landed 1 mile off of their intended destination, onto an impossible location, facing a ready Turkish force. If you can imagine, an 18 year old boy, who had grown up on the farm, and because of the way society was then, he joined the forces. If you didn't join, you were looked down upon, and the feeling was, back then, it was your duty. It was simply expected that if you were old enough, you went. So from little towns, and cities these "men" went. And at the other side, as they leaped off of the boats, they were cut to ribbons. Those that made it to the beach were met with confusion, an almost tangible fear, but mostly the carnal struggle to simply survive for another minute. As they looked up to the cliffs above, they were picked off one by one. But they endured. What is amazing about them, is they were isolated, with the sea behind them, no hope of retreat, the battle in front, but they dug in. The campaign lasted 8 months, while in Britain they argued as to what should be done. These soldiers, have given us something. We are better off today. Why? Simply because, we will no longer trust that we have to go over to a foreign land to sacrifice our lives, without questioning it. We will now, be involved in the process. Because we today, have seen the horrible consequences of war, we can question the judgment of our leaders. We can make better decisions. Australia is worth fighting for. Let's fight for peace.




On another plane, I came across this the other day. Please excuse the language. I thought it worthwhile though. I always have to laugh at a donut related joke. Police and their doughnut shoppes are legendary. An experience the other week was that a COP, turned in front our car suddenly and very nearly caused a serious wreck. It was one of those young hot-shots, who are never wrong.... (yes I am stereotyping, you know the type) The fella, then had the gall to flip an "expression" towards us. This is an officer of the law. I must add, however, that this is an aberration. Every policeperson I have dealt with has been professional and upstanding.... except for this one. I need your help with this one. What should we name him? Names please. This is for BAD cop... not good cop. My first suggestion is.... Vance.

In a gravelly voice he exclaimed... " Hello, mister, my name is (pause) Vaannce! "





http://www.janvonholleben.com/work.html
On another boat, I happen stanced, while tip toeing thru the tannen balms.... across the following artiste/photo guy. You may enjoy his work. It does seem to draw you in. Check out the flying gallery.

And finally.

You, (fill in the name) have bought a nice leather cover for your new 4 burner bbq. After cooking your wonderful creations upon it, you dutifully (after it has cooled down) put the cover back on. Being raised to take care of your things, you feel you have done the right thing. However, on the third day, upon approaching, a gaping hole confronts your eyes. Knowing that the product is shoddy, do you……

a- take the cover back to the shop where you bought it and ask for a new one.
b- Take the cover back to the shop where you bought it and DEMAND a new one.
c- Do nothing
d- Give it to a friend.
e- Throw it in the garbage and leave the 4 burner bbq unprotected from the elements.
f- Throw it in the garbage and go out and buy a new one.
g- Throw it in the garbage and buy a BETTER one.
h- Get sloshed, and think about what your next plan of attack is.
i- Run screaming down the street scantily clad.

Please help me on this one, I just don’t know.

D…dee dee, is for doe, rae, mee.
Decilitre. How much is that?