Thick fog on the river this morning which promised a hot day. Got up at 5 o'clock, went for an eight-kilometre run, came back and prepared a vegetable smoothie for breakfast ... Unfortunately, I don't remember the rest of the dream.
The promise came true and it turned into a hot day which I spent in a supine position on the sofa on the verandah, listening to ABC Radio National. One of my favourites is "Conversations", broadcast every weekday at 3 p.m. and hosted by Richard Fidler (on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and Sarah Kanowski (on Thursdays and Fridays).
Today's "Conversation" was with Dennis Altman, the author of "God Save the Queen - the strange persistence of monarchies". As an avowed republican, he investigates the unexpected durability and potential benefits of constitutional monarchies. Dennis Altman suggests that monarchy deserves neither the adulation of the right nor the dismissal of the left, and poses the questions: In an era of autocratic populism, does constitutional monarchy provide some safeguards against the megalomania of political leaders? Is a President Boris potentially more dangerous than a Prime Minister Boris?
"Conversations" is the most downloaded podcast in Australia which means you can join me, whether supine or otherwise, by clicking here.
Now it's time to wheel out the garbage bin because tomorrow is Friday which is the start of another weekend. Perfect for sitting back and forgetting the week that was. And worrying about the years to come.
