Diplomacy leads to friction

The Age

6 days ago

While Ron Polglaze of Hazelbrook reckons 'Peter Miniutti's anti-Static envoy (C8) would obviously have a moving feast of enquiries to record,' our friend Geoff Nilon of Mascot confirms that 'going on names, it won't be me.'
'Although late in the day, may I suggest an addition to Mark Pearce's ambassadorial suite and offer an anti-Sceptic envoy?' asks Richard Hale of Paddington. Sounds like a good idea, and while you're at it, give their album Memoirs of a Common Man a spin.
Mike Gordon of McMahons Point continues the anti-chat: 'The recent banter about bed coverings (C8) reminded me of another blast from the past, the antimacassar. I dimly remember these from my formative years in the '40s in England. Artfully deployed to protect easy chairs, armchairs, sofas and settees from staining by the hair oil of choice of the discerning gentleman. Before the days of Denis Compton and Brylcreem.'
We think Don Bain of Port Macquarie is boxing clever in surmising that 'following his victory over Sonny Bill Williams, one can imagine Paul Gallen going out for a pint – and staying for eight.'
'Regarding the politician/pet dynamic (C8), I recall visiting my local pet supplier in the run-up to the 2001 election, and noticing they had Kim Beazley chew toys,' writes Craig Forbes of Lewisham. 'I inquired where the John Howard ones were and was told 'Oh, they all sell out as soon as we get them in'. I passed this on to Kim, and he replied that he – and all his office staff – were most amused.'
Jack Dikian of Mosman moves to the centre lane: 'With grocery prices what they are these days, I guess even Audi drivers go to Aldi (C8) for affordable luxuries.'
Looks like Dave Horsfall of North Gosford has a chip on his shoulder over the recent sideshow (C8) discussion: 'Never mind Bubbles, what about the famous 'Man Eating Shark' attraction? It turned out to be someone consuming flake.'
Meri Will of Baulkham Hills says, 'Now that the mushroom trial has slipped from our immediate attention, I thought my fellow pun-loving C8-ers might enjoy this, courtesy of Indian Hills Community Centre: 'Fungi puns are my yeast favourite. There's too mushroom for error'.'
This is just stirring the pot for Rob Baxter of Naremburn who thinks that with Column 8, 'every seven days it seems we get a new round of week puns.'