Australia

[Akhenaten]

Blake Poetry Prize finalists announced

Poems about love, mortality, happiness, pain and the pressures in Australia's Indigenous communities are addressed by the finalists of this year's Blake Poetry Prize.

The seven finalists, selected from over 400 entries across Australia, are a mix of well-known and emerging poets.

The finalists are Victoria-based Mick Ringiari and David Bunn, Graham Kershaw from Western Australia, the ACT's Geoff Page and Christopher Kelen, and David Musgrave and Carmel Summers from New South Wales.

The Blake Poetry Prize is an Australian poetry prize, presented annually by The Blake Society and the New South Wales Writers' Centre. Established in 2008 the Prize offers a $5,000 prize for a new poem that best explores the religious or spiritual. The Prize is non-sectarian and encourages poets to engage in the dialogue between religion, spirituality and poetry.

The Prize is named for the visionary artist and poet William Blake and is run in conjunction with the Blake Prize for Religious Art.

The winner will be announced in November.​

Read more about the Blake Society​

 

[Akhenaten]

This is adapted from a post I made in the 'Count to a Million' thread. I thought I might as well add a little bit of explanatory text and put the pictures here where a few more folks will get to see them.

Enjoy!

Victorian Railways L Class electric locomotive № 1172, manufactured by English Electric in the UK in 1954

L 1172 at Spencer Street (Melbourne) in the late 1950s

L 1172 at Warragul, Victoria

Warragul, 1976

L 1172 was retired in 1987 after a service life of 2,325,072 kilometres (1,395,043 miles)​

These locomotives were introduced in the heady days of the 1950s when things were really booming in Victoria (L1172, pictured above, was built in the same year as Eildon). The line to Morwell was being electrified and plans were being made to do the same with the Geelong line to take advantage of the plentiful power that was becoming available with the new power stations in Gippsland coming into service.

As usual with government projects, however, not a lot of things went to plan. The engines arrived from England before the work on the Morwell line had been completed and the Geelong electrification never eventuated at all. As a result, a few of the L Classes were put into operation with hauling suburban goods trains while the rest were put into storage.

Despite this inauspicious start, though, they ended up giving more than thirty years of faithful service, each of them clocking up around 2 million kilometres before they were retired in 1987.

The one thing they didn't like was ice. Because they were relatively light they had trouble gaining traction on icy rails and as a consequence had load restrictions imposed during the depths of Winter.

Another quirk was the result of some L Classes being equipped with a single pantograph whilst others had two. Instructions during Winter were that the lead engine be fitted with two pantos, the idea being that the first one would remove the frost from the contact wire so that the second could make a good connection.

Who'd live in Victoria, eh?



And now, because you've all been very good, here are some more pictures:

L 1173 looking as shiny as a new pin after an overhaul at the Newport workshops

L 1160 in the colours adopted when Victorian Railways (VicRail) was rebranded as V/Line in the mid 80s. Whoever
thought this scheme was an improvement on VR's blue and gold was quite obviously colour blind. Fortunately, the
current red, white and blue (shown below) is a vast improvement, but I still think the original was the most stylish.

A 70 at Flinders Street. As can be seen, the A Class (and similarly their
close cousins the B Class) are pretty much diesel versions of the L Class

​

 

[Krikkiter]

Pffft, crazy Victorians with their crazy gauges.

You should know that every post you put up here that includes trains is sent straight to my dad who, more than likely ends up with drool all over his keyboard! Especially if they'd good photos.

Many thanks.

 

[Sideroxylon]

I am recalling my last trip back home and riding the train to my sister's place out west and seeing a diesel like these heading to Geelong on the evening commute.

I is home sick!

 

[Akhenaten]

Pffft, crazy Victorians with their crazy gauges.

You should know that every post you put up here that includes trains is sent straight to my dad who, more than likely ends up with drool all over his keyboard! Especially if they'd good photos.

Many thanks.

My pleasure, mate.

It was mainly because of your comments about your dad's reaction to the tram pictures that I posted a while back that I decided to do the same with this lot.

I'm sure to be adding more in the future.

 

[Akhenaten]

I am recalling my last trip back home and riding the train to my sister's place out west and seeing a diesel like these heading to Geelong on the evening commute.

I is home sick!

Did you read the post I wrote about encountering the Southern Aurora a few months ago? That made me homesick for the 60s.

At least you can always get back to Oz, but I'm never going to see the 60s again.

 

[Sideroxylon]

At least you can always get back to Oz, but I'm never going to see the 60s again.

I'll let you know when they arrive here.

 

[philkensebben]

Did you read the post I wrote about encountering the Southern Aurora a few months ago? That made me homesick for the 60s.

At least you can always get back to Oz, but I'm never going to see the 60s again.

Go to Eastern Europe. (although its moved on a bit recently, mullets and disco seem to be in fashion)

 

[Dcdrac]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZqN1glz4JY&feature=related

 

[Dcdrac]

On the Beach Ending Scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upg2eqNbF3w

 

[annnnoid]

Maybe this is a bit off topic….but I recently stumbled across this ‘mate’ by the name of Chooka Parker. I should point out, I am not of the Australian species, and am thus unable to comprehend the genesis of this obviously mutant being. I mean…. here we have a male Aussie who apparently raises chickens and sheep in a place as remote from remote as remote can be (did I just describe 90% of Australia?)…and who appears to be the reincarnation of Mozart.

I need an explanation! Is this Chooka bloke somehow unique to Australia? Could he happen elsewhere? Not the chickens and sheep thing…the Mozart thing. I managed to waste far too much time watching Aussies got talent…and I’ve gotta admit, there is some seriously talented Aussies down under. I mean….Chooka didn’t even win…and the guy is way beyond freakishly talented.

So what’s with that? What’s with this creativity / originality thing that seems to be busting out all over Oz (first we had Olivia Newton John and the Bee Gee's...and now we have Russell Crowe [did I miss anyone????])? Something in the water? Something in the air? The beer? The marmite (…vegemite…isn’t that what you folks call it?)? Or maybe that’s just what peace, prosperity, and a good time getcha. Lots of folks who do there own thing…real well. But damn…those spiders. Sorry, I’ll stick to home (Canada). Every winter everything freezes solid for five months….including that which comes with eight legs. Thus they never get bigger than most folks tolerance of them. Squash em all!

…but then I remember having lived down south for a time. Georgia (US) it’s called. Not quite the deep south…but deep enough. Had my own herd of chickens (chooks to you). Fearless beasts. Utterly barbaric. The most hairy, hideous, colossal spider would appear… and they’d tear it to shreds (yummmm). Very satisfying to watch. Kept one in my bedroom (?). Slightly stinky…but not a bug bothered moi! No worries!

So if I move to Oz…I will, like Chooka, acquire a horde of chooks…who will, I am confident, protect me from the plague of nightmare spiders that seem to contaminate your cheery land. I also want a Kangaroo, a Platodile, and a Koala. Do people have pet Koala’s? Never seen one.

So, back to the topic at hand…anyone care to venture an opine on the wiz-bangery on Aussies got talent? Personally I like Owen Campbell. I lived in the south…blues is my thang!

 

[lionking]

Maybe this is a bit off topic….but I recently stumbled across this ‘mate’ by the name of Chooka Parker. I should point out, I am not of the Australian species, and am thus unable to comprehend the genesis of this obviously mutant being. I mean…. here we have a male Aussie who apparently raises chickens and sheep in a place as remote from remote as remote can be (did I just describe 90% of Australia?)…and who appears to be the reincarnation of Mozart.

I need an explanation! Is this Chooka bloke somehow unique to Australia? Could he happen elsewhere? Not the chickens and sheep thing…the Mozart thing. I managed to waste far too much time watching Aussies got talent…and I’ve gotta admit, there is some seriously talented Aussies down under. I mean….Chooka didn’t even win…and the guy is way beyond freakishly talented.

So what’s with that? What’s with this creativity / originality thing that seems to be busting out all over Oz (first we had Olivia Newton John and the Bee Gee's...and now we have Russell Crowe [did I miss anyone????])? Something in the water? Something in the air? The beer? The marmite (…vegemite…isn’t that what you folks call it?)? Or maybe that’s just what peace, prosperity, and a good time getcha. Lots of folks who do there own thing…real well. But damn…those spiders. Sorry, I’ll stick to home (Canada). Every winter everything freezes solid for five months….including that which comes with eight legs. Thus they never get bigger than most folks tolerance of them. Squash em all!

…but then I remember having lived down south for a time. Georgia (US) it’s called. Not quite the deep south…but deep enough. Had my own herd of chickens (chooks to you). Fearless beasts. Utterly barbaric. The most hairy, hideous, colossal spider would appear… and they’d tear it to shreds (yummmm). Very satisfying to watch. Kept one in my bedroom (?). Slightly stinky…but not a bug bothered moi! No worries!

So if I move to Oz…I will, like Chooka, acquire a horde of chooks…who will, I am confident, protect me from the plague of nightmare spiders that seem to contaminate your cheery land. I also want a Kangaroo, a Platodile, and a Koala. Do people have pet Koala’s? Never seen one.

So, back to the topic at hand…anyone care to venture an opine on the wiz-bangery on Aussies got talent? Personally I like Owen Campbell. I lived in the south…blues is my thang!

I never knew about Chooka Parker before this post (I don't watch much free-to-air TV, let alone talent quests), so thanks. He's a pretty amazing bloke.

I have unwelcome kangas grazing on my front lawn fairly often, so you can have one. I'm sure he or she would come willingly.

Pet Koalas? Probably as welcome as a pet possum. Not very.

 

[Akhenaten]

So if I move to Oz…I will, like Chooka, acquire a horde of chooks…who will, I am confident, protect me from the plague of nightmare spiders that seem to contaminate your cheery land. I also want a Kangaroo . . .

Are you sure?

a Platodile

Good with the kiddies, those are.

. . . and a Koala. Do people have pet Koala’s? Never seen one.

No way. Those things will have your arm off as soon as look at you.

So, back to the topic at hand…anyone care to venture an opine on the wiz-bangery on Aussies got talent? Personally I like Owen Campbell. I lived in the south…blues is my thang!

This song is both a classic and a partial explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSoGJQkKDYk

​

 

[Matthew Ellard]

Did you read the post I wrote about encountering the Southern Aurora a few months ago? That made me homesick for the 60s. At least you can always get back to Oz, but I'm never going to see the 60s again.

I live in Surry Hills, just up from Sydney Central station. On Saturday mornings I hear the old reconditioned steam trains "toot" as they warm up to take enthusiasts on day trips. It's a very unique enjoyable "toot". I take my hat off to the restoration teams.

 

[lionking]

I live in Surry Hills, just up from Sydney Central station. On Saturday mornings I hear the old reconditioned steam trains "toot" as they warm up to take enthusiasts on day trips. It's a very unique enjoyable "toot". I take my hat off to the restoration teams.

I used to live in Chippendale, the same distance away from Central, but on the unfashionable side.

One of my earliest memories is watching the steam trains depart Central in the 50s. And as I have mentioned before (I think) the Southern Aurora figures strongly in my memory. I travelled to Melbourne quite a few times on it while wooing Lionqueen. I also read the first book (not counting school books) on the Aurora. "Foundation" by Azimov.

 

[Akhenaten]

I live in Surry Hills, just up from Sydney Central station.

I was born in Surry Hills (Crown Street) and MG1962 lived there for a time as well.

Small world.

On Saturday mornings I hear the old reconditioned steam trains "toot" as they warm up to take enthusiasts on day trips. It's a very unique enjoyable "toot".

Do you recall riding on suburban trains that went past the workshops at Eveleigh? It was always the highlight of any day out for me, no matter where we were actually going.

I take my hat off to the restoration teams

Me too. As it happens, I'm only ten minutes down the track from the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre so lots of interesting trains go by here from time to time.

 

[Shiner]

I was born in Surry Hills (Crown Street) and MG1962 lived there for a time as well.

Small world.

I lived in Waterloo for a couple of years in the 90's. Surry Hills was 10 mins walk, and where I did my shopping, gym, eating, drinking, etc.

Do you recall riding on suburban trains that went past the workshops at Eveleigh? It was always the highlight of any day out for me, no matter where we were actually going.

I do. Growing up near Blacktown in the 70's saw me on trains to the city all the time. It was a good way to travel.

 

[lionking]

I used to get off at Redfern (not in the metaphorical sense, at least in those
dayshttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=getting%20off%20at%20redfern) many times in my youth.

Come to think of it i did it in the metaphorical sense as well.

 

[Sideroxylon]

I used to get off at Redfern (not in the metaphorical sense, at least in those
dayshttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=getting%20off%20at%20redfern) many times in my youth.

Come to think of it i did it in the metaphorical sense as well.

Had not heard that expression before.

 

[Akhenaten]

The Machine Shop in about 1900

Same place, more or less, in 2010. This bit is called the Eveleigh Farmers Market

1917

1930s

HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip boarding the Governor
General's carriage in 1954. The carriage was built at Eveleigh in 1901

2011

Part of the collection of the Australian Railway Historical Society

Looking across Redfern Station towards the city of Sydney. The Eveleigh Workshops are directly behind the camera



​