Our very own white Australia day (in New York City)

January 26 is Australia day. It is a day in which Australians (both in Australia and abroad) will at some point refer to their beloved country as the 'sunburnt country', or "I still call Australia home", they might even chant the proverbial Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie, whilst consuming beer and partaking in a genuine Australian themed barbie (barbeque).

The national anthem, 'Advance Australia fair' will be sung and the Australian flag waived by the many inhabitants of this multi-cultured Island. Australians will boast that they have the best beer and beaches, and who could argue with that?

26 January 2011 in New York is a grey winter day, mixed with white snow flakes - however February is just ahead.

I still call Australia home.

Happy Australia day.

'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers

Set in New Orleans, this is a true story of a Syrian born American, called Zeitoun. In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Katrina of 2005, Zeitoun who has remained in his hometown of New Orleans, uses his personal canoe to rescue the elderly and whomever else in need of attention. During these times of anarchy and total lawlessness in New Orleans after Katrina, Zeitoun is wrongly arrested and incarcerated.

The story is one of faith, courage and reward and is a lesson that physical destruction and human defilement can sometimes be restored.