Modern society has taken to mobile technology at an astonishing rate. Most of us are plugged in, connected, friended or have followers; but is our immersion in the online world and our obsession with the next gadget adversely affecting our engagement with, and enjoyment of, the real one?

Some countries use a year of compulsory military service as a rite of passage for young adults. Looking at our 18 year olds today, some might say we need to bring in this kind of enforced ‘gap year’ for the good of the individual and of our whole society. And of course, it would strengthen the country militarily to have a national service corps. But at what cost? Would this be worth it?

Australia has had several significant waves of migration (eg. Greeks, Vietnamese, Africans). Each wave coincides with which group mainstream Australia directs it’s vitriol, fear mongering and racism. But the targeting of Islam has been particularly intense.

This matters to me as a daughter of migrant parents, and a mother of bi-racial kids, who simply wants them to grow up in a world free of racial and religious judgement.

Are people-pleasers restricting public discourse and making it tricky to challenge? Asking because difficult conversations can solve big problems

Life in a democracy is presented as a level playing field where we can make rational, informed choices, but our fate is sealed by social norms. The cost of going of rallying against means that many won’t even question the possibility.

Genuine problem that needs solving/debate/discussion.

This matters to me because our community, and individuals within it, tend to be labelled and stereo-typed based on aggregate statistics. I believe this matters as we can’t talk about empowering and engaging while disempowering and perpetuating stereo-types.

I’d love 10 hours, 100 minutes and 100 seconds in a day – scientists would love it. But could people cope with such a fundamental change to everyone’s (in the world!) lives?

I’m curious.

My passion for history often leads to frustration that we seem to learn so litle from the past, and the pain of a friend’s recent and unexpected marriage break up has been exacerbated by so many glibly advising her to move forward when she can’t (yet).

When I “bags” the last Tim Tam who/what is keeping track? When I “pinch and punch for the first of the month” and then declare “full locks, no return” who/what is watching on? When I go to the toilet during the third quarter who/what is making sure Richmond gets a goal? When I pray for world peace is anyone listening?