Category Archives: culture and politics

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 →

Posted in culture and politics, TV | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in culture and politics, fashion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in culture and politics, movies | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in culture and politics, Literary | Tagged , | Leave a comment

‘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 →

Posted in cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in culture and politics, Sport, Travel | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books, cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books, COVID-19, culture and politics | Leave a comment