I think I might have out-done myself this time. Last month I represented the PTUA at a senate hearing into Commonwealth investment in public transport. During questions, the topic of public transport for special events came up, and as I had the night before been to such an event, I drew on that personal experience ... [More]
Just days ago I was watching an interview with a guy on The Daily Show, who, like most of their guests, was flogging a book. His was called “Dread: How Fear and Fantasy have Fueled Epidemics from the Black Death to the Avian Flu“: Even at our most level-headed, the thought of an epidemic can ... [More]
“Particularly during peak period where we know it has been a difficult period, but we’ve had patronage growth in such a short period that no other jurisdiction around Australia has experienced,” [Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky] said. “Indeed, I’m not aware of any other location around the world that has had the levels of patronage ... [More]
“No entry” signs? Lots of them? IT DOESN’T APPLY TO ME. Congratulations NOH-500, you are moron of the week. (Last Thursday, lunchtime)
Fiddling with the server. Hold your thoughts until I’m done and I re-open comments. 3pm. Move done, re-delegating. (When you see this, it’s reached you.)
This is Private Eric Smith. According to the Australian War Memorial listing, Eric, of Bentleigh, enlisted on 12 March 1915. This photo was taken in May. He sailed to war aboard HMAT Wandilla on 17 June 1915. He died of illness on 22 August 1915, aged 27. He was buried at sea. The listing says ... [More]
OK, so I’ve finally seen the modified test train in the flesh. Here’s a short video explaining the changes. Both the video and a Flickr slideshow are over on the PTUA web site. I think it’s okay. In an age where people struggle just to squeeze on board the train, this design encourages people to ... [More]
This is my fairly quick chilli recipe, adapted from a recipe in 4 Ingredients by Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham. Dice onion and cook in a little canola or olive oil in a saucepan until brown. Add about 500 grams of kangaroo mince, cook until brown. Chuck in a sachet of Taco mix or your ... [More]
Andrew notes a certain fascination among some people with the London Underground. For me, it’s the concept of an entire network of railway services where you don’t need a timetable. You just turn up and go. The result is people treating the trains as the default way of getting around for a lot more trips ... [More]
Call me slow. I didn’t realise until reading the paper on Monday that SIEV is an acronym. (As in SIEV-X.) It’s authorities jargon, and stands for “Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel” — the one involved in last week’s fatal fire being SIEV 36.
This is how it was told to me. Can’t say I’ve seen anything like this myself. The tram was departing Footscray from the terminus, close to the market. A passenger got on board, with two live chickens from the market. “Mate”, said the tram driver, “you can’t bring live animals on the tram!” “Oh. Okay”, ... [More]
Overheard: Young buck on train, reading travel catalogue to his mates, spotted a “bargain”, but maybe doesn’t pay attention to the news much. “I really want to go to Fiji.” Spotted: Distinguished gentleman sitting at al fresco cafe table. Remarkably large foreheard, like one of those Tintin professors from The Shooting Star who needs the ... [More]