Hill climb event. Find the flag or has he 'lost it'.

Fill the missing stars, there is room for more brave citizens 

Australia Day 26 January and a pledge for old and new citizens:

From this time forward, under God,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

Whose rights and liberties I respect,

And whose laws I will uphold and obey.

For citizenship these words are described as a pledge not an oath and use of the words under God is optional. A citizenship test uses multiple choice questions such as: What do we remember on Anzac Day? What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal flag?

According to the official web site, 118 196 people were approved to become Australian citizens in 2008-9  by conferral, descent or resumption. The top ten previous citizenship of people were led by UK by a wide margin followed, in order,  by India, China, South Africa, NZ, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Australia allows dual nationality.

Things to do in a heatwave: Get the shopping out of the way early.
An original old shop, Adams Hair Styling, mit barbers pole, remains at The Junction. How does it compare with the salon in St Kilda here a few days ago?  Overall, The Junction has become gentrified.

Heatwave: Don't get in the shade, under the trees, if it gets windy!

High Noon in Laman Street.  Specific little illustrations warn of risk.

Holiday reading.

Swimming hole with espresso foam. Danger sign.

Newcastle Ocean Baths were engulfed by waves again yesterday and closed to swimmers and most of the beaches were closed as well.

Another simplistic rant follows.

The PM promotes increased work productivity: work harder and longer! According to the reporters that's what happens already, people work longer hours and are not taking their holidays. The problem is that an ageing population is a burden on the employed sector. There is truth in that.

   More seniors? - bring it on - OMG, surely these seniors won't remain passive forever and will ultimately assert themselves.

   Let me tell you, the older generation have their own ways and that's entirely valid. It's diversity. The thirty-somethings must take another look outside the square, their methods are not sacrosanct, (OMG, they can twitter),  they can be re-educated and accept a range of employees including seniors.

   If seniors are 'good enough' for volunteering and the wonderful spin-offs that go with it then they are 'good enough' for flexible paid employment. For instance, I've had dealings with a Government Department and seem to discover more about the processes there than the new graduate on the other side of the desk.  Sedentary jobs could be left for seniors to do.

On another point, the superannuation guarantee, the nine percent contribution, should have an about turn and fall as the salary rises.

Even high income earners retire and they will have a living wage, no matter what, as well as a lot of disposable income in many instances. Past employers help finance that high standard of living. On the other hand, lower income earners need super just to survive and could be assisted by a bigger share of the guarantee. I guess the economics have been all worked out, it's an economic construct and is about the status quo.

   Despite all the resources of government and its capacities it can't provided social security in old age, yet, somehow, low income earners will be able to do just that.  I acknowledge the problems on both sides. I count my blessings.