In her beautifully-written, thoughtful book, Phosphorescence, renowned author and journalist, Dr Julia Baird, describes her love for ocean swimming, the magic properties of water, and her quest for lightness. She notes that prayer, meditation, and taking advantage of life’s simple pleasures, have helped her through some very dark days of illness and other difficulties. … Read more.
Author: Geri Bryant-Badham Page 3 of 10
Acclaimed Actor, comedian and writer, Kitty Flanagan, lays down some ground rules in her very amusing 488 Rules for Life, inspired by Jordan Peterson’s bestseller 12 Rules for Life. Kitty has taken her brief further – she has 12 rules for the bathroom alone. Her wise thoughts are those with which many of us agree, and include tips for the home, office, celebrations, food, dating, language, lifestyle, parenting, sport, technology and travel. … Read more.
Feelings of being claustrophobic, shut in, or cooped up, during lockdown, are bound to fray even the most even of tempers. Strains on people’s mental and physical health become evident, as we long for “everything to be back to normal” (though just what is “normal” now?) But there are the positives. … Read more.
The bad news is lockdown. But the good news is that many of Canberra’s top restaurants are offering takeaway meals during lockdown. So, patrons will continue to be spoilt for choice for fine dining in the capital and environs. Takeaway is available from some very popular eateries, including Mawson’s Okami (Japanese); Weston Creek’s Croatian restaurant, Maestral; Acton’s Monster Kitchen & Bar; Braddon’s EightySix, and Italian & Sons; and, Civic’s Bar Rochford. … Read more.
Former member for the federal seat of Chisholm (2016-2019), Julia Banks, recently spoke with academic-journalist, Virginia Haussegger at ANU’s Kambri Centre, about politics, parliament, and her book, Power Play. Ms Banks recited details of her 2018 departure from the Liberal Party when she became an Independent, and the orchestrated campaign against her from Liberal conservatives which caused her considerable stress. … Read more.
Herbert Vere (“Doc”) Evatt (1894-1965), was a brilliant Australian lawyer, politician and writer, whose controversial stances, and erratic behaviour invited strong criticism at times. However, he did have a strong band of supporters. Evatt’s career included representing Australia in the British war cabinet (1942-1943), being one of the architects of the United Nations and later, President of the UN General Assembly. … Read more.
The latest book of George Browning (Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn – 1993-2008), Not Helpful: Tales from a Truth Teller, examines power structures related to whistle blowers, inequality and climate. Addressing these issues through biography and anecdote, it covers Bishop Browning’s episcopate in Brisbane (1985-1993), and in Canberra. Bishop Browning recently talked about many of his concerns about contemporary times and the misuse of power, which he has outlined in his book, at a Manning Clark House function at All Saints Anglican Hall in Ainslie. … Read more.
Queanbeyan-based writer, researcher and advocate, Gerry Gillespie, has recently written The Waste Between Our Ears, a book outlining ways to rethink rubbish disposal. “[We need]…to think differently about discarded materials – about how to focus on their economic value rather than on how they simply are waste. To do this, you will need to be able to put your mind in a different place”, says its Foreword. … Read more.
With 2020’s Floriade held across Canberra rather than at its usual venue of Commonwealth Park, many Canberrans have been able to enjoy colourful displays of magnificent blooms in their local areas. Weston Creek is one such beneficiary and FLORIADE: Re-imagined in Trenerry Square has added a much-appreciated splash of colour. This “new” Floriade is perhaps akin (though on a much smaller scale) to Toowoomba’s annual Carnival of Flowers where residents and tourists can enjoy a wide range of events across Toowoomba, including chances to visit spectacular private and public garden displays and the iconic street parade and food and wine stalls. … Read more.
Named the 2011 Senior Australian of the Year and with many other awards and accolades, Professor Ron McCallum AO, recently spoke about his memoir, Born At The Right Time, at a radio for the print handicapped (1RPH) lunch at Canberra’s Ainslie Football Club. Having a distinguished career as a lawyer and academic, Professor McCallum was the first blind person to be appointed as Dean at an Australian University (Sydney University). … Read more.