A Source of Discomfort

ABC Heros: Planet America Hosts

So here were are. We've been here almost 2 months, and except for the trip to Tasmania, we're leading a pretty normal life. Well, normal if you don't have a car, which I realize is hardly normal for an American. Still. I clean, fix meals, go shopping (on my bike), work in the clay studio (carrying green ware on my bike is quite an adventure), and in the evenings we watch the news. First of all, there are two shocking things about everyday life that come to mind. The first is the utter pervasiveness of all things American, in spite of the country feeling so foreign sometimes. Movies, music, conversation. Movies especially. Our favorite theatre, which John refers to as "The Flicks on Steroids" has sixteen screens, and most of them are American made films. We've seen "The Post", "3 Billboards.. . " and several others. I've resisted seeing the one Australian made film because it looks so violent (a sort of wild-west/racially charged story that takes place in the Outback. Sam Neal is in it. . .turns out he's from New Zealand. . )  I will see it eventually. Just have to feel strong. It looks like one of those "no redemption" movies that leaves me feeling hollowed out for a week.

McDonalds is alive and well (no, we haven't been there). . .but they refer to in as "Mackers". Lots of nicknames for things, in general. LIkewise Pizza Hut. KMart, and something they call TKMaxx, which is clearly TJMaxx.

We were initially surprised to see so much about Trump on the ABC (Australian Broadcast Company) news nightly, though to be fair, there is a lot of world news in general. . .much of it admirably in-depth.

The Second shocking thing is that they produce a WEEKLY show, 45 minutes long, called Planet America. The title alone is pretty funny, suggesting that we're Isolationist, when really, we're just getting started, right? But the amazing thing about it is how spot on it is. We laugh, we cry, we feel embarrassed. And it's available to you too, though I doubt that many folks will want to sit through the whole of one. Still, if you have time for a view of US from one of our closest allies, take a look.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/planet-america/
 

It is smart humor that dares to be silly. Yes. You can quote me on that.

By the way, the P.M. and government officials have been quite restrained in their comments regarding the steel and aluminum (pronounced Al-Loo-MINN-E--Um) tariffs; even though Trump, in the presence of witnesses, specifically promised Malcolm Turnbull (the PM) that Australia would be exempt from any of that nonsense. They all seem to have the good sense to "wait and see" before saying anything they might regret. Keep calm and carry on, Mates. . .