Category Archives: culture and politics

Flash Fiction

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Topher

Note: This is a fictionalised account. Names, places, and events have been manipulated to suit the author’s wild imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living, dead, or undead, are (probably) coincidental. *** When I was a boy, we had this gardener. … Continue reading →

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Secret Skill

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Topher

What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? Reading lips is one skill that could come in handy. Imagine that. Not only could you communicate; you could interface with almost anyone, including the mute. Auslan, our … Continue reading →

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‘Paklang-er’ aka Stalk Lady

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Topher

Many moons ago, I mentioned how I hung out at Hunter Connection in Wynyard. (See also: my Hunter post from 2021). They have a nice selection of cuisines and are strategically located next to my chiropractor. However, sometimes, we get … Continue reading →

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Lent 2022: abstinence, fasting, and prayer

Posted on March 13, 2022 by Topher

On 2 March 2002 was Ash Wednesday. Mass is usually observed on this date. In school, there was an Ash Wednesday mass and as a result, all students would have a black mark on their heads. The placing of ashes … Continue reading →

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9/11: Twenty years on

Posted on September 11, 2021 by Topher

9/11/2001 On this day twenty years past, Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked two airplanes that struck the twin towers late that morning. This was the most brazen and the worst terror attack ever in history. Pictures of the crumbling towers dominated the … Continue reading →

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In honour of my father

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Topher

Today, 5 September, marks Father’s Day in Australia. Unlike other countries such as the US and the UK, our celebration falls on the first Sunday of September. For most of us, our dads fill an important role in our lives. … Continue reading →

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Sydney Lockdown NON-essentials

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Topher

‘To be necessary, or not, that is the question.’ Sydney, Australia has been in lockdown since 26 June. Despite the heavy restrictions (including mandatory wearing of masks), the past two days has seen the state’s local cases eclipse eight hundred. … Continue reading →

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Notes from (Sydney’s) lockdown

Posted on July 4, 2021 by Topher

A flurry of COVID cases last week had prompted the NSW government to enact a partial lockdown last Friday (25th of June). This would’ve lasted a full week. The four councils included City of Sydney, Woollahra, and Waverley. This meant … Continue reading →

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Mac OS Big Sur reviewed

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Topher

Last weekend, I finally made the move to the latest Mac Operating System (OS). Until then, I’ve been using Mac OS Catalina. My Mac came with OS Mojave pre-installed but even when Catalina was out, I took my time. Some … Continue reading →

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La nina reads

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Topher

This summer has been unseasonably milder. The heat came in spots, with cloud cover and showers taking its place. The cooler temperature and occasional rain could be attributed to La Nina. Regardless, the first month of the year saw me … Continue reading →

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