Category Archives: culture and politics

Quick to the draw

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Topher

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I’m a quick learner. If it’s within my powers, I’ll grasp it in a hurry. Let us count the ways. I only started tuning in to tennis here in Sydney. In spite … Continue reading →

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Secret Skill

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Topher

What skill would you like to learn? This week’s title is taken from a retro Semisonic song. Months ago, I uncovered the gem via Spotify. With its catchy tune, it has remained on my YouTube playlist. I’d like to be … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Week

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Topher

Actor Jackie Chan was asked by this reporter. Was he happy with his life? His retort was thus: ‘You know I once heard some very wise words: …Your restless child is the dream of every childless person Your small home … Continue reading →

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The Brightest Day

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Topher

Today, 21 December, marks the summer solstice. For the uninitiated, the latter is the southern hemisphere’s longest day. This usually occurs in late December. Representing the peak, daylight is lengthiest. In Sydney, that means fourteen hours and twenty five minutes … Continue reading →

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‘The Replacements’

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Topher

List the locales you will consider to escape the cost of living crisis in Australia. We live in a dog-eat-dog world. Bite or get bitten. Prices in the Great Southern Land are on the rise. This trend will continue. Interest … Continue reading →

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Word of the Month

Posted on September 14, 2024 by Topher

What’s your favorite word? At the moment, the phrase ‘conked out’ represents my favourite English words. I first encountered it in Stephen King’s 2019 novel, The Institute. The expression may mean a) asleep b) passed out or c) silenced. The … Continue reading →

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‘Cast Away’

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Topher

Have you ever broken a bone? Indeed, I had. The following is an excerpt from my book, published in 2022. I talk about the time in fourth grade when I fractured my left forearm: ‘After all that teasing of Miguel … Continue reading →

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Space Dreamz

Posted on January 27, 2024 by Topher

What’s your dream job? That’s an easy question. I always yearned of being an astronaut. For me, it’s the world’s coolest job. You get to explore new frontiers. You mobilise cutting-edge technology. You walk in outer space. You get to … Continue reading →

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El Niño (kuno)

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Topher

Before summer started, so-called experts were tipping this season to be a scorcher. Records will fall. Temperatures will go off the charts. Heat waves will be commonplace. Beaches will be jampacked. Forty degree days will be the norm. Scorching Spring … Continue reading →

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In Search of McLovin

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Topher

Many years back, I used this social media platform named Friendster (FS). From where I was, FS was the Facebook of its day. Even at its height, it was not as popular as MySpace. In some regions it did generate … Continue reading →

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