Hello, stranger!: October 2013

Announcement : Passport Express Service

Government announcement on Passport Express service :

Passport postal applications will now be required to be submitted through the Passport Express service rather than by ordinary or registered mail. Applications made through standard postal service will no longer be processed after the 30th of June and applicants will be advised to resubmit using the Passport Express service.

Passport Express is an easy-to-use, courier type service operated by An Post exclusively for passports. It is available throughout the post office network. It has been in use, successfully, since March 1995. It and is the method through which the majority of passports are now processed.

The main benefits of the Passport Express service are:

· It keeps passport applications distinct from other mail ensuring they reach us quickly and more securely.

· A passport obtained through Passport Express costs less than using the ordinary mail or applying over the counter.

· You get your passport quicker, with a guaranteed turn-around time (currently 10 working days) for a correctly submitted application.

· You can keep better track of when your passport will be ready and make your travel plans with greater confidence.

More information on Passport Express.

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Q&A

1. What's new in passport postal application in Passport Express Service?

It will now be required to be submitted through the Passport Express service rather than by

ordinary or registered mail.

2. Since when Passport Express has been used?

Since March 1995

3. Where can we find more information?

We can contact Passport Express service.

I'll be happy

I'll be happy if...

1. I can make my parents proud of me
2. My sister stop being so annoying
3. My oldest brother get married
4. My weight 50 kg
5. Go to anywhere with my friends
6. I drink a glass of banana smoothies
7. School without task
8. I have a lot of money
9. I can get 90 in my physics test
10. I can make my dreams come true

Koala

Koalas

Koalas are actually marsupials, closer related to wombats and kangaroos.

Wombat

Koalas are found in coastal areas of the mainland's eastern and southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Koalas have special physical characteristics that support their tree-dwelling lifestyle. They have a body length of 50-85 cm and weight 4-15 kg. With two opposable digits, their forepaws are well-adapted to gripping branches and picking eucalyptus leaves. Tough textured skin on the soles of their feet with long sharp claws provide tranction and strong muscles help in climbing. Extra thick fur on their bottoms at the base of their backbone provide cushioning so they can sit comfortly on branches for hours. They also have a curved backbone and fewer pairs in ribs than most mamals (11-13) that creating a curled skeletal structure that fits into the branches of tree.

Koala's skeleton

Koalas have special adaptations that enable to feast on eucalyptus leaves. They use their excellent sense of smell to select the best taste. Eucalyptus leaves are highly fibrous and poisonous to other animals but koalas have bacteria that can break down the fiver and toxic oil which allow them to absorb 25% nutrients. To survive on such a low calories diet, they conserve energy by moving slowly and sleeping around 20 hours/day.

Koala's eating eucalyptus leaves

Koala's pregnancy lasts 35 days. When their baby (called Joey) is born only 2 cm long. It is hairless,blind and undeveloped ears. But it has very strong forelimbs and an instinct to climb from birth canal into mother's pouch. There the baby can found the nipple which swells that can keep joey stay in place. A joey spends 6 months more in the pouch.