Tau

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Australians, especially men, are reading less than ever before in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

You're certainly right that the way I did it in school felt rather performative and didn't leave me with positive impressions of the books I had not read previously. I'm not going to say there's no purpose in trying to understand the meanings/symbolism in a work but it's not going to make a good impression on someone if that's their first introduction to the book - or worse their introduction to reading books in general.

Australians, especially men, are reading less than ever before in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I've no substantiation for these guesses but one thing that comes to mind is that boys were more likely to get into computers in the early eras of tech and that time sink could lead to them being less likely to build the habit of reading. TV is another possibility, Gen X was the first to grow up with TVs being widespread and boys probably spent more time on that.

Australians, especially men, are reading less than ever before in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 6 points 2 weeks ago

That's a pretty concerning trend IMO, particularly when the article mentions 44% of Australians have issues with literacy.

Wagga Wagga man charged with displaying Nazi symbols over shopfront poster in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 6 points 3 weeks ago

If nothing else it makes for a good example of why one should be wary of laws aimed at hate speech. You can't rely on any ambiguity within them being interpreted with common sense, particularly if you've annoyed someone in a position of power.

What is this thing? in c/brisbane@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 4 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

My wild ass guess would be that it's a gauge for measuring water levels, with the upper opening part being a scale to read a marker that moves up and down the pole.

Does it line up with anything on this map of Brisbane water/sewer infrastructure? That map seems likely to give you at least an idea of what system it's associated with, and might even give more of a clue about the purpose of this specific point.

Post-apocalypse Australia is the setting for hotly anticipated video game - Death Stranding 2 in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 3 points 1 month ago

I like the callout to On the Beach, fits well with a post apocalyptic Australian game (it's a good book, albeit not one you want to read if you're already feeling down).

Patching a hole in the ceiling floor in c/ausrenovation@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Ah, now it's all coming together...

In that case spraying a bit of paint will help stick the fibres down in those spots, but if the chance of shedding there is a concern then you're probably better off covering the whole area to avoid anything working through the joints/cracks in the boards. I'd consider it a low risk even uncovered but I can understand wanting a bit more peace of mind for this.

Something I'm now thinking could be an option for you would be to cover the ceiling with those foam/foil insulating panels (like this). They're light enough to stick to the ceiling with minimal fixings, would act as a decent barrier (particularly with the joints sealed with tape) and you get a bit of extra insulation as a side benefit.

Patching a hole in the ceiling floor in c/ausrenovation@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 1 points 1 month ago (5 children)

If it's still under a cabinet for the moment then I'd be just ignoring it until you're up to renovating the kitchen. I wouldn't even bother adding extra covering unless you're either storing stuff in there that will scratch into the fibro or want to avoid small things getting wedged in the holes.

Patching a hole in the ceiling floor in c/ausrenovation@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (7 children)

Just covering it would be fine, unless you're planning to be nibbling at the asbestos or something it'll stay bound within the fibro. If you're particularly worried maybe give it a spray over with paint (clear coat would be less obvious).

Depending on where in the kitchen this is (and whether it's the kitchen floor or ceiling - I'm still a little confused there) covering that area with a sideboard or other bit of somewhat kitchen-related furniture might be an option to hide the holes.

TIL about Jervis Bay Territory in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 6 points 1 month ago

It's not a fee for the beaches per se but the fee for entering the national park which covers the territory (though it is in effect paying to see beaches as that's the main reason to visit).

TIL about Jervis Bay Territory in c/australia@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 8 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

There’s also basically no reason to ever go there unless you’re in or supporting the military bases located there.

It does have some rather pretty beaches, best to plan on checking out all that's there to make it feel worthwhile though as they sting you $20 to see them.

Booroomba Rocks looking north east towards Canberra in c/pics@aussie.zone
[–] Tau@aussie.zone 2 points 1 month ago

When they tried Roombas for the yearly vacuuming of these rocks they all fell off the edge and caused a lot of hard work retrieving them, after that they changed the name of the place and went back to vacuuming it with teams of people.

14
NSW National Parks seeking feedback on proposed changes re. camping fees and bookings (www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au)
 

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to camping in NSW national parks and reserves.

Proposed changes include:

  • the introduction of consistent state-wide camping fees simplified bookings to deliver fairer camping experiences for national park visitors
  • improved management of persistent campground issues such as people booking space and not cancelling or turning up.

Further community feedback will help the NSW Government to decide on next steps and whether proposed changes are adopted and implemented.

Please read the consultation paper outlining details of the proposal and share your feedback by 11.59pm on Sunday 25 May 2025.

1
Reprieve for Canberra bulk-billing practice as private operator steps in (www.abc.net.au)
 

The Interchange Health Co-operative (IHCO), which had 5,000 patients on the books, was closed earlier this month and entered voluntary administration.

A private operator will take over its running and today it was announced the federal Labor government would commit $3.8 million to the clinic, if re-elected.

The administrator said the clinic would reopen shortly and that the return of services was "temporary".

1
More flowers, a lakeside swimming pool and a Ferris wheel on the cards for Commonwealth Park (www.abc.net.au)
 

The National Capital Authority has released its vision for the renewal of Commonwealth Park, which includes an aquatic centre to replace Civic pool.

The proposed renewal plans also include an upgrade of Stage 88 and permanent beds and year-round gardens for Floriade.

The concept plans are available on the NCA's website, and public feedback can be made before June 20.

22
Why wooden bridges still have a place despite upkeep challenges (www.abc.net.au)
 

From quaint beginnings as log crossings to sophisticated structures of modern transportation, timber bridges are interwoven in Australia's history.

And despite a number of government-owned timber bridges in Australia being in disrepair in the past decade, an engineer says there is still a place for clever uses of wood.

1
Hot air balloons in Canberra spending more time on the water as kayakers hitch a ride (www.abc.net.au)
 

It's variously called skimming, splash'n'dash, or balloon sailing — where a hot air balloonist, with skill and experience, lands the balloon on water and sails with the wind behind them.

From a few hangers on, it's gained a following with hundreds of people being towed.

1
'Everybody loves a spy story': National Spy Museum proposed for Canberra (www.abc.net.au)
 

Politicians, intelligence agencies and spies themselves support the proposal for a National Spy Museum on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

The vision for the new cultural institution is to portray Australia's history of espionage, paying tribute to former and current spies.

A $2.9 million federal budget submission has been made for initial feasibility and planning work for the museum.

1
Eastern side of London Circuit closes as construction on light rail continues in central Canberra (www.abc.net.au)
 

Getting into and around Canberra's city centre became a little more challenging at 8pm last night, when part of London Circuit East closed to general traffic until late 2026.

It's to facilitate utility work related to construction of light rail stage 2A, a 1.7 kilometre stretch from Civic to Commonwealth Park.

It follows the closure of the western side of London Circuit, between Northbourne and Edinburgh avenues, a month ago.

1
Skyfire is on again this Saturday (15/3) (seearsworkwearroundabout.com.au)
 

There's a F35 flyover happening at ~7.30pm, fireworks display at 8.30, and the usual collections of food vans etc.

Note the list of road closures - if you're not planning on going then it's a good time to avoid the area because there will be a bit more traffic chaos than your typical Saturday (particularly in the evening).

1
Seaplanes are about to take off from Lake Burley Griffin (finally) | Riotact (the-riotact.com)
 

Exact dates and prices are yet to be confirmed, but Mr Gilbo pencilled in 7 or 8 March as the inaugural day, with flights taking off from West Lake every hour between 9 am and 5 pm at a cost of around $295 per person per flight.

Passengers will board and disembark from the floating pontoon on Acton Peninsula, near the National Museum of Australia.

1
Corpse flower blooms at Canberra's Australian National Botanic Gardens for the first time (www.abc.net.au)
 

An Amorphophallus titanum or titan arum, commonly known as the corpse flower, has bloomed at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra for the first time.

The 15-year-old plant started unfurling its 135 centimetre-tall flower spike on Saturday afternoon, emanating a putrid stench described by some as smelling like "dead rat".

The bloom is expected to start collapsing by Monday afternoon and will gradually return to a dormant state as an underground corm.

1
The 2025 Multicultural Festival is on again this Friday (7/2) to Sunday (www.act.gov.au)
 

The 2025 National Multicultural Festival will be held from 7-9 February.

The festival is expanding beyond the city precinct and further into Glebe Park. This means more members of the community can enjoy the festival safely and comfortably.

The festival will be spread across Civic Square, City Walk, Bunda Street, Akuna Street and Glebe Park.

1
Markets operator faces competition as government puts old bus depot out to tender | Riotact (the-riotact.com)
 

Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets may be in for a shake-up or face competition from a rival operator after the ACT Government put the heritage-listed venue in Kingston out to tender.

The Markets have operated on Sundays at the former transport depot for 30 years, but the government is now looking to get more out of the 5000 sqm site by opening it up to other operators and opportunities, including on Saturdays and during the week.

These new ideas could include more markets, events and arts activities, particularly given its location as part of the to-be-developed Kingston Arts Precinct.

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