kanekisfavoritegf

[krakenmonsterlab]

Lab Log: the lab is extra busy at the moment with not one, but two events coming up!

(Along side Wailing Willy listings all returning to rest: 2nd Nov (AEST) the shop will also be temp closed 6th Nov - 25th Nov. We will be taking stock + lots more to LoveX & Gear’d!)

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Friday

SpaceTime 20241025 Series 27 Episode 129

First evidence of a volcanic spatter cone on Mars

Scientists have detected what appears to be the first ever evidence for a volcanic spatter cone on the red planet Mars.

Distant exo-planet may host volcanic moon like Jupiter's Io

New research has revealed potential signs of a rocky, volcanic moon orbiting an exoplanet 635 light-years from Earth.

The Sun reaching the maximum period of space weather events

Representatives from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA together with the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have announced that the Sun has reached its solar maximum period, which could continue for the next year or so.

The Science Report

The rise in human life expectancy is slowing down.

Scientists find that even low-risk drinking causes higher mortality in adults.

A new study warns that thawing permafrost may accelerate Arctic riverbank erosion.

Skeptics guide to the internet censorship free speech bill

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[mybeingthere]

Ian Abdulla (1947–2011) Ngarrindjeri artist. 

Ian Abdulla lived all his life at Cobdolga, an early irrigation settlement in the Riverland region of South Australia. The township is located beside the Murray River, it’s name a corruption of Cobdogle, the ‘king’ of the local Aboriginal tribe. Abdulla grew up by the swamp, formed when the system of locks changed the river level, a haven for water birds, especially pelicans.

He began painting in the late eighties, a period of cultural renaissance in Cobdolga, due in large to mentorship from art activist and teacher Steve Fox, who had taken an extended break from his role as art adviser at Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land. Abdulla captured the prevailing mood of his community when he told Steve Fox that he couldn’t draw and that his mob had no culture left. ‘That was just on the surface though’, Fox later recalled, ‘it all changed the more we talked' (Fox 1992: 68). Despite Abdulla’s early misgivings about his creative potential, his work evolved and found an appreciative audience.

Through his painting Abdulla came to relate the simple narrative stories that recorded his recollections of times and deeds that illuminated the life of the local Aboriginal people living in rural poverty. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, his childhood memories, though simply told, are far from simple and, importantly, are deeply grounded in historical context. It is a perspective that is at once personal and political, though gently so. In time Abdulla became the most successful of the Cobdolga artists. While much of their art was narrative, contemporary and political, Abdulla himself tended away from the overtly political and developed a quieter, more reflective style, which garnered considerable popular attention, and even affection, from the mainstream public.

'I can only paint what I know to be true,' Abdullah said, revealing the sense of authenticity that lends gravitas to his naive painting style. Human figures, tenuous within the painted landscape of mountains, trees, birds and animals, go about their activities integrated within, rather than imposed upon the background. The overall effect is one of continuity between a unique environment and its human inhabitants. Most of his paintings are annotated, and it is the text, centred in the visual forefront of the image, that provides the link between these naive images and the broader historical framework of Aboriginal dispossession and inequity.

Although his work has remained stylistically consistent throughout his career, his final paintings departed somewhat from stories of his childhood to address contemporary issues. The vanished river life is replaced by the modern day hardships of life in Cobdolga; alcoholism, unemployment, violence and prison life. The childlike, figurative narrative delivers these stories simply as ‘truth’, recording events with a certain sense of objectivity and largely without judgement. Prominent attention to background surroundings still conveys the sense that human intention is subject to greater forces. In his painting Here is Where the Angels Carried Me to The Front Step When I Was Walking Around the Mission Looking For a Head Strainer 1999, Abdulla left behind the innocence of childhood and tells an adult story of hope and redemption. 

For an artist who initially maintained that, ‘In the future my paintings won't change much from what they are today‘ (Murphy 1992: 14), this direction is compelling. The lack of artifice always evident in Abdulla’s work reflected his opinion that what ultimately matters more than anything is that these stories are told.The sense that Abdulla was a ‘people’s artist’, and was a storyteller creating works for his own community as much as for a wider audience, has sat relatively comfortably alongside his commercial success and artistic recognition. His representation through Paul Greenaway in Adelaide and the Hogarth Gallery in Sydney was stable and enduring, built upon the same deep personal feelings that he imparted so successfully in his art. Over time he came to occupy a unique position within the broader canon of Aboriginal art as a contemporary voice outside of the ‘urban contemporary’ framework.

Ian Abdulla’s work has been recognised in many ways since it gained recognition in the early 1990’s. He was awarded South Australian Aboriginal Artist of the Year in 1991 and an Australia Council Fellowship in the following year. On two occasions he was runner up in the National Indigenous Heritage Art Award and in 1996 he won the General Painting section of the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. His work has been developed into two popular children’s books that deal with social and environmental issues, As I Grew Older 1993 and Tucker 1994; and attesting to his enduring popularity, his life and art were the subject of the play Riverland directed by Wesley Enoch for the Adelaide Festival in 2007. Ian Abdulla passed away in early 2011 leaving behind this great legacy.

https://www.cooeeart.com.au/.../profile/AbdullaIan%20W/

[slovaksinadelaide]

3. Ročník CaSFFA v Adelaide

The Regal Theatre (ADELAIDE/KAURNA)

275 Kensington Rd, Kensington Park SA 5068

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.theregaltheatre.com.au/movie-tickets/

or in person at The Regal Cinema box office.

General Admission

Adult $25 Concession* $17

Opening Night

Adult $37 Concession* $28

A ticket to Opening Night Adelaide includes nibbles, and live music.  Enjoy a drink from our wonderful sponsors Foreigner Brewing Company and Magnesia Australia on arrival. Other beverages can be purchased at the bar.

Event starts at 6.00pm, screening at 7.00pm.  

*For under 18’s, students, seniors and holders of Pensioner Concession or Health Care Cards.

[qnewsau]

'Fourteen': Queer play is coming to Adelaide

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/fourteen-queer-play-is-coming-to-adelaide/

'Fourteen': Queer play is coming to Adelaide

Acclaimed Australian gay coming-of-age play Fourteen is coming to Adelaide this August. 

Fourteen is the stage adaptation of writer Shannon Molloy’s memoir about growing up gay in Yeppoon in central Queensland in the 1990s.

In Fourteen, the high school student struggles to get through a year of self-discovery at his sports-mad, homophobic Catholic school.

Shannon is tormented not just by his peers, but also by the adults who are meant to protect him.

However, this moving coming-of-age story is also a story of resilience, hope and hilarity – thanks to the love of a group of close-knit friends, a fiercely protective family, an extraordinary mother and… S Club 7.

Fourteen is filled with 90s pop culture references

Artistic Director Ross Balbuziente described Fourteen as striking “a delicate balance between trauma and tribulation and the humour and heart that ultimately triumphed.”

“We owed it to Shannon – and anybody else whose experiences mirror his – not to shy away from the more triggering moments and challenging themes,” he said.

“But we also wanted to show the absolute power friendship and family can have on a 14-year-old.

“The production stays true to the era of Fourteen. It features plenty of ‘90s pop culture references and a mixtape of bangers from Shania Twain to J.Lo.”

Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, August 7 at 7pm, Friday, August 9 at 7pm, and Saturday, August 10 at 2:30pm.

Location: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

Ages: 14 and up

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

In Other News: 

Review: ‘Fourteen’ at QPAC is an unflinching gay coming-of-age story

Darlinghurst Theatre goes into Voluntary Administration

Qtopia announces The Loading Dock theatre season

[holiifestival]

A Symphony of Colors: Celebrating Holi Festival in Adelaide

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a spirited and joyous celebration that ushers in the vibrancy of spring with laughter, camaraderie, and a spectacular array of hues. In Adelaide, Australia, this ancient Hindu festival is embraced with fervor, creating a mosaic of festivities that transcends cultural boundaries. Let's delve into the unique charm of the Holi Festival in Adelaide, exploring its traditions, cultural significance, and the lively atmosphere that characterizes this annual revelry.

1. Colorful Extravaganza:

Holi Festival Adelaide is synonymous with the playful throwing of colored powders, transforming open spaces into a kaleidoscope of vibrant shades. People of all ages come together to revel in this spirited and joyous celebration, creating a captivating tapestry of colors.

2. Cultural Fusion:

The Holi Festival in Adelaide exemplifies the city's cultural diversity, serving as a melting pot that unites individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It stands as a celebration of diversity, fostering mutual understanding and shared experiences.

3. Traditional Rituals:

The festivities commence with traditional rituals, including the symbolic lighting of a bonfire known as Holika Dahan. These rituals connect participants with the deep cultural roots of the festival, infusing authenticity into the celebrations.

4. Musical Harmony and Dance:

Music is at the heart of Adelaide's Holi celebrations, featuring a harmonious blend of traditional and modern tunes. The rhythmic beats create an atmosphere of jubilation, encouraging lively dancing and infusing the air with infectious energy.

5. Culinary Delights:

Holi in Adelaide is not just a visual feast but a culinary delight. Attendees indulge in a rich variety of Indian sweets and savory treats, embarking on a gastronomic journey that adds a flavorful dimension to the festivities.

6. Family-Centric Atmosphere:

Renowned for its family-friendly ambiance, the Holi Festival in Adelaide encourages families to come together. Children and adults actively participate, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating cherished memories.

7. Color Runs and Interactive Games:

Color runs and interactive games are integral to Holi celebrations in Adelaide, offering an extra layer of excitement and engagement. Participants of all ages partake in these activities, adding to the festive spirit.

8. Traditional Attire and Fashion Flourish:

Many participants in Adelaide embrace the cultural essence of Holi by donning traditional Indian attire. This not only enhances the visual spectacle of the festival but also creates a striking contrast against the vibrant colors.

9. Community Engagement Initiatives:

Holi often becomes a platform for community engagement initiatives in Adelaide, including charity events and cultural programs. The festival serves as a catalyst for positive contributions, fostering unity within the community.

10. Artistic Displays and Installations:

In conclusion, the Holi Festival in Adelaide is a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries, creating a harmonious blend of colors, joy, and shared festivities. With its mix of traditions, lively atmosphere, and community spirit, Holi in Adelaide is a unique and memorable cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations, embrace the spectrum of colors, and partake in the collective joy of the Holi Festival in Adelaide.

For more info. Visit us:

Holi Festival Perth

Holi Festival CanberraHoli Festival Brisbane

[theindependentfox]

What happened TO you?

I grew up in the foothills of a city called Adelaide, South Australia. When I was a child, it seemed big to me. I mean, we were THIRTY MINUTES drive from reaching the city. And our holidays were spent over AN HOUR drive down the southern coast. That's a long time for a child.

When my Mum ordered take-out for the family, she used the name 'fox'. One evening, I was extra curious and asked her why. She replied with an absent-minded smile in the corner of her mouth; "it's a word the Chinese can understand. Nobody can pronounce our last name". And that to me, was the beginning of this story. Masked. Hidden. By my own surname. Because it was more convenient for somebody else.

Looking back, my Mum was just trying to be accommodating. It came from a good place, even though the sentiment had grossly racist undertones.

Up until the age of 14, my childhood was near perfect. I don't have many unhappy memories. Even in death, my parents found a way to create light and helped me and my brother look to the stars for guidance. They gave us choices, options, let us pursue the hobbies we wanted, whether that was sport, music or otherwise. We had friends. We had extended family. Aunts and uncles that were completely unrelated to us; unrelated brothers and sisters of my parents. Those aunts and uncles came to have children too. All of a sudden, we had cousins galore. A childhood filled with lunch dates, laughter and core memories. I consistently worked hard for good grades, making my parents proud. I received praise. I was taught lessons about emotional maturity, different measures of intelligence, compassion and kindness. By 14, I was extremely well-rounded. It was a brilliant and beautiful introduction to life.

I recently read a quote from the introduction of one of Oprah's books, depicting that trauma and addiction are intertwined. That when you have trauma in your life, addiction can follow. She asks the question that opens up the idea that you are not your trauma. The trauma instead HAPPENED to you. So, what happened to me? Why was my life so complicated after the age of 14? How come, at age 30, I'm depressed, suicidal and substance abusing?

I have many locked and bolted doors in my psyche, hiding away events and feelings. Nobody died on my watch. I wasn't sexually abused. I've never been arrested or blamed from a crime I didn't commit. But trauma is trauma, and the way that I felt I had to deal with mine, at what was still a very young and impressionable age, has had lasting effects about how I see the world. Even trying to push down those feelings and memories has had consequences. My mind has asked me over and over to deal with things properly, to let myself change and improve as a person. I have instead clung to my inner child and pushed back against becoming an well-adjusted adult.

In 5 days, I'll be driving with my dog from Melbourne to my parents' beach house down the southern coast in Adelaide to detox my body of all substances. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and marijuana. I'll be there for a week. I will have no contact with the outside world. I'm going to open up every single one of those doors. No holds barred.

So buckle up. This is what happened to me.

[goodthoughts001]

Adelaide is Australia's fifth largest city

Adelaide is the only major metropolis in the world to have its city centre Adelaide, The CBD from across the Torrens River at Australia Adventurescompletely surrounded by parkland. Today, driving along King William Street towards the Torrens, the layout of this city is immediately evident. Are you a BIG lover of 2023 Nude Calendars, find a big collection of 2023 Nude Calendars here.

Past the Adelaide Oval, considered by many one of the finest-looking traditional cricket grounds in the world, you cross the Torrens River to arrive at North Terrace. (For children, a trip on Popeye, a launch that plies the river from near the Festival Centre to the Adelaide Zoo, is a great outing.) This tree-lined boulevard has many fine buildings: Government House, the State Library, the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia (which contains the larges collection of Aboriginal artifacts in the world and Adelaide University. A little further along, past the Royal Adelaide Hospital, are the Botanical Gardens and the State Herbarium, begun in 1855. These gardens include the oldest glasshouse in an Australian botanical garden, and the only Museum of Economic Botany; the Conservatory contains a tropical rainforest. The the west of King William Street is Parliament House, completed in 1939; a little further along, in what once was the Adelaide Railway Station is the Adelaide Casino.

Continuing along King William Street you come to Rundle and Hindley Streets - the former is the shopping heart of Adelaide, the latter is the night spot centre - then the town hall. A little further south is Victoria Square, with lawns and

 a fountain, the terminus for the Glenelg tram, and the clock tower of the GPO. King William Street continues to South Terrace, where gardens and parks, including the rose garden and conservatory and the Himeji Gardens (a traditional Japanese garden), make up the southern perimeter of the city proper.

Being so close to the Barossa Valley and the wineries of the Vales to the south, it is no wonder that Adelaide boasts more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia. Hindley and Rundle Streets in the heart of the city, Gouger Street, close to Victoria Square, and O'Connell and Melbourne Streets in North Adelaide are the best places to go.

Glenelg, on the coast just 10 km from the city centre, and a city in its own right, is the summer playground for Adelaide residents and visitors - the larges amusement park in the State, and many restaurants, are here. Port Adelaide, 25 minutes west of the city, is home to the South Australian Maritime Museum, the Historic Military Vehicles Museum, and the South Australian Historical Aviation Museum, among others. Here you can also cruise on an old sailing ketch, or take a steam train ride along the old Semaphore Railway.

The beaches south of Port Adelaide (including Glenelg) are ideal places to swim and many have a jetty where kids and adults can dangle a line. Further south the beaches are even better; surfers love the breaks in and around Christies Beach, Moana and Seaford. For divers there are the reefs and marine sanctuaries at Port Noarlunga or at Aldinga. The nearby Mount Lofty Ranges offer other nature experiences - seeing native animals close up at Cleland Wildlife Park, picnics and day bushwalks at Belair National Park, and rock climbing at Morialta Falls Conservation Park.

Any mention of Adelaide must include reference to its major international festival, the Adelaide Festival, held in March; artists from around the world come to perform here. There are a host of other festivals and events, including Adelaide Fringe Festival in February, the Oakbank Racing Carnival in April, the Royal Adelaide Show in late August/early September, and the International Rose Festival in October. In the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Valley or down along the Fleurieu Peninsula there are many other festivals.

For the history buff there are the Mortlock Library of historical material, the Migration and Settlement Museum and the South Australian Police Museum, and the SA Theatre Museum, a magnificent complex of halls and theatres.

[xx-k1tsun3-k1d-xx]

☆RAWRRR ITS TEH SERVER!! ☆

★☆Features☆★

★☆Currently in its third FOURTH year of being home to teh coolest sceniez in town☆★

★Music partiez!!!

☆Events/streams (coming soon! :3)

★Level 2 boosted

☆The most normal emojis and stickers ever

★all ages welcome! though adult/minor roles are compulsory foar safety :)

☆Kandi exchanges!

★Channels for absoloutely fuckin everything xD

☆The void?? pilk??

★All types of scemo discussion and honestly off topic discussion aswell we're LOLRAND0M XDDD

☆PluralKit/Tupper + system friendly! <3

★A genuinely friendly and welcoming space for people to just hang out and be sc3n3

☆The Gayest Server On Teh Interwebz!™

☆★REVIEWS★☆

'These are def normal humans and not acctually just like piles of raccoons in scene outfits tho i do have my suspicions' - Server Member, 22 'if you ever want to witness an entire server spam "ham" at a picture of a ferret then you have come to the right place XD' - @xx-j4c0-j4wbr34k3r-xx 'wabooga!!' - Modmin, 17 'Fucking cringe ew' - Banned Discord User, 18 “I’m a smart, friendly, successful guy from Australia. I have a fantastic life, and I’d love to have someone come and share it with me. I haven’t had a partner before, and I’d like to find a very bright young lady in the same position as me. Is this someone you know? Yes, this ad is entirely genuine. Come in and see.” -A Totally Existing And Real Single Man From Adelaide, 41 'the pins on all the channels are full of relevant and useful information!!' - Modmin Team 'Meow!' - Lily (Cat)

[junker-town]

Josh Giddey is the NBA draft pick who almost slipped through the cracks

How Josh Giddey went from being cut by his Australian state team to a potential NBA draft lottery pick.

Josh Giddey knew he was down to his last chance. As he arrived at a multi-day basketball jamboree known as the East Coast Challenge, Giddey was one of 60 youth players competing from the Australian states of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia hoping to be selected for the prestigious state team.

State basketball is the pathway to a brighter future in the game in Australia, but it had alluded Giddey to this point. Three times he had tried out for state-level basketball, and three times he had received an email at the end of the event telling him he’d been cut. Only 16 years old and already realizing he was at a crossroads in his career, Giddey was determined not to let it happen again.

He had the benefit of a recent growth spurt this time around that taken him up to 6’8 as a point guard. The added height only accentuated the gifts that always made him stand out: his passing and playmaking, and perhaps more importantly his ability to think one step ahead of the next defensive adjustment. After shining at the camp, the anxious hours waiting to hear if he was selected turned into a quiet confidence.

“I kept promising myself I wouldn’t get cut, I wouldn’t get cut, and the last opportunity I had to make the state team I didn’t get cut,” Giddey told SB Nation. “I finally got that one email I was waiting for.”

Giddey’s life has been in overdrive ever since. After shining at a subsequent national event, he was offered a scholarship by the NBA Global Academy at the Australian Institute of Sport. Giddey moved across the country to Canberra, where he would spend the next 18 months developing his game and his body while competing against peer-aged competition around the world. The accolades he earned at the academy eventually led Giddey to become the first Australian player to be tabbed for the Next Stars program in the country’s domestic professional league, the NBL.

After one season with the Adelaide 36ers, Giddey is now on his way to the 2021 NBA Draft. The same player who couldn’t separate himself from his peers in Victoria only two years ago is now projected as a likely lottery pick.

Giddey is at once on a meteoric rise and still just scratching the surface. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and has a case as one of the most accomplished given his production in a pro league against seasoned adults. He is still growing into his body and refining his jump shot while already possessing the type of mental processing gifts that can’t be taught. It has been a wild ride to bring him to the precipice of his NBA dreams, but Giddey isn’t the type to get overwhelmed by the moment.

“It’s just good to see the work paying off,” he said.

Photo by Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

Marty Clarke remembers the first time he identified Giddey as a future prospect to watch during his days as a college assistant coach at WCC power Saint Mary’s. A fellow Australian, Clarke was a former teammate of Josh’s dad, Warrick, who enjoyed a long professional career with the NBL’s Melbourne Tigers and had his No. 6 retired by the club. He saw the traits that could eventually make the young guard the type of player Saint Mary’s would one day want to target, but he knew it was going to be a while before they could do so. Giddey was only 12 years old.

“When I first went to St. Mary’s in 2013, I said coach (Randy) Bennett, there’s a kid I want to put on the board but it will be like seven years before we can get him,” Clarke recalls. “He can really pass with his weak hand. He can pass full court, off the dribble, or from penetration. He was kind of doing a lot of that stuff as a 12-14 year old. Now he’s a 6’8 person who can do that.”

Clarke would eventually get his chance to help develop Giddey in a way neither could have anticipated. When the NBA partnered with the Australian Institute of Sport and Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in 2017 to launch the NBA Global Academy, Clarke left Saint Mary’s to take a job as its technical director. Clarke was the perfect candidate as someone who previously had experience as a coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, and now had familiarity with American college basketball.

The same place that had produced almost every Australian player to reach the NBA — Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Luc Longley, Aron Baynes, and Patty Mills among them — was now further investing in its connection to the league. Clarke would oversee all aspects of player development and coaching for the 12 high school-aged players who were offered a scholarship to the academy.

“We have a really good blue print,” Clarke said. “The Australian academy has been here for 40 years. This is what this place has always been doing, producing Olympians and future NBA players.”

The NBA launched academies in India, Senegal, Mexico, China over the last 10 years as a year-round development initiative for elite youth prospects. Australia’s Global Academy takes teenagers from around the world. In its partnership with the AIS, players with the Global Academy live in dorms and attend classes while preparing them for life as a professional athlete. Instead of trying to win as many games as possible and compete for championships like a college team, the main goal of the academy is individual development.

The players at the Global Academy go to school and training six days per week with only Sundays off. In a typical week, players will be put through regular full team practices, as well as smaller group sessions that focus on things like connecting the bigs to the smalls by drilling pick-and-rolls and post entries. There’s shooting and skill training every morning before school, as well as weight lifting three times per week, and mindfulness training. Spliced in with all of that is education on nutrition, physiology, and personal learning like financial literacy and social media courses.

“Our goal here is when they leave here, they have lots of options,” Clarke said. “We make sure they’re eligible for universities. We want to make sure every door is open when they leave.”

The Global Academy also plays games against peer-aged teams, and that’s where Giddey continued to raise his profile. Giddey would lead the academy to the championship at the prestigious Torneo Junior Ciutat de L’Hospitalet tournament in Spain and was named MVP of the event. He followed it up with a strong showing at Basketball Without Borders during All-Star Weekend last year in Chicago.

“His development since he got here has been off the charts,” Clarke said. “Because he missed that state-level development, he skipped up to another level and had a lot to learn. He jumped a stage, really.”

Giddey’s time at the academy had given him multiple avenues to explore on what he should do next. That’s when he faced the next flashpoint decision in his burgeoning young career: Was he better off going to college in America or staying home to play in Australia?

Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Giddey had a long list of American college basketball programs who wanted him. He had standing scholarship offers from Arizona, Colorado, Rutgers, St. John’s, and more. After one college visit in particular, Giddey felt like he was ready to commit.

“I was 99 percent set on college,” Giddey said. “I took a visit to Colorado sometime in 2020, when I left there after my two-day visit, I was ready to commit there. I was about to commit there but my parents said just wait to we get home and we’ll talk about it.

“So I went home and we started talking to some people and they started talking about the NBL Next Star pathway. I met with Jeremy Loeliger, who is the CEO of the NBL, and they really sold it to me. The way they take care of their kids, the opportunity you’ll get to play against grown men at such a young age, I thought that was better for me personally than going to college to play against other kids.”

On April 16, 2020, at just 17 years old, Giddey signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL. He had become the first Australian to take advantage of the league’s ‘Next Stars’ program, which was originally intended to lure top American prospects who didn’t want to play college basketball. Former McDonald’s All-Americans Terrance Ferguson and Brian Bowen were two of the first signees of the program, but it was a decision by LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton to sign in Australia that helped convince Giddey it was the best path for him.

“They surprised everyone with how good they were, especially LaMelo,” said Giddey. “It was good to see because it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to be an NBL player and eventually an NBA player. To see those guys come through gave me the confidence to think I could hopefully do something similar.”

Going from youth tournaments against peer-aged competition to playing against grown men was an enormous adjustment. Giddey struggled with it at first. The ambitious passes that defined his time at the youth level were often becoming turnovers in more meaningful games. He was ice cold as a shooter to start the year, hitting just 2-of-20 shots from three-point range over his first seven games. The biggest issue was playing through contact on both ends of the floor.

“I was struggling with the physicality of the league,” Giddey said of the start to his time in the NBL. “You don’t realize how physical the league is until you actually play against guys that are 35 years old and strong, athletic, and quick. It was just a completely different level to junior basketball. I was playing at a fast pace the whole time. I was rushed, I was nervous.”

He points to his second game as his initial breakthrough, when he finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists against South East Melbourne, and was trusted to take the final shot in regulation. Even though he missed, the 36ers would win in overtime, and Giddey started every game the rest of the season.

Giddey was masterful at times as a facilitator, firing passes to open shooters in the corner with either hand and finding unique angles to get the ball to the big man near the basket. Starting center Daniel Johnson had one of the best seasons of his career at age-33 with Giddey at the controls, and fellow teammate (and former Kentucky big man) Isaac Humphries turned into a dependable scorer, as well. Giddey’s three-point shot also started to come around eventually, hitting 36.7 percent of his shots from deep those first 20 attempts.

“The big thing for me early in the year was I was so down on confidence,” Giddey said. “I was so worried if I missed what people were going to say, what scouts were going to think. There was a point where I spoke to one of my teammates and he told me all of this doesn’t matter. Just shoot every shot like you think you’re going to make it. That was when it switched for me.”

Before season’s end, Giddey had run off three triple-doubles over a four-game stretch and had firmly established himself as a first round NBA draft pick. Given his age and the level of competition, Giddey was remarkably productive: he averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.5 assists per game on 51 percent true shooting.

Those numbers stack up reasonably well to what Ball did in the same league a year earlier as 6’8 playmaking guard at 18 years old. Ball scored more, but slightly less efficiently (47.9 true shooting) while their rebound, assist, and steal numbers were similar. It is worth noting that while Ball was often deemed reckless as a lead decision-maker, Giddey’s turnover rate was significantly highly at 23.7 vs. Ball’s 12.4.

Giddey isn’t as flexible and shifty as a ball handler as LaMelo, but the baseline similarities and statistical profiles in the same league, at the same age will be tempting for teams, especially following Ball’s run to Rookie of the Year after being the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

“To see how (Ball’s) game translated to the NBA, it’s made me feel even better about my decision,” Giddey said.

The appeal of Giddey for NBA teams starts with his intersection of size and passing. Giddey is an impressive facilitator off a live dribble who will fire passes with either hand while on the move. Against a set defense, Giddey is able to make quick decisions with the ball, and loves to zip a two-handed, overhead pass to his big man in the paint. His interior passing is particularly impressive thanks in part to his ability to leverage his length to find creative angles in tight spaces. The big question for his offensive game will be if he can make opposing defenses respect him enough as a scoring threat to fully unlock his playmaking gifts.

There will be serious questions about Giddey’s athleticism and strength, particularly if he has enough standstill burst to beat his man and force the opposing defense into rotation. Even if Giddey can’t put enough pressure on the rim to be a primary creator, he should be custom-made as a ‘connecting’ piece who can be a secondary facilitator and floor spacer as his jump shot comes around. In Clarke’s eyes, it’s Giddey’s overarching feel for the game that will help him overcome the challenges he sees at the next level.

“He’ll often have quiet first quarters or first halves, and then he’ll have monster second halves,” Clarke said. “He can figure things out on the run, and that’s a skill a lot of players don’t have. He can fix things in game.

“It’s not just feel for the game, it’s feel for the opposition and what they’re trying to do to you. A lot of people have feel for the game when the game is mundane and vanilla. He has feel for the game when it’s chaos going on. He can figure things really quickly.”

As the NBA moves into the pre-draft process, Giddey is widely projected to be taken in the lottery. We had Giddey going No. 14 overall to the Golden State Warriors in our mock draft, while ESPN has him going No. 10 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Giddey’s entrance into the league is also an achievement for the academies the NBA invested in around the world. He’ll be the first male athlete to be drafted into the league after being a full-time academy student. Clarke sees Giddey as the type of player the Australian Institute always dreamed about developing.

“He’s kind of the guy we thought of 30 years ago when we started the program,” said Clarke. “Imagine if we had a whole team of 6’8 guys who are multi-dimensional and can pass, dribble, and shoot, defend multiple positions. We’ll stick one big guy in the middle with four guys like that. Josh is kind of exactly that.

“Coaches always ponder what the future is going to be. I think Josh is what we thought about when I first came here 25 years ago.”

If Giddey embodies the dream of what the AIS always hoped to produce, he also came dangerously close to slipping through the cracks. In the course of just over two years, he has gone from a player who couldn’t make it out of his home state to a possible top-10 NBA draft pick. For a player on such a rapid rise, the next question is the most exciting: how much room to Giddey have to grow from here?

[astonishinglegends]

Ep 201: The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich Part 3

“I am prepared to swear on oath or submit myself to any lie detector test to substantiate this, my statement.”

– Don Cox, who observed a triangle-shaped UFO for 45 minutes from his yard in Adelaide, 385 miles northwest of Valentich’s last known location, just 28 minutes after his radio fell silent.

Description:

As we wrap up our coverage of the Frederick Valentich story in Part 3 of our series, we'll continue our conversation with Melbourne resident Chris Tyler about his research into the case and other possibly related UFO incidents around the same time and area. We'll also examine the Australian Department of Transport accident report's remaining findings and discuss its conclusions. As you begin to reach your own conclusions, it's essential to keep several factors in mind which make the usual mundane explanations seem inadequate. The high number of independent sightings of aerial phenomena occurring in proximity to the disappearance suggests Valentich wasn't alone in witnessing it. The distance a Cessna cowling was found from a potential crash site and the lack of definitive markings makes its discovery inconclusive. Even if the cowling did come from Valentich's plane, it still doesn't account for what caused him to ditch, let alone other missing debris and Valentich himself. Perhaps the most surprising revelation comes from the summary of the report itself. Rather than dismissing the possibility of a UFO entanglement, an official government statement lists it as one of four likeliest scenarios. Remember that Valentich himself never suggested he interacted with a UFO in his last transmission, despite being painted as obsessed with them by his skeptics. When these factors and more are taken together, it's no wonder this incident is one of the most baffling and tragic in the phenomenon's history and leaves us all to wonder, what happened to Frederick Valentich and where did he go?

Location:

Moorabbin Airport, where Frederick Valentich took off from on October 21, 1978, headed for King Island across Bass Strait.

Reference Links:

“UFO suspicions still cloud disappearance of Frederick Valentich” from Melbourne’s Herald Sun

The strange noises heard on Valentich’s last transmission, posted on Facebook by A.U.F.O.A. – Australian UFO Action

“How the 40-year-old mystery of a UFO in New Zealand lives on” from news.com.au, about Quentin Fogarty’s UFO experience

The UFO Documents Index on NSA.gov

Cape Otway Lightstation

“What is the Aurora Australis?�� on Universe Today

The Green Flash

“The Disappearance of Flight N3808H, Puerto Rico, 1980” blog post by “karl 12” on AboveTopSecret.com

“Disappearance of flight N3808H 28th of June, 1980” with pilot’s radio transmission on YouTube

“UFOs, USOs and the Island of Puerto Rico.” by “karl 12” on AboveTopSecret.com

“Jet Fighters disappear as they approach UFO in Puerto Rico” section of a documentary on YouTube

“Two F-14s kidnapped by UFO near Puerto Rico” forum thread on unexplained-mysteries.com

“The Valentich Disappearance: Another UFO Cold Case Solved” by James McGaha and Joe Nickell on Skeptical Inquirer

“Spooky Space ‘Sounds’” from nasa.gov

“What Is This Flying Object??? Occurred at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - 1/7/2021” on YouTube by Wes Snyder Photography

The “PPRuNe” forum or “Professional Pilots Rumour Network” discussing Valentich's radio transmission

The Melbourne Marvels podcast and their episode on “The Unresolved Disappearance of Frederick Valentich”

“10 Truly Bizarre Incidents From The Bass Strait Triangle” from Listverse

The Unsolved Mysteries Wiki on Fandom.com for the Frederick Valentich episode

“Lost yacht mystery continues 30 years on” from abc.net.au

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Wikipedia

“Race Tragedy Tale / Oracle CEO tells all to St. Francis Yacht Club” from SFGate.com

“'Holy grail' or epic hoax? Australian Kelly Cahill's UFO abduction story still stirs passions” from ABC South West Victoria news

“Capturing the Light” – The true story of Dorothy Izatt on Amazon Prime

Close Encounters of the Third Kind feature release date information on IMDb

The Frederick Valentich case on the original Unsolved Mysteries, Season 5, Episode 2 on Amazon Prime

“Last Light: the Valentich Mystery” from The History Listen with Kirsti Melville on ABC.net.au

“Disappearance of Frederick Valentich” on Wikipedia

“What Happened to Frederick Valentich? Possibly the scariest UFO case ever” by OzWeatherman on AboveTopSecret.com

“Valentich Case Files Finally Released” by Kandinsky on AboveTopSecret.com

“The Valentich Abduction/Disappearance: 40th Anniversary” by MirageMan on AboveTopSecret.com

“The Abduction of Fred Valentich” from The Unexplained Files on Discovery UK – YouTube clip of Melbourne Flight Advisor Officer Steve Robey describing his radio communication with Valentich

Complete episode on the Valentich disappearance from The Unexplained Files on the Discovery Channel

Cessna 182 “Skylane”

Valentich’s missing aircraft report online, from the National Archives of Australia

Download of Valentich’s missing aircraft report as a PDF

Bass Strait

Moorabbin Airport

“'Truth' was out there after all –An accidental discovery sheds new light on the mysterious disappearance of a pilot in 1978, writes Miles Kemp” from The Advertiser

Australian UFO researcher, Keith Basterfield

Melbourne, Australia

Tasmania

King Island, Tasmania

Visit King Island at kingisland.org.au

“Biography of Bette Nesmith Graham, Inventor of Liquid Paper” on ThoughtCo.com

Bette Nesmith Graham on Wikipedia

Australian crayfish

The TCAS or Traffic collision avoidance system

“What C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther Would Say About Our Coronavirus Panic”

Black Death

Second plague pandemic

“Plague was one of history’s deadliest diseases—then we found a cure” on NationalGeographic.com

Suggested Listening:

Melbourne Marvels podcast – “a podcast about true stories from Melbourne” CLICK HERE to listen to their episode on “The Unresolved Disappearance of Frederick Valentich”

Check out our good friend Gledders’ paranormal podcast, ANOMALY, where he, his co-host Steve Freestone, and Forrest discuss some of the more weird and wild events of 2020 and more in his latest 2-part series. Click here to subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, the website at anomaly.co.uk, or anywhere excellent podcasts are found.

And then after that, check out Gledders’ “80’s Mix Tape” for the best in 1980s music, Saturdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the UK, or stream anytime at Huntingdon Community Radio HCR 104 FM!

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS:

FIND OTHER GREAT DEALS FROM OUR SHOW’S SPONSORS BY CLICKING HERE!

Squarespace – Have something you need to sell or share with the world but don't have a website? Or maybe that old website of yours could use a serious style and functionality update but you don't think you have the time or money to pay someone to do it? Well, now you can do it yourself, stylishly and cost-effectively in very little time with Squarespace! With their large gallery of beautifully designed templates, eCommerce functionality, built-in Search Engine Optimization, free and secure hosting, and award-winning 24/7 Customer Support to guide you along the way, you'll be up and running on the Web in no time, with flair, ease and a choice of over 200 URL extensions to make you stand out! So what are you waiting for? Go to Squarespace.com/LEGENDS for a free trial and when you’re ready to launch, use the Offer Code "LEGENDS" to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

The Great Courses Plus – There are so many benefits to lifelong learning, which is why we love The Great Courses Plus! Learn about virtually anything, now with over 11,000 lectures on almost any subject you can think of – from history and science to learning a new language, how to play an instrument, learn magic tricks, train your dog, or explore topics like food, the arts, travel, business, and self-improvement. And all taught by world-leading professors and experts in their field. Their app lets you download and listen to only the audio from the courses or watch the videos, just like a podcast. Switch between all your devices and pick up right where you left off. Available for iOS and Android. So what is your purpose this year? What new things will you learn? Sign up for The Great Courses Plus and find out! And RIGHT NOW, our listeners can get this exclusive offer: A FREE TRIAL, PLUS get $30 OFF when you sign up for an annual plan! That comes out to just $10 a month! But this limited-time offer won’t last long, and it’s only available through our special URL and you don’t want to pass this up, so go NOW to: TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/LEGENDS

Best Fiends – If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time while engaging your brain and enjoying breathtaking visuals and a gripping story, your answer is Best Fiends! Best Fiends is a casual, matching puzzle game that the whole family can play, but really made for adults, and you don’t need to be a gamer to be great at it! You can also play it the way YOU want to, wherever you want, and as much or as little as you want! Collect cute and funny cryptid-like insect creatures while battling silly slugs as you advance through stages in the Best Fiends world. Connect with friends and family through Social Media and challenge them to beat your levels or help them along. This unique puzzle game doesn’t require the internet, so it’s great to play offline while traveling or commuting, and Best Fiends has thousands of levels already, with new levels, events, and characters added every month – it’s hours of fun right at your fingertips and it never gets old! With over 100 million downloads and tons of five-star reviews, Best Fiends is a must-play! Download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the “R,” Best Fiends!

feals – Do you experience stress?  Or have anxiety… Or chronic pain ... Or have trouble sleeping at least once a week? You’re NOT alone.  Many of us do.  And if you do, it’s time you discovered feals. feals is Premium CBD delivered directly to your doorstep. feals naturally helps reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness. All you need to do is place a few drops of feals under your tongue and feel the difference within minutes. The thing to remember about CBD is that finding your right dose is important (and everyone’s dose is different) so leave room to experiment over the course of a week or so – you may need to take more or less to get the effects you’re after. And if you’re new to CBD, feals offers a free CBD hotline with real human support to guide your personal experience. feals works naturally to help you feel better, so there’s no high, hangover, or addiction. Join the feals community to get feals delivered to your door every month.  You’ll save money on every order and you can pause or cancel any time. It’s time you started feeling your best every day and the way to do that is to become a member today by going to feals.com/LEGENDS – you’ll get 50% automatically taken off your first order with FREE SHIPPING.

Credits:

Episode 201: The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich Part 3. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel. Sound Design by Ryan McCullough; Tess Pfeifle, Producer, and Lead Researcher; Research Support from the astonishing League of Astonishing Researchers, a.k.a. The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2021 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[woman-loving]

A Brief History of Australian Gay Activism

Selection from A Brief History of Australia, by Barbara A West, with Frances T Murphy, 2010.

The lesbian and gay rights movement in Australia emerged in the 1970s after several decades of silence among lesbians and gays themselves and repression and censorship by society at large (Willett 1997). In 1970 the American lesbian rights organization Daughters of Bilitis opened a chapter in Australia; it was the first openly lesbian or gay group in the country and soon took the name the Australasian Lesbian Movement (ALM). The following year saw Sydney’s CAMP (Campaign against Moral Persecution) hold Australia’s first lesbian and gay demonstration. By the mid-1970s a number of other political and social organizations had emerged alongside the ALM and CAMP, including Society Five in Victoria, Campus Camp in Queensland, and Sydney Gay Liberation in New South Wales, as well as several lesbian and gay religious groups.

In 1975 the activists who risked their jobs and family relationships to start these organizations began to see concrete evidence that their work was both galvanizing the lesbian and gay community’s support and reaching a wider audience. In that year South Australia became the first Australian state to legalize homosexual sex between consenting adults; the Australian Capital Territory followed in 1976. At the same time an Australian court ruled in favor of CAMP in their fight with the Catholic Church over whether they should be allowed to submit a report to the 1975–77 Royal Commission into Human Relationships, which was looking into a wide range of issues, from immigrant settlement to single-parent families (Marsh and Galbraith 1995, 302). CAMP was joined by Society Five and Campus Camp in shedding some light on the nature of homosexual relationships at the time. Additionally, the first National Homosexual Conference took place in Melbourne in 1975 and was followed by conferences in Sydney and Adelaide in 1976 and 1977, respectively.

In addition to these public successes, gay men in particular at this time were beginning to identify with a particular geographic space in the heart of Sydney. “By June 1978 around 50% of the recognised gay venues were in and around Oxford Street, the majority between Whitlam and Taylor Squares” (Marsh and Galbraith 1995, 302). As a result, when in April 1978 the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Committee contacted lesbian and gay rights organizations throughout the world to suggest “a worldwide demonstration for gay rights” to recognize the ninth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots (Marsh and Galbraith 1995, 302), the infrastructure, organization, and location were already set in Sydney. Ken Davis and Ann Talve had received the letter from San Francisco and set events in motion with the Gay Solidarity Group for a two-part day of events: a lesbian and gay rights march and a political forum with police harassment and legal reform on the agenda. Later a nonpolitical social event, the Mardi Gras party, was added to celebrate lesbian and gay culture.

June 24, 1978, began in Sydney with the International Gay Solidarity March, when about 400 people took to the streets of the central business district with banners and placards demanding equal rights for lesbians and gay men (Ross 2008). In the public meeting that followed the political issues of the day—legalizing homosexual sex and ending discrimination and police harassment—were discussed. Next was the evening Mardi Gras parade, when “close to 2000 people joined in, singing along and chanting ‘out of the bars and into the streets, join us’ as they headed for Kings Cross” (Ross 2008). Lance Gowland sat in the driver’s seat of a sound truck, leading the group of exuberant dancers through Sydney’s gay district, until the New South Wales police decided that, despite their legal permission to parade in Sydney, the homosexuals must be stopped. Police officers pulled Gowland from his truck and confiscated both it and the public address system he was using to lead the parade (Ross 2008). The crowd kept marching, but more police turned out, tried to prevent the parade from continuing on its designated route, and then began beating and arresting marchers as they tried to turn back on the route that had led them into the Kings Cross area (Ross 2008). While they wielded their batons and truncheons, injuring dozens of marchers, many police were not wearing their badges and nametags so that they would not be identifiable later.

Altogether 53 people were arrested at the parade site that night, but this action did not deter many of the remaining marchers from following the paddy wagons back to the local police station and continuing their chanting. Numerous protests followed in the subsequent months, and by the end of that year, 478 lesbians and gays had been arrested for protesting (Marsh and Galbraith 1995, 302). Eventually almost all the charges were dropped, police claimed to have lost the files, and New South Wales even changed the law that had been used to arrest the marchers. For many of those who were arrested, however, the incident did not end happily. The conservative tabloid newspaper the Herald Sun published the names of all 53 people arrested on June 24 and many of those who were arrested in the later protests as well, leading to job losses and ostracization by friends and family.

Drawing upon their experiences in 1978, lesbian and gay activists in 1979 held a second Mardi Gras in the streets of Sydney. Politics remained on the agenda, with about 800 people participating in a rally and forum, but this time the police did not harass participants, and 23,000 people gathered for the evening Mardi Gras party (Marsh and Galbraith 1995, 303). By 1981 politics was largely off the agenda at Mardi Gras, and lifestyle celebration had come to the fore. In that year the event was moved to Sydney’s summer holiday season in February, to attract a larger crowd, and continued the march toward commercial success. While the event still attracted tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors, management problems in 2002 contributed to the organizing company’s declaring bankruptcy. A change in management saved the annual event, which continues to inject many tens of millions of tourist dollars into Sydney’s economy.

The political action taken in the late 1970s also began to have an effect on Australia’s legal system. Following South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria legalized gay sex in 1981, New South Wales in 1984, Western Australia in 1989, Queensland in 1991, and finally Tasmania in 1997. Even prior to legalizing homosexual sexual activity, however, New South Wales had outlawed discrimination against lesbians and gay men in 1982. Other legal rights followed, including the right to sponsor a non-Australian partner’s immigration to the country in 1991. In 2008 the most far-reaching legal reforms were enacted by Kevin Rudd’s Labor government in which Commonwealth laws were changed “to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples and their children in a wide range of areas, including social security, taxation, Medicare, veteran’s affairs, workers’ compensation, educational assistance, superannuation, family law and child support” (Attorney-General’s Department 2008). Gay marriage and same-sex adoption continue to be areas in which discrimination remains legal, but at least in the case of the latter, several Australian states began inquiries into the matter in 2009.

(Gay marriage was made legal in 2017 and same-sex adoption has been available in all states and territories since 2018.)

[s-hylor]

50 Questions You’ve Never Been Asked Before

tagged by the amazing, adorable @bardingbeedle

tagging: @quandongcrumble @laglemon and anyone else who wants to do it.

What is the colour of your hairbrush?

I don’t use one anymore, cut my hair way too short for that, but I do have a couple of easy detangle hairbrushes because my hair was always so easy to knot when it was longer, and they both look like penguins. Hence why I bought them.

Are you typically too warm or too cold?

Depends on the time of year. I do feel the cold less than my dad, if that counts for anything. 

What were you doing 45 minutes ago?

Driving.

What is your favourite candy bar?

Cadbury Flake or Cherry Ripe. 

Have you ever been to a professional sports event?

Went to see the Adelaide Crows play back in 1996 I think it was. I can’t remember who they played. I am pretty sure they won though. 

What is the last thing you said out loud?

“Yes it is a big rabbit.” to my sister.

What is your favourite ice cream?

Coffee, or Rum & Raisin. Also Hot Cross Bun flavour, or Golden North’s Christmas Pudding Ice Cream. I just like ice cream. 

What was the last thing you had to drink?

Iced coffee. 

Do you like your wallet?

Yes. Very much. It’s Civil War Steve/Tony themed. 

What was the last thing you ate?

Ginger nut biscuit. It was meant to be for Jenny, but she was mean to me, so I ate her biscuit. 

Did you buy any new clothes last weekend?

Last weekend, no. This weekend I ordered two hoodies from the Just A Story Podcast merch shop. I couldn’t decide which one I wanted. So I got both. 

The last sporting event you watched?

Probably a T20 Big Bash cricket match? Sometime last year. Because dad insists on watching them even though he doesn’t like that version of cricket. I have barely watched TV let alone sport since I moved back down to the farm. 

What is your favourite flavour of popcorn?

Anything that gives a sweet and salty combo. 

Who is the last person you sent a text message to?

Group chat to my sister and her partner. 

Ever go camping?

Yes. A lot. I spent 6 weeks camping last year while travelling through the Northern Territory and Western Australia. I love camping. 

Do you take vitamins?

Barocca. So what ever vitamins are in that? I just like the flavour. 

Do you go to church every Sunday?

I only go to church if I am staying with people who go to church. Or when school forced me to. Or funerals. But they are rarely on sundays. 

Do you have a tan?

I have a “farmers’ tan”. 

Do you prefer Chinese food or pizza?

Both. Both is good. 

Do you drink your soda with a straw?

No. I do drink milkshakes with a straw though. 

What colour socks do you usually wear?

Black, black-ish, black with coloured toes and heels. Or white with coloured toes and heels if sports socks. 

Do you ever drive above the speed limit?

Never intentionally. I have gone over the speed limit occasionally when I’m not paying attention. But never for long. If anything, I drive under the speed limit. There was a reason one of my co-workers at the mine site called me “driving Miss Daisy”.

What terrifies you?

Something bad happening to someone or something I care about. Pets dying. 

Look to your left, what do you see?

My sister’s cat, Polly, sitting on my sister’s lounge. Looking grumpy. 

What chore do you hate?

Most of them. That’s why they are called chores. I still do them, but I don’t like them. 

What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent?

Normal everyday thing. 

What’s your favourite soda?

Pepsi Max. Or soda water. 

Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive-thrus?

Go in. Because I hate driving through drive throughs. They all seem way too narrow/tight for my vehicle. 

Who’s the last person you talked to?

My sister.

Favourite cut of beef?

Whatever cut gets turned into corned beef. I eat more corned beef than any other type of beef. I live on a sheep station/farm. Ask me about mutton. 

Last song you listened to?

Hyperfine by G Flip

Last book you read?

The Bodies of Men by Nigel Featherstone. 

It’s a WWII story, about Australian soldiers. It’s gay. Everyone should go read it. 

Favourite day of the week?

Tomorrow. Because I get to go back to work. I’ve missed the plants. 

Can you say the alphabet backwards?

I can barely say it forwards. 

How do you like your coffee?

Black. 

Favourite pair of shoes?

Most worn and most frequently bought are Blundstone boots. Beauty of work boots. 

The time you normally go to sleep?

Between 9:30 and 11. 

The time you normally get up?

Now that I’m starting back at the plant nursery, 4:30. While I was stood down, and before that, around 6am. Unless I want to write, then around 2:30am. Depends.  

What do you prefer, sunrise or sunsets?

At the station, we get better sunsets, because the hills block the sunrise. At the farm, it’s in a valley, so the hills block both, so both are about equal. 

How many blankets on your bed?

Two. One duvet with an Avengers cover, and one red, black and white patchwork quilt my grandma made, inspired by the mining town she spent most of her adult life in. 

Describe your kitchen plates

Melamine, brownish, with flowery patterns. They’re just what is in the caravan. 

Do you have a favourite alcoholic beverage?

Don’t really have one. I barely drink. But I used to liked the ginger beer my Grandpa used to brew. It was potent. 

Do you play cards?

Cards Against Humanity. Unstable Unicorns. And several card games played with a normal deck of cards that i can’t remember the names of. 

What colour is your car?

Pearl white. It’s white, but sparkly.  

Can you change a tire?

Change it. Mend it. Put it back on again. Much better at motorbike tyres though, because I have more practise with those.  

Favourite job you’ve ever had?

Trainee at a plant nursery. So, the current one. That I get to start again tomorrow. 

How did you get your biggest scar?

A cow kicked a gate into my head. I now have a scar that runs from my hairline to my eyebrow on the left side of my forehead. Busted me open to the skull. Not that anyone would tell me that at the time. Doctor did a great job stitching it up though, so it isn’t as visible as you’d expect.

What did you do today that made someone else happy?

I gave the sheep stock lime and salt today. It’s like lollies for sheep. So I made 800 woolly someones happy today. 

[holiifestival]

Embracing Colorful Festivities: Holi Festival in Brisbane

Holi, the vibrant Festival of Colors, is a joyous celebration that heralds the arrival of spring with exuberance and camaraderie. In Brisbane, Australia, this ancient Hindu festival is marked by lively festivities, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together in a tapestry of colors and cultural unity. Let's explore the unique charm of the Holi Festival in Brisbane, delving into its traditions, cultural significance, and the lively atmosphere that characterizes this annual celebration.

1. Playful Color Extravaganza:

Holi Festival Brisbane is synonymous with the playful throwing of colored powders, creating a mesmerizing display of hues. Parks and public spaces transform into vibrant canvases as people of all ages come together to revel in this lively and joyous celebration.

2. Cultural Diversity in Harmony:

The Holi Festival in Brisbane epitomizes the city's cultural diversity, acting as a melting pot that unites individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It serves as a platform for fostering unity, understanding, and shared celebrations.

3. Traditional Rituals and Customs:

Festivities kick off with traditional rituals, including the symbolic lighting of a bonfire known as Holika Dahan. These rituals, observed during Holi, connect participants with the rich cultural roots of the festival and add a touch of authenticity to the celebrations.

4. Musical Rhythms and Dance:

Music plays a central role in Brisbane's Holi celebrations, featuring a mix of traditional and modern tunes. The rhythmic beats set the stage for lively dancing, infusing the air with infectious energy and contributing to the festive ambiance.

5. Culinary Delights:

Holi in Brisbane is also a gastronomic delight, with attendees indulging in a diverse array of Indian sweets and savory treats. The festival provides a culinary journey, allowing participants to savor the rich and varied flavors of Indian cuisine.

6. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:

Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, the Holi Festival in Brisbane encourages families to come together. Children and adults alike actively engage in the festivities, creating a wholesome and enjoyable experience for all.

7. Color Runs and Interactive Games:

Color runs and organized games are common features of Holi celebrations in Brisbane. These activities not only add to the fun but also provide an interactive and engaging element for participants of all ages.

8. Traditional Attire and Fashion Flair:

Many participants in Brisbane choose to dress in traditional Indian attire, adding to the visual spectacle of the festival. The burst of colors against vibrant clothing creates a stunning visual contrast.

9. Community Engagement Initiatives:

Holi often becomes a platform for community engagement initiatives in Brisbane. From charity events to cultural programs, the festival fosters positive contributions and strengthens community bonds.

In conclusion, the Holi Festival in Brisbane is a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries, creating a harmonious blend of colors, joy, and shared festivities. With its blend of traditions, lively atmosphere, and community spirit, Holi in Brisbane is a unique and memorable cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the lively celebrations, embrace the vibrant colors, and partake in the collective joy of the Holi Festival in Brisbane.

For more info. Visit us:

Holi Festival Perth

Holi Festival CanberraHoli Festival Adelaide

[thornstocutyouwith]

Name: Alwyn Draven Nova Potter

Meaning of Name:  Alwyn (Wise Friend) Draven ( Child of beautiful shadows, Avenger, The raven, Crow, Of the crows) Nova (New, Chases Butterfly) Potter ( maker of drinking and storage vessels)

Nickname(s):   Al,

Age:  48

Birthday:  January 28

Species/Nationality:  Scottish, Welsh, Irish/ Witch

Accent: Irish (Westmeath)

Language spoken:  English, Irish

Powers: 

Magic

Decomposition Manipulation

Fictional Material Generation

Spice Manipulation

Nightmare Magic

Solar Energy Manipulation

Wood Generation

Purification Aura

Inventory Expansion

Elemental Manipulation

Crystallokinetic Wing Manifestation

Muse Physiology(Can be male muse or Genderbent)

Cosmic Otherness

Mathematics Physiology

Ice-Fire Weaponry

Chronokinetic Constructs

Fairy Dragon Physiology

Alter Ego Creation

Trickster

Enhanced Intelligence

Shapeshifting(Andean Fox)

Pet(s):  Ground Hogs, Puma, Martens, Crows, Hares, 

Weakness/Illness/Allergies: Hirschsprung's disease, Chondrosarcoma, Arnold–Chiari malformation, Allergic to strawberries,

Occupation: Herbalist, Animal breeder, Antique and magic item dealer,

Faceclaim:  Colin Farrell

Description:  He looks exactly like Colin, nothing out of the ordinary about him. Besides a visible neck scar.

Outfit/Accessories/Jewelry:  Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Shoes, Bracelet, Bracelet, Bracelet, Pendant,

Height:  5′10

Weight: 139

Body Build:  Lean/Toned

Backstory/Background:

Past

Alwyn was born to young parents, the sixth child of eight. His mother and father raised them in a standard lifestyle, although they were witches. One of the major family of witches in the area, in fact. His father became an important figure among the other families of witches. Who had known a time of peace when Alwyn was still young.  Sometime after his youngest brother, Presley, was born. Anne, his mother, abandoned the entire family for what she claimed to be a better life. The pressures of raising such a large family while not being able to live out her youthful years with her own choices had weighed on her heavily. 

This left the nine children solely to be raised by their father when many of them were still very young and didn't fully understand why their mother had left. This made the younger kids feel as though she hadn't loved any of them and was just their to fulfill a duty. Alwyn had been one of those who felt that way.  Despite what Anne had done, the family still prospered from their fathers work and had lived in a large home, with stable finances. They were all raised to live modest lives by their father. However this did not stop the normal children from picking up on how strange Alywn had been, being a witch and all. He had very few friends the majority of his life.

Though he did get along well enough with the other witches under his families control, and a few of the more important families as well. As a young teen Alywn had started to head toward more criminal antics and general teen angst rebellion for a few years, in an attempt to fight against tyranny and oppression. Though eventually learned to grow up and act like an adult, overcoming these teen angst moments in his life. While still young and not quite an adult Alwyn came across a beautiful red haired woman, who he had, in time fallen in love with, and she fell in love with him.

Over the next few years of his life Alywn and Ailis had four children together. Starting with Delilah, then his daughter Poppy, before finally having twins, Hazel and Hawthorne. Some time after the twins were born, in the dead of night their home was broken into and Hazel was taken from his crib, never to be seen again. After deciding that Hazel would be dead the family tried to move on as normal as possible. Alwyn's career in Animal Breeding had started to gain traction not long after this tragic event and many Witches and other magical or supernatural beings started to buy animal from the families vast and still growing farm of creatures from the magical, mythical, supernatural or normal breeds that he could get his hands on.

During this time he had also taken up more attention to his Herbalism and started another business in Antique's. Usually magical items as well as antique's. The families already popular name continued to grow and grow from then on. The rest of his siblings also added to the fame of their family name with their chosen paths in life. There were hardly any mortal or magical being or otherwise, you could cross that didn't know the name Potter by the time the two thousands hit.

Present

These days Alywn and his wife are mostly with each other or tending to their careers or hobbies. Their children having become old enough to take care of themselves and move out on their own for the most part anyway. Alywn still knows that the girls have much to learn still in their abilities and he is always open to help them if they want to work on some extra training. But for the most part he stays busy with the farm animals and Ailis, since usually the girls always have something else to be doing, hanging out with local friends. Making spur of the moment trips to here of their, and just in general living their lives without their parents hovering over them like they would when they were still too young and weak to be able to handle themselves if anything should happen to one of them.

However there is always much more than that going on beneath the surface of the life Alwyn is trying to project onto his daughters. In order to protect them, if only just a little more from the way the Other World has been falling a part in the last several decades. There had been an increase in strange murders or attacks on magical families in the area. Almost just as many human deaths due to out of control supernatural beings. Alwyn in the more recent years has been taking secret jobs and making visits to the counsel of the major houses in their country to talk about what needs to be done about the increase in violence.

Future

Murdered by someone close to him.

(Work In Progress)

Personality:

Tasteful, Original, Enthusiastic, Realistic, Sympathetic, Sharing, Trusting, Well Read, Benevolent, Strict,  Amusing, Confidential, Formal,  Stubborn, Deceptive, Self Conscious,  Proud, Artful, Arbitrary, Opinionated, Well meaning, Cautious, Fawning, Hesitant, Distractible, Strong willed, Forgetful, Bossy,

Quirks/Savvies/Other:When dining out, always tidies up the table, lines up the silverware, and resets the condiments, Conceals weapons on his person and carries them at all times (ex. an assassin carrying 5 daggers on his person), Whistles, Spaces out and stares when someone is talking for a while, Constantly cracks knuckles, back, and/or joints, Taps foot when bored or nervous, Drinks beer with an egg in it, Loves playing practical jokes, Constantly plays with his food, Enjoys jigsaw puzzles, Compulsively interrupts others telling stories to interject “facts” he or she only knows from having heard the story before, not because they were involved with it, Plays poker, Has a noticeable burn scar(on neck), Wakes up at 3 am, Carries a large coin which he is always rolling over his knuckles, Good at hair-braiding, Takes sleeping pills, Hates to hug, Sword fights,

Likes:  Jigsaw puzzles, Optimists, Beading, Cars (collecting, watching/listening to them drive, fixing, riding, etc.), Postcards, Remembering a particular event, Childrens programing from the 80s, Australia, Puppets, Reading, Asian food, Internet, Swimming, Scientific apparatus, Chess, Sharks, Medieval art

Dislikes: Tea sets, Staying inside, Texting/chatting online, Watching TV, dissecting animals, Large crowds, High heels, Careless people, Answering the phone, Pie, Rain, Thickly applied hair gel,  The smell of coffee, Sculpture, Bees, Topiaries, Fighter jets

Fears:  None

Personality Tests: INFJ-A,

Other: Aquarius,

Parent(s):

-> Father: Wymar Potter

-> Mother:  Anne Berk

Sibling(s):  Roland, Juliana, Everard, Adelaide, Alice, Norman, Lewis, Presley,

Wife: Alis

Children: Dahlia, Poppy(Future killer of her own father), Twins Hazel and Hawthorne,

Starters

Chat’s

Para’s

Face

Stuff

Information

Asks

All

                                                                              Alternate Universes

Greek God AU (Archeron)

Pokemon AU

Storm Coast AU

Hunger Games AU

Harry Potter AU

Divergent AU

Zodiac AU

Planet AU

AUs