Really, Dymocks?

I was thrilled today to overhear a staff member in the children's section of my local Dymocks enthusiastically recommending "classic Australian literature" to a stymied grandparent shopping for presents.

I was less than thrilled to hear that her suggestions were "The Naganun [sic] and the Stars, you know, by the author of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, as well as Picnic at Hanging Rock!"

Dymocks, might I suggest you spend a little less energy on the Coalition for Greater Profits and a little more on staff education?

Dig This!

Beware of photographers, I tell you. They will say things to you like, "Yes, let's just take a few over there. Hold the shovel and smile. Excellent! Looks great!" ...[click] [click] [click] ... "Well, I think that's all we need, then." [feigned casualness] "How about one more? Just scream or something, make a crazy face - just for fun?"


So you scream and make a crazy face, just for fun, and then one day you wake up to this, on your doorstep, before you've even had your coffee:


And suddenly all your friends start looking at you sideways, as if they're beginning to see you in a whole new light.






** (Actually very fabulous) photograph by Marcus Whisson, in its original context here.