Joy Whitaker of East Gosford points out that there is an earlier and better authority than Nigella Lawson, offering a scene from Noel Coward’s 1945 movie Brief Encounter as an example. She describes a scene in which the refined waitress in an English railway station refreshment room asks a customer if they would like milk or plain chocolate, suggesting readers watch the movie for the full effect.
Col Burns of Lugarno shares a lighthearted dream he had after receiving a $300 electricity rebate, involving Australian politician Jim Chalmers. Tim Slack-Smith of Castle Hill expresses concern about the potential for complaints if a suggestion like “Gen AA” were to be adopted, while Alicia Dawson of Balmain proposes returning to the letter ‘A’ with “Gen AI”. Jack Dikian of Mosman suggests that the generation following Gen Z could be called iGen.
Meri Will of Baulkham Hills recounts her 94-year-old mother’s adeptness with technology, such as playing Scrabble on her iPad and making online purchases, despite struggles with hearing her iPhone ring. Similarly, Roger Epps of Armidale shares a story of surprising a teenage supermarket checkout operator with his accurate total calculation during a shopping trip.
In a playful query about Mark Wahlberg’s preferences, Brian Collins of Cronulla wonders if the holiday festivities in Australia align more with an Australian or American Christmas. Peter Miniutti of Ashbury asks about the timekeeping preferences of Wahlberg, referencing the actor’s watch collection that includes a highly sought-after Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. The diverse range of topics discussed in recent Column 8 entries prompts readers to engage and share their thoughts.
As readers continue to contribute their anecdotes and questions about various topics, the lighthearted and diverse nature of the discussions in Column 8 is highlighted. From cinematic references and technological prowess of seniors to musings about holiday traditions and celebrity watch collections, the community of readers eagerly participates in the exchange of ideas and observations through this column. The blend of humor, curiosity, and shared experiences creates a vibrant and engaging forum for readers to connect and reflect on a wide range of subjects.
