Patriot Realm

Details: Written by Patriotrealm; Published: 07 September 2023

lighthouse

User Rating: 5 / 5

When I was a child, my teacher taught us the story of Grace Darling, a heroine of enormous courage. I wonder how many of us have heard her name today or know of her incredible act of heroism one dark and stormy night in 1838? It matters not what country you call home when considering people like Grace Darling. It is a story for everyone, from every background and every country.

For there are many heroes in history whose names have been forgotten and whose acts of bravery have been washed ashore on a beach and taken away by the waves of indifference.

This is our salute to one person whose name and deed should never be forgotten and, in the words of Wordsworth " "But courage, Father! let us out to sea,
A few may yet be saved."

Details: Written by Op-Ed Shaydee Lane; Published: 06 September 2023

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A commenter on this site said that we are watching life through a looking glass.

This chance comment made one of our other contributors refer back to a quote from Lewis Carroll's book " Through the Looking Glass " and a quote from the Cheshire Cat.

He was talking with Alice, newly arrived in the land where insanity and nonsense prevailed. He said “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.” “How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice. “You must be,” said the Cat, or you wouldn’t have come here.”

Details: Written by Op-Ed Monty; Published: 05 September 2023

satire

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In the dusty heart of the Outback, where the sun scorches the earth and the kangaroos outnumber the people, there's a new craze sweeping through the land. It's not the latest Aussie slang or a new way to cook a snag on the barbie – it's the art of cat herding. That's right, people, move over cattle rustling and sheep shearing; it's time for the feline frolic of the century.

Now, you might be wondering how on earth herding cats can be a viable occupation, let alone a source of national pride. Well, let me tell you, it's all about turning the seemingly impossible into the distinctly Australian. It's about teaching our young, unemployed folks the fine art of cat herding and giving them a sense of purpose that's as Aussie as a meat pie at the footy.

Details: Written by Op-Ed Happy Expat; Published: 04 September 2023

I have never been reticent in expressing my love and admiration of America. I love the Americans who call it home.

As an Australian, I admire the exploits of their armed services ( when I was a boy during WW2 ) but it was my experience of living there in 1976 that cemented the attitude I developed and still have today.

America is presently going through a very bad patch and has dragged the rest of the Western World with it.

Since the end of WW2, the only thing that has stood between Communism and the life that most of the free world enjoys is America. The untold generosity to every beleaguered nation on this planet has not been appreciated by most of them.

Thank God for America.

Details: Written by Op - Ed Stephen Reason; Published: 03 September 2023

User Rating: 5 / 5

Many months of secrecy and speculation have preceded this historic announcement: The 2023 Voice Referendum will be held on Saturday, October 14.

In six weeks all Australians will be obligated to partake.

There will be no forthcoming change to our Constitution. Australians will not be fooled, not now, not by this; and despite the shaming propaganda and cynical corporate endorsements — it will all be for naught. And just as sure as winter yields to spring and the gloom and chill are overcome by a return of light — the devilish Lies underpinning the Voice will yield to Truth.

And they have…

Details: Written by Patriotrealm; Published: 02 September 2023

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While the name Hedwig Kiesler may not be immediately recognisable, and few would remember Hedy Markey, there's a strong likelihood that anyone of a certain age reading this would recall one of Hollywood's iconic beauties from its golden era - Hedy Lamarr.

That was the name bestowed upon her by Louis B. Mayer, propelling her to stardom and fame through his movie company. Regrettably, the vast majority remain unaware that Hedwig Kiesler, or Hedy Lamarr, was one of the pioneering figures in wireless communications. Her revolutionary patent laid the groundwork for "spread spectrum technology," the very technology that underpins the WiFi networks and Bluetooth-enabled phones we rely on daily. It also forms the core of the substantial investments currently fueling fourth-generation "LTE" wireless technology, promising vast improvements in wireless network speed and quality by spreading signals across the entire available spectrum - a feat made possible by Hedwig Kiesler's inventive brilliance.

Details: Written by Op-Ed Chaucer; Published: 01 September 2023

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On the Soane's steep western bank towers "Le Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere", its noble, time-stained parapets dart through the summer greenery like white fingers tenaciously anchoring the pious edifice to terra-firma. From its lofty perch the confluence of the rivers Soane and Rhone can be seen to the south.

"Montee du Gourguillon" is the steep roadway leading up to the Fourvier. Its name is derived from a deformation of “gargoyle" because of the way torrents of water rush down the street during a deluge. When Pope Clement V celebrated his coronation in Lyon in 1305, he fell from his mule while climbing this street and a precious stone broke from his crown and vanished in the crowd. It has not been found to this day. I suppose either he or his religion was not embraced by everybody in the crowd.

Details: Written by Patriotrealm; Published: 31 August 2023

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On September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was formally signed, effectively ending World War II.

The surrender was signed by Japanese officials on one side, representing the Empire of Japan, and by Allied officials on the other side, representing the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, the Soviet Union and other allied Nations.

The signing of the Instrument of Surrender marked the official end of hostilities in the Pacific theatre of World War II and the beginning of the post-war reconstruction period in Japan. This event is often referred to as the "Japanese surrender ceremony".

Details: Written by Op-Ed Monty; Published: 31 August 2023

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I have to wonder if love means the same thing to everyone. It is such a wonderful word.

My old Sunday School teacher told me God was love.

People these days say that love is about sex. It is not. In my opinion.

Love is such a tricky word really.

Details: Written by Op-Ed Guest Post; Published: 30 August 2023

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I used to regard the government as extremely inept/incompetent, fairly corrupt, and facing incentives that pushed institutions/officials to be generally corrupt and inept.

Now, I regard the government as fundamentally evil on par with other classical evil regimes throughout human history — something made clear by the government’s behavior during the pandemic.

Details: Written by Op-Ed Missy McKenna; Published: 29 August 2023

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It was August 31st 1997 and I was working as a guard in a maximum security male prison in Queensland Australia.

One of the prisoners came up to me and said " Miss. You need to come with me and sit down. I have some bad news. "

I had often spoken about my respect for Princess Diana and used her as a role model for men and women. I suggested to the prisoners that she was brave, frightened and prepared to confront life in a way many of us could never do. I used her as an example of someone who, despite wealth and luxury, had been dealt a hard hand in life but she had always stumped up to the plate and faced unfairness with dignity.

I went with my fellow officer into the living area that about 8 prisoners shared. They were strangely subdued. Quiet. Almost anxious.

" Miss, it just came across on the radio. Princess Diana is dead. "