Over the years I have come across plenty of books that were destined for landfill. Whether through the various work places I had been, the charities which moved individuals from independence to “assisted” living and then the charity shops places themselves which can’t afford the bin fees to dump the excess they receive. Among these books, I have come across notes and journals. Small increments of intimate writing, sketches from a human past long forgotten but for these ink spots on paper, they remain as remnants that once mattered. I had the intention of writing something cynical or even...

Good story telling allows for us to experience the many human emotions that we understand, and know intimately. Despite its more recent incarnations, Star Trek told stories rich in life. An exploration for philosophy and humanity, challenged through narratives and character exchanges. Presented before, at times gaudy backdrops or technobabble laden jargon required to embed us into a place where technology itself is magic. In an episode from Star Trek – The Next Generation, Captain Jean Luc Picard found himself pulled into another life. One beyond a star ship, and the obligations of command....

There is a conflict for fighters to endure. Not the most obvious of overcoming oneself, the obstacles leading to competition or the opponent. Finding the balance between pride and self preservation. Too much pride, means we become reckless. Brave but stupid. We take risks and go blow for blow, toe for toe and allow the ego to overcome us. We do silly things that can risk the fight itself while also hurting us long term. This goes for training as well. When we should be working, practising and developing skills we can get into gym wars to settle a score or prove a point that never needed...

He clenched his fist around the USB, impatience gripping him as he waited. He had just finished pacing only to sit down, unaware of his rocking back and forth. Once he saw her, he was back to his feet. He wanted to push it into her hand and disappear. Instead, she guided him to a table, “let’s have a drink first,” she offered. “Sure.” They sat, ordered drinks. Small talk. He looked around, more small talk. The crowd was distant, his mind never leaving what he ha seen. How he felt. Once the drinks were in front of them, she sipped hers, a tall cold beer. She looked at him, “tell me what is on...

In 1935 while in exile Brecht wrote his poem challenging the aristocracy of history. The belief that events and the entire of human existence occurs because of a great man, the dear leader. In contemporary moments, politicians and influential people are looked at with cultish adulation. They are the exemplifiers of perfect power, human gods who may fix, solve and accomplish through their personality but above all else, the power afforded to them by status. A status safeguarded through wealth and the template of governance, to bribe the mercenary minded, zealotic believers who will do all...

“Never again.” Those words were spoken in the wake of the second world war, the revelation and realisation that a sophisticated, educated and civilsed nation of people could commit atrocities of such a scale. Not merely a genocide, a regime of torture, slavery and human misery under the guise of scientific enquiry and chauvinistic supremacy. The victors of the Good war satisfied their sacrifice and accomplishments in knowing that they had conquered an evil. Myths were born. It was the feat of the greatest generation. All other wars and enemies would be judged by this one, the second world...

She just turned ninety, her body withering along with her mind. She dithers and smiles, walks slowly among the isles, she is never alone when outside, she remains lonely. She has always been a pensioner, never worked. Her husband died thirty years ago, now with three adult kids. She is without want, despite wishing she had her youth back. Her middle son, in his fifties, has never worked. Now, full time carer, paid to look after his own mother. He has no kids, never married. He boasts about his pokie wins, and treats himself to a massage twice a month, each ending happy. He takes pride in his...