Counterpoint by Mark Nicol – Indulgence, injustice, and the book of fine scrapes

The New Year can be a time to remember the past as well as look forward to the future, and Open Forum regular Mark Nicol reflects on a boy’s night out before the age of masks and social distancing.

Sticking to those New Year’s resolutions

From losing weight to being kinder, we’ve all set – and failed to keep – New Year’s resolutions in the past, so what steps can we take to improve our chances this time around?

Strengthening your relationship in 2021

New Year’s resolutions most commonly focus on eating healthier, exercising, losing weight and being a better person, but improving your romantic relationship could have the most lasting success of all.

Why do we do daft things on holiday?

Pictures of backpackers congregating on Bronte Beach in Sydney in defiance of Christmas COVID restrictions have highlighted our propensity to do daft things while on holiday.

How to (sleigh) ride your emotions this Christmas

Even though it’s been a tough year for many, Christmas can be a good time to be grateful for people or things that you love in life and a chance to look forward to a brighter year ahead.

Aged care residents enter virtual reality

A new trial of virtual reality headsets with aged care residents show how the technology can help help stimulate interest and overcome apathy in older people.

“Nomophobia” prompts motorists illegal use of mobile phones

Some people’s obsessive attachment to their phones still prompt them to use them while driving, placing themselves and other road users at risk.

The truth about cats and dogs

A new study shows the benefits of dog ownership of easing loneliness during lockdown, although cats weren’t always so happy with having their owners at home.

Green-time beats screen-time for kids

A University of Adelaide review of 186 studies from around the world has found “green time” is far better for children and adolescents mental health and academic achievement than screen time.

The man from Inverbrackie

In the 1890s, near Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, a ghost appeared and threatened passers-by on the road to Inverbrackie – has his spirit returned to haunt us again today?

Confessions – On mateship

In this touching personal essay on friendship and loss, Mark Nicol reflects on the very Australian notion of ‘mateship’.

What’s the big idea?

COVID-19 narrowed our activity, interactions and experiences, making our lives smaller and more mundane. How can people get their creative mojo back for 2021?