Author: johblogs

Red Haze:Australians & New Zealanders in Vietnam

Leon Davidson has written a a non-fiction book that has been shortlisted for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. Reading Red Hazehas taught me a lot about the Vietnam war and Australia’s involvement in it. I was a toddler when this war occurred and it’s a good insight into the experience of the people who participated in this war.

Different perspectives of the war are shown and there is information the variety of people involved. He discusses each countries involvement, Australia and New Zealand is emphasised, yet the American and Vietnamese soldiers also make comments on their experience of the war. He tells the history of Vietnam leading up to this conflict and I felt I have more insight into the story from reading this.

For teachers the Curriculum Corporation has some notes to use this text for values education that is worth checking out.

Another CBCA Award Shortlist with red in the title. The other book I have read in this category is Queenie. I don’t know how they judge a non-fiction book for older readers against a picture book. They were both excellent works.

Ooops!

My last post has now become an embarrassment to me for several reasons. Firstly because it’s ridiculous to believe that the Mars could look as big as the Moon. Secondly because there are some silly mistakes in it such as the use of ‘cultivate’ instead of ‘culminate’. Thirdly because today I received an apology email from the person who originally sent me the email saying she was sorry but she had fallen for a hoax. Well me too!
I could make excuses and say it was the sleepless night before and the shooting star that caused me to be a little dazed, yet I’m not big on making or accepting excuses, I’d rather admit I’d made a mistake and grab the learning experience.
I could have deleted the post, and possibly should have, yet I often say I live to make others laugh, so the laugh is on me today.

Night Sky

Full Moon Shooting Star
Last night I couldn’t sleep. It was a full moon, which I didn’t realise until I stepped outside hoping some almost fresh air would change my state of tossing and turning in bed. I saw a shooting star. I was quite astounded because I wasn’t expecting to see one on such a bright night. I was also delighted.

Upcoming Heavenly Event
Today I received an email as follows:
*Two moons on 27th August 2007*
*27th August; the day the Whole World is waiting for ……
Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65 Million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.
Astrology Anyone?
Well that excited me no end. I’ll definitely be up for that one. I can’t find much info about any astrological implications of this event, but I will stay on the alert and let you know if I do. Any astrologers able to shine light on this one?