


USA Kids have been Dumbified
I have this ongoing discussion with a reader who is a longtime urban high school teacher, a wonderful guy who’s seen generations of teens come and generations go, and who has a delightful poetic sensibility and quirky outlook on his life and his family and his beloved... read moreThe Truth in Political Promises Act
We suggest that all Australian political officeholders be held to the same ethical standards as other citizens. We don’t tolerate lies and deceit from manufacturers, business owners, shop assistants, estate agents, used car salespeople, solicitors, medical... read moreHappy Australian Tax Freedom Day!
A tax is ‘a compulsory exaction of money by a public authority for public purposes, enforceable by law, and is not a payment for services rendered.’ At least that is the way the High Court defined it way back in 1938. To put it simply: A tax is something you must pay... read moreAnarchy in Australia (And It’s Not Chaos)
Anarchy has a bad rap. When people hear the word they generally think of angry kids wearing black and burning cars. Or of people running wild in the streets, fighting and looting. But that isn’t anarchy; it is chaos. The difference is important. Some people claim that... read more
Dave Barry’s Colonoscopy Experience (Humour)
I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through... read moreBreaking Out of the Political Madhouse
Most people who enter politics do so because they are driven by passion and ideas. Yet today’s political world is not one in which either can flourish easily. The political process is like a wind tunnel in which only the most streamlined characters survive. It’s a... read moreHumour: Signs of the Light Bulb
How many members of your astrological sign does it take to change a light bulb? Aries: Just one — you want to make something of it? Taurus: One, but just try to convince them that the burned-out bulb is useless and should be thrown away. Gemini: Two, but the job... read moreHumour: Twelve Ways E-mail is Like… a Male Reproductive Organ
Some folks have it, some don’t. Those who have it would be devastated if it were ever cut off. Those who have it think that those who don’t are somehow inferior. Those who don’t have it agree that it’s neat, but think it’s not worth the... read more