The Matildas' appeal, like many sporting teams in Australia, is underpinned by a wide-ranging influence, making emotional connections with the haves and have nots.
Read MoreI flew to Belfast; it wasn't a holiday.
I scattered my Dad's ashes in the River Lagan and buried my uncle.
It had been lashing down in Northern Ireland.
And then as I was flying home Sinead O'Connor died and I wondered what a conversation between her and Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries would sound like in death.
Read MoreIt's the weekend.
When did the weekend become an extension of weekdays and when did the stress of the working week continue into the weekend?
And when did The Weeknd become an international pop star?
Read MoreIt's utter madness on two wheels and participants regularly die.
It's difficult to watch the families of the Isle of Man TT racers when they are interviewed.
Some can't endure the visual coverage and listen to race radio while others don't attend.
Children, young and some not so young, huddle around the trailer sites listening for information.
When a red flag is signaled from the control tower to mark suspension of the session and that the race must stop, panic ensues.
Read MoreIn the hustle-bustle of life dominated by work and family, reminding myself to check-in with family, friends, and colleagues can be a squeeze on time. Sometimes check-ins happen by chance rather than design, which is understandable until it is not.
Read MoreI am a potato aficionado. Growing up I can't remember an evening meal that didn't contain spuds.
For our family, mashed was best.
I am still so incredibly fussy about mashed potatoes that any hint of a lump renders the food inedible. Hence my need to mash and tap mash and tap.
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