In Peter FitzSimons’ recounting of the Black Sunday rescues of 1938 in the Herald on April 4, Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook is reminded of an incident involving the great aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his cousin Rupert Swallow at Bondi Beach in 1907. They were caught in a rip and were the first to be rescued with the assistance of the surf reel. Gibson speculates that if Smithy had not survived, Sydney Airport may have been named something terrible. This historical anecdote highlights the importance of water safety and the role of technology in saving lives.
Quentin Mitchell of Kangaroo Island responds to Allan Gibson’s discussion of the world’s most complicated watch with a witty play on words, questioning whether Gibson is pulling his leg. Gail Grogan of Toongabbie embraces going grey as a badge of honor, sharing an amusing encounter where she was mistaken for a pensioner due to her silver hair. Eric Scott of Bondi Junction advocates for the “drive in, back out” method in shopping center car parks, arguing that backing in creates unnecessary delays for other drivers. This light-hearted banter among readers adds humor and personal anecdotes to the conversation.
Greg McCarry of Epping and John Greenway of Wentworth Falls express their opinions on Donald Trump’s policies, with both suggesting that he has successfully “Make America Grate Again.” On the other hand, George Manojlovic of Mangerton humorously comments on Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Heard and McDonald Islands, joking that the uninhabited outposts must be abundant with wealth due to their royal inhabitants. These diverse perspectives on political issues show the range of opinions among readers.
John’s humorous subject line, “He’s at it again,” sparks concerns about another potential miscommunication in relation to Gill Furey, amusingly portraying the anticipated drama within the discussion. Wayne Duncombe of Lilyfield dismisses the need for strict syllabification when substituting “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America,” citing the colloquial term “‘Merica” used by natives. Helen Hyatt-Johnston of Kings Cross also points out this linguistic observation, indicating a shared understanding among readers about informal language usage.
Overall, the Column8 section of the Herald provides a platform for readers to engage in lighthearted banter, share personal stories, and offer humorous insights on various topics. From historical anecdotes about water rescues and aviation to playful wordplay and political satire, the diverse range of content reflects the eclectic interests and opinions within the community. Through witty exchanges and creative commentary, readers add a human touch to the news, showcasing the power of humor and personal connection in media discourse.
