Batsmen that score a 100 being called Centurions (C8) can't be as bad as big brawny NRL players (and perhaps other sports players) being called Debutantes, says Izzy Perko (Mr), Sydney. "I am always disappointed when a burly sportsman then appears on screen donned in nylon footy shorts and multiple tattoos rather than a chiffon and taffeta (or perhaps organza) fabulous full length frock."
Goes to show what young bank managers know. Travellers' cheques in Australian dollars are good for ever (C8) and issuing banks will still honour them even if they have not issued them for a great many years, (their reputation is at stake), states Tony Livingstone-Thomas,Taipei. "Further AMEX still issues travellers' cheques. They should just be processed like any cheque. And there should be no additional fees."
Given Catalina interest ... Ingo Weinberger of Campsie reminds C8ers that first May weekend is ''Wings Over Illawarra'' at Albion Park Regional Airport where the restored Catalina flying boat 'Black Cat' will be on display. It might fly, weather permitting. It's the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society's (HARS) annual display. Flying machines from "Connie" the Super Constellation to Tiger Moth and anything in between. Much closer than Paris.
Now from Michael Morton-Evans, Mosman. "Like Frank Hudson, I too spent a short while as a radio operator in a Centurion tank (C8) in the 60s. What he didn't mention - though perhaps the English version was slightly different - is that next to the radio was a plug and a kettle, and it was also the radio operator's job to make the tea."
Mention of Centurion tanks reminded me of the wonderful Peter Ustinov. In his autobiography, Dear Me, he recounts the story of when he enlisted in the British Army and was asked in which branch of the service he would prefer to serve. His response was the tank corps so he could go into battle sitting down. Norm McFarlane of Lithgow.
There's a cult of people such as Wolf Kempa who spend time contemplating their navels, writes Barry Filshie of Port Macquarie. "They are omphalopsychites. I'm another member. Perhaps a dying breed?"
Phil Hayes of leafy Berowra, is still hoping for a decent sleep-in after a busy festive season. He grumbles: "Every morning this week I have been woken by kookaburras before any hint of daylight. This is no laughing matter. Kindest regards." Global warming?
Twitter: @Column8SMH