In Wednesday's The Examiner editorial titled Monarchy's crucial role in our identity, the following was offered:
"In some respects the pageantry of the modern monarchy can actually be seen as a symbol of the triumph of the people over those who claim to have arbitrary powers."
Sorry, what? The pageantry of the modern monarchy is pomp and ceremony which fails to symbolise triumph against arbitrary power when the head of state is born to reign.
Nor does pageantry preach that a constitutional monarchy is power to the people.
The socials blew up with crass and sexist comments thinly disguised as appreciation of attractiveness or a play on words. It demonstrated a level of casual sexism, focussing more on a player's appearance and physical characteristics than the goal, which, for a football mad country, the perennial underachievers, brought them their first major trophy in more than 50 years.
Self-indulgence scares the life out of me, but I do have a responsibility not to waste words.
There is a famous author whose famous line penned from first-person perspective reinforces the power of an individual response with its poignancy rarely more relatable than during recent weeks.
"It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived." wrote Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird.
In recent weeks, acts of bravery have dominated our news feeds along with a deplorable act of bastardry with the unjust declaration of war on Ukraine by Russia.
If I was a betting man and odds were available, there would be coin to be made on the date of Australia Day changing during my lifetime.
Of course, I have hopes for a long life, but I do not study the form placing me at a disadvantage when predicting worthwhile punting opportunities, however, I feel it in my bones.
This is not a sign of disrespect, rather, Australia Day is a relatively new concept and the young people of our nation, our next leaders, are much better at acknowledging the past.
Leave it out! Use idioms to press your case, but do not take us for idiots. The Tasmanian public is thankful that politicians are asking questions and holding the state and federal governments to account.
We have stakeholders in empty bars telling us not to overreact as restaurants close due to a lack of staff.
There are cafes and eateries resorting to takeaway service because they dare not risk exposure.
Thankfully, the Premier has chosen to be more circumspect, prefacing most sentences with, "I don't wish to sugar coat it".
My favourite Australian sporting team is the Matildas - footballers who have inspired a generation both male and female to take up the world game. They are supremely talented, tactically advanced, and have a team spirit and determination second to none.
And even when the Matildas lose, they win with even more supporters proud to don the green and gold in recognition of their efforts.
To watch them on the world stage is a privilege and, as a result, legions of followers quickly snap up merchandise with Sam Kerr’s shirt atop the list closely followed by Hayley Rasso, Caitlin Foord, Kyah Simon, Ellie Carpenter, Emily van Egmond, and, new sensation, Mary Fowler not far behind.
There is an exclusive Sydney based institution known as the Australian Club where captains of industry, politics, and influence gather to enjoy each other's company.
Members can invite female guests, but females cannot be members themselves. The Australian Club was founded in 1838 enabling businessmen to meet, unwind, and cogitate the issues of the day.
When a young person went missing in Launceston last week, emergency services and the community hastily mobilised to search. There were relatives and friends and acquaintances and those unknown to the family joining the party.
None of us would feel surprised because this is what we do. When someone is in trouble or the chips are down, we come together and help.
Revelations that an astute art purchase by local government has been missing for more than 16 months leads us to question: Where's Whiteley?
Renowned Australian artist, the late Brett Whiteley's AO, Waves V was purchased by the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in 1976 at a cost of $800. The drawing has never been heard of again and has never been hung.
