Shaggy Dog Comments...

This Friday, November 5, is Walk to Work Day, to highlight the health benefits of walking. People are encouraged to leave their cars at home, or some distance from their workplace and do the final leg on shank's pony. Walking for 30 minutes on most days of the week will help keep you healthy, and if walking to work is tough, you might like to try a lunchtime walk. For more on walking to work and other activities visit www.walk.com.au.

Thanks very much taxpayers of Australia, for your largesse in the wake of last month's federal election. This week, the Australian Electoral Commission will hand over $39.9 million to assorted pollies as reward for nabbing your primary vote. It's a nice little lurk, set up by the politicians, in which they receive $1.94 for every primary vote - ie. a 1 beside their name - in election funding. The Libs scored just over $17 million, followed by Labor with $15.87m, the Greens with $3.15m and the Nats $2.8m. Showing just how much on the nose the Dems became, they received just $8066. And while some reckoned Pauline Hanson had rocks in her head, it was more likely that she saw the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when standing for the Queensland Senate. She didn't get elected, but then she didn't spend any money campaigning either. Nevertheless, she now has a cheque for $189,914 for her troubles.

It seems not everyone was enamoured with Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. While race fans were glued to their TV screens, it seems some unhappy punters in Melbourne went around and glued shut the doors to 25 TAB shops on Monday night. There was certainly no sign of the betting slowing down in NSW, with NSW TAB cracking $50 million for the first time. If you backed Makybe Diva, you can thank Shaggy for your winnings.

Former MP Larry Anthony might be taking a break, but that hasn't stopped fevered speculation about his future. On the weekend, The Australian suggested that his neighbour Ian Causley was going to step aside in Lozza's favour. Our Ian was quick to declare he's here for the full term. Meanwhile NSW Liberals leader John Brogden suggested that Larry might like to become a Lib and join his team. Despite Bob Carr being on the nose, the state Liberals are about as popular as a pork chop at Ramadan.

Belle of the ring

Flying the cup colours

Celebrating the Melbourne Cup were Kevin and Elizabeth Browne (centre) and staff (l-r) Steve Hammerton, Robyn Ford and Ian Williams.

The staff from Perfix Drive-Thru Dry Cleaners in Lismore got into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, dressing up to celebrate Australia's richest horse race.

Acting proprietor Elizabeth Browne backed the winner, Makybe Diva, but lamented that she'd only put $5 on the champion, who made history by becoming the first mare to win the Cup twice.

"All the customers commented and everyone had a laugh and a giggle," Elizabeth said. Makybe Diva is the first horse since Carbine in 1890 to win the Melbourne Cup/Sydney Cup double. Unfortunately, Shaggy backed a dog of a horse, She's Archie. We'll let you know when she finishes.

Many hands make art work

Artist Liz Plenkovich (centre) and Red Dove Social Group members Joan Mulligan from Alstonville (right) and Marjorie Robertson from Lismore (left).

The Red Dove Social Group has been busy painting and creating for a new exhibition, Hands of Friendship, which is on show at the Caroona Community Centre in Goonellabah. The exhibition features over 80 artworks by people living with memory loss.

"The deeper reason for this exhibition is it allows these people to express themselves in way that is non-verbal and gives them a sense of freedom," said Caroona community services coordinator Margaret Seydel. "People living with memory loss often excel when offered the opportunity to produce artworks. And the proof is right here - the artworks are just beautiful."

Hands of Friendship is on show until November 12.