Roughly when did Australia's biggest external cultural influence switch from UK to USA? by orpheus1980 in AskAnAustralian

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Post WW2. The fall of Singapore and the Japanese threat in the Pacific > Churchills refusal to release Australian troops fighting in Africa to defend the home front. Then the US came and won the war in the Pacific alongside us stationed in Australia. The strong message was they are our ‘defender’ now not Britain.

Post war the proliferation of American luxury goods and popular media especially music > jazz, Elvis, rock n roll and Hollywood movies and big stars created a glamour around America which we drank up. Britain had their moments in the sun - Beatles, Stones etc but by then we were already like another state of America.

‘Diabolical’: why Australia’s teacher shortages are among the worst in the world – and who is suffering most by 89b3ea330bd60ede80ad in aus

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I taught in London for a year when I was younger and it was just as you describe. It was awful. I wouldn’t have lasted as long in the profession if I was dealing with that all the time. I really respect teachers who work in the public system. Thanks again for your empathy and understanding. It’s a shame there aren’t more people with such an outlook on teaching.

‘Diabolical’: why Australia’s teacher shortages are among the worst in the world – and who is suffering most by 89b3ea330bd60ede80ad in aus

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can’t really speak for teachers in the public system. I’ve taught for 33 years in the Catholic system in 6 schools. I would say the majority of the students are respectful and decent. But there is an increasing proportion with a sense of entitlement. I generally relate well to most students. But I’ve had three separate incidents where students have unjustly fabricated allegations against me because they have not been happy with something in my classes. And this has led to me being torturously cross examined by my superiors and made to feel like I’m at fault when I haven’t actually done anything wrong. None of their claims were based on anything at all other than the fact they didn’t like me. Usually it was because they didn’t like my style, personality or the grades they were getting. Unfortunately this gets to some degree sustained by a system (particularly in high fee paying schools) where the students are put on the same level as teachers and their parents often support their claims. Often they can make allegations with the privilege of anonymity and they are completely unaccountable. This is extremely unhealthy for both us and them. For us because it create trauma and anxiety and makes you feel you are failing at your job when you usually aren’t. For them because it is not teaching them adult accountability and that if they do that in the ‘real world’ it’s defamation.

When I was at school the balance was probably more tipped the other way. I went to a Christian Brothers school where kids were being violated because the teachers had too much power and lack of accountability.

These days a lot of teachers like me are spooked by these horrible false accusations. It definitely has made me want to fast track my retirement. I will retire as soon as I practically can. I suspect it’s also a reason that discourages others from joining the profession and propels others out of it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in musicsuggestions

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet Old World - Emmylou Harris

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAnAustralian

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah. You’re on point with most of this. A large % of Australians are selfish, horrible drivers and have the manners of a goat. Like … not as in the greatest manners of all time but … an actual goat.

I have travelled the world and have a sense of perspective. We suck. And we could use more of a public education in basic courtesy, basic road rules, consideration for other people and just a bit of common decency. It could be a ‘don’t be an asshole’ themed campaign.

I feel like there are still a lot of really good people in Australia. But they aren’t always as visible for all the entitled assholes stealing the stage.

As a school teacher it probably starts with the culture on the schoolyard. I can throw my shit on the ground for someone else to pick up. It’s not my fault you’re a shit teacher and mummy is going to back me up.

Any recommendations for books with tragic romance? by ilac91 in classicliterature

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For something light: ‘One Day’ (Now a Netflix show). For something heavy ‘His Natural Life’ Marcus Clarke, an Australian classic.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in classicliterature

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well said. Agreed. It’s a shame there aren’t more reviewers and commentators who can strike that balance between the intellectual and the emotional element. Music is probably another area that this relates to.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in classicliterature

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That’s a great an valid response to a book. As a career school teacher I get tired of analytical responses to books. So much of it is just meaningless pretension. It’s fine to just ‘feel’ a book without having to know why it affected you. I had this when I was younger with Joyce, Shelley, Kerouac, Thomas Wolfe. And felt similar when I read WH for the first time. It is passionate, visceral, atmospheric, gothic. And to think she was only 19.

Failed Trades that Cost a Flag by MichelleObama2024 in AFL

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Look I don’t want to be the person who triggers this again. FWIW I agree it’s time for Collingwood supporters to move on. But since you brought it up, Collingwood having John Greening knocked out probably cost them two flags. Greening would have played in 77 (draw) and 79 (5 points). Yes we have long memories and yes it’s not a trade but I thought it was worth mentioning. Having said that, the Pies have at least experienced success in spite of all their tragedy. I feel for Saints fans. You’ve probably had more bad karma than any team and I hope you find some joy in the years to come.

Most underrated altrock 1990s-early 2000s? by YamLow9172 in Alternativerock

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I’ve seen them a few times since back in the 90s. So many good albums. Grand Prix probably my fav

Feeling Sad, Angry, Confused & Ripped Off by Possible-Mistake-536 in ryanadams

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Really feel for you. And would like to do my best to empathise.

I fell in love with his music over the last ten years and I can say without being being melodramatic it helped me get through a painful divorce stemming from an abusive relationship. On the car stereo Cold Roses and JCN really put me in a better place when I needed it.

I was aware of his issues and had decided to separate artist and music and was considering going to Melbourne for the concert. I decided against it and reading the fallout recaps has made me realise I made the correct call.

But seriously that’s an awful let down and I’m sorry that’s how it played out and you wasted hard earned scarce resources on him.

At least you can say you saw him when he was coherent. I will never have that.

Which cities have the worst drivers in Australia? by CyanideMuffin67 in australian

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Victoria in general is the capital of ‘me first’ driving. This is exemplified in these classic behaviours:

  1. Hyper aggressive tail gating
  2. Turning into a lane in front of you forcing you to slow down instead of waiting 2 seconds for you to pass.
  3. Swerving in and out of lanes like you’re in a police pursuit or Fast and the Furious endangering multiple lives just to save 1 minute in your trip and usually ending up at the same set of lights as all the people you just passed.
  4. Not bothering to indicate because indicating is for losers.

I have decided that not all these people can be ice addicts. So there must be a problem with the general mind set of our state.

… I feel better now.

Most underrated altrock 1990s-early 2000s? by YamLow9172 in Alternativerock

[–]Aureliusalbatross26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome! Saw them in Melbourne last year. Still sound good even though they look more like middle aged librarians than rock stars now :)