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Broadcaster Phillip Adams who celebrates 20 years as host of ABC Radio National's 'Late Night Live', pictured in Sydney.

’I have never, ever been censored in The Australian’

I remain free to write whatever I like. The question – perhaps you could call it a mystery – remains: Why do they keep me on? Perhaps it’s just that they haven’t noticed I’m still here.

commentaryThe Weekend Australian Magazine

ESCAPE: Koala on a tree with bush green background. Picture: Istock

They’re our friends – and they’re in trouble

We slaughter Australian trees in their millions. In Tasmania, a horror story is unfolding.

Why was the town of Bognor the focus of King George V's dying breath?

‘Bugger Bognor’: the incredible history of famous last words

I’ve long been interested in people’s last words – seeking inspiration for my own. Why was this town on England’s south coast the focus of King George V’s dying breath?

Portrait of a man in dark room. Depression concept.

Suicide is unique to the human race. What drives it?

With all the woes and worries of the world, from wars to our attempts to voluntarily euthanise the planet, it’s little wonder we’re so depressed.

As my career on radio comes to an end, I want to pay tribute

It’s official. ABC managing director David Anderson has unceremoniously dumped me on the footpath at 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, for council collection.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: Jerry Seinfeld performs onstage at the 2023 Good+Foundation Ã¢â¬ÅA Very Good+ Night of ComedyÃ¢â¬Â Benefit at Carnegie Hall on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Good+Foundation)

Jews have given the world so many of its best comedians

Laughter can neither save you from death nor delay it – but it can deny its total victory. You see that in the phenomenon of black humour, and even more in Jewish humour.

1958. The Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, beams at the Liberal Women’s Club on Saturday night after progressive counting indicated that the Liberal-Country Party coalition would win the Federal election.[Sun 24/11/1958]1958 Federal Election. Robert Menzies.

Politics used to be a civil business. But no more

Once upon a time in Australian politics, friendships transcended parties. I remember when a conservative like Sir Robert Menzies could be on very cordial terms with a lefty like Jim Cairns – and grief-stricken by the death of Ben Chifley.

The ambulance circulating the streets at night, close-up, long exposure

The memory I’ve tried to repress for 50 years

I’m driving slowly, as it’s raining. Passing a parked ambulance, I distinctly remember thinking, ‘You won’t get me.’ Then everything changes in an instant.

COMMENTAYWeekend Australian Magazine

Anne-Louise Lambert, Karen Robson, and Jane Vallis in Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

The tantalising mystery of Picnic at Hanging Rock

My friendship with Lady Joan Lindsay lasted for years, with Joan playfully giving me hints as to the mystery of the missing Miranda at the Rock.

FILE - A file photo shows Johnny Weissmuller, right, as Tarzan, Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane, and Cheetah the chimpanzee, in a scene from the 1932 movie Tarzan the Ape Man. A Florida animal sanctuary says Cheetah the chimpanzee from the Tarzan movies of the 1930s died Cheetah died on Dec. 24 of kidney failure at age 80. (AP Photo/ho, File)

An ode to the cinema of my youth, and to Tarzan

At the Saturday Matinee session for children we were treated to the classic cinema of the day, and eventually introduced to my celluloid hero Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan.