May 21, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 21 May
If he cut a solitary figure at the coronation of his father, King Charles, Harry has no-one to blame but himself, and his wilful...
May 14, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 14 May
My brother was an inveterate shooter. It was how he and his mates filled their time on the weekend. They took the jalopy into...
May 7, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 7 May
I remember the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - 2 June, 1953, as if it were yesterday. It was broadcast live by the ABC,...
May 7, 2023
What is the Question – May
For May’s What is the Question owner and operator of The Farmgate Shop on the Midland Highway at Elaine Mark Dunne talked with Roland...
April 30, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 30 April
Comparisons are odious, especially between Melbourne and Sydney, which is tantamount to comparing apples and pears; or asking a parent to choose a favourite...
April 30, 2023
Barry Humphries was, indubitably, an international star
PARADOXICALLY, alcoholism proved to be the turning point of his career. In Melbourne, 1970, after a protracted drinking binge, Humphries was found bashed and lying...
April 23, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 23 April
It is said the Etruscans taught the Romans; they taught the French; and the French taught the rest of the world how to cook. MY...
April 16, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 16 April
It is Newton's Third Law of Motion: Action & Reaction: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. IN short: if object A...
April 9, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 9 April
Easter is one of the two most important dates in the Christian calendar. It marks the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Nazarene. He...
April 9, 2023
What is the Question – April
For April’s What is the Question Victoria Police Inspector Jason Templar talked with Roland Rocchiccioli. What is your name? Jason Templar What is your occupation? Inspector, local area...
April 2, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 2 April
It is time for Public Transport Victoria, or PTV, to stop ignoring the City of Ballarat. It is the elected voice of the people....
March 19, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 19 March
Is it hubris which causes some people to think they know best about other people’s creative endeavours?
THE late Jackie Collins sold some...
March 12, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 12 March
Platitudinous gobbledegook is a form is mis-and disinformation. In the absence of compelling evidence, why would you believe it?
IT was said, at...
March 12, 2023
What is the Question – March
For March’s What is the Question, Amie and Daniel Murphy, who own and operate Accent Framing and Fine Art supplies on Sturt...
March 5, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 5 March
I never thought - but it has! Despite being cautious, and reading carefully the scant fine print, I have been conned in...
March 5, 2023
Classic whodunnit never been better
IT would be difficult to imagine a more perfect stage production of Agatha Christie’s thriller, The Mousetrap. Director, Robyn Nevin, has assembled a talented cast...
February 26, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 26 February
For those who revel in titillating, sex scenes in movies, let me assure you, actors loathe doing them; furthermore, they are totally...
February 19, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 19 February
The scientific and technological developments of the last 80 years - since the end of World War Two, are phenomenal. Some of...
February 19, 2023
What is the Question – February
For this month’s What is the Question Roland talks with Ballarat-based filmmaker Ben Plazzer.
What is your name? Ben Plazzer. What is your occupation? Film...
February 12, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 12 February
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is criminal; but when you add to his barbarity the suffering he has wrought...
February 5, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 5 February
I left Western Australia in 1968. I have returned many times since then; however, the most recent visit proved a re-awakening of...
January 29, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 29 January
Greece's last king, Constantine II, died in Athens aged 82.
I CAME to know His late Majesty only slightly, but I did...
January 15, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 15 January
When it comes to the extinction of flora and fauna, Australia has, since 1788, the most dubious record of any country in...
January 8, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 8 January
I wish the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - Harry and Meghan - would, for everyone’s benefit, including their own - stop...
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