Author: Bearsy

A Queensland Bear with attitude

Old Petrie Town


Today we decided that it was about time that we explored our local neighbourhood, so we made the five-minute trip to Petrie Old Town, which nestles in the North Pine Country Park, about 2 kms northwest of modern-day Petrie (which is pronounced, rather confusingly, “Pea Tree” – please don’t ask us why).

It was Boadicea’s plan to explore the Museum, but we were disappointed to discover, on reaching the door, that it was only open Wednesday to Friday.   We began to retrace our steps to walk around the reconstructed old town, but we were stopped by a cheery “Come in, come in … please do come in”.   The curator explained that a school party had visited this morning and that since he was still here, he’d be glad for us to fossick. Continue reading “Old Petrie Town”

This amused me – I hope it amuses you

A week ago there was an article in The Punch, an Australian site which many of you had difficulty with when I gave a link to an earlier article about Michael Clarke.  This article was about the monarchy and the “forth-coming” wedding – the author was, shall we say, not in favour of either.   Many comments followed, most of which were unexceptional or irrelevant – that is, they were mainly off-thread, debating the merits or otherwise of certain UK national newspapers.

But then came this gem from a British gentleman (I swear I have not edited a single word) –  Continue reading “This amused me – I hope it amuses you”

Perhaps I am beginning to understand …

Impelled by Sheona’s post and the recent heated exchanges, I have been researching this “Monarchist/Republican” thing in your UK media, and there is little doubt that the blogging fraternity in the UK has gone completely bonkers.

Now, before you all start attacking me, or flouncing from the Chariot in high dudgeon, just take a deep breath and listen to dear old Daddy Bear.

In Australia, the Republican debate is merely a debate.   Nobody gets particularly heated about it, or insults those with a different view or submits hysterical diatribes to the MSM.   It’s something that needs to be sorted, sure, but it’s nothing to have a war over.   I’m sure Donald will back me up on this.

Quite obviously this is not the case in the UK.   Tempers are high, claws are out – the subject is being treated with – as I remarked before – religious fervour.   No prisoners are being taken, there are no calm and dispassionate analyses, only the feral screaming of two opposing mobs in a lunatic asylum.   No wonder Ferret, Sheona and Bravo have attacked Cuprum and Julie with such uncharacteristic acerbity – it’s what you’re all doing in the UK.   You have been stirred up by rabble-rousers to such an extent that you can’t tell your arse from your elbow.

So here’s some advice.   Keep firmly in mind that the Chariot is a civilised Australian site.   We don’t lose our rags over something as trivial as a constitutional monarchy or its possible republican replacement.   Personally I couldn’t give a stuff about whichever side of the divide you’re on, but the descent of the Chariot into a poor imitation of MyT is greatly deplored, particularly when the offenders are those who normally – when the red haze hasn’t descended on them – are some of the most interesting and thoughtful contributors.

Go sit down in a darkened room with a nice cup of tea and a biccy, and don’t come out until you’ve calmed down, children.

May Creative Writing Competition

Inspired by Pseu’s intriguing story, the subject will be “The Royal Wedding“.

The connection may be as tenuous as you like, but it must be there, somehow.   The words ‘grace‘ and ‘shovel‘ must be included, and each entry should contain a minimum of 1,250 words; there is no upper limit.

The Competition will close at midnight on Sunday the 15th May, AEST – so get your skates on!

Australian Republicanism – an educational monograph

Charioteers will appreciate that Republicanism may, when mentioned on The Chariot, refer to either of two distinctly different movements.

There is, I understand, a Republican, anti-Monarchy movement in the UK.   I know absolutely nothing about this movement since, regular visits notwithstanding, I have not lived there for over two decades.   I do have some broadbrush opinions on the UK Monarchy and the constitutional framework in which it exists, which are based on earlier experiences supplemented by contemporary attention to current affairs, but I cannot claim to be fully informed – nor would I expect to be, being a foreigner.   Boadicea has already mentioned the two main areas in which I feel that your UK Monarchy has failed (ceding sovereignty to the EU, neglecting the rôle of Defender of the Faith), but – and you may have noticed this – I have not attempted to join UK-centric discussion on the subject.   I do not know enough about what is going on there. Read on, but be warned, it’s as long as a short story

Alternative Gilly

Mr Chandrasekhar’s top of the range Mahindra scattered the stones in the car park. I guided the roller in his direction and called out a greeting, touching my cap respectfully as always, “नमस्कार महोदय, आप कैसे हैं  ?”

He grinned and winked, replying – “नमस्ते गिली, हार्ड काम करते हो ? … and  I must say your Hindi accent is improving; well done!”

We strolled together to the clubhouse, reviewing the arrangements for the match against the touring team on Saturday.   He lowered himself into a deck-chair on the veranda and sighed.   “I may have to miss the match.   I shall probably have to fly back home tomorrow; the riots are getting worse and I need to arrange protection for my family.   Why do all you Christians cause so much trouble all the time?” Continue reading “Alternative Gilly”