Andrew James Whalan

October 1, 2013

What Will I be When I Grow Up?

“What will I be when I grow up ?” asked Johnson. “Whatever you want to be, dear”, said Mum. “But I want to know what I’ll be before I grow up”, said Johnson insistently. “How can I know that?” thought Mum. “Let’s just see what happens!”, she thought. “Well, you could be a carpenter”,…
October 1, 2013

What Will I be When I Grow Up ?

“What will I be when I grow up ?” asked Johnson. “Whatever you want to be, dear”, said Mum. “But I want to know what I’ll be before I grow up”, said Johnson insistently. “How can I know that?” thought Mum. “Let’s just see what happens!”, she thought. “Well, you could be a carpenter”,…
September 30, 2013

On Wisdom

There was a time, I considered myself wise. But the world made me foolish, so I had to learn. And now I realise through life’s travels, That wisdom is rare and precious indeed.
September 29, 2013

Sexism and Feminism

I mean all I did was just repeat to the missus what was said on the radio. Yep one of those shock jocks was sayin’ that women is destroying the joint. Too right I thought! Got home and the missus wasn’t going to be much fun I think. So I had a go at her.…
September 28, 2013

Abbott After 100 Days : Policies versus the Pamphlett

There has been much written about the Abbott Government and its achievements in its first 100 days. They’ve even brought out a pamphlett of their achievements. But if one had studied their election pamphlett, the clues to their performance were already there. And the giveaway is mainly in the presentation and only some of the…
August 23, 2013

Daffodil Day : Catch that mini Soccer Ball (oops!)

At work the other day, and I saw one of my workmates with a Cancer Council coffee cup. The Cancer Council is an Australian charity dedicated to eradicating cancer and supporting people through cancer. I then remembered Daffodil Day 2005. Daffodil Day is the Cancer Council’s main fund raising day. That day I was a…
August 18, 2013

Before Midnight

If you’re expecting a fairy tale ending to the story of Jesse and Celine, you may be disappointed. But the final instalment in the Before Sunrise and Before Sunset does have a real world ending and all in all a satisfying one. But to reveal it would give away too much. Beautifully filmed in Greece,…
May 12, 2013

Mothers Day is for Everyone

It was Mothers Day. That Sunday we (my then second wife Tracey and I) were with my youngest sons for their access visit and sleepover. That Sunday morning, I quizzed my sons. Did you give your mother a card for Mothers Day? Yes, they chorused. Did you want to phone her? Yes! A quick hello…
May 3, 2013

Towards a Better Funded NDIS

During the to-ing and fro-ing over the 0.5% income tax levy for the NDIS, I made a comment on a well known news site. I thought nothing of it until I received an email confirmation that the comment was published. I decided to check the well known news site for my comment. I couldn’t find…
April 30, 2013

Racism : The Double Standard

Strewth! Stone the flaming crows! It’s bloody hard to be a racist in this country or what? I mean just the other day I was listening to the radio. And one of those shock jocks and his politician mate was sayin’ stuff about those illegals that come here by boat ‘cos they want to take…
April 29, 2013

Don’t Ask Tony These Questions!

We’ve seen quite a lot of Tony Abbott walking away from questions… Here ‘s how to make him stay. Don’t ask about: James Ashby and Mal Brough. Afghanistan and Mark Riley. Peter Slipper. Peter van Onselen and Dr Mark Roberts. Sydney University allegations. One Nation and David Ettridge. Direct action details. Gonski details and LNP…
April 25, 2013

Anzac Day : Some Reflections

Despite learning about Anzac Day all my life, it wasn’t until recently I found its meaning to me. As a child, I did attend Dawn Service with my Dad. I tried my best to stay awake and not appear bored.I remember reading the plaque which had far too many names for a small country town.…