In May I posted about Michelle Kern's list of book review clichés. But, of course, book reviewers are not the only ones - or even the worst, I might suggest - to use clichés. They are rife in politics (as those of us living through a Federal election downunder know better than we'd prefer) and … Continue reading A cliché by any other name…
Commentary
Evening with a Nobel Laureate
And now for something completely different! Tonight I was way out of my comfort zone, mixing as I was with physicists and mathematicians at an event involving staff, students, alumni (pas moi, but Mr Gums) of the Research School of Physics and Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU). The event involved a reception followed … Continue reading Evening with a Nobel Laureate
Gums have blossoms too
Red flowering gum blossom, "Wild fire" I thought it was time to show that Gums can have gorgeous flowers as well as interesting bark. Not all gums have dramatic flowers. The one in my garden doesn't, for example - as is clear from its name: Eucalyptus pauciflora! But some gums, like this hybrid of the … Continue reading Gums have blossoms too
The limits of Google
I'm sure you've all had them, those searches that bring people to your blog by accident. Well, let me rephrase that: as far as Google is concerned it makes good sense, but you know the poor searcher at the other end of the keyboard would not agree. I just have to share with you one … Continue reading The limits of Google
I do like a bit of nonsense
You will never stub your toe standing still. The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere. (Charles Kettering, from thinkexist.com) For over four months now, our daughter has been struggling with a toe-that-will-not-heal, her left big toe to be precise. It all started with a … Continue reading I do like a bit of nonsense
Kill your darlings, and literary reviewing
Kill your darlings is a new Australian "independent publication of fresh, clever writing that combines intellect with intrigue" (from their website). The first issue, March 2010 Issue no. 1, contains an article by Gideon Haigh on what he believes to be the parlous state of literary reviewing in Australia. The article is titled "Feeding the … Continue reading Kill your darlings, and literary reviewing
Australia Post’s new set of Living Legends
Does the choice of writers for Australia Post's Australian Legends of the Written Word look a little one-sided to you? Here is the list: Peter Carey David Malouf Colleen McCullough Bryce Courtenay Thomas Keneally Tim Winton The Guardian books blog - Australian writers' stamps send the wrong message - suggests so, and has a bit … Continue reading Australia Post’s new set of Living Legends
Historical fiction…some brief thoughts
I have never really thought of myself as a reader of historical fiction but of course I have read quite a bit of historical fiction, not because I seek it as a genre but because some of the, for want of a better word, literary fiction that comes my way is, also, historical fiction. Take … Continue reading Historical fiction…some brief thoughts
Coffee-time counsel
En route to our hedonistic hiking location we traditionally stop for lunch at the historic and delightfully rustic Crackenback Cottage and Restaurant. We've noticed over the years that they seem to like to tease their guests with words and ideas...and of course these particular guests are not averse to that! My first example though comes … Continue reading Coffee-time counsel
What gives you joy?
I've just watched Andrew Denton interviewing Clive James on his Elders program. He asked James what gives him "joy", and James replied "the Arts". James said it didn't have to be anything particular, it could be Marvin Gaye singing "I heard it through the grapevine" or the Adagio from Beethoven's Ninth Sympathy or a painting … Continue reading What gives you joy?
Whispering Gums 