Patriot Realm

In the dusty heart of the Outback, where the sun scorches the earth and the kangaroos outnumber the people, there's a new craze sweeping through the land. It's not the latest Aussie slang or a new way to cook a snag on the barbie – it's the art of cat herding. That's right, people, move over cattle rustling and sheep shearing; it's time for the feline frolic of the century.

Now, you might be wondering how on earth herding cats can be a viable occupation, let alone a source of national pride. Well, let me tell you, it's all about turning the seemingly impossible into the distinctly Australian. It's about teaching our young, unemployed folks the fine art of cat herding and giving them a sense of purpose that's as Aussie as a meat pie at the footy.

I have never been reticent in expressing my love and admiration of America. I love the Americans who call it home.

As an Australian, I admire the exploits of their armed services ( when I was a boy during WW2 )  but it was my experience of living there in 1976 that cemented the attitude I developed and still have today.

America is presently going through a very bad patch and has dragged the rest of the Western World with it.

Since the end of WW2, the only thing that has stood between Communism and the life that most of the free world enjoys is America. The untold generosity to every beleaguered nation on this planet has not been appreciated by most of them. 

Thank God for America. 

Many months of secrecy and speculation have preceded this historic announcement: The 2023 Voice Referendum will be held on Saturday, October 14.

In six weeks all Australians will be obligated to partake.

There will be no forthcoming change to our Constitution. Australians will not be fooled, not now, not by this; and despite the shaming propaganda and cynical corporate endorsements — it will all be for naught. And just as sure as winter yields to spring and the gloom and chill are overcome by a return of light — the devilish Lies underpinning the Voice will yield to Truth.

And they have…

While the name Hedwig Kiesler may not be immediately recognisable, and few would remember Hedy Markey, there's a strong likelihood that anyone of a certain age reading this would recall one of Hollywood's iconic beauties from its golden era - Hedy Lamarr.

That was the name bestowed upon her by Louis B. Mayer, propelling her to stardom and fame through his movie company. Regrettably, the vast majority remain unaware that Hedwig Kiesler, or Hedy Lamarr, was one of the pioneering figures in wireless communications. Her revolutionary patent laid the groundwork for "spread spectrum technology," the very technology that underpins the WiFi networks and Bluetooth-enabled phones we rely on daily. It also forms the core of the substantial investments currently fueling fourth-generation "LTE" wireless technology, promising vast improvements in wireless network speed and quality by spreading signals across the entire available spectrum - a feat made possible by Hedwig Kiesler's inventive brilliance.

On the Soane's steep western bank towers "Le Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere", its noble, time-stained parapets dart through the summer greenery like white fingers tenaciously anchoring the pious edifice to terra-firma.  From its lofty perch the confluence of the rivers Soane and Rhone can be seen to the south.

"Montee du Gourguillon" is the steep roadway leading up to the Fourvier. Its  name is derived from a deformation of  “gargoyle" because of the way torrents of water rush down the street during a deluge.  When Pope Clement V celebrated his coronation in Lyon in 1305, he fell from his mule while climbing this street and a precious stone broke from his crown and vanished in the crowd. It  has not been found to this day. I suppose either he or his religion was not embraced by everybody in the crowd.