Column 1

NRL expansion
Heard through the grapevine: The White House in Washington DC is backing an expansion of the National Rugby League competition in the Pacific as a diplomatic counter to China’s growing influence in the region. So sports is now being involved in the political tug-of-war.
Good crowd
Around 40,000 fans filled the 65,000-seat stadium in Las Vegas to watch the opening two matches of the 2024 NRL season. Must have been a very effective PR job.
Verbal diarrhoea
Whenever someone in PNG says “mi nogat planti toktok” (I don’t have much to say) at any event, just know that they will be speaking for a very long time. (Some call it verbal diarrhoea.)
Hot weather suit
It’s funny seeing some of these officials wearing formal suits at outdoor events where the scorching sun makes us all sweat like crazy. One honestly wonder how they cope with the heat. Could be those Japanese-designed suits with mini fans in them.
Power blackouts
The recent heavy rain in the capital city brought countless – and blackouts. Those who have lived in Port Moresby for years already know of the PNG Power “sickness”. Any sizeable downpour (almost always) results in blackouts.
To church at last
Hard not to notice the few neighbours who went to church last weekend after a long time. Most of them were the very people involved in the looting and stealing on Jan 10. Looks like they went to confess having broken the eighth Commandment, as Easter approaches.
Thought for today
“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak. It’s the lion’s silence that signals danger, not its roar.
Top quote
“In the long term, with Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd and other subsidiaries, we are looking at setting up additional infrastructure for fuel storage.” – Prime Minister James Marape.

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