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.

I was watching a flock of birds and I wondered at their perfect movement.

I guess I find it a fascinating question because, if the answer is ‘yes’ (and I think it probably is), that runs quite contrary to the current obsession with science and truth and makes story-telling and art-play far more important.

Like many others, my husband and I are increasingly convinced that living like this is the best thing we can do for the planet. However, I recently read an article that spoke of the many who believe the opposite. They argue that developing increasingly sophisticated technologies, such as higher levels of artificial intelligence, is the best solution to most, if not all, of our problems – and they have the money and power to make these technologies reality. The article also posited the question, ‘Would I want a future foisted upon me by [Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc] Andreessen and his fellow founders?’ This prospect frightens me – as it would many others. Can we resist this vision of the future?

I’m interested in what is time and how it is linked to space. I wonder if it will be possible to time travel.

I believe that public institutions should be protected and invested in, and that those in power could use some further incentive to provide for this.

It’s a question I came up with that I’d love an expert to explain. I like to question the assumptions that other assumptions are based on but over time are seen as fact.

I have used marijuana for over 45 years. I use it responsibly and I have never had a bad experience with it. Why should I have to break the Law to have a quiet smoke in my own home on my own land? Why as a responsible adult can I not choose what is best for my life?

This cult film is loved by so many, and yet there are many overlooked ideas in the movie. Did Cameron really make things better with his dad? What’s the deal with Ferris, anyway? He’s so sure of himself, and his parents love him and he can do whatever he wants, and he knows it! Cameron is the real MVP. Recognition is needed.

As a constantly-lapsing vegetarian, I am interested in both the science and philosophy of meat. I know many others are too.

The recent discovery of water on Mars has brought into perspective that a manned mission may contaminate the results of any discovery of life. Perchlorates and cosmic radiation are still barriers to a lengthy mission. Is it more important to have realistic expectations of Mars or a vision of solving problems to which we do not yet have answers?

afraid of touching the question