Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Indonesian Declaration of Independence, 17 August 1945

Posted on August 10, 2020 by ianburnet

 17 August will be the Anniversary of the Indonesian Declaration of Independence. Timing is everything.  After the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945 and the resulting power vacuam, now is the time to declare Indonesian independence. However Soekarno and Hatta … Continue reading →

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24 November 1642, Van Diemens Land

Posted on July 29, 2020 by ianburnet

In the late afternoon of 24 November 1642, and thankfully still in daylight, the Dutch East India Company ships Heemskerk and the Zeehan sighted distant mountains. An overnight storm could dash them onto this unknown coast and they prudently decided … Continue reading →

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An Indonesian Market

Posted on June 29, 2020 by ianburnet

How much fun is an Indonesian market? Lively,  full of fun and friendly banter as the vendors (mainly women) sell their fish, fruit, and vegetables from their kitchen gardens. This market is on the island of Saparua in Maluku, Eastern … Continue reading →

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Clear skies over Jakarta!

Posted on June 3, 2020 by ianburnet

As you can see from this painting by Hendrik Jacobsz, it was possible in 1650 to see the mountains behind Jakarta from the harbour. Mountains which are about 60 km inland, are not far past the town of Bogor, and … Continue reading →

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Historic Maps in Marble

Posted on May 19, 2020 by ianburnet

The new Amsterdam City Hall was completed in 1655. This remarkable building which was built on 13,659 wooden piles at a cost 8.5 million guilders, is now the Royal Palace and still dominates the Dam Square today. The relatively simple … Continue reading →

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1934 London to Melbourne Air Race – The Flight of KLM Uiver

Posted on April 27, 2020 by ianburnet

The 1934 air race from London to Melbourne was sponsored by Melbourne businessman and philanthropist Sir Macpherson Robertson, founder of the MacRobertson Confectionery Company. The race was initiated as part of the Melbourne and Victorian Centenary celebrations. An exquisite gold … Continue reading →

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SIGNALS – Tasman Map Book Review

Posted on March 31, 2020 by ianburnet

History Underfoot by Jeffrey Mellefont Like me, many Signals readers will have entered the State Library of NSW through the northern portico of the Mitchell Library and then crossed the vestibule to the muted reading room that’s so solemn with … Continue reading →

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The Coral Triangle, The Rajah Ampat and Wayag Island

Posted on March 18, 2020 by ianburnet

In early 2020 I joined the Coral Adventurer on its voyage to the Rajah Ampat and the Spice Islands. The ‘Coral Triangle’ is the planet’s richest centre of marine life and coral diversity, with over 6,000 species of fish, 76% … Continue reading →

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The Sir William Dixon bronze doors at the Mitchell Library

Posted on February 18, 2020 by ianburnet

Inspired by the style of doors that graced the entries of some of America’s most significant public buildings, the bronze portico doors at the entrance to the Mitchell Library in Sydney illustrate various elements of Australian history. Principal librarian William … Continue reading →

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Microsoft Innovations: Empowering the Mobile Experience

Posted on January 28, 2020 by ianburnet

Microsoft is a global technology leader, constantly driving innovation and transforming the digital landscape. With cutting-edge mobile applications and cloud solutions, the company enables users to work, learn, and enjoy entertainment wherever they are. Innovative Solutions for Business and Personal … Continue reading →

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