Category Archives: Literary

An ode to the COVID epicentre

Posted on July 17, 2021 by topherdman

Have you been paying attention to the news? Then you’ll realise that this pandemic doesn’t choose At first, they made masks mandatory It was a nod back to recent restrictions The current wave began at Bondi Once it started, the … Continue reading →

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In Memoriam

Posted on December 27, 2020 by topherdman

A few weeks ago, my dear Aunty Ellen passed away. She was seventy years young. I’ve heard second-hand accounts about her, most of them painting her in a good light. She grew up with my mum, as they were first … Continue reading →

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September 2020 reads

Posted on September 25, 2020 by topherdman

This month’s reads are another mixed bunch. I started off with The Snowman, Harry Hole 7. The book was adapted into film and featured Michael Fassbender as the star detective. I followed this with a classic for a change. Lord … Continue reading →

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Remembering Harry

Posted on July 11, 2020 by topherdman

July 15, 2011. Almost nine years ago this weekend, the final instalment in the Harry Potter saga hit theatres around the world. I remember it like it was yesterday when my pal and I saw it at the cinemas. After … Continue reading →

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The meaning of life

Posted on June 26, 2020 by topherdman

Life. We see it. We experience it. We feel it. When I was a senior in high school, my mentor (Bro) tasked each of us to write about the meaning of life. Every graduating student that year was allocated one … Continue reading →

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Lessons from mums

Posted on May 10, 2020 by topherdman

Today, 10 May, is Mother’s Day. While admittedly low on ideas, I’ve decided to earmark this week’s post as another tribute to mums. We are still in the midst of the pandemic. Most Australian states may have eased their restrictions. … Continue reading →

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My April reads

Posted on April 26, 2020 by topherdman

I’ve finished four books since my last catalogue. I mentioned before that Fallen (Slaughter) was my latest read. I’ve since moved on from Will Trent no. 5. I then proceeded to tackle this nonfiction title, So Many Books. At 144 … Continue reading →

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New decade, new reads

Posted on January 17, 2020 by topherdman

Since my last list over a month ago, I have masticated a further three books. The previous catalogue was my ultimate of the old decade. After the turn of the New Year, this marks the first reading list of the … Continue reading →

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Born to write (updated)

Posted on December 14, 2019 by topherdman

Years ago, I penned the About Me section of my blog. Titled ‘Born to Write’, the 200-odd words captured who I was back then. It’s time for a re-write.  Topher Ong is a young writer from Sydney, New South Wales. … Continue reading →

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What If –

Posted on November 16, 2019 by topherdman

This is a tribute to that olden British writer, Rudyard Kipling. His poem was originally titled ‘If – ‘ and was dedicated to the son of a friend. We studied this in high school and each wrote our own versions … Continue reading →

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