Community Singing
Eric Shackle suggests that we should entertain ourselves by singing together.
Home | Eric Shackle Writes
October 27, 2013
September 30, 2013
The Wind Doth Blow
Eric Shackle raises a windy issue.
September 26, 2013
Bird Song
Eric Shackle tunes in to bird song.
September 22, 2013
Sexy Lobsters
Eric Shackle reveals the dangerous sex lives of lobsters.
September 17, 2013
Pity The Poor Blobfish
Eric Shackle introduces us to the world's ugliest creature.
September 11, 2013
Titanic To Sail Again?
Eric Shackle brings news of an exciting project to build a replica of the Titanic.
September 03, 2013
They Thought It Was A Hoax
So what is the official State Animal of New South Wales? Eric Shackle brings the answer.
August 22, 2013
Olinguito
Ever hear of olinguitos? Eric Shackle tells if a mistaken discovery.
August 10, 2013
Funny Dunny In Kawakawa
"When tourists flock to the remote New Zealand town of Kawakawa, where the railway runs down the main street, they head for the public toilet, not so much to use its facilities as to gaze in awe at the building's unique architecture and bizarre artwork,'' writes ace journalist Eric Shackle.
July 22, 2013
Coming Events Cast Their Shadows Before Them
Eric Shackle writes about the colourful Rudd family who have left their imprint on Australian politics.
Continue reading "Coming Events Cast Their Shadows Before Them" »
July 13, 2013
Mourning Max
"Millions of animal lovers are mourning the recent death of Max, the world’s oldest dog. He was 29 years old, and would have been 30 if he had survived until August 9,'' writes Eric Shackle.
July 11, 2013
World's Best Anagrams
Eric Shackle draws our attention to a Web site which will delight all wordsmen and wordswomen.
July 03, 2013
End Of The Apostraphe?
"Is the apostrophe about to become an extinct punctuation mark?'' asks Eric Shackle.
Good Newa For Asbestosis Sufferers
Eric Shackle announces good news for people who have contracted asbestosis, and brings a tip for the thousands who are getting rid of asbestos in their homes, or have contact in any way with this highly toxic material,''
June 26, 2013
Famous Australian Family
"Australia’s Bjelke-Petersens have hit the headlines with reports of their activities in both State and Federal politics for 60 years,'' writes Eric Shackle.
June 25, 2013
Who Invented Lamingtons?
"Who really invented the lamington, widely regarded as one of Australia's culinary gifts to the world?'' asks Eric Shackle.
June 24, 2013
Wild Camels In Australia
"An abattoir in Caboolture, Queensland, is processing a record number of camels from the Northern Territory and northern South Australia,'' writes Eric Shackle.
June 18, 2013
Switch To Sugar Beet
"North Queensland sugar cane growers, hit by a mysterious virus which is attacking their canes, should follow India’s lead, and switch to growing sugar beet,'' writes Eric Shackle.
June 15, 2013
Another Well-Named Hack
Eric Shackle "discovers'' another famous American hack.
June 12, 2013
Great Britain's Getting Smaller
Eric Shackle tells of English villages being gobbled up by the hungry sea.
June 03, 2013
Silent Listen
Eric Shackle tells lovers of anagrams THE place to go.
June 02, 2013
No Hack Journalist He
Eric Shackle introduces us to a Hack who is a hack.
May 18, 2013
Now They're Eating Lions
"A restaurant in Tampa, Florida, Taco Fusion, which has a reputation for serving unusual meals, added lion meat to its menu, which also offered beaver meat for $3. There was such an “uproar” that it was forced to delete the item a few days later,'' writes Eric Shackle.
May 04, 2013
Emerald Cities
"It's easy to see why both Seattle (Washington) and Sydney (Australia) both call themselves The Emerald City - just compare their towering skylines with pictures of the Wizard of Oz's home town,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
World's Biggest Name Dropper?
"Back in the 1940s, I could have been called the world’s biggest name-dropper,'' writes Eric Shackle.
April 17, 2013
World's Favourite Gramdmother
"It’s almost five years since my friend Olive Riley, “the world’s oldest blogger”, died, at the age of 109, in the community hospital in Woy Woy, a small town on the Central Coast, 50 miles (80km) north of Sydney, Australia.'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
April 10, 2013
Who First Wrote About Grandma's Apron?
Eric Shackle tells of a poem by Tina Trivett which has been "borrowed'', changed around and added to by other authors.
Tina's poems appear in Open Writing week by week under the title Down The Holler.
April 06, 2013
World Quiz Whizzes To Compete In Celtic Nations Test
Seven of the world’s top quiz competitors have signed up to take part in the inaugural Celtic Nations Quizzing Championships, writes Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "World Quiz Whizzes To Compete In Celtic Nations Test" »
March 23, 2013
Chinese Eat Oz Cane Toads
"Millions of highly venomous cane toads are invading northern Australia, killing countless small native and domestic animals. Men and dogs hate them. Cane toads would never win a beauty contest. In fact, they’re hideous,'' writes journalist Eric Shackle.
March 09, 2013
GRANMA - Strange Name Of Cuban Newspaper
Journalist Eric Shackle tells the remarkable story of how Cuba's leading newspaper got its unusual name.
Continue reading "GRANMA - Strange Name Of Cuban Newspaper" »
March 04, 2013
Hand In A Bushy Tail
Foxes are posing a serious threat to poultry and native wildlife in Australia, Eric Shackle reveals.
March 02, 2013
Flying Foxes Drove Me Batty
Eric Shackle introduces us to the world's largest bats.
February 23, 2013
Macca's Mob On TV
Eric Shackle tells of a TV show featuring journalist Ian (Macca) Macnamara, a city slicker born in the Sydney suburb of Oatley.
January 24, 2013
Donkeys Guarding Sheep
"More and more farmers in Australia and North America are using donkeys to protect their livestock against predators,'' writes Eric Shackle.
January 12, 2013
They're Eating One Of The World's Oldest Living Things!
Journalist Eric Shackle brings news of a special festival involving the Humungus Fungus.
Continue reading "They're Eating One Of The World's Oldest Living Things!" »
December 13, 2012
Frog Struck Down By Lightning!
Veteran journalist Eric Shackle had a good laugh when he saw a front page story headlined FROG STRUCK DOWN BY LIGHTNING.
December 10, 2012
Wikipedia Calls For Cash
"When we want to check out a story, a reference. a phrase, or anything else, it’s guineas to gooseberries that we’ll consult Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia that seems to know everything,'' writes Eric Shackle.
December 08, 2012
Amazing Grace - Amazing Race
"Danny Bloom, an American journalist living in Taiwan, has rewritten the lyrics of one of the world's favorite hymns, 'Amazing Grace'. He has changed the title to 'The Human Race'.'' writes Eric Shackle.
October 06, 2012
Napoleon Gave Josephine Kangaroos
"Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine stocked their Versailles palace garden with gum trees, kangaroos, emus and black swans,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
October 05, 2012
Preacher, Inventor And Writer
"Clicking on the Google banner the other day I was pleased to find that it paid homage to a remarkable indigenous Australian who was born 150 years ago,'' writes Eric Shackle.
September 22, 2012
Geothermal Power Is Hot!
"If you drill a deep well in several areas of Australia, and then pour water down it, the water turns to steam, and returns in a jet fierce enough to drive a turbine to generate electrical power. It’s an exciting concept called geothermal power,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
September 14, 2012
A Million Kiwis In Earthquake Drill
A million New Zealanders will be taking part in an earthquake drill later this month Eric Shackle reports.
August 09, 2012
The Printer's Devil
June 28, 2012
Eric Shackle Interviews Himself For His 1000th Story
Eric Shackle has been writing for Open Writing Web magazine since April 10th, 2005. His first article was about weird and wonderful letter boxes.
Since then he has contributed scores of articles about a huge variety of subjects. A Shackle article brings the guarantee that you are going to learn something new - and be hugely entertained while doing so.
We all hope that Eric goes on writing until he's 100 - then for another 10 years after that.
Today Eric intervies himself. There's no better man to tell his story. - Peter Hinchliffe Open Writing Editor.
Continue reading "Eric Shackle Interviews Himself For His 1000th Story " »
June 16, 2012
Ogopogo - Canada's Loch Ness Monster
Eric Shackle tells of what is said to be the world's friendliest inland sea monster which allegedly lives in a 30-mile long lake in British Columbia.
May 30, 2012
BBC Overseas Service May Be In Peril
"The BBC may be about to close its shortwave service which has presented Britain to the world for 70 years,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
May 27, 2012
Hamm And Two Egg
Eric Shackle brings us another hatful of wird and wonderful place names.
May 13, 2012
Condom, Intercourse And Other Strange Places
"Most countries have towns with strange names. PITY ME is in England, INTERCOURSE is in Pennsylvania, HELL is in Michigan, while MORON is in Cuba; PARADISE is in California, while SURFERS PARADISE is in Australia,'' writes ace columnist Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "Condom, Intercourse And Other Strange Places" »
April 30, 2012
GRANMA - Cuban Newspaper's Strange Name
"Every Cuban knows Granma. It's the strange title of the nation's leading daily newspaper. How did a Spanish-language newspaper acquire that charming English language title? It took a long time and many e-mails to discover the details,'' writes ace reporter Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "GRANMA - Cuban Newspaper's Strange Name" »
April 09, 2012
250 Years Of Sandwiches
"The May 12-13 weekend will be memorable for the 68,000 people living in the English town of Sandwich in the county of Kent. They will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of their town's name being given to one of the world's favorite foods,'' writes Eric Shackle.
March 31, 2012
Newspaper Slogans
"Newspapers around the world flaunt slogans on their front pages. Many are boastful, some are untrue, and others make us laugh out loud, writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
March 18, 2012
Walt Whitman's Western Newspapers
"Famous American poet Walt Whitman, who once edited New York's Brooklyn Eagle, wrote in his book November Boughs (1888): 'Among the far-west newspapers have been, or are, The Fairplay (Colorado) Flume, The Solid Muldoon, of Ouray, The Tombstone Epitaph, of Nevada, The Jimplecute, of Texas, and The Bazoo, of Sedalia, Missouri'.'' writes Eric Shackle.
March 05, 2012
How To Win A Pullet Surprise
"Eighteen years ago, Professor Jerrold H. Zar composed a brilliant poem called Candidate for a Pullet Surprise (say the title aloud, and you'll get the pun),'' writes Eric Shackle.
February 20, 2012
Counting Sheep Will Help You Sleep
Eric Shackle highlights old-style ways of counting that make one, two, three, four five sound tame.
February 16, 2012
Floury Bakers, Greengrocers, Cherry Noses And Yellow Mondays
"Shock, horror ... and sadness too. Aussie kids don't collect cicadas!,'' writes ace columnist Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "Floury Bakers, Greengrocers, Cherry Noses And Yellow Mondays" »
February 12, 2012
World's Largest Cities
Eric Shackle challenges you to name the three largest cities in the world.
February 07, 2012
World's Oldest Columnist
Eric Shackle introduces us to 99-year-old Harriette B. Leidich of North Bennington, Vermont, the world's oldest columnist.
January 31, 2012
England's Two Olympic Games
"England will host not one, but two Games of Olympic significance this year,'' reports Eric Shackle.
January 27, 2012
"The Trickiest Language You Ever Did See''
"English spelling is guaranteed to confuse even those of us who have spoken the language all our lives. Sometimes, when we find our mother tongue difficult to understand, we say 'it sounds like double Dutch'.'' writes Eric Shackle.
Continue reading ""The Trickiest Language You Ever Did See''" »
January 14, 2012
Places named A, B, D, E, I, O, Q, U, Y.
"Everyone knows a city that's usually called LA, but there are scads of places around the world with even shorter names.'' writes ace reporter Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "Places named A, B, D, E, I, O, Q, U, Y." »
January 07, 2012
Pilots Warned: Beware Of Helium Sharks!
"Sharks are dangerous in the sea, but they're even more dangerous in the air,'' writes Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "Pilots Warned: Beware Of Helium Sharks!" »
December 22, 2011
Bell To Chime 2011 Times
"At precisely 10.30pm on Christmas Eve, six bell ringers will begin tolling the bells of Dewsbury Minster in Yorkshire, 2011 times, to finish on the stroke of midnight. It's a 600-year-old custom, called the Devil's Knell,'' writes Eric Shackle.
December 15, 2011
Slap My Ass and Call Me Sally
"'Well, slap my ass and call me Sally!' I laughed out loud when my internet friend Rocky Rodenbach, of Tampa, Florida, used it in an email. When I asked him about it, he said the phrase was commonplace in his neck of the woods, to express surprise,'' writes ace journalist Eric Shackle.
December 03, 2011
Amazing Grace Now Amazing Race
Ace journalist Eric Shackle draws our attention to new words to the most famous of all hymns.
December 01, 2011
Easy To Say But Hard To Spell
"The names of four US places - Cincinnati, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Tucson - are so hard to spell that thousands of people living in them can't spell them correctly,'' writes journalist and columnist Eric Shackle.
November 24, 2011
Pictorial Journalism Aint What It Used To Be!
"Way back in 1937, when I was a teenage cadet/cub reporter on The Press in Christchurch, New Zealand, I was sometimes called on to hold a metal tray of flash powder high in the air for the newspaper's sole photographer. That was my introduction to pictorial journalism,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "Pictorial Journalism Aint What It Used To Be!" »
November 17, 2011
These Words Do Have Rhymes!
"Frustrated poets sometimes claim that no words rhyme with purple, silver, orange and month. Rubbish! There ARE words that rhyme with them.,'' writes journalist Eric Shackle in this hugely entertaining column.
November 08, 2011
Natty Bumppo - What a Great Name!
Eric Shackle introduces us to an American with a splendid name.
November 02, 2011
Beth's Apple Wedding
Eric Shackle tells of the very special wedding of two Apple Mac people.
November 01, 2011
How Do You Feel When The Bells Begin To Peal?
"You'd have to be pretty long in the tooth to remember a
catchy pop tune of the 1920s called Ever So Goosey,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Schackle.
Continue reading "How Do You Feel When The Bells Begin To Peal?" »
October 28, 2011
Who Really Wrote Shakespeare's Plays?
"Was Edward de Vere or Christopher Marlowe the real author of the plays and poems that most of us attribute to William Shakespeare? Two films, one American. the other Australian, suggest that the answer may be 'Yes.','' writes journalist Eric Shackle.
October 21, 2011
How Far Can A Ball Be Thrown?
Jounralist Eric Shackle poses a question, then goes delving to uncover some fascinating answers.
October 15, 2011
Bhutan Enters 21st Century
"Bhutan, a tiny landlocked kingdom perched high in the Himalayas, between India and China, will take a giant step into the 21st century on November 1, with the official inauguration of its first IT (Information Technology) park,'' writes veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
October 08, 2011
Treasure Hunters Set Sail For Fiji
"Australian adventurer Don McIntyre and his doughty crew have set sail from Tarawa, and are now heading for Fiji, on the first leg of a global search for lost treasure,'' reports Eric Shackle.
September 27, 2011
Proud Dynasties In US, UK And Oz
Eric Shackle spotlights dynastic families on three continents.
September 18, 2011
Little Kids Go Mutton-Busting
Eric Shackle, to his dismay, has discovered that Americans promoting an annual fair at Puyallup, near Tacoma, Washington, put small children, aged three to six, on the backs of sheep, like riders in a rodeo.
September 11, 2011
Max - The World's Oldest Dog
Eric Shackle brings us news of 28-year-old terrier Max, the world's oldest dog.
September 05, 2011
World's Two Oldest Columnists Call It A Day
"The world's two oldest columnists have both just thrown away their quills, or stopped tapping their computer keyboards,'' reports veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
Continue reading "World's Two Oldest Columnists Call It A Day" »
August 23, 2011
Let Dr Fish Nibble Your Toenails
"How would you like to dangle your legs in a warm spa, and let shoals of small fish nibble your skin and toenails?'' asks ace journalist Eric Shackle.
August 13, 2011
Hold The Front Page
"At the age of 92, I've staggered on to the front page of The Press, something I could never have achieved as a teenage cadet/cub reporter,'' writes Eric Shackle.
July 20, 2011
Treasure Hunters Set Sail
"Now that gold is worth more than $1600 an ounce -- the most it has ever been -- Australian adventurer Don McIntyre could not have chosen a better time to set out on his Blue Treasure expedition,'' writes veteran reporter Eric Shackle.
June 03, 2011
World's Oldest Blogger Is 109
"Brazilian-born Bernando la Pallo, who now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, is almost certainly the world's oldest blogger. He will celebrate his 110th birthday on August 17,'' reports veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
May 31, 2011
The Little Miss Muffet Mystery
Journalist Eric Shackle delves into the mystery of the identity of Little Miss Muffet, the world-famed character in a children's poem.
May 28, 2011
A Truly Colourful Character
Eric Shackle tells of the death of Britain's oldest working man, Buster Martin.
May 14, 2011
World's Best Whistler
Veteran journalist Eric Shackle informs us that there is a new claimant to the title of World's Best Whistler.
April 26, 2011
Let's Whistle While We Work!
"The world would be a happier place if we all whistled lively tunes while we worked ... and at other times as well,'' writes Veteran journalist Eric Shackle.
April 12, 2011
Sarbi And Horrie - War Dogs
Eric Shackle highlights the achievments of two dogs used in battle.
April 05, 2011
Copyboys Are An Extinct Race
This article by Eric Shackle was first published in the Texas daily newspaper, The Hereford Brand, on April 28, 2001. It's being republished here in 2011, because The Press building, in Christchurch, New Zealand, badly damaged in the recent disastrous earthquake, is one of many buildings ordered to be demolished.
April 02, 2011
The Five Gyres Expidition
Eric Shackle tells of an expidition to take part in the most extensive study up to this date of ociean plastic pollution.
March 22, 2011
Feathers Will Fly
Ace reporter Eric Shackle informs us that thousands of folk around the world will soon be bashing one another with pillows.
March 19, 2011
Ten Out Of Ten For Black Caviar
Eric Shackle introduces us to Black Caviar, a race horse which could become the best sprinter the world has ever seen.
Watch her race right here!
March 15, 2011
Rats Of Tobruk
TV coverage of armed conflict in Libya triggered memories of earlier conflict for World War II veterans reports Eric Shackle.
March 09, 2011
Leafy Sea Dragons Festival
"Leafy sea dragons are strange marine fish that look like seaweed. They have long projections from their bodies which act as camouflage,'' reveals journalist Eric Shackle.
February 27, 2011
Global Search For Treasure Hunters
Eric Shackle, writing from Sydney, Australia, reveals that adventurer Don McIntyre is looking for a crew of guys and gals to join him in a search for lost treasure.
February 22, 2011
Global Search For Treasure Hunters
Eric Shackle, writing from Sydney, Australia, announces that adventurer Don McIntyre is hoping to assemble a crew of guys and gals to join him in a search for lost treasure.
February 01, 2011
World's Oldest Columnist Is 104
Veteran journalist Eric Shackle marks the birthday of the world's oldest columnist Margaret Caldwell who is 104 today,
December 06, 2010
Noisy Rhubarb
"Would you believe you can hear a vegetable grow?'' asks ace reporter Eric Shackle.
June 14, 2010
Bounty Boat Nears Journey's End
Four men in an open boat are nearing the end of a perilous 3,899-mile journey re-enacting Captain William Bligh's famoys 1789 journey, reports Eric Shackle.
June 09, 2010
Bounty Voyage Re-enactment
A crew of four men, led by bearded Tasmanian adventurer Don McIntyre, is re-enacting the perilous 3800-mile journey of Captain William Bligh, after Fletcher Christian shanghaied from HMS Bounty 219 years ago.
Eric Shackle brings us further news of their progress.
April 26, 2010
Bounty Boat Ready To Sail
Last-minute new crew mambers have boarded the Bounty Boat which is due to sail from Tonga this week, Eric Shackle reports.
The boat is re-enacting the 3,700-mile voyage of Lieutenant William Bligh in the Bounty.
April 20, 2010
Bligh Of The Bounty Voyage Re-enactment
Australian adventurer Don McIntyre's and his crew will be setting sail next week to re-enact Captain William Bligh's historic 3,700-mile voyage in an open boat, sailing from Tahiti all the way to Timor, journalist Eric Shackle reports.
Continue reading "Bligh Of The Bounty Voyage Re-enactment" »
February 21, 2010
Where Is The World's Oldest Dog?
There are claims and counter-claims as to which is the oldest dog in the world, as ace reporter Eric Shackle reveals.
To read more of Eric's informative columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
September 12, 2009
World Oldest Dog? - Confusion Reigns
Veteran journalist Eric Shackle steps in to sort out the confusion caused by newspapers regarding the identity of the world's oldest dog.
September 07, 2009
World's Oldest Blogger
Eric Shackle introduces us to Elvira S Oliver, probably the world's oldest blogger.
August 26, 2009
A for Horses, B for Mutton
Please read the following aloud, and quickly:
Hey be seedy, eh, effigy,
hate shy jakey yellow man; oh, peek, you're rusty, you've double, you
ex-wise head.
Wordsmith Eric Shackle has a heap of fun with - what else would you expect? - words.
August 23, 2009
Kiwi Monkey Tricks World's Letters Editors
Eric Shackle introduces us to the authors of hoax letters who are fooling newspaper editors around the world.
Continue reading "Kiwi Monkey Tricks World's Letters Editors" »
August 12, 2009
World's Oldest Dog Missing
Eric Shackle reports that the world's oldest dog, 26-year-old poodle Taffy Gayle is missing. There are fears that she may have died.
August 04, 2009
Birthday Benison From Baron Tennyson
David Tennyson, the sixth Baron Tennyson, will be raising a glass of wine to the memory of his great-great-grandfather, Alfred Lord Tennyson, on Thursday, the 200th anniversary of the poet's birthday, as Eric Shackle reports.
August 01, 2009
Ay! Be Merry, All Birds, To-day
Journalist Eric Shackle points out that Alfred Lord Tennyson, whose 200th birthday will be celebrated worldwide next Thursday, was a great lover of birds - and so too is one of his descendants.
July 26, 2009
You Are Never Too Old To Run
Eric Shackle throws the spotlight on 100-year-old athletes.
July 18, 2009
Some Americans Dote On Dogs - Others Don't
Take Your Dog to Work Day divided dog laters and dog haters in the USA, as Eric Shackle reports.
For guaranteed entertainment click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/ to read more of Eric's columns.
Continue reading "Some Americans Dote On Dogs - Others Don't" »
June 20, 2009
The World's Oldest Dog
Ace "hunter'' Eric Shackle is following a world-wide scent trail in his search for the world's oldest dog.
May 30, 2009
The World's Oldest Blogger
Eric Shackle introduces us to Randall Butisingh, a poet and philosopher, who lives in Florida but was born in British Guiana (now Guyana), 96 years ago. Randall is probably the world's oldest blogger, succeeding the much-loved Spanish great-grandmother Maria Amelia Lopez Solino,
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=341010&rel_no=1
who died on May 20, aged 97.
May 09, 2009
Australia's Funniest Ghost Writer
...Dear editor, I turned on the television on Saturday morning and saw a video clip for the first time in years. I have discovered that 68 per cent of Federal MPs are obese, showing off the tops of their bottoms with apparent impunity....
So who is this Oscar Brittle who writes provocative letters to the Sydney Morning Herald?
Journalist Eric Shackle tells of the discovery of the identity of an opinonated "mystery'' man.
To read more of Eric's columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
April 25, 2009
Hell Gate Bridge
Eric Shackle tells of a bridge which inspired engineers around the world.
To read more of Eric's columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
April 18, 2009
Public Pianos
...He sees public pianos as an important way to promote community harmony...
Journalist Eric Shackle tells of Luke Jerram, a British inventor, installation artist and science communicator, who is installing public pianos in cities around the world.
Here's a story which will make you realise the world isn't such a bad place after all.
March 29, 2009
A Shocking Story
...I was in awe of my grandmother, Becky, a white woman from Paddington in
London who had, sometime in 1901-1902 while on holiday in Kingston, fallen
in love and against all social convention of the time married a black
Jamaican....
Eric Shackle tells of a remarkable book about a most adventurous lady.
Marie Campbell's story of her grandmother Becky is being serialised in Open Writing.
March 14, 2009
The World's Oldest Dog
Eric Shackle introduces us to dogs ancient and modern.
To read more of Eric's splendidly entertaining articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
March 07, 2009
The World's Oldest Columnist
Eric Shackle interviews Margaret Caldwell, a former pin-up girl who at 102 is now the world's oldest columnist.
February 12, 2009
A Day To Remember
Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of two famous thinkers, Charles Darwin. Veteran journalist Eric Shackle tells of their lives, and also of other great men also born in 1809.
January 31, 2009
Tough Times In The Floating Brothel
...."About 225 female thieves, prostitutes and con artists were rounded up from prisons in London and the British countryside to the failing Sydney Cove colony aboard the Lady Juliana," wrote one historian. "The females were to serve two purposes -- to prevent the starving and isolated male colonists from engaging in "gross irregularities," and to act as a breeding stock for the troubled settlement."...
Eric Shackle tells of the 10-month voyage of the Lady Juliana which carried those women to Australia. The story of the voyage is recorded in a novel by Sian Rees.
January 24, 2009
Rabbie Burns: A Woman's Man For A' That
Tomorrow is the 250th anniversary of the birth of the most famous Scottish poet of all time Rabbie Burns.
Journalist Eric Shackle marks the event with this special article.
Continue reading "Rabbie Burns: A Woman's Man For A' That" »
January 10, 2009
Internet Huzzah For Retired Hussar
Eric Shackle tells how the re-discovered diaries of a World War Two crew member of a British Cruiser tank are delighting readers around the world.
December 20, 2008
Supercentenarians Share Same Birthday
Eric Shackle tells of two 112-year-old men, one in England and the other in the USA, who share the same borthday.
November 22, 2008
Spare A Thought For The Pigeons
Eric Shackle, who has been a reporter since 1937, tells of a pair of peregrine falcons who have made London's House of Commons their home.
November 15, 2008
The Army Newspaper That Scooped The World
Veteran reporter Eric Shackle tells of Guinea Gold, the forces newspaper which kept Australian and American troops up to date with the latest news as they fought against Japanese invaders in the tropical jungle of Papua-New Guinea during World War Two.
Continue reading "The Army Newspaper That Scooped The World" »
October 25, 2008
The Queen WAS amused!
A giggling babe can even make a queen laugh, as that inimitable journalist Eric Shackle reveals.
October 11, 2008
Human Wonders Of The World
Eric Shackle tells of two autistic savants - human wonders of the world capable of astonishing mental feats.
For more of Eric's ever-fascinating articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
September 27, 2008
Self-powered Electric Car Is A World First
In a world facing up to climate change and troubled by soaring oil prices more and more plug-in cars are being designed and built, as ace journalist Eric Shackle reveals.
To read more of Eric’s astonishingly varied and invariably entertaining columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
Continue reading "Self-powered Electric Car Is A World First" »
September 05, 2008
Hands Off Our Bearskin!
Animal Rights activists are trying to get the British Government to use false fur for the iconic black bearskin helmets worn by guardsmen on ceremonial occasions, as Eric Shackle reveals.
To read more of ace reporter Eric's stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
August 30, 2008
Never Too Old o Be On-Line
You are never too old to be on-line, as veteran journalist Eric Shackle reveals.
Eric features a 103-year-old Yorkshirte lass, Ivy Bean, the oldest person registered on Facebook.
For more of Eric's columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/eric_shackle_writes/
August 16, 2008
You Are Never Too Old To Blog
Eric Shackle hails centenarians who have brightened up the blogosphere.
July 26, 2008
Bugging The World
Our intrepid reporter Eric Shackle confronts an itchy public health problem which is multiplying worldwide.
July 19, 2008
Farewell To Olive
Australian great-great-grandmother Olive Riley, who was the world's oldest blogger, has died at the age of 108.
Eric Shackle pays tribute to a wonderful human being.
July 06, 2008
The One-Mile Pumpkin Barrier
Considerable ingenuity is going into solving the challenge of hurling a 10-pound pumpkin one mile, as Eric Shackle reveals.
June 07, 2008
Slinging Limes From A Purple Bra
Home-made trebuchets will be a highlight of the third annual World Egg-Throwing Contest in Swaton, Lincolnshire, on June 29. Eggs will "fly through the air with the greatest of ease", and helmeted competitors will try to catch them at the end of their flight, Eric Shackle reports.
Don't know what a trebuchet is? Then you really must read on...
May 31, 2008
Ars Magna
Anagram enthusiast Eric Shackle tells of a documentary film which has just won an internatiponal award.
The title of the flm? Ars Magna, Latin for Great Art. And Ars Magna just happens to be an anagram of the word anagrams.
Words From The Front Line
Eric Shackle introduces us to two World War One soldiers whose words are now being made available on the Net.
May 24, 2008
Niagara Falls On Deck
Eric Shackle tells of an abusive end to Jeff Deck's contintent-wide trek, during which he corrected hundreds of typos displayed in public places.
May 17, 2008
Jeff Deck's Fearless War On Typos
A New England man is on a 'crusade to edit America'. Jeff Deck is a man who hates typos, as star reporter Eric Shackle reveals.
May 10, 2008
California's Centenarian Columnist
Eric Shackle interviews Frank Pelatowski who, at the age of 100, is still writing lively columns for a newspaper in California.
May 04, 2008
Australia's Oldest Columnist
Eric Shackle introduces us to Australia's Ken Sillcock, a writer who is even older than Open Writing's celebrated weekly columnist Henry Jackson.
March 30, 2008
World's Oldest Columnist Writes For Open Writing
Australian Eric Shackle, whose well-crafted words regularly feature in this magazine, writes about another of our columnist, Henry Jackson of London.
Eric is a mere lad of 89. Henry, is 95.
Henry and Eric are a long way from hanging up their keyboards.
Continue reading "World's Oldest Columnist Writes For Open Writing" »
March 16, 2008
Intrepid Housewife's Desert Walk
Liz Elmont, a 29-year-old mother of two young children has been raising money for the Dogs For The Disabled charity by trekking in the Jordanian desert, as Eric Shackle reveals.
February 23, 2008
Australia Foams At The Mouth
Eric Shackle tells of astonishing occurances on the Australian coast when the ocean began to foam.
February 16, 2008
Guido's Animals
Eric Shackle introduces us to the bizarre animal images created by Italian artist Guido Daniele.
February 09, 2008
Olive Riley's Lost Cousins
Eric Shackle assists 108-year-old Olive Riley, the world's oldest blogger, in finding some "long lost'' relatives.
January 13, 2008
Still Blogging At 96
Spain's oldest blogger, Maria Amelia, has just celebrated her 96th birthday, as Eric Shackle reveals.
Do please visit Eric's world-famouse e-book for further reading pleasure www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 30, 2007
Solar Power
Is solar thermal power the answer to our future energy needs? Eric Shackle tells of developments in California.
Do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 23, 2007
Free Advice For A Famous Violinist
...I sneak up to the Opera House for that all-important photo before being chased away by security. Supper is a meat pie and, as I look across to the Harbour Bridge, it dawns on me that I've made it halfway round the world. It feels great...
Classical musician David Juritz went on a world tour, busking to raise money for charity. Here he tells Eric Shackle of some of his experiences.
For lots more stories do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 16, 2007
Islanders Re-Enact The Pig War
...Few people other than North Americans have heard of the once-threatened Pig War between Great Britain and the United States...
Brilliant journalist Eric Shackle tells of the commemoration of an important international boundary dispute.
Do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 09, 2007
Artists Love The 12 Days Of Christmas
Eric Shackle tells of artists who thrive on the warm-hearted sentiments if Christmas.
To read lots more stories by one of the most talented journalists at work on the Internet please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 25, 2007
3D Artist Amazes Londoners
Eric Shackle tells of a pavement artist who has been called a 3D Michelangelo.
To read many more stories that are guaranteed to fascinate please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 18, 2007
Conkers A Dangerous Game?
Is the ancient game of conkers staging a comeback in England. Eric Shackle reports on recent developments.
To read a huge collection of entertaining stories about all manner of subjects please visit Eric's world-famouse e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 11, 2007
A Welsh Couple's Quirky Quest
A Welsh couple have made it their mission to enter as many world championships as possible, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For lots more stories about the unsual things which occur in our wonderful world please do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 14, 2007
Old And Young Cinderellas
Eric Shackle tells of birthday celebrations for centenarian Cinderella Olive Riley, who is celebrating her 108th birthday next Saturday.
Do please visit Eric's world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ for more stories about Olive.
October 07, 2007
Just A Few Pips Short Of A Record
Eric Shackle turns his attention once again to giant tomatoes.
To read an earlier story on this subject, and other entertaining columns, please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 30, 2007
Let's Have A World Punctuation Day!
Journalist Eric Shackle, a man with a very special way with words, hails World Punctuation Day which was celebrated this month.
To read more of Eric's extraordinarily varied features please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page. And do please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 23, 2007
Oysters With Olive - And Others
The inimitable Eric Shackle, Open Writing columnist and the oldest citizen reporter writing for the daily Web newspaper OhmyNews International, sits down with the incredible Olive Riley, who will be 108 next month, to enjoy an oyster feast.
Do, do, do visit Olive's Web site. Follow the links and join in an epic occasion.
September 16, 2007
No Pullet Surprise For These Authors
If you write a witty poem which escapes from your clutches and finds its way onto the internet, don't be surprised if someone chides you for claiming it as your own.
Eric Shackle tells of the experiences of two authors who are rueful victims of Net "banditry''.
For more of Eric's ever-surprisng and unusual articles please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 09, 2007
Blog Plus Travelog Equals Blogalog
Film maker Mike Rubbo has invented a new form of home entertainment, a blogalog - a cross between a blog and a travelog, as veteran journalist Eric Shackle reveal.
Mike's first blog features the astonishing 107--year-old Olive Riley.
For more stories by Eric please visit his world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 02, 2007
The Biggest Tomato In The World
Gordon Graham, an American painting contractor, daily communed with his tomato plants, singing to them and tuning in a nearby radio to a country-music station. Twenty-one years ago one of Gordon's plants produced the world's largest tomato, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For lots more amazing and enetertaining stories do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 26, 2007
World's Oldest YouTuber
Eric Shackle tells us more of the amazing Olive Riley, who, at 107, is the world's oldest blogger.
For more of Eric's entertaining articles please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 19, 2007
Doolittle And Dalley...
Eric Shackle tells of comical business names which stop you in your tracks then enforce hearty chuckles.
To read more of Eric's brilliant features please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 12, 2007
Liverpudlia Was A Joke
The inimitable Eric Shackle tells how the residents of Liverpool, one of England's largest cities, came to be known as Liverpudlians.
To read more of Eric's sparkling articles please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 29, 2007
Printer's Devil
Eric Shackle introduces us to the Printer's Devil, the character blamed down the centuries for causing typographical errors.
Do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ where you will find a treasure trove of fascinating articles.
July 22, 2007
Right Story - Wrong Fireman
"Kind-hearted bloggers around the world are eagerly copying and praising a heart-warming news story about Brisbane firemen granting a boy's dying wish to be a fireman just like them,'' reports Eric Shackle.
Actually this happened in Phoenix, Arizona, not Brisbane - 28 years ago.
For lots more stories do please visit Eric's deservedly world-famouse e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 08, 2007
The Maria Montes Mystery
Eric Shackle is amazed by the inexplicable co-incidences which crop up when he surfs the Net.
For more of Eric's entertaining articles please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 01, 2007
Jane Does The Splits At 90
Eric Shackle tells of feisty seniors, one of whom, a 90 year old lady, is still strutting her stuff with Jean's Golden Girls.
Eric's ebullient outlook on life is, happily for all reders of Open Writing, infectious. For more of his articles please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page. And do please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
June 24, 2007
Oldest Bloggers Take To The Air
Eric Shackle tells how the world's two oldest bloggers took to the air.
For more of Eric's stories please visit his brilliant e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
June 17, 2007
Porkopolis a metropolis? In a pig's eye!
How would you like to live in a place called Pig's Eye, or Porkopolis? Eric Shackle tells of the naming of two august American cities.
For more of Eric's sparkling articles are guaranteed to tell you something you didn't already know please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
Continue reading "Porkopolis a metropolis? In a pig's eye!" »
June 10, 2007
Too Many Camels
Australia is now suffering from a plague of wild camels. They are damaging water points, fences and buildings and causing havoc in remote aboriginal communities, as Eric Shackle reveals.
BHP-Billiton, the world's largest diversified resources company, thinks it has the answer: let's eat them.
To enjoy a large collection of Eric's entertaining and often astonishing stories please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
June 03, 2007
Moolah, Marigolds And Macaroni
There are more slang words for money than for anything else apart from sex and drinks, says Eric Shackle.
For more of Eric's fascinating articles please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page.
And do visit Eric's internationally-famed e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
May 27, 2007
79-Year-Old YouTube Celebrity
Eric Shackle tells of a 79-yeard old Derbyshire man who is now known world-wide for his YouTube videos.
Star reporter Eric, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, is also know worldwide for his superb on-line journalism. Do please visit his famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ There you will find a feast of good reading.
May 20, 2007
You Can't Gather Nuts In May
"Sorry to tell you, kids, you can't find any nuts to gather in May.''
Eric Shackle has some sad news for youngsters. The famous nursery rhyme which begins "Here we go gathering nurts in May...'' raised false hopes.
For more of Eric's ever-surprising and informative articles please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page.
And do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
May 13, 2007
Bessie In Love
Eric Shackle tells the delightful tale of an Aussie cattle dog that has fallen head-over-heels in love with an aristocratic canine that lives thousands of miles away in England.
For more of Eric's wonderful stories please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
May 06, 2007
The Rudds Of Australia
The name Rudd has echoed down he years in Australian public affairs, as Eric Shackle reveals in his intriguing article.
For dozens of ineresting columns please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page. And you are missing a huge treat if you don't visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
April 29, 2007
Australia's Slowest Cities
Eric Shackle spotlights the slowest cities in Australia - cities which promote their citizens' quality of life.
For lots more of Eric's unexpected and always-entertaining stories do visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
April 22, 2007
A New On-Line Newspaper For Brisbane
Eric Shackle, who was a cadet reporter in Brisbane before World War Two, tells of the launch of a new on-line newspaper in that city.
For lots more stories please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
April 15, 2007
A 4V Mural
Eric Shackle tells of an American "king of coffee'' and a commission for a 4V mural - Vivi Vivace i Vizu e le Virtu (Live intensely your vices and virtues).
For more of Eric's sparkling stories please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on his page. Visit also his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
April 08, 2007
Maryland's Three-Way Newspaper War
...In St. Mary's, Maryland, 50 miles from Washington, D.C., an old-time newspaper war has broken out. Three newspapers are engaged in what may be a fight to the death of one or even two of them...
Eric Shackle brings us a hot-of-the-press report.
For more of Eric's well-crafted and ever-surprising stories please visit his world-famouse-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
April 01, 2007
Bushfires Destroy Oz Spaghetti Trees
Glance at the calendar - then read Eric Shackle's grim news that bushfires have destroyed spaghetti trees in Australia, consigning the residents of the so-called Lucky Country to a diet of baked beans.
For lots more surprises do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
March 25, 2007
Cockatoos' Love Story
Eric Shackle tells of an African grey parrot called called N'kisi, which is reported to have a vocabulary of 950 words, and to show signs of a sense of humour - and also of a flock of intelligent sulphur-crested cockatoos.
For more of Eric's stories, gathered in from all parts of the world, please do visit his internationally-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
March 18, 2007
The Green Man Invades America
The Green Man, a symbol of uncertain origin common in the British Isles, is invading the United States, as Eric Shackle reveals. The man's pagan features, often sinister though sometimes smiling, are carved into the stonework of some British churches.
To read more of Eric's asorbing stories please do visi his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
March 11, 2007
Olive Riley - 107-Year-Old Internet Star
Eric Shackle's sprightly tale about 107-year-old Olive Riley presents proof positive that you are never too old to blog.
Eric by the way is a mere slip of a lad, aged 87. For more of his amusing and amazing articles click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page. And do please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
Continue reading "Olive Riley - 107-Year-Old Internet Star" »
March 04, 2007
Dogs And Beer
Feeling thirsty? Fancy a long cool beer? Hair of the Dog is what you need. And, as the inimitable Eric Shackle reveals, there really is a brewery of that name.
Do please visit Eric's dazzlingly brilliant e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
February 25, 2007
Slow Towns In Australasia
Goolwa in South Australia and Matakana in New Zealand are slow towns - and delighted to be so, as Eric Shackle reports.
Slow has become a powerful international movement dedicated to the preservation of flavour and bio-diversity and the promotion of real food.
For lots more incredible facts and amazing stories about the richly surprising world in which we live do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
February 18, 2007
Real Pirates Did Not Speak Corny English
...As for talking like pirates, very few real-life pirates spoke in those comical accents adopted by today's pseudo buccaneers. British actor Robert Newton (1905-1956) delivered his lines with his native Cornish accent and great gusto when playing Long John Silver in the 1950 classic film "Treasure Island", and his fruity voice has been copied around the world ever since...
Eric Shackle wonders whether 2007 will be the year of the pirate.
For lots more stories that are sure to amuse, amaze and entertain please visit Eric's world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
Continue reading "Real Pirates Did Not Speak Corny English" »
February 11, 2007
Huggers Of The World, Unite!
Normally sane men and women are embracing strangers in public places throughout the world, as Eric Shackle reveals in this amazing article.
For more of Eric's ever-surprising and always entertaining words please do visit his world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
February 04, 2007
Nanna Liz's Precious Photos
Eric Shackle tells the delightful story of photos of British soldiers clearing snow in Italy during World War Two which mean the world to an Australian grandmother.
For more of Eric's fascinating columns please click on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page, and there's a feast of good reading to be found in his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
January 28, 2007
Weird Is Weird
Eric Shackle considers the weirdness of the word weird.
Eric's curiosity and investigative energy lead him on, through various reference works, to Macbeth, one of the greatest creations by the Prince of Playwrights, William Shakespeare. Or should that be Shakspere, Shakespere, Shakkespere, Shaxpere...?
Eric's Internet explorations have produced a feast of good reading. Please do visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
January 21, 2007
The Joneses Outnumber The Norbergs
The Joneses easily beat the Norbergs to set a world record gathering of people with the same name, as Eric Shackle reporters.
Eric, one of the world's oldest active reporters, discovers sparkling and unexpected "treasures'' by systematically exploring the Internet. Do please read his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
January 14, 2007
Black Toads And Winking Lizards
How about a Winking Lizard as a thirst quencher? Or maybe a Black Toad?
Eric Shackle, while downing a foaming schooner of Bluetongue, considers the exotic names given to some beers. Lucky man!
Eric is the world's leading explorer of the Internet's highways and byways. His "journeyings'' have resulted in numerous fascinating articles. To read them do visit his famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
January 07, 2007
Three Hares Share Three Ears
Eric Shackle, master explorer of the Internet's byways, goes in search of information about a mysterious emblem depicting three hares and three ears.
Do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 31, 2006
Hoot? Hooter? I Don't Give Two Hoots!
So what's the definition of the word hoot? And after you've pondered that question, think of half a dozen words that rhyme with organge.
Eric Shackle indulges in some etymological fun.
For more of Eric's ever-surprising and invariably entertaining features do please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 24, 2006
Bees' Brains And Robot Planes
Could the tiny brains of bees give a guide to the designing of pilotless flying machines? Eric Shackle tells of some fascinating research.
When you have read and enjoyed this article please do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 20, 2006
Thieves Won't Stop The Devil's Knell
Eric Shackle reports that a 600-year-old Christmas Eve bell ringing tradition in the Yorkshire town of Dewsbury will go ahead this week, despite damage done by thieves to the church where the ceremony takes place.
December 17, 2006
A Thinking Reed
"I've known and greatly admired Barry Jones, now a 74-year-old Australian "National Treasure," for half a century,'' writes Eric Shackle.
Turning to politics, Barry entered Victoria's State parliament as a Labor member in 1972, and graduated to become a Federal parliamentarian from 1977 until 1998. He was Minister for Science from 1983 to 1990 and national president of the Australian Labor Party from 1992 to 2000.
Now Barry has written his autobiography A Thinking Reed http://www.allenandunwin.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?ISBN=9781741143874
For lots more fascinating articles by ace journalist Eric please visit his world-famous e.book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 10, 2006
Kiwi Covers Korea
New Zealand philanthropist Gareth Morgan was amazed by the changes he found on a motorbike tour of South Korea, as Eric Shackle reveals.
Eric, a journalist gifted with an Everest-sized helping of curiosity about the world and its wonders, tells of a tour of discovery.
For hours and hours of enjoyable reading please do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
December 03, 2006
Let's Have A World Punctuation Day
Eric Shackle calls for a war against missing apostrophes and errant commas
Eric, a retired Sydney journalist and treasured Open Writing columnist, is copy editor of Anu Garg's "A Word A Day" free newsletter. U.S. wordsmith Anu emails this from Seattle to 600,000 wordlovers in 200 countries.
You are missing a treat if you don't read Eric's world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 26, 2006
Offbeat Artists
Offbeat artists are amusing and amazing the public in Britain, America and New Zealand, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For artistry in words read more of Eric's articles, which also amaze and delight a worldwide audience. Visit his famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 19, 2006
Prairie Dogs - Pests Or Pets?
Eric Shackle tells of us of prairie dog "wars'' in western states in the US. Some want to take extreme measures to exterminate the cute little creatures, which are a menace in a variety of ways. Others oppose the killing of prairie dogs in their natural areas.
For lots more fascinating articles and facts do please visit Eric's e-book which has achieved world-wide fame www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
November 12, 2006
No More "Press Button One''?
Eric Shackle introduces us to Paul English, a helpful computer genius whose aim is to reduce phone frustration by ensuring that calls go through to a real live person instead of a recorded voice.
Do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ which is packed with fascinating features and facts.
November 05, 2006
Helen Of Wales - Big Brother Star
Eric Shackle recalls Welsh lass Helen Adams, "star'' of the second series of the British Big Brother TV reality show in 2001. Helen, famous for her naïve dumb blonde 'Helenisms', asked 'Is there Chicken in Chick Peas?'
To read more of Eric's sparkling articles please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 29, 2006
Butter My Butt And Call Me A Biscuit!
Eric Shackle introduces Tim Sanders, contributing editor of an Alabama newspaper, and he in turn presents a collection of vivid southern phrases which reveal the English language in a whole new light.
For lots and lots of great entertainment please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 22, 2006
Is Perth Really A Slow City?
Perth wants to be a slow city. That is, Perth, Scotland, not Perth, Western Australia. Eric Shackle, puzzled as to why a city should wish to be known as "slow'' in 2006, went on a Net search to discover the facts.
To read more of Eric's always-entertaining articles please visit his famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 19, 2006
The Golden Spurtle
Sergeant Coleen Hayward MacLeod knows her oats when it comes to making porridge. She's served up tonnes of Scotland's puts-hairs-on-your-chest breakfast staple to her colleagues in the 1st Royal Irish Regiment.
Sgt MacLeod's skill won her the Golden Spurtle at this year's World Porridge Making Championship, as Eric Shackle reports.
For lots more fascinating facts and must-read articles please visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 15, 2006
How Tom Shufflebotham Charmed 511 Worms
Eric Shackle introduces us to the gentle art of worm-charming.
Eric, a journalist with an insatiable curiosity to investigate events around the world, writes memorable features that often amaze, and always entertain. To read more of them please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
Continue reading "How Tom Shufflebotham Charmed 511 Worms" »
October 08, 2006
Baldricks
Eric Shackle introduces us to a cartoon character called Baldrick - and other famous Baldricks.
To read lots more of Eric's ever-surprising and invariably entertaining articles do please visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
October 01, 2006
The World's Tallest Towers
Eric Shackle reveals the locations of the world's five tallest towers - locations which may surprise some readers.
For lots more interesting and enjoyable information please do visit Eric's ever-entertaining world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 24, 2006
A Startling Word
Eric Shackle juggles letters to demonstrate the truly startling nature of the word startling.
September 17, 2006
Ahoy Thar, Me Hearties!
This is the weekend when you should be brushing up on your pirate talk. Eric Shackle reminds us that Talk Like A Pirate Day is upon us again.
For more unexpected and astonishing aticles do please visit Eric's World-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ No month is complete until you have read Eric's latest articles.
September 10, 2006
Citizen Reporters Everywhere
As more and more readers wanting news look to the Net rather than picking up a newspaper, master wordman Eric Shackle becomes the oldest citizen reporter writing for the Web journal OhMyNews International.
Eighty-seven-year-old Eric is featured every week in Open Writing. His own world-famous e-book contains a feast of interesting facts and features to satisfy readers of all ages. You're missing a treat if you don't visit www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
September 03, 2006
Born in Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskiedfontein
Some parents name their children after the place where they were born or conceived. It's just as well that the parents of Paul Kleynhans did not name him after his birthplace, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For lots more astonishing and entertaining facts and articles please do visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
Continue reading "Born in Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskiedfontein" »
August 27, 2006
Pecked By A Pesky Penguin
...There I was, seated at a table outside a waterfront fish and chips joint at Woy Woy, at peace with the world, devouring a choice piece of fried fresh fish held elegantly in my fingers, when suddenly, out of the blue, you might say, a 50cm. (20in.) beak appeared from behind my left shoulder, and clamped on my hand. In a flash, the fish had gone, and I was left with a bleeding wrist...
Eric Shackle tells a tale about a pesky pelican - then ruminates on dining upon creatures of all kinds.
Do visit Eric's world-famous e-book, a treasure-trove of articles about many wondrous things: www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 20, 2006
Eric Utne
Eric Shackle tells us about Eric Utne, founder of UTNE Magazine and creator of The Urban Almanac, which has the motto: Look up, look out, look in. Mr Utne devotes much of his time these days to being chairman of an imaginative and inspirational global environmental project, the Schweitzer Earth Corps, which he co-founded.
Utne, which ryhymes with chutney, means "far out'' in Norwegian.
For more fascinating facts and interesting articles do please read Eric Shackle's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 13, 2006
Australia's Bee
Eric Shackle samples the printed "honey'' served up by what was almost certainly Australia's first Sunday newspaper, The Bee, published in Sydney in 1844.
For hours of entertaining and informative reading visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
August 06, 2006
Kiwi Egg Throwing Champs
Kiwis ruled the roost at the World Egg-Throwing Championship, as Eric Shackle reveals. The organiser of the event believes that egg throwing should be included in the Olympics.
For many more unusual and entertaining articles about the world's wonders and oddities do read Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 30, 2006
Downshifting
Eric Shackle's son Ian, who has downshifted from the advertising rat-race to grow vegetables on a small farm, writes a parody of a famous poem by Henry Lawson, Australia's favourite bush poet.
Do please visit Eric's world-famous e-book for lots more fun and good reading www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 23, 2006
The Rain It Raineth Every Day...
Does anyone know for sure just who wrote this much-quoted verse which begins "The rain it raineth every day''? Eric Shackle points out that the verse is posted on dozens of websites without its author being named.
Today Eric is in questioning mode, but for lots more answers than questions do please visit his wonderful and world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 16, 2006
On On and On's Clever Cryptic Puzzles
Eric Shackle introduces a Japanese gentleman called On - and his clever cryptic puzzles.
For many more fascinating articles visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/
July 09, 2006
A Dog Called Bessie
Bessie the Australian cattle dog knew exactly what to do when the bull tried to do a runner, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For lots more delicious reading visit Eric's world-famous e book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/ebook.htm
July 02, 2006
Priscilla The Beer Swilling Pig
Tourists from all over the world travel to Pyengana, Tasmania, to buy a drink for Prisilla the beer-swilling pig, as Eric Shackle reveals.
Visit Eric's world-famous e-book to lots more fascinating and jolly stories. www.bdb.co.za/shackle
June 25, 2006
Gumboots Will Fly In Finland
Eric Shackle, a man with a keen eye for an unusual event, would like to be in Finland in July 1 to watch the World Gumboot-Throwing Champiomships.
For lots more articles by Eric visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
June 18, 2006
Whimsical Ways Of Counting
Last week Eric Shackle wrote about whimsical ways of counting sheep. Now he features other astonishing, amusing and entertaining ways of counting to ten.
Do read Eric's first article on this subject by clicking on Eric Shackle Writes in the menu on this page. Also explore at great length his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
June 11, 2006
Counting Sheep
Eric Shackle writes of counting sheep - and getting to sleep.
For many more of Eric's wonderful wide-ranging articles visit his world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
June 04, 2006
Generous Kiwi Goes Motorbiking
Eric Shackle tells us of New Zealander Gareth Morgan, an investment adviser, adventurer and writer who recently gave $40 million to charity. Gareth is now riding a motorbike on a 13,903 mile tour of North America.
For lots more fascintating facts and articles visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
May 28, 2006
Egg Throwing
Eric Shackle, previewing a very specil event to be held next month in a Lincolnshire village, emphasises his desire to see the bizarre sport of egg throwing included in the Olpympic Games.
May 21, 2006
Miles And Miles Of Stories
Jim Barbieri, who churned out two million single-column inches of reports for a small town daily newspaper in Indiana, became a legend in his own lifetime. Eric Shackle, who at the age of 87 is bidding to be the Internet's journalistic answer to Jim, tells us of a reporter of the old school.
After reading this splendid column read lots more interesting articles in Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
May 14, 2006
Two Anagram Geniuses
Eric Shackle, copy editor of the Web site A Word A Day founded by Anu Garg of Seattle, introduces us to two "monarchs'' of the word-bending, mind-twisting, wacky and frequently hilarious world of anagrams.
When not copy editing Eric researches fascinating facts for his world-famous e-book. Don't miss a wonderful reading treat. Visit www.bdb.co.za/shackle
May 07, 2006
World Champion Fish
"Was this two-ton sunfish a world champ?'' asks Eric Shackle. As usual Eric's Net search for answers makes for highly entertaining reading.
For lots more articles and unexpected facts visit Eric's world-famous E-Book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
April 30, 2006
Wonderful 1844 Steam-Powered Flying Machine
Back in 1844, almost 60 years before the Wright Brothers' historic first flight, W.H.Phillips, of London, claimed to have invented a steam-powered aerial machine that would carry 10 to 12 passengers 1000 miles in 10 hours. Eric Shackle tells of astonishing early-day plans to conquer the air.
Eric is one of the world's leading explorers of the highways and byways of the Internet. Visit his famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle where you will find a huge collection of fascinating articles.
Continue reading "Wonderful 1844 Steam-Powered Flying Machine" »
April 23, 2006
Grandma's Apron
Ace Net "detective'' Eric Shackle tracks down and interviews the author of Grandma's Apron, a poem which in the space of a few years has beeen published, and sometimes changed and mutilated, on scores of Web sites.
April 16, 2006
Newspapers And Readers Swap Ideas
Two newspapers, one of them based in California, the other in Australia, have developed inter-active websites so that staff writers and readers can exchange ideas. Eric Shackle hopes they are blazing a trail for other publications to follow.
Eric, an Australian in his eighties who writes weekly for Open Writing, is himself a great trail blazer. His unique and fascinating e-book has a world-wide readership. Do please visit it www.bdb.co.za/shackle You will be amazed, informed, amused, entertained by the variety of the articles you find there.
April 09, 2006
Open Slather*
Eric Shackle visits Auckland, New Zealand, and is assailed by an unwelcomed cacophony of voices and music from dozens of radio stations.
For a welcomed abundance of interesting articles and astonishing facts visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
April 02, 2006
Never Too Old To Meander The Web - or Me And Da Web
"Dear Bill.
"I can never find anything interesting on the internet," you told
me over lunch the other day. To show you (and many other over-50s) just how wrong you were, I'd like to tell you how I spent a pleasant hour meandering through the web after returning home…''
And Eric Shackle goes on to prove his point in interesting ways.
For further magnificent proof of what use a man in his eighties can make of the internet visit Eric’s world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle Many a happy hour can be spent in Eric’s company in the net.
Continue reading "Never Too Old To Meander The Web - or Me And Da Web" »
March 26, 2006
Found - World's Oldest Weather Stone
In a recent column Eric Shackle wrote about weather stones from all parts of the world. Now he's found a weather stone that may be the daddy of them all!
For lots more interesting and startling revelations visit Eric's wonderful world-renowed e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
March 19, 2006
I Am Woman
Dr Michelle Arrow, a Sydney historian, is eager to hear how people reacted when they heard pop singer Helen Reddy declare "I am WOMAN'' back in 1972, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For many more entertaining and surprising articles turn to Eric's famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
March 12, 2006
Irish Newspaper's World Scoop
Eric Shackle reveals that an Irish newspaper scooped the world by publishing the American Declaration of Independence.
For a cornucopia of interesting articles and unexpected information visit Eric's world-famous E-Book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
March 05, 2006
Australia Post's Gold Medal Encore
Australia is ready to celebrate its gold medalists at this month's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, as Eric Shackle reveals. Australia Post will print special stamps within 24 hours of each medal presentation.
For lots more good reading visit Eric's world-renowned e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
February 26, 2006
Weather Stones
There's sometimes a chuckle rather than a forecast inscribed on the world's weather stones, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For many more entertaining and informative articles turn to Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
February 19, 2006
Guido and George's Incredible Art
Eric Shackle tells us of two men who produce incredible works of art, Guido Daniele, an Italian, and George Witham who lives in Massachusetts, USA.
Visit their Web sites - and be amazed.
Vist also Eric Shackle's wonderful world-renowned e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
February 12, 2006
Caught Off A Wrong 'Un
..."Farnes turns, runs in bowling to Bradman, the ball's well-pitched, Bradman moves forward, drives," he might have said. "Compton at cover tries to cut him off, is beaten by the pace of the ball, and it races away for another four." Listeners would hear the crowd cheering... or thought they did. The
applause was added by two versatile sound effects men in the studio...
Long before radio signals could be bounced off space satellites, broadcasts from one continent to another were often plagued by static and a swishing sound, or unearthly howls and whistles. In 1934 an enterprising English-born broadcaster brought a supposedly eye-witness ball-by-ball commentary of the England-Australia cricket Test matches being played in England - but the audience were being conned.
* That term wrong 'un in the title of this article. What does it mean? A wrong 'un - another term for the googly, or any other ball that spins in an unexpected direction. Don't know what a googly is?
Oh dear. Cricket is the hardest of all games to explain to those who know nothing of its subtleties. Read Eric Shackle's entertaining article, which can be enjoyed by all those who don't know the difference between mid-off and mid-on. Then follow one of Eric's links for your first lesson in the greatest game.
For lots more entertainment visit also Eric's internationally-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
February 05, 2006
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Eric Shackle introduces us to the London-born Taylor sisters, Jane and Ann, authors of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, one of the world's best-known and most-loved poems.
For many more articles that will entertain, surprise and delight visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
January 29, 2006
Statue Of A Forgotten Earl
Eric Shackle goes on an Internet search for details of the amazing life-story of the Earl of Mayo - the Forgotten Earl.
For many more intriguing, entertaining and informative articles visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
January 22, 2006
The Royal Gazette
Where in the world is Ordnance Island? Here's a clue. You might read about it in The Royal Gazette - and NO, that is not published in London. There are Royal Gazettes published in Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Read Eric Shackle's interesting article to find out about all these "Royal'' publications - and which one of the four features news of Ordnance Island.
For many more interesting facts and features visit Eric's internationally famous E-Book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
January 15, 2006
Quixote Winery's Golden Dome
Carl Doumani's offbeat Quixote Winery in the Napa Valley, near San Francisco, flaunts a huge gold-leaf onion dome, a startling array of brightly-coloured ceramic tiles, and a grass-covered roof, designed by quirky Austrian architect and artist Frederick Hundertwasser, as Eric Shackle reveals.
There are scores more fascinating revelations and articles in Eric's world famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
January 08, 2006
Old Pubs
"Pubs' ages, like people's, are relative...''
Eric Shackle tells of ancient hostelries around the world. And if this whistle-whetting article doesn't put you in the mood to nip out for a pint, nothing will.
Read Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
January 01, 2006
Harnessing Wind And Wave
At the start of a new year Eric Shackle brings news of exciting scientific developments in harnessing wind and wave to produce power and drinking water.
For lots more fascinating facts and good reading visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
December 18, 2005
Green Tea Is All The Go
Eric Shackle reveals that Britain and Australia now not only grow their own green tea - they export it to Japan.
Eric, a brilliant journalist, is a fount of astonishing and entertaining information. For lots more good reading visit his e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
December 11, 2005
Funny Dunny
Tourists who visit the remote New Zealand town of Kawakawa always gaze in awe at the public toilet, as Eric Shackle reveals.
For more fascinating facts and unexpected features visit Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
December 04, 2005
Earl Hamner Recalls His Man And Dog Story
World-famous writer and TV producer Earl Hamner, now 82, tells Eric Shackle how he came to write his memorable story about the man and his dog wanting to enter Heaven.
There's lots more good reading in Eric's world-famous e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
Continue reading "Earl Hamner Recalls His Man And Dog Story" »
November 27, 2005
Ogopogo
Eric Shackle introduces us to Ogopogo, Canada's answer to Scotland's famous Loch Ness monster.
For more fascinating information read Eric's e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
November 20, 2005
Bonking Can Be So Different
If you are a newcomer to the English language, be extra-careful when using the word "bonking''. Eric Shackle reveals all (in a manner of speaking).
November 13, 2005
Twike
Twinkle, twinkle little twike
You're so much better than a bike.
With the rising cost of gasoline,
Many more twikes may soon be seen
Eric Shackle introduces us to the twike - an electric-powered twin bike.
November 06, 2005
Goldfish Racing
Goldfish racing! Whatever next? Is it cruel? Eric Shackle guides you into a moral maze that may never have troubled your conscience before today.
October 30, 2005
Banana Republic?
Paper from the trunks of banana trees? A power plant fuelled by banana trees? Eric Shackle highlights some exciting possibilities.
October 23, 2005
Watch Your Handshakes
So how to you greet someone in Japan? India? Australia? Eric Shackle tells of a Website that reveals the correct form of greeting in 15 countries.
Read more of Eric's fascinating and informative articles in his e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
October 16, 2005
Nordic Walking
It is claimed that 3.5 million earnest enthusiasts take part in Nordic walking - skiing without snow. Eric Shackle tells us something of this strange activity.
For more entertaining words visit Eric's e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle
October 09, 2005
Natty Bumppo, Euchre Spruiker
Natty Bumppo, a quirky Kentucky counsel, is a world authority on the once-popular card game, euchre. Eric Shackle tells us something of Natty's astonishing life and times.
Read more of Eric's entertaining articles: www.bdb.co.za/shackle
October 02, 2005
3D Artist
Pavement artist Julian Beever takes advantage of the way the human brain sees the world to impart an astonishing 3D effect to his drawings, as Eric Shackle reveals.
There's a rich trove of fascinating facts and entertaining reading in Eric's e-book: www.bdb.co.za/shackle
September 25, 2005
You Could Call This A Jake Hammer
Thirteen years ago, Jake Tyson, an 18-year-old apprentice carpenter in Sydney, Australia, found that his hammer didn't hit nails very effectively (yet they say a good workman never blames his tools) and the reverberations sent uncomfortable shocks up his arm. So he set out to design a better hammer. You can read how he achieved success and won a top US award in this article by Eric Shackle.
For more fascinating feature visit Eric's e-book: www.bdb.co.za/shackle
September 18, 2005
Free Access To Newspaper History
Eric Shackle opens the doors to an abundance of free "instant history'' information in the archives of two great newspapers, The Scotsman and The New York Times.
Eric is himself the creator of a rich seam of information on a wide variety of subjects. Visit his e-book http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
September 11, 2005
Hey Clarissa! John Peel's Coat Was Gray, Not Red!
Eric Shackle, after a brisk ride through the coverts of Internet information, presents some fascinating facts about the famous (some would say infamous) Cumbrian huntsman, John Peel.
Continue reading "Hey Clarissa! John Peel's Coat Was Gray, Not Red!" »
September 04, 2005
Non-stick Chewing Gum
Is non-stick chewing gum really wriggly, asks Eric Shackle. His question is prompted by the news that British scientists have developed a new polymer which would make gum much easier to clean off the streets. The polymer could replace a substance found in normal gum.
For more fascinating articles go to Eric's e-book: http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
August 28, 2005
Newspaper Slogans
Newspapers world-wide have devoted a good deal of brain power to thinking up slogans which suit their ethos. Eric Shackle presents some examples.
For further good reading turn to Eric's e-book http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
August 21, 2005
Manhole Covers
Eric Shackle reveals that great cities throughout the world have encouraged artists to design that humble piece of street "furniture'' - the manhole cover.
Eric has an insatiable journalistic appetite to explore the wonders to be found on the Internet. For more of his discoveries turn to his e-book: http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
August 14, 2005
Rare Stamps: Sydney' s Nude Olympics
Eric Shackle writes about the subversive Florida artist Steve Smith, whose "postage stamps'' feature athletes participating in the Sydney Nude Olympics.
For more first class reading turn to Eric's e-book http://bdb.co.za/shackle
August 07, 2005
Mr Chad And Kilroy Live Again
Eric Shackle traces the history of those famous graffiti characters, Mr Chad and Kilroy, then takes a look at the work of modern American graffiti artist, Borf.
July 31, 2005
Bar Bitch Bounces From Billings To Boggabri
When you read a pun that makes you laugh out loud you want to pass it on, says Eric Shackle. And here's one he read in Frank Kaiser's Suddenly Senior newsletter.
Continue reading "Bar Bitch Bounces From Billings To Boggabri" »
July 24, 2005
Guinea Gold
On November 19, 1942, Australian and US troops fighting Japanese invaders in the New Guinea jungle during World War II read the first issue of Guinea Gold, a unique four-page Australian army newspaper which day after day thereafter published a record number of world scoops.
To find out how it was able to do so read Eric Shackle's fascinating feature about a paper which is now a collector's item.
And after enjoying Guinea Gold turn to Eric's e-book for more good reading: http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
July 17, 2005
95-Year-Old Astrologer
Eric Shackle salutes a 95-year-old Indian astrologer and philanthropist who gives away 75 per cent of his income, setting an example for the greedy men of the world.
For more good reading turn to Eric's e-book:
July 10, 2005
Condom, Intercourse, Climax!
So how would you like to live in Hell? Would it be preferable to Condom, or Intercourse? Eric Shackle and the readers of his e-book have huge fun in adding to a lengthy list of weird and wonderful place names.
For more reading delight sample the features in Eric's e-book:
July 03, 2005
Racing Sheep
Eric Shackle brings you news that will forever change the way you think about sheep.
For more of Eric's hugely informative and entertaining article, click on http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle
June 26, 2005
Handshakes
Eric Shackle advises "Watch your handshake!'' Different countries have different greetings customs.
Read more of Eric's fascinating features in his e-book:
June 19, 2005
The World's Best Ball Throwers
In another fact-filled fascinating column Eric Shackle reveals the names of those who have thrown a cricket ball and a baseball the furthest. For good measure, Eric then chucks in half a brick.
"Turn'' the pages of Eric's fabulous e-book:
June 12, 2005
Cane Toads and Armadillos
Cane toads and armadillos are on the march. Eric Shackle asks if global warming is the reason why two tropical animal species are migrating to cooler zones in Australia and America.
You can always count on Eric to draw your attention to something you did not already know. Read his fact-filled e-book:
June 05, 2005
Autumn Rain Offers Consolation
"You may stand by my grave and weep. But I am not there...'' Eric Shackle writes of the poem which brings comnfort to those who have lost loved ones.
May 29, 2005
Slap My Ass And Call Me Sally!
You can count on Eric Shackle to tell you something you didn't already know. Go on then, if you don't believe me. Tell us in what year the song Sally In Our Alley was first published.
May 22, 2005
Silhouettes
Eric Shackle introduces us to artists who are keeping alive the ancient art of cutting black paper silhouettes of people's faces.
May 15, 2005
Horse Milk - Gift From Heaven
Eric Shackle says that before long many of us may be drinking milk from horses (more precisely, from mares) instead of from cows.
May 01, 2005
The Fishwrapper
Eric Shackle goes on a fishing trip on the Net and discovers an American newspaper which is boldy named The Fishwrapper.
Eric spotlights every week in Open Writing the surprises and delights awaiting discovery by the dedicated Net surfer.
April 24, 2005
Solar Tower
Eric Shackle tells us of a mind-boggling kilometre-high solar tower that could be erected in Australia.
April 17, 2005
Weasels And Weasel Words
Eric Shackle goes on another Internet journey in search of weasel words and finds himself in the company of weasels and ferrets.
April 10, 2005
Weird And Wonderful Letterboxes
Eric Shackle served in the Australian Army in World War Two. He has worked as a journalist on half a dozen Australian newspapers. For 19 years he was the public relations officer of British Petroleum in New South Wales, then he joined a Sydney PR consultancy.
He bought his first computer in 1999 and began writing an electronic book to encourage other seniors around the world to ride the internet's magic carpet.
Eric will be writing weekly for Open Writing. In his first column he introduces us to some weird and wonderful letterboxes.
Categories
- A Clutch Of Pearlies
- A Court Of Fowls
- A Diary of Innocence
- A Fistful Of Stars
- A Geordie All-Rounder
- A Life Less Lost
- A Lovely Shade Of Blue
- A Potter's Moll
- A Shout From The Attic
- A Spitfire Pilot Remembers
- A Tale Of The Unexpected
- A Writer On Writing
- About A Week
- About Our Words
- After Work
- Alaskan Range
- All That Was
- All This Jazz
- American Pie
- An Englishman In New York
- Ancient Feet
- And Another Thing...
- Animal Stories
- Anna And Rosie
- Arabian Autographs
- Arkell's Ark
- Around The Sun
- As Time Goes By
- Away With Worry
- Backwords
- Beijing 2008 Olympics
- Black Ice
- Blue, Green, Red and Purple
- Bonzer Words!
- Book Bounty
- Born With a Rusty Spoon
- Bradford Lad
- Christmas Every Week
- Classical Composers A-Z
- Clement's Corner
- Consequences
- Darkly Watching
- David Marsh Cartoons
- Day After Day
- Delanceyplace
- Denizens
- Diamonds And Dust
- Donkin's World
- Double Cream
- Down The Holler
- Dr Ron's Laughter Clinic
- Dusk To Dusk
- Ee By Gum Lord!
- Eric Shackle Writes
- Facets Of India
- Family Of Four
- Fast Fiction
- Feather's Miscellany
- Fishcake Words
- Flood
- Footprints
- Got The T-Shirt
- Harry's Tales
- Here Comes Treble
- Here In Africa
- Here's Alison
- Highlights In The Shadows
- I Didn't Belong
- I Only Came For The Music
- Illegal Entry
- Illingworth House
- In Good Company
- In The Small Hours
- Interludes
- It's A Great Life
- Jambo Paulo - Jambo Mykoli
- Jo'Burg Days
- Kiwi Konexions
- Lansdowne Crescent
- Laugh With Lisa
- Lest It Be Forgotten After I Am Gone
- Letter From America
- Letter From The Other Side
- Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
- Living On Three Continents
- London 2012 Olympics
- London Letter
- Luddite Spring
- Man Bites Talking Dog
- McCaffrey On Fishing
- Mullin' It Over
- My Week
- National Trust News
- North American Dreaming
- Olga's Daughter
- On The Gold Coast
- Open Features
- Opinion And World View
- Over Here
- Oz Musings
- Pamy's Place
- Pins And Needles
- Poetry Pleases
- Rainbow's End
- Ratcatcher
- Rodney's Ramblings
- Roses Aren't Everything
- Sam Pepys – His Diary
- Sandy's Say
- Shalom and Sheiks
- She's Back Again
- Shooting the Breeze
- Simply Sue
- Skidmore's Island
- Smallville
- Spanish Secrets
- Tales from Tawa
- Tasmanian Words
- Thai Girl Tattle
- The Day Before Yesterday
- The First Seventy Years
- The Fourth Wish
- The Great Cley Floods
- The Kingdom Of The Blind
- The Last Star Trek
- The Limit
- The Melody Lingers On
- The Museum Mystery
- The Reyrolle Story
- The Scrivener
- The Shepherdsville Times
- This and That
- Thoughts From The Coast
- Through Lattice Windows
- Time Witnesses
- To War With The Bays
- Two Rooms And A View
- U3A Writing
- Useful And Fantastic
- Views And Reviews
- Visions Of Hope
- Visions of Glory
- Walking the Tightrope
- Walnut Wisdom
- Western Oz Words
- Western Walkabout
- When The Crocodile Smiles
- Word Acts
- Words From Adelaide
- Words In History
- Yorkshire Dialect
- Yorkshire Lad
