It was SYNERGISE that got me.

It's not just in architecture that proper process and review is essential. It's also necessary for branding, graphics, Games objects (torch, cauldron, city dressing, official gifts, etc.) and lots more, where design affects the overall image of the Games, and of Brisbane as a city.

The remnants of all that still lingers, especially in those who benefitted hugely from his policies, and they'll die before they give anything up. So yes, losing our traditional Aussie empathy, and making us mean and intolerant.

I now see it as making us fundamentally UN-Australian, making us afraid of change, giving people permission to be bigots and racists, and to actually relish lording it over the less fortunate.

My Australian husband and I (Irish) were on a trip to Australia and at Mardi Gras 1996 when he won the election, and it felt like the era of welcoming and tolerance was over.

My favourite was 9,28 Across.

And then there is also this beauty (that confused the hell out of me for years on the back of some hire cars in Sydney): 'No Birds' - which apparently means no hidden extra costs?

I went through a spate of trying them all a decade ago, and settled on DA as the once a week (and most fun) treat. I stopped when the SMH went to 9, and veered severely right wing, but back into the DAs on their own now.

...and a side of DLS cryptic I see. I have to limit myself to just one a week (DA) or else I'd get nothing done!

Thanks for this - makes my Friday!

I think the media also has to respect the election result too, and us, the electorate, and avoid trying to whip up a story when we have emphatically told you already what we think. Speers' podcast this week was called 'Another round of climate wars?'. NO! It's just the losers have another fight.

Richard Denniss quote: "Can you imagine....let's picture ourselves in a couple of months' time...parliament is back and Liberals are forming their own policy committees and Ted O'Brien and Barnaby Joyce and Tim Wilson sit down and start hatching their 2028 energy policy – WHO CARES?!"

But main confusion this time was probably an indulgent deep dive into the actual electoral system, leading to asking AI to do a 'Comparison of Voting Systems in Australia, Ireland, UK, and USA (Based on 100,000 Voters and 4 Candidates)'.

The talk of minority government when the Coalition is, in effect, a cobbled together band of diverse views (with a secret agreement that we ought to see).

Yes, compulsory to 'vote' is the message but I don't like it being called compulsory! You just have to turn up and get your name marked off the register. Then you can do what you like with your ballot paper. So you don't HAVE to vote.

Tom, very envious of you still getting the Friday DA. I can't bring myself to but the SMH anymore! How do you get your nice clean copy (...and what happened the numbering? The last ones I remember were numbered in the 22,000 area!)

The Young Pope is so good it actually spoiled Conclave for me (sorry!). The sets and costumes, politics and sexual intrigue, are all just luxuriated in much more!