AUSTRALIA DA Y

Humans as a species are very sensitive to their relative status in a community. We don't just want to be loved but respected and noticed. So part of what it means to be an Australian these days is working longer hours, experiencing more stress and suffering increasing rates of depression in order to purchase the symbols of success which will make one feel respected. Forty years ago a 120-square-metre house was considered quite acceptable for a family. Now it has to be double that size before one feels adequate.
· Identity [SMH]

Music So what did you think?

There are a few things to be said about going out alone, and one of them is you don't have to say anything. ’So what did you think?’ It's not that I begrudge the presence of another human being -- particularly the one to whom I'm married.
I don't know about you, but we are almost always almost late for almost every show. Split-second timing is something of a specialty around here. You know that couple that the ushers rush in to their seats at the last possible second, after everyone is settled and comfortable?
· That's us. [The Globe & Mail]