Tonight's photo: I took this photo this morning - of all places, down by my garbage bin area.This is the blog you have when you are not having a blog! For reasons explained here the normal format has been suspended until May 29.
One of my interests is collecting old British radio comedy series. In that collection is an episode from a show called, "Educating Archie," in which the headmaster sells off the school furniture.
I was reminded of this episode when I read that the headmaster of one of the oldest boarding schools in NSW, has been stood aside after admitting to selling school furniture on eBay with the help of his son. He managed to raise about $2000 from the sale of surplus industrial arts work benches.
He didn't profit personally from his enterprise - the Sydney Morning Herald quotes him as saying the money has gone back into the school's general revenue to be used for new purchases.
However, the Herald reports that methods of sale suggested to schools in their financial management manual include advertisements in parents and citizens newsletters, local newspapers and school assemblies and auctions at school fetes. Proceeds must be deposited into the school's bank account, using receipts.
Maybe the paperwork needed a bit of attention, but personally I admire his initiative in marketing to a wider audience than readers of a newsletter.
It is not the first time the school has attracted controversy. A departmental review in 2004 found teachers to be turning a blind eye to the use of alcohol and pornography. Last year the school banned the parents and citizens' association from school events including the year 12 cocktail party.
Cocktail party? Whatever happened to a carton of Guinness behind the bicycle shed!
The school by the way, has a good academic record.
While I am travelling down the, "Thing's aint what they used to be" road, children's educational TV is certainly a far cry from my day.
The other day I happened to catch a glance at a wildlife program aimed at the after-school market. A beautiful blonde model, (I forget her name, but apparently she is a celebrity) was talking about snakes. She was dressed in a very short blue dress and thigh length blue leather boots.
You can see where I am going with this can't you!
In a voice that sounded like a voice-over for a late-night advert for an escort agency, she kept describing how snakes are "so sexy." Just to make sure everyone got the idea, she finished by saying that men just love them in the bedroom.
British readers of my age group will know what I mean when I say it sure beat the hell out of Freda the bloody tortoise!
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For those of you who were touched by post on little Sophie, the outlook is encouraging. She is now smiling and giving the "thumbs up" sign that has become her trademark.
Today she underwent surgery for a skin graft to repair damage to her scalp. Sophie is expected to be back in the classroom at her local Public School within weeks.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
