It is my sad duty to inform the world that after travelling 27,740km around the globe, the furry travel bug called “Robeart Actually” is officially missing in action. The bear began its journey in New South Wales on 26 February 2003 with the destination of Switzerland. It has since travelled to New Zealand, Queensland, Singapore, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

The highlight of the trip was being photographed outside Graceland, but this would be one of the last times we would hear from Robeart. He was picked up alongside a highway in Tennessee in July 2006 and has not been seen or heard from since. The map below shows the bear’s journey.

On a happier note, my other travel bug, “Horse with No Name”, continues its journey around the world.

It is currently in Denmark having traveled 22,973km.

The subtle attempts by the Howard Government to take Australia back to the White Australia Policy have led to the introduction of a test for new citizens. It is designed to make sure that prospective citizens know something about the country to which they are about to pledge loyalty. By letting them know about “Australian Values”, it might make those people who don’t support “The Australian Way of Life” think twice about moving here. (Not) 

As someone born in this country I would never have to sit the exam, but if I did I wonder if I would pass without a bit of coaching.

Follow the link, have a go and see if you have got what it takes to pass the Australian Citizenship Test.