The Iraq

I know this is everywhere, but like, you know, US Americans can be proud.
Oh to be a smug balding 30 something!

Good to see everyones 5th favourite Saved by the Beller Mario 'Sweet-M-Lo' Lopez has found his true calling. Wonder if any of those AC Slater Bayside High lines still do the business all but 20 years on. I'm sure he still helps out good friend (and home movie star) Dustin "Screech" Diamond aka Mike D.

More of a Hholden man myself.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Paean to a paragon among tearooms
To Barbara Allatt, owner of the Paragon Cafe in Katoomba, Jasper Fforde was just a quiet man who enjoyed her tea and chocolates.


"She had no idea he was an internationally famous writer of speculative fiction until this column told her yesterday that her cafe had starred in his latest novel, First Among Sequels. She had stopped by his table to chat when he visited a few times last year, but thought nothing of their conversations.

Yesterday this column was able to read her this acknowledgment: "The Paragon tearooms exist in the same or greater splendour as that described in the pages of this novel. They can be found on the main street of Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains region of NSW, Australia, and no visit to the area would be complete without your attendance.

Who knows - you may even see a giant hedgehog and a tyrannical leader of the known universe sharing a booth and discussing irritable vowel syndrome in hushed tones."

First Among Sequels is the fifth book in the popular Thursday Next series. The detective hero describes the Katoomba icon as "the most perfect 1920s tearoom", filled with "the most sumptuous home-made cakes and pastries". Inside, an evil sci-fi tyrant sips afternoon tea with Beatrix Potter's petticoated hedgehog Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and a cast of other characters from books gone by.

"To tell you the truth, I was a little bit shocked, but really it's completely fabulous," Ms Allatt said. Jasper Fforde can expect a decent Devonshire tea next time he drops in."

Thanks to Arabella for this easily missed bit from the SMH. The Paragon is a long time personal favourite, with many a milkshake consumed as a young lad. It is directly across from the previous carthology generations family business. The decor is superb and the dining room out the back a must see.

As Katoomba continues its descent into grubby decrepitude it is good to see a tourist such as Mr "too good for one F" could find and enjoy one of its remaining joys. Whats next, Jason Bourne and the Jenolan Caves? Or Harry Potter and the mystery of the North Kat bogans?

Best.Fun.Ever

Thanks to New York Dave for this one. www.simpsonizeme.com
Upload a photo and let the Frink3000 do its magic.

could become more addictive than a facebook branded percopop.

The Last Aussie Auteur

This has got to be about my favourite bit from seminal landmark (sounds like a stained doona) The Late Show. Foe a long time I have proffered the theory TONY MARTIN = AUSTRALIAS FUNNIEST. His knowledge of the banal, especially bad film and TV makes the folks here at Carthology look frankly, soft. Judith Lucy does annoyed monotone like no other, and any mention of Alvin Purple always gets the ultra rare David/Margaret 10 star combo from me.

Just imagine the wake up call..

Ol' Gil has been flat out moving metal, not much time for updating. Just back from a road trip to Brisbane and back last week. Only 3 demerit points down, pretty good result. Props to Mrs (all but due) Carthology for her her co-driver efforts, just like Gentleman Jim Richards, she can steer anything, and doesn't put you behind after a driver change.

Much respect for going along with my "i've got a full book back on the licence, I'm just going for it today". Thanks also to the understanding constabulary of the Coffs Harbour region. Not just big bananas, but big smiles as well.

Go a chance to visit some much overdue friends. Tommy Giro and Sarah, The Babnuts, and Sandgate Sandra & Nick.

Can highly recommend driving the inland road, New England Highway. Much more fun than the Pacific Highway. The much lauded car & bike test track of the Putty Rd between Singleton and Windsor is worth your attention.

A couple of photos on the route. The Peter Allen Motel in Tenterfield,nothing to add really, the maracas say it all and are ripe for a bit of stencil artistry. Unfortunately missed a chance to take a shot of (in the the great Australian Thai Restaurant/ Hairdressers novelty name) HAIR DINKUM in Brisbane. "in for a haircut today sir?".. "'kin oath love"

The other photo continues my lifelong interest of animals advertising their own demise. Many have been bored senseless with this somewhat specialised interest. It all started as a small lad where a somewhat bizarre painting above Aroneys Cafe in which a man with a steers head was using a set of tongs, grilling a steak.

Every once in while they pop up , like the butchery with an aproned and knife at the ready Porky logo. I don't know why it's funny, but a Chicken conjuring up nuggets and or fried drumsticks of his own brethren with a wand just gets me (as does anything with "MAGIC" in the title.)

More big issues analysed and solved next week.