- 6. Nov, 2022
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Peter Dutton: Sexton or Resurrectionist?
Like Scrooge’s door knocker, let there be no misunderstanding, Menzies’ Liberal Party as we knew it, is dead. So my specific question is: ‘Whither Now?’
Will the current Federal Liberal leader and Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, prove to be the party’s Sexton or its Resurrectionist? - 24. Aug, 2022
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An Australian Canker
There is a foul smelling canker rotting the body of Australian society. It is fed by the money and ignorance of all Australians and it resides, quietly and unobtrusively, in the Hallowed Halls of one this country’s most prestigious institutions, the University of Melbourne.
In short, that university is funding and supporting, thereby imbuing with legitimacy, a programme to train cultural activists whose sole intent is the total deconstruction of Australian history, culture, traditions, and heritage.
This cankerous research programme, supported by the University of Melbourne beggar’s belief: it is overtly political; it is socially divisive; it is unscholarly and it is inherently negative. You can read about is here. - 29. Jul, 2022
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In defence of the Sanga!
I usually avoid discussing matters relating to the daily grind but, in these grainy days of growing inflation and the lack of readies, I intend to address an important bread and butter issue.
- 4. Jul, 2022
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Anglicans Demonize their Own
The story is about the Rev. Bernard Randall, a school chaplain [2015 - 2020] fired from his job at Trent College, a Church of England School in Nottingham: His crime? To deliver a sermon in which he told pupils that they did not need to accept LGBT ideology if they felt it went against their beliefs or the beliefs of the Church.
His story is the story of yet a further step we have taken towards totalitarianism. I have appended his sermon which caused the fuss. Read it and realise the fragility of those who would enslave us. - 22. Jun, 2022
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Ita - Morrison's Last Joke
Just when we thought we could forget about the appalling Morrison a bleak joke recently appeared to remind us of his truly atrocious tenure as Prime Minister – Ita Buttrose.
Respected and much loved and totally misplaced as head of the ABC she committed last Friday what, in that organisation, evidently constitutes a cardinal sin. Guilty or not? This could be a lapsus linguae coming your way. - 22. May, 2022
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Elections 2022
Well the election has come and gone. Our cumbersome farce and so overly democratic electoral system, ceasing to be representative in any meaningful manner, has delivered us into the hands of a new set of the ineffable Chesterton’s ‘unhappy Lords’.
- 11. Apr, 2022
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Morrison's Easter Rabbit
If you share my general disgust with all politicians and all their doings, I urge you to exercise your considered choice in this election. I know we have a crock of inconsequence to choose from, but as each election cycle spews out less attractive candidates than the previous one, the very least we can do is to make a concerted endeavour to leaven the moral fibre of those who seek to govern us.
- 14. Mar, 2022
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Defining Women
Some of you might have noticed International Women’s Day last week. I was reminded of it whilst at the dentist of all places. I was later delighted to be attracted to the following headline from Britain: Two Labour frontbenchers were unable to define what a woman is during media interviews this week.
The promise of the story did not disappoint. Evidently this duo of yoyo’s, being interviewed on International Women’s Day, made damn fools of themselves in their complete inability to define the meaning of ‘woman’. - 30. Nov, 2021
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Drugs & Asymmetric Warfare
Last week an interesting news piece crossed my desk. Later that day a friend of mine, by chance, handed me sheaf of old news-clippings from America. The commonality between these - drugs.
Reading through these totally different accounts brought home to me a pivotal geopolitical problem of our time – the notion of ‘asymmetric warfare’.
It is unsurprising that the radical Islamic Shiite axis in the Middle East is working on a strategy to strengthen and increase its offensive power against Israel from bases in Syria and Lebanon. The Iranians are coordinating and working closely with various Shiite militias and Hezbollah to place advanced weapons of war on Syrian and Lebanese soil. These include precision guided surface-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles and drones. These constitute the valid formal weapons of war.
They are however increasingly adding to their arsenal another weapon of attack – the "weapon" of drugs. The following account might be of some interest. - 27. Sep, 2021
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The Referee
I attended a rugby international last Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening that brought back many memories. It also brought to mind what I consider to be a fitting metaphor to describe a serious deficiency in our body politic. You might care to see if you agree with me.
- 26. Aug, 2021
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A curious postmodern take on the Taliban.
Postmodernist critique and the Taliban would seem unlikely bedfellows. To my delight I found a wonderful piece of nonsense the other day which I share and discuss for your intellectual delectation.
- 18. Aug, 2021
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18. Aug, 2021 Viet Nam Veterans Day 2021 - Reflections
Today, as many of you might know, is Viet Nam Veterans Day in Australia. This year, another set of geopolitical failures and moral cowardice exemplify what today should be all about.
I commence the day with an extremely dirty taste in my mouth. Yet again we are bound to seek and pray for expiation. - 19. Jul, 2021
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Two Shades of Reality
I would like to draw your attention to Two Shades of Reality:
The daily reality in Indonesia: a population of 270.20 million people, a broken health system, a desperate shortage of medical supplies and hospitals running out of oxygen.
The daily reality in Australia: Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner lays down a controversial ruling set to become a national test case.
Compare and contrast! - 14. Jul, 2021
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Religious Freedom finally muzzled in Western Australia
The One Party State of Western Australia has finally shown it's true colours. It drew its sword against Christians in the picturesque south coastal town of Albany.
- 1. Jul, 2021
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Retreat from Kabul
I have been watching the advances of the Taliban and the concomitant demoralisation of the government forces with deja vu. It is for many of us a profoundly depressing time.
I have not resiled in my condemnation of our political masters over this matter. My article might contain one of two points that might be of interest to you and I raise a couple of matters that should make us ashamed of our international stage-strutting diplomacy. Read and be sorrowful for those we left behind. - 24. Apr, 2021
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Hobbes and the Parliamentary Dunnies
Working on my book this morning, my deliberations on Mr Hobbes were interrupted by a breaking news story about another lockdown in Western Australia.
Yet again, by the hands of the Labor Premier of that state, this country’s liberal democratic federation is traduced.
You might consider my thoughts on Mr Hobbes and the use of parliamentary dunnies apposite. - 21. Apr, 2021
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Classics and the Culture Wars
Earlier this year I was confounded to read in Arts and Letters Daily that in the United States there is a movement in some university classics departments to purge the teaching of classics of its emphasis on white privilege and its inherent racism. Appalled at this utter nonsense on the 6th of March I penned a response, as below. Unsurprisingly I have received no acknowledgement. I confess this is lengthy piece but I do hope you find it worthwhile.
- 13. Apr, 2021
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The Narrative, the Burning & the Profile
One would have to be a first-class nit to deny that intellectual intolerance and intellectual absurdity are but two of the defining pillars of contemporary society. For a trip into nonsensicality I take two recent examples to illustrate the parlous state of our belles-lettres. The first is an article in today’s Australian newspaper [13 April] and another is a news story of last month [March 2021].
- 31. Jan, 2021
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Reflections on a New Year - 2021
In my experience the first month of a new year provides a lunatic backdrop for the remainder of the year – this year is certainly no exception.
Setting aside the ongoing tragedy, politics and mismanagement of the pandemic – about which enough has been written – the international community has been witness to some extraordinary events in the United States and some very ‘ordinary’ events in Australia. I offer comment on a select cross-section of these stories which I consider to be outstanding examples of lunacy and/or great sadness. - 20. Nov, 2020
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War Crimes & Show Trials
Yes I am angry. I am extremely angry at the forthcoming war crime show trials of some Australian troops that served in Afghanistan. This essay is not a considered legal or even moral discourse – those are complicated subjects and the details are not yet at hand. This essay is rather an expression of my disgust at the failure of the chain of command centring at the top.
- 6. Nov, 2020
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Early Reflections on the United States 2020 Election
My great concern is that the brouhaha of the election temporarily extinguished the detail of many election promises – explicit or implicit. I am concerned that many of those that voted specifically ‘against’ Trump overlooked the fact that they voted instead for the entire baggage and expectations of the Democrat left.
- 30. Oct, 2020
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Elections in Queensland, Ubu Roi & and Other Absurdities
So, Queenslanders are going to the polls tomorrow - auspicious or symbolic - Halloween - when all fools come out to play. Irrespective of the result, nothing will change however - you might be interested in my take. Non-Australians might be interested in this particular exercise of Antipodean All Hallows Absurdity.
Enjoy your Halloween. - 4. Oct, 2020
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Crossfire Hurricane : and other human conceits
President Trump's illness is a timely and trenchant reminder that the delicate frailty of life transcends all human conceits. It is, perhaps, a fitting conclusion to the Greek tragedy that has been his presidency.
- 9. Aug, 2020
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Hello, Yes You ... Spare a Moment?
For those of you that haven’t yet grasped the fact that our society is in serious decay – and I mean serious decay - allow me to lead you through a story I have been following since it first broke early last week. It sickened me as I followed its development.
I first heard about it on NCA NewsWire at 1635 hrs on Monday 3 August when Court Reporter, Heath Parkes-Hupton, described: - 4. Aug, 2020
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Sports Men/Women as Social Commentators
I am quite sure that many of you share my irritation at the on-field virtue signalling antics of many of our sports men and women. If so, you might be interested in my take on the matter.
- 31. Jul, 2020
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Suppressing Faith and Free Speech: A Lesson from Scotland
The Parliament in Scotland is considering a Draconian bill which will have a profound affect on both faith and free speech in that country. This debate should hold lessons for us all. Please either click on the heading above to follow the link or go to Menu:Blog. Thank you.
- 5. Jul, 2020
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The Australian Human Rights Commission
I have just included an essay from my book on Christendom [in. litt.] for your interest and review. I would be pleased to receive your comments. Please either click on the heading above to follow the link or go to Menu:Politics:The Tome Essays. Thank you.
- 3. Jul, 2020
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A Welcome to John Coe
I take the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to my site to an old friend and colleague.
To say that I have known John Coe for a long time would be an understatement. Indeed, it would not be stretching the point to say that I owe him my existence – for without him I would be as dust underfoot and chaff in the wind.
We have over the years mulled many ideas, shared many a robust debate, divided our sorrows and enjoyed much humour and joy.
But throughout, the touchstone of our relationship has been our mutual dismay at the exponential decline of Western Civilisation. It is to this end that I have invited John to wield his pen on my site in defence of the unashamedly superior civilisation that is the product of two millennia of history. [I have appended John’s ‘Profile’ which may be found through the Menu.]
We have revised the site somewhat to reflect our new direction.
The Front Page will be kept uncluttered to contain short comment only on matters of immediate moment. Readers will be advised of and pointed to new articles and detailed comment through the Menu. We would welcome any comment on the improvement of the site.
If you share our concerns about the manifest decline in civic virtues; increasing political chicanery, corruption and incompetence; the politicisation of every branch of government; the displacement of free-thought and expression by social engineering and political correctness, and the deliberate eradication of those values that were once distinctly honest and decent, then we hope you will support us.
Please remember, if you say nothing, if you do nothing, then nothing will happen. Now is the time to say – Enough!
Let your friends know, let your elected representatives know, that you have had – Enough!
Thank you for Visiting.
For Blog & Critical Comment
Please look at or click on the Menu button, click on More and look for Blog.
Recent Posts.
Watch this space!!
I am working on a major study of Christendom, its history, decline and its revivication.
Some previous essays published on this website have been included. Last year I wrote a number of essays direct into the manuscript, some polemical and others academic. We now intend to publish some of these on this site for general comment and further ideas.
To read such essays specifically set in the Australian context please click on the Menu>Politics>The Tome: Essays
I would be extremely pleased to receive your comments, critical or otherwise, on these offerings. You can use the public comment section on the site, although this has a word limit; I would be pleased to hear from you direct by e.mail or, for those that are able or thus inclined, over a few beers in the pub.
For all other postings please choose from the Menu.
New To My Domain
The question of engagement is fundamental to the healthy working of a democratic society. In such a society you have the right to remain an outsider, an observer or an apathetic cypher in the political and social processes. By choosing thus you accept what happens to you and you forfeit the right to complain about the consequences of social or political policy. Alternatively, you can choose to ‘engage’ with these processes and endeavour to exert some little influence over your life and the future life and health of your society.
I belong unashamedly in the latter camp. I am also a moral conservative and very much a political freethinker. I can see worthlessness equally in all political actors – indeed, if there is a leitmotif in my writing, it is a deeply held suspicion of politicians and their works. A short professional career in political party organisation imbued me with the idea that politics and social policy is too important to be left in the hands of self-serving politicians. Why a short career – a victory of principle over corruption.
Thus much, but not all, my writing is about politics and social policy. For those interested in my comments in this area, I invite you to turn to the Menu and click onto my “Blog” or browse through the list of items under “Politics”.
As an historian and biographer in my real life I write about history and people. I will be increasing this content in the site in due course. I also intend to write reviews and other items which are of interest to me. I hope you might share some of these interests.
Please feel free to leave me a message: to do so you are required to leave your e.mail address - I hasten to add that it remains strictly confidential and unavailable to me - it is a digital process which allows the programme to generate a direct e.mail to you alerting you that I have responded to your comment.
I shall also post below the title and location of some of my more recent offerings for your convenience.
Have fun, drop me a comment and Keep the Aspidistra Flying!
Mordechai
A Lesson From Cromwell
Keep the Aspidistra Flying
"Aspidistra"
Watercolour 1971
by Eric Malthouse
The state of politics in the Western world is of concern to most of us.
The political paradigms have changed dramatically under our noses; our political classes have sorely failed us save in one respect, our expectation of their rapacity and arrogance; our belief in and respect for our democratic and judicial institutions is crumbling daily towards the abyss and we, the supposed font of political power, feel increasingly disenfranchised and alienated from the political system. No matter whom we vote for, we end up with a politician we are facing a crisis in our political culture.
For too long have we fiddle-faddled, content to let our elected representatives run loose in the farmyard. It is, I suggest, nigh-time that we, the people, took charge, round-up the chooks and cleanse the House of its filth.
Now is the time to say enough! Now is the time to declare war on the political establishment! In doing so I am strongly reminded of the words of Oliver Cromwell, as he dissolved the Rump Parliament in London on 20 April 1653:
"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government. Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. In the name of God, go!”
For more essays on this subject please click the Menu button 'Politics' and browse through the headings.
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Sam Cannon
Welcome back and thank you for a genuinely honest critique of the noise that passes as news. May I ask that your next contribution includes the destruction of goodwill by China.
Rob Seager - From the Heart of Rural England
I have the honour of being that "Old and very dear friend" who sent John this evocative photograph of All Saints - Rotherby.
Mordechai
And indeed t'was very much appreciated - as has been our long and lasting friendship. Bless you old warrior.
lesley
I enjoyed reading this very much.
Mordechai
Thank you Lesley. It gave me great pleasure to write it. A spirit of brightness in an otherwise grey world.
Justen Dach
policy
lesley
An excellent article, from which I have learnt a great deal. Very scary and uncertain times.
Mordechai
Thank you very much Lesley. The machinations and sub plots are indeed scary. Let's not forget 'Ego'. There is much reputation at stake.
mancer
Sun Tzu - know your enemy and in 100 battles you will never lose. Given the infantile desire of the general populace to share everything, and with leaders only concerned with the popular vote, we're..
Dr Aroha Page
Congratul tion s on a excellent posion P aper.
Dr Aroha Page
As always you have hit the nail on the head John!Echo your sentiments.I do concurr with the late RHawke"The re is global deficiency of members of quality standards and political calibre."
Fred
Hear! Hear!
Wendy coe
No corrections. I agree with everything. Very well said.
Mick espe
I agree , very well written and clearly from the heart.
Mordechai
Thank you Lesley, very much. Written from the heart.
lesley
Beautifully written. So enjoyed reading this.
Mordechai
Thank you Lesley, very much. Written from the heart.
Dr Arpha Page
Brilliant.I lost,y Grandfather Ypres.So glad you are recommending book Night!Hed you would We wil
Be christening our Centenial Bell here in Perth Largest in Southern hemisphere then attend Faure Mass
Mordechai
Thank you Aroha. So very sad about your grandfather. Ypres is synonymous with sadness.
Mick
They could come up with a certificate or diploma for common sense , maybe online ?
lesley
Excellent. So well written.
lesley
Enjoyed reading this very much.
Julian
Excellent treatise on Marx, Mordechai and very enlightening. I had a good chuckle at the last sentence. Brilliant!
Lesley
Enjoyed reading this very much. We don't have graduations here at school, but there are prize giving evenings for yr 11 and yr 13.
Fred
Maybe a "parent's role call" would be a useful aid in setting the blessed little dears along the right path
Fred
The Senate can't claim democratic creditability when 1 vote in Tasmania has the save value as 13 votes in NSW
Mordechai
So true, thanks. And it stopped being a 'States' House on Day One!!!
Aroha
Tragic so tragic more lives lost to the sacrifice of tProfoundly meaningful John.Tigers eyes are burning bright with rage!!!Keep up the ethical comportment..the thin gold line....
Cheers=Aroha
Lesley
It has been a terrible and sad week for the death of totally innocent people. Thinking of Manchester too.
Mordechai
Let us pray that the manifold sorrow has not been in vain. Perhaps we might, at last, come to appreciate the nature of the cancer abroad and in our midst.
Sam Cannon
Reagan was roundly pilloried by the American Press and he did a great job, maybe Trump can.
Marlies
Moi aussi! Terrible.
Dave
Amin, to people & Turkey.
steve
Amen!
Sam Cannon
Your best article yet John, strong, tight ,logical argument. I wonder if there will be a sudden swing at the end same as last election. Stand strong.
Sam Cannon
It seems debate is OK provided my thoughts concur with theirs otherwise I am some sort of ogre for daring to have a different point of view. Hardly a recipe to draw out the best in us.
Sam Cannon
Trump, attractive to many in the USA because the alternative want to be what they clearly cannot be ..All things to all people. He stands for something. He doesn't stand for everything, like Ruddski
Sam Cannon
The British Empire once covered 1/3 of the world, it was by all accounts a harsh, harsh existence and its greatest gift was democracy but nowhere except India and Pakistan had "untouchables"
Steve
I am puzzled John. What are the people supposed to listen to and what people? All I can say is that Trump may be a warning not to listen to people like him who have been around before!!!
Mordechai
Thanks Steve. Demagogues arise in a dystopian society. Dystopia can be prevented by listening to the people. Americans are speaking out against those that have not listened.
Dedublya
Ripper Mate, get pissed off with the mongrels that try and gouge out our eyes and ears with their political bull shit
Sam Cannon
We want to have our cake and eat it too and we are told we can! The government will pay for it! Pssst the Government doesn't pay for it, we do, so let's cut our coat according to our cloth. Et voila!
Lesley
I worry that people will vote in June, without knowing all the facts and just thinking of certain issues, such as immigration. How many will even vote? Enjoyed reading this. More please on same topic
Mordechai
Thanks Lesley. Quite right. There's also another concern - invert your proposition in that people may have so many contrary 'facts' they may be further confused.
Sam Cannon
Brexit. countries prosper or die on the energy of their people, they do not prosper under layers of bureaucratic regulation. Brexit I say!
Bill cebula
Maybe next time Kim may tie a general to a rocket and send him off to see the world. I am only trying to help him with ideas
Bill cebula
Let's keep the honours but only for personal services to the crown ie QE2.. Remember Sir Bill call me Bill, QE p.a. He deserved it for keeping his mouth shut. Also being a good bloke.
Bill Cebula
Now M-B you leave the N K generals alone. All those medals are for bravery ..surviving mortar, AA rounds or eaten by starving dogs.K has extraordinary imagination
Sam Cannon
I cringed when seeing the contenders for Australian of the year, railroaded by Hawke to bestow it on a pop star, restored to it's rightful gravity by Howard, and now this. I was expecting "Cate ".
Keith Latimer
I have always maintained that The Military doesn't exist to provide for social engineering and experimentation. I see the General as a dead set dunce. Ex Major.
Mordechai
Hear! Hear! Sir.
Fred
There was a time when the Generals fought a societie's enemies and not its views and opinions
Mordechai
Damn good point thank you Fred. Do you mind if I use it later?
John Lone
Spot on as usual John. Intersting in that the Calligan's father, Merv, was a Qld police officer in his younger day and later the General Secretary of the Quensland Police Union in the 60's 70's.
Fred
So how do they go about swearing allegiance to the queen and parliament?
Mordechai.
A most interesting point. Thank you.
Lesley
I think Corbyn will struggle to take the Labour party to victory. Full circle to the days of Michael Foot. I like his politics, but he will not appeal to enough voters.
Mordechai
Thanks Lesley. I agree. Although the party has had a spike in membership I don't think Corbyn will get enough traction amongst Mr & Mrs UK.
Sam Cannon
I will hold my judgement to the next election. Every country deserves the government it gets and a return to Labor will be the end of this country. It won't be worth fighting for.
Sam Cannon
Re the Tom and Jerry show as it is being dubbed. I'm afraid My Dear Johnny Coe, Corbyne is a whimsical dalliance for those who lament the passing of the winter of our discontent. Trident stays.
colin
Once again you have nailed it keep spreading the word
Sam Cannon
Further to my comments re Bond: Thanks Tiny Roland.
Sam Cannon
Marriage equality. Like Chaotic Kevin, Shrill Bill's epiphany was a dream that vanished like a rainbow in a sun shower.
Sam Cannon
Re: Bond. In the Balance Sheet of life Bond died bankrupt owing vast sums to Mums n Dads who never recovered from his grand theft.
Lesley
Like the new look.
Mordechai
Thanks Lesley - I thought the other one was getting a little 'ponderous'. Take care.
Sam Cannon
New format is fine John, we will get used to it. Note the ACF failed to have the Barrier Reef listed as endangered, a rich source of hyperbole, distortion, and lies.
Mordechai
The new format is me getting in touch with my artistic side!! The ACF really took a hit - good one!
Sam Cannon
Re 02/06 and 26/05 Bullseye John. We are so well off nobody gives a toss. We ignore and avoid a disagreement with China at our peril. What's Johnny Depp up to?
Mordechai
I like that one Sam. It's the core in-Depp discussion amongst the chattering classes.
lesley
Enjoyed reading this blog very much. Looking forward to the next.
lesley
Lovely photo.
Mordechai
Thanks Lesley. Coming from Darwin I was cold. I had a lovely b/fast of strong coffee and ham roll just after I took the photo in a cafe just down that street.
Keith
Be "true unto one's self" - would be so much better than "carpe diem" as an inking, Captain.
Mordechai
Agree completely Keith. There is something slightly self-centric about 'carpe diem'.
Sam Cannon
Your views were well formed as a 14 year old, rounded out with the passing of the years, to make the character you are. In awe of you then and now. Affectuose.
Mordechai
Thank you my old friend. You and I owe much to Lindisfarne College - it taught us the meaning of virtue and true friendship. God Bless you.
Julian
Love that pic John! Very artistic.
Mordechai
Thanks mate. Taken in 1983 with a 1959 Zeiss Ikon Contaflex.
Steve
Once again, as a fellow inmate I am not disappointed!
Mordechai
Thank you Steve - coming from a fellow inmate, high praise indeed.