And today is .......

[krissy]

This is a day that I can truly appreciate & encourage. 😴

 

[tiger_one]

The 25th Biennale of Sydney, titled "Rememory", runs from March 14 to June 14, 2026, featuring 83 artists from 37 countries across five venues, including the White Bay Power Station and the Art Gallery of NSW. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, this free, international contemporary art event explores themes of memory, history, and belonging.

The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation.

Since its inception in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has provided a platform for art and ideas, showcasing the work of 2,400 artists from more than 130 countries. Today it is considered one of the leading international contemporary art events, recognised for commissioning and presenting innovative, thought-provoking art from Australia and around the globe.

This year’s theme refers to a “revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming histories that have been erased or repressed.” Rememory signifies the intersection of memory and history, where recollection becomes an act of reassembling fragments of the past—whether personal, familial, or collective. The 25th edition of the Biennale connects the delicate space between remembering and forgetting. By engaging with Rememory, artists will highlight marginalised narratives, share untold stories, and inspire audiences to rethink how memory shapes identity, belonging, and the creation and celebration of new communities and connections.

White Bay Power Station is firing up once again – not for energy, but for the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney, which returns to the historic site (and plenty of other locations) for a mammoth free program of art installations and cultural activities.

White Bay is where you’ll find a massive hand-built clay oven by Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile, which will be used to cook Peruvian food for one-off events during the three-month festival. It’s also where you’ll find weekly Memory Lane food markets with vendors offering Palestinian, Lebanese, Italian and Chinese eats, among other cuisines.

Then there’s the resonant community performance by Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh featuring a large vat of tabouli, in which attendees are invited to eat at Granville’s Blouza Hall, one of a long list of new venues hosting some of this year’s 83 artists and their works.

It’s all part of artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi’s plan to extend the the program further into western Sydney. Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery, Parramatta Artist Studios, Fairfield City Museum & Gallery and Campbelltown Arts Centre will host artworks and performances, as well as central locations such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

• 2026 Theme: “Rememory”, inspired by Toni Morrison, focusing on, migration, exile, and First Nations stories.
• Dates: 14 March – 14 June 2026.
• Venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum (University of Sydney), and Penrith Regional Gallery.
• Opening Night (13 March): A ticketed "Lights On" event at White Bay Power Station featuring DJ Haram, Hand to Earth, and a preview of Joe Namy's Automobile.
• A special performance by Indigenous artist Nancy McDinny with her family at the exhibition site.
• Highlights: Features 83 artists and collectives including Abdul Abdullah and Richard Bell, a large-scale native plant garden by Wendy Hubert, and a 80-sq-m floor canvas by Ngurrara artists, plus others including Artists including Natalie Davey, Edgar Calel, and Carmen Glynn-Braun will present talks alongside their works.
• Events: Opening night "Lights On" at White Bay is 12 March (7pm-11pm).
• The event highlights marginalized narratives and community, with a focus on activating the White Bay Power Station.
• Cost: The exhibition is free to attend.

The 2026 edition is spread across five primary hubs and several satellite venues, being White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW, Chau Chak Wing Museum, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery. The event focuses on themes of memory and history, with the opening night held at White Bay Power Station.



“Bringing Colours to Life”

"The delicate space between remembering and forgetting"

"Defiant act of sharing, seeing, and understanding"

"Bold artistic expression and meaningful cultural exchange"

 

[krissy]

More importantly Today is Game day!
The start of the season for Wests Tigers and hopefully the first win of a season of many wins and a vastly improved Wests Tigers. Let’s go !!!

 

[tiger_one]

More importantly Today is Game day!
The start of the season for Wests Tigers and hopefully the first win of a season of many wins and a vastly improved Wests Tigers. Let’s go !!!

Geez, champion @krissy - my priorities were all wrong and you are the best!
Hope we put those Cows in their place .......

 

[Merlot]

More importantly Today is Game day!
The start of the season for Wests Tigers and hopefully the first win of a season of many wins and a vastly improved Wests Tigers. Let’s go !!!

waited so long, and honestly, it's better than lego

 

[tiger_one]

March 15 - Part 1

OK, cricket fans today it’s time to commemorate The First Test Match (1877) when, on March 15, 1877, the first-ever Test cricket match began at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and England. These countries share cricket's oldest Test rivalry, beginning with that humble day in 1877, which intensified with the birth of The Ashes in 1882.

Australia has historically dominated with 35 series wins to England's 32. The rivalry is defined by intense, sometimes controversial moments, including the 1932-33 "Bodyline" series and numerous legendary performances.

• Australia defeated England in the first-ever test match, where Australia shocked the English professional team by winning by 45 runs.
• The Ashes (1882): Following Australia's first win on English soil, The Sporting Times published a mock obituary, stating English cricket had died and "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” England captain Ivo Bligh later vowed to "recover those ashes" during the 1882–83 tour, leading to the creation of the famous Ashes Urn.
• Iconic Rivalry: It established the Ashes as one of the most prestigious, storied, and consistently intense rivalries in international sports.
• Most Runs: Australian icon Sir Donald Bradman holds the record for the most runs in Ashes history with 5,028.
• Most Wickets: Shane Warne is the leading wicket-taker with 195.
• Head-to-Head: Across 72 Ashes series, Australia has won 34, England 32, and 6 have been drawn.
• Significant Moments: The 1932-33 "Bodyline" series saw England use hostile leg-theory tactics against Don Bradman. Desperate to stop Bradman, England employed a controversial tactic of bowling fast, short-pitched balls at the batsmen's bodies. The strategy worked but caused a diplomatic rift between the two nations and eventually led to changes in cricket's laws.
• In 1993, Shane Warne bowled the "Ball of the Century" where England’s Mike Gatting remains to this day perplexed as to how the spectacular ball of that moment foiled his defensive guard!
• 1868 Tour: The first Australian team to tour England was an Aboriginal side, which played in 1868.
• 1948 Invincibles: The Australian team led by its captain, Don Bradman, where Bradman led an Australian team that remained undefeated through their entire 34-match tour of England, a feat still regarded as one of the greatest in sporting history.
• The 1981 Ashes, known as "Botham's Ashes," saw Ian Botham turn around a 1-0 deficit to win the series 3-1 for England with legendary performances. After resigning as captain, he scored a pivotal 149* at Headingley, followed by 5/1 at Edgbaston, finishing with 399 runs and 34 wickets.
• Modern Era: Australia went without losing a series to England between 1989 and 2002/03. Australia held the Ashes for a record eight consecutive series (19 years) during a "golden run" featuring stars like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Steve Waugh.
• 2005: The "Greatest" Series: England ended their 16-year drought with a 2–1 victory in a series widely considered the most dramatic in history, highlighted by England's narrow two-run win at Edgbaston.
• Recent History (2020–2026): Australia has remained the dominant force in recent years, successfully retaining the Ashes since the 2017–18 series. In the most recent 2025–26 Ashes series held in Australia, the hosts secured a commanding 4–1 victory, extending England's winless streak in away Tests to over 15 years.
• The Trophy: While the original urn remains permanently in the MCC Museum at Lord's, it serves as the physical embodiment of the rivalry. Since the 1998–99 series, winners are presented with a Waterford Crystal trophy modelled on the urn.
• Intensity never waivers: The rivalry between the Australian and English teams is marked by deep-seated passion, intense media scrutiny, and significant pressure on captains and coaches, not to mention the cricket fans in both countries literally living and breathing every ball bowled, every batters’ shots, every catch taken (or dropped), every umpiring decision, and about every fly that might crawl up the scoreboard. It’s not actually life or death – for some, it’s even more!

(please now go to Part 2)

 

[tiger_one]

March 15 - Part 2


Chronological Ashes Results

19th Century

• 1877: Australia (1 Test) - Australia won (1-0)
• 1882: England (1 Test) – Australia won (1–0)
• 1882–83: Australia – England won (2–1)
• 1884: England – England won (1–0, 2 drawn)
• 1884–85: Australia – Drawn (2–2, 1 drawn) – England retained
• 1886: England – England won (3–0)
• 1887–88: Australia – England won (2–1)
• 1890: England – England won (2–0, 1 drawn)
• 1891–92: Australia – Australia won (2–1)
• 1893: England – England won (2–1)
• 1894–95: Australia – England won (3–2)
• 1896: England – England won (2–1)
• 1897–98: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1899: England – Australia won (1–0, 4 drawn)

Early 20th Century

• 1901–02: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1902: England – Australia won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1903–04: Australia – England won (3–2)
• 1905: England – England won (2–0, 3 drawn)
• 1907–08: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1909: England – Australia won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1911–12: Australia – England won (4–1)
• 1912: England (Triangular Tournament) – England retained
• 1920–21: Australia – Australia won (5–0)
• 1921: England – Australia won (3–0, 2 drawn)
• 1924–25: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1926: England – Drawn (1–1, 3 drawn) – Australia retained
• 1928–29: Australia – England won (4–1)
• 1930: England – Australia won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1932–33: Australia – England won (4–1, Bodyline series)
• 1934: England – Australia won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1936–37: Australia – Australia won (3–2)
• 1938: England – England won (1–0, 4 drawn)

Post-War Era

• 1946–47: Australia – Australia won (3–0, 2 drawn)
• 1948: England – Australia won (4–0, The Invincibles)
• 1950–51: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1953: England – England won (1–0, 4 drawn)
• 1954–55: Australia – England won (3–1, 1 drawn)
• 1956: England – England won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1958–59: Australia – Australia won (4–0, 1 drawn)
• 1961: England – Australia won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1962–63: Australia – Drawn (1–1, 3 drawn) – Australia retained
• 1964: England – Drawn (1–1, 3 drawn) – Australia retained
• 1965–66: Australia – Drawn (1–1, 3 drawn) – Australia retained
• 1968: England – England won (2–1, 2 drawn)
• 1970–71: Australia – England won (2–0, 4 drawn)
• 1972: England – Drawn (2–2, 1 drawn) – England retained
• 1974–75: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 1975: England – Australia won (1–0, 3 drawn)
• 1977: England – England won (3–0, 2 drawn)
• 1978–79: Australia – England won (5–1)
• 1981: England – England won (3–1, Botham’s Ashes)
• 1982–83: Australia – England won (2–1)
• 1985: England – England won (3–1, 2 drawn)
• 1986–87: Australia – England won (2–1, 1 drawn)
• 1989: England – Australia won (4–0, 1 drawn)

1990s–2000s

• 1990–91: Australia – Australia won (3–0, 2 drawn)
• 1993: England – Australia won (4–1)
• 1994–95: Australia – Australia won (3–1, 1 drawn)
• 1997: England – Australia won (3–2)
• 1998–99: Australia – Australia won (3–1, 1 drawn)
• 2001: England – Australia won (4–1)
• 2002–03: Australia – Australia won (4–1)
• 2005: England – England won (2–1)
• 2006–07: Australia – Australia won (5–0)
• 2009: England – England won (2–1)
• 2010–11: Australia – England won (3–1)
• 2013: England – England won (3–0, 2 drawn)
• 2013–14: Australia – Australia won (5–0)

Recent Series

• 2015: England – England won (3–2)
• 2017–18: Australia – Australia won (4–0, 1 drawn)
• 2019: England – Drawn (2–2, 1 drawn) – Australia retained
• 2021–22: Australia – Australia won (4–0, 1 drawn)
• 2023: England – Drawn (2–2, 1 drawn) – Australia retained
• 2025 – 2026 Australia – Australia won (4-1) – Australia retained

And after all that, and that’s to come from bat on ball between countries who have proven the fiercest rivals some say in any sport.

This is then surely the day to raise our glasses, if not our bats, and “think of England and Australia’ and the wonderful legacy that the humble day in 1877 has fostered.


Fun Facts about the Ashes:

• The Urn Wasn't an Official Trophy: The tiny 6-inch urn was a personal gift to English captain Ivo Bligh in 1883 and was never intended to be an official trophy. And there’s mystery still - The actual contents of the urn are still debated, though it is widely believed to be the charred remains of a bail, or perhaps a stump or bail.
• A “whitewash” in cricket means that one team wins all the matches in a series. (England have never inflicted a whitewash over Australia.)
• Just like the men’s series, there is also a Women’s Ashes. The women’s version is played between England and Australia and includes different types of cricket matches.
• English grounds that are used have the likes of Old Trafford, The Oval, Lord’s, Trent Bridge, Headingley, and Edgbaston. Whereas, Australia usually uses grounds such as The Gabba, the MCG, the Adelaide Oval, the SCG and Perth’s WACA.

“Test match day = best day”

“Life lessons, one over at a time”

“Bat first. Think later”

“Test Cricket isn’t watched, it’s lived”

 

[tiger_one]

DRIVER INSTRUCTION DAY cruises into our calendar each 16 March.

When once there were few cars on our roads, fewer road rules set by bureaucracy, and training a novice driver was usually the domain of parents, siblings or spouses, formal driver instruction has cascaded the roadscapes of all Australian states and territories.

So today becomes the day to highlight all the drivers who have instructed those in their care and to all the successes of these 100s of hours, side by side, where we have a marvellous standard of drivers (mostly) which enables independent, private transport to be both functional and organised.

In Australia, driving instruction evolved from informal, unregulated lessons to a structured, licensed profession with industry bodies emerging in the 1950s–60s. These days, it requires specialized certification (Certificate IV), and is governed by state-based legislation like the Driving Instructors Act 1992.

Key milestones in the history and structure of driving instruction in Australia include:

• Professionalization (1950s-60s): The Victorian Motor Schools Association (VMSA) was formed in the 1950s (later becoming ADTAV in 1994) to improve industry standards, followed by the Institute of Professional Driving Instructors of South Australia (now ADTA-SA) in 1967.
• Legislative Control: Acts such as the Driving Instructors Act 1992 in NSW established formal requirements for licensing, including medical and eyesight checks.
• Training Standards: Modern instructors typically complete a Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training to become certified.

One of the leading umbrella member associations who oversee and represent driving instructors is the Australian Driver Instructor Association (ADTA) which is a national body with 100s of instructors as members. The ADTA's origins go back more than 50 years - from the Motor Schools Association and the Driving Schools Association.

Since its formation, the ADTA has been the leading body representing driving instructors and has established itself as a respected Association at state and national level able to contribute to a wide range of issues and topics relating to driver training & education.

Members are qualified to provide a high standard of instruction for all types of driving licences - from cars to heavy vehicles, motor bikes and buses.
This background to the technical requirements of instructors then brings us to what is actually covered in instruction of a novice beginner driver to a confident driver who will pass the ordained driving test.

In Sydney, (for example), driver instruction has evolved from informal, unregulated lessons to a structured, 120-hour logbook system mandated by the Transport for NSW. Key shifts include the 1992 Driving Instructors Act regulating professionals, the 2000 Graduated Licensing Scheme, and the 1997 implementation of the National Driver Licensing Scheme.

By further background:

• Early Regulation: The Motor Vehicle Driving Instructors Act 1961 initially governed instruction before being replaced.
• Professionalization (1990s): The Driving Instructors Act 1992 mandated that all paid instructors must be licensed.
• The Logbook System (2000): The Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) was introduced to reduce risk, eventually requiring learners under 25 to complete 120 hours of supervised driving.
• Modern Era: Instruction now focuses on hazard perception, with Transport for NSW (formerly RTA) monitoring standards and integrating technology.

Key Components of Instruction provided by professional driving instructors:

• Mandatory Hours: 120 hours, including 20 hours of night driving, for learners under 25.
• Instructor Licensing: Strict regulations under the Driving Instructors Act 1992 require instructors to be qualified.
• Safety Focus: Curriculum includes defensive techniques, hazard perception tests, and strict alcohol/speed limits.

Driver instruction covers a comprehensive range of topics designed to produce safe, legal, and confident drivers. Key areas include fundamental vehicle control, road rules and regulations, hazard perception, defensive driving techniques, and specialized driving scenarios.

Modern driving instruction focuses on building lifelong safety habits rather than just passing a test, often using high-tech simulators to practice dangerous scenarios without real-world risks.

Core Topics in Driver Instruction:

• Vehicle Operation & Control: Understanding cockpit drills (seat/mirror adjustment), steering techniques, clutch control, braking (including emergency stops), and gear changing.
• Road Rules & Regulations: Interpretation of road signs, markings, traffic signals, intersection priorities, and lane discipline.
• Hazard Perception & Risk Management: Identifying potential hazards, maintaining safe following distances (e.g., 3-second gap), and anticipating the actions of other road users.
• Defensive Driving: Techniques to avoid collisions, such as Scanning, Blind Spot checks, and managing speed in varied conditions.
• Manoeuvres & Parking: Parallel parking, bay parking, three-point turns, reversing, and U-turns.
• Advanced Driving Scenarios: City/heavy traffic, motorway/freeway driving, country road driving, and driving in adverse weather (rain, fog).
• Vehicle Maintenance & Safety: Basic checks, including tire pressure, fuel levels, and warning lights.
• Preparation: Cockpit drill, vehicle safety checks.
• Basic Control: Moving off, stopping, and steering.
• Traffic Interaction: Roundabouts, junctions, pedestrian crossings, and lane changes.
• Test Preparation: Mock driving tests to simulate the licensing assessment.

So, driver instruction’s obviously a very demanding job, from start to finish, with broken shifts, peak periods, and dealing with the psychology of the leaner drivers and the constant overseeing of safe driving standards. Professional instructors invariably have patience, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of road rules and teaching strategies to support learners.

No wonder, this is a very relevant day to spare a thought to those who taught us as drivers, our Mums and Dads, friends and family, and the professional driver instructors – for all their wonderful support, encouragement and guidance, and for the boundaries set so we remain safe, independent drivers within our communities.



Fun Facts about Driver Instruction

• “Brake… BRAKE!” is said calmly on the outside, dramatically on the inside
• They watch hands, mirrors, pedals, road signs, AND traffic all at once - superhero skills.
• They remember every learner’s mistakes… so they can help them never repeat them.
• They have endless patience, encouragement, and belief in nervous learners.
• Passing a test feels like their own victory - happy tears included.

"Driving instructors: Helping you become a better driver, one near-miss at a time.

"A driving instructor is someone who is paid to be terrified for a living"

"My driving instructor is basically a stuntman for nervous teenagers"

"Check your blind spot... again"

 

[tiger_one]

It’s March 17 and to many Aussies, it’s very special: it’s St. Patrick’s Day, to be sure, to be sure!

This wonderful day of Irish celebrations are always high-energy, and fun in Australia, marked by vibrant, "green" themed festivities, particularly in pubs and cities.

Australians enjoy St Patrick’s Day primarily because of the country's deep historical and cultural ties to Ireland. Approximately 25-30% of Australians claim Irish ancestry, making the Irish diaspora one of the largest ethnic groups in Australia. While it is not a public holiday, it has become a widespread celebration of multiculturalism and the "Aussie love for a good time."

 Ancestry and Identity: For many, the day is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and celebrate the significant impact Irish culture has had on Australia’s history. Following the Irish potato famine and political unrest in the mid-1800s, a large wave of Irish people relocated to Australia, cementing Irish culture as a significant part of the nation's fabric. Irish convicts were among the first Europeans to settle in Australia, and records show rowdy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as early as 1795.

 Social Culture: The holiday aligns with Australia's vibrant pub culture. Major cities host large-scale events at Irish pubs where people gather for "craic" (good times), traditional music, and dancing.

 Multicultural Celebration: Australians of all backgrounds participate, often viewing it as a "fun day" to wear green, watch parades, and enjoy a festive atmosphere regardless of their own heritage. Citizenship Ceremonies: In Sydney, the festival often includes a special citizenship ceremony where Irish residents officially receive their Australian citizenship.

 Parades: Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane host annual St Patrick's Day parades featuring pipe bands, Irish dancers, and community floats.

 Global Greening: Iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, are often illuminated in green light as part of a global initiative to mark the day.

 Irish Pub Events: Venues like The Mercantile in Sydney or The Limerick Arms in Melbourne become hubs for traditional Irish stew, Guinness, and live folk bands.

It is common for people to wear green attire, wigs, or shamrocks to work and school to show a "playful side" and join in the festivities honouring the fabric of Irish ancestry within the Australian community.

Across the country, Aussies annually mark this day blending Irish traditions with local flair, featuring live bands, Irish breakfasts, Guinness, dancing, and a strong sense of community and connection to Irish ancestry

Since green is associated with Saint Patrick due to his work in Ireland or the “Emerald Isle”, many people have taken on the tradition of wearing green in honour of this day. Perhaps it could be something as simple as wearing a green shirt or simply pinning a four-leaf clover to a jacket lapel, but for others this might mean going all out and dressing in green from head to toe!

Round up your mates, dress in green, and get ready for the biggest party of the year.

The Craic is back baby!!.



Fun Facts about St. Patrick’s Day in Australia:

1. Since 2010, the Sydney Opera House has participated in Tourism Ireland’s "Global Greening" initiative, turning green to mark the day.
2. "Wetting the Shamrock": A historic tradition in Australia was to "drown" or "wet" the shamrock, involving placing the plant in the final drink of the night to bring good luck.
3. Mass to Pub Crawl: Traditionally, many Irish-Australian Catholics would start the day with Mass, followed by parades, sports, and, later, celebrations in pubs.

"If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough!"

"The leprechauns made me do it"

“Top of the morning to ya!”

"May all your troubles be less, and all your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door!"

 

[tiger_one]

Swallowing Awareness Day gulps itself onto our calendars each March 18.

This special day is promoted by Speech Pathology Australia to raise awareness about dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and its impact on life, health, and nutrition. Some of the earliest signs and symptoms are coughing, gagging or chocking when eating or drinking. And also includes any problem with sucking, swallowing, drinking, chewing, eating and saliva control, as well as lip closure to stop food, liquid or saliva dribbling out.

The most common populations to experience swallowing difficulty at some point are:

• older adults in nursing homes and even some of those aged 65+ living in the community
• those with medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimers, Multiple Sclerosis, mental health disorders and stroke survivors
• patients with head and neck cancer post chemoradiotherapy

Today’s relevance is a time to raise awareness of how speech and language therapists (SLTs) help people living with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.

Eating, drinking and swallowing is an essential part of most people’s day and is often taken for granted, but for some people it is not that easy. Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, can affect a person’s quality of life and can lead to other health complications. This is why SLTs have a pivotal role in this area.

This year’s Swallowing Awareness Day takes place on Wednesday 18 March, as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week.

• Focus on Dysphagia: Highlights that over one million Australians have swallowing difficulties, which can cause choking, pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
• Essential Function: Emphasizes that swallowing is a frequent, vital activity often taken for granted until it fails, which can affect people at any age.
• Role of Speech Pathologists: Highlights the role of professionals in assessing and managing swallowing, improving quality of life, and offering safe mealtime strategies.
• Educational Campaign: Promotes awareness of symptoms, such as coughing, gagging, or choking while eating or drinking.
• Esophageal dysphagia can lead to weight loss, undernutrition, tracheal aspiration of ingested material, and in severe cases food impaction. Food impaction puts patients at risk of spontaneous esophageal perforation, which can lead to sepsis and even death.
• More than one million Australians live with dysphagia, and it can occur at any stage of life. Despite this, awareness of swallowing difficulties and their impact remains low. The four main types of dysphagia, categorized by location, are Oropharyngeal (mouth/throat initiation), Oral (mouth/chewing), Pharyngeal (throat passage to esophagus), and Esophageal (food stuck in the esophagus/chest), with the first three often grouped as Oropharyngeal and focusing on the transfer from mouth to the upper esophagus, while the fourth is Esophageal, dealing with the tube to the stomach. These classifications help pinpoint where the swallowing process breaks down, guiding diagnosis and treatment, often involving speech-language pathologists, gastroenterologists, and ENTs.
• High risk foods to avoid with dysphagia include: Foods with a fibrous or 'stringy' texture - e.g. celery, green beans, melted cheese or pineapple. Fruit or vegetables with thick skins, seeds or pips - e.g. baked beans, peas, grapes and tomatoes.
• Aging: Older adults are at higher risk of swallowing difficulties. This is due to natural aging and wear and tear on the esophagus as well as a greater risk of certain conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease.
• Treatment for swallowing issues may include medications, changes to your eating habits and, sometimes, procedures.

Fun Facts about swallowing:

• Swallowing is a highly complex, automatic process involving 26 muscles and 6 cranial nerves, occurring up to 900 times daily to move food and saliva, even while sleeping. This vital reflex, lasting only 17-23 seconds, requires holding your breath to prevent food from entering the lungs.
• Humans swallow 500-900 times a day—roughly once per minute while awake and about 3 times per hour while sleeping.
• One in 17 people will develop Dysphagia at some point in their lifetime.
• You cannot breathe and swallow at the same time

“The truth is hard to swallow when you’re choking on your pride”

“Swallowing your pride seldom leads to indigestion”

“Sometimes the hardest pill to swallow comes from a prescription you created”

“One sip, one laugh, one swallow”

 

[tiger_one]

March 19 is historically significant in Sydney as the anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which officially opened on that day in 1932. It was a monumental event that linked the city and North Shore, with roughly one million people (a huge crowd for its time, nearly the entire population of Sydney at the time, either crossing the bridge on opening day on foot, in cars, or on trains) attending the opening day celebrations.

The SHB is a world-renowned landmark and the world's tallest steel arch bridge, towering 134 meters above sea level, this iconic 1,149-meter-long structure connects the Sydney CBD to the North Shore, carrying pedestrians, cyclists, trains, and vehicles.

• Bridge Opening: The bridge, designed by John Bradfield, served as a major employment provider ("Iron Lung") during the Great Depression.
• Affectionately known as the "Coathanger," the bridge was officially opened on this day by NSW Premier Jack Lang. The event was a massive celebration for a city struggling through the Great Depression:

 Celebrations: The 90th anniversary was widely celebrated in 2022 with events, including vintage transport rides and light shows, commemorating the structure's enduring role as an Australian icon.

Construction: Built with over 550,000 pieces of steel and 6 million rivets.

• Engineering: The arch spans 503 metres, with two halves built outward and joined in 1930.
• Dimensions: It is 49 meters wide, with the steelwork rising 134 meters above sea level
• It spans 1,149 metres (3,770 feet) in length
• 272,000 litres of paint were used in its initial three coats - enough to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool
• Comprises of over 550,000 individual pieces of steel that are held together by 6 million hand-driven rivets
• Weighs approximately 52,000 tonnes - that’s equivalent to 7 Eiffel Towers, 153 Boeing 747s, or 19,260 Asian elephants!
• Usage: The bridge currently accommodates over 160,000 vehicles, 480 trains, plus pedestrians and cyclists daily.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Due to the steel expanding/contracting, the arch can rise or fall up to 18 cm with temperature changes.
• Bridge Climb: Visitors can climb the steel arch to the summit for 360-degree views of Sydney.
• Walkway: A free pedestrian walkway on the eastern side offers views, while a cycleway is on the western side.
• Pylon Lookout: Features a museum providing a detailed history of the construction.
• Views: It offers stunning panoramic views of the adjacent Sydney Opera House and Harbour.
• Cultural Significance: March 19 highlights a pivotal moment in the development of Sydney’s infrastructure, connecting the city and significantly easing transport.
• Indigenous Recognition: Note that while the bridge opening is the primary historical event for this date, March 19 is sometimes associated with broader community events and reflections in NSW, with related community celebrations often taking place in The Rocks area

Fun Facts about The Sydney Harbour Bridge:

• The Bridge’s Iconic Grey Coat: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is famously painted in a shade known as "Harbour Bridge Grey." While this iconic grey colour is instantly recognisable today, the choice was originally made for practical reasons rather than aesthetics. During the Bridge’s construction, grey paint was selected because it was the only colour available in the massive quantities required, leftover from World War I. Over the years, the Bridge has been consistently repainted in this unique shade, maintaining its distinctive look.
• An Elephant Walked Across It: Yes, you read that right! In 1932, as part of a parade organised for the opening of Luna Park, an elephant walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacle drew massive crowds and remains a memorable event in the Bridge’s history.
• It’s a Magnet for Proposals: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most popular places in Australia for marriage proposals. Hundreds of couples get engaged on the Bridge every year, making it a symbol of love as well as engineering excellence. The breathtaking views from the top certainly help set the mood

• “I came for the views, stayed for the vibes
• “That bridge really connects with people”
• “The Sydney Harbour Bridge is so iconic, it’s a real span-tastic structure”
• "Don't tell the Opera House, but I’m only here for the bridge"

 

[tiger_one]

The International Day of Happiness is joyfully celebrated each March 20, established by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to recognize happiness and well-being as universal goals. It promotes a more inclusive, equitable approach to economic growth that prioritizes human happiness, often marked by releasing the World Happiness Report.

For thousands of years, people have relied on ancient wisdom for ideas about how to live a happy life. Now, this has been put to the test by modern science and research has identified the practical actions you can take to feel happier.

Although our genes and circumstances play an important role, happiness also depends on our choices and activities. Happiness is something we can cultivate by prioritising specific behaviours. We can change how happy we are by adjusting our approach to life, even in challenging times. Your actions matter and make a difference.

Happiness is created by the actions we take. We can change how we feel by taking small daily actions at home, at school, at work and in wider society.

Happiness comes in lots of ways, and maybe differently for different people; like, from doing things for others, having good relationships, being connected to others in community and feeling part of something bigger than ourselves.

Happiness also comes from living a good life, finding meaning and purpose, trying new things, having goals to look forward to, moving our bodies, taking care of our health, and connecting with nature. Remember, no one can be happy all the time; indeed, real happiness comes from acknowledging and allowing all our feelings. Building resilience, finding ways to cope, and learning to look for what's good are key parts of happier living.

Today highlights the importance of well-being, mental health, and happiness in public policy and daily life.

When it comes to increasing happiness, simple actions have a profound impact and can go a long way in improving overall satisfaction and wellbeing.

These actions might include:

Connecting with others - Connection is described as the feeling of belonging. It is a basic human need that impacts on many aspects of our wellbeing. Building meaningful relationships with those around us not only increases happiness, but also lowers levels of stress, anxiety and depression. You can stay connected by spending time with family, reaching out to friends or starting a new activity.

Spending time in nature - Studies show spending time in nature can improve mood, decrease stress and improve memory. Being outside offers us a respite from the daily grind and contributes to a sense of ‘restorativeness’. Try a 20-minute walk in the park as an easy mood booster!

Getting creative - Having a creative output can help us to relax, unwind and process emotions. It also brings a sense of achievement and boosts self–esteem. For some, creativity may seem out of reach – but it is something everyone can access. Some creative hobbies include colouring, collaging, singing, dancing, cooking, gardening and writing poetry.

Exercising - The idea that exercise increases happiness has been around for decades. According to scientists, moving our bodies fundamentally changes our brains – both in the moment and over time. Exercising releases mood–enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine and can affect overall positivity. Some effective exercises for de–stressing include walking, jogging, swimming, dancing and boxing.

Prioritising sleep - A continued lack of sleep can have a negative impact on our ability to be happy. Being sleep deprived can make it harder to pay attention, squash our creativity and make us irritable. To get a better rest, be consistent with sleep times, minimise noise and cut caffeine late in the day.

Practicing gratitude - This one might sound obvious, but keeping a positive mindset can help us to increase happiness on a daily basis. We can practice gratitude by reflecting on happy moments and stopping to appreciate the wonderful people in our lives. We all define happiness differently, so take some time to explore what it means, what it looks like and what it feels like to live a life filled with more purpose.

Meditating - Happiness is readily accessible, but it can easily be buried underneath overwhelming thoughts and emotions. This is where meditation comes in! Meditation can help to increase happiness by nurturing the mind to be calmer, clearer, and more content. Even better, it is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health.

Happiness eh!?

I just thought true happiness was simply following the Wests Tigers!!



Fun Fact about Happiness:

• Being around happy friends increases your own happiness by 15%, while simply being present and focused in the moment, rather than daydreaming, makes you significantly happier. Furthermore, about 40% of happiness is determined by intentional choices rather than genetics or circumstances.
• Spending time near water (like beaches or lakes) significantly increases happiness.
• While genetics play a role, happiness is also a choice and a skill that can be developed through habits like gratitude journaling and acts of kindness.

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy”

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination”

“A day without laughter is a day wasted”

"For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness"