Book awards
Literary awards don't make authors rich, but they do help readers discover local treasures.
Adult Education
I learnt the hard way that scuba diving is not for everyone
"Why did I sign up to this? I asked myself during the second lesson of my scuba course.
Learning Auslan
After my first class, I recall the sign for "embarrassed".
Public speaking
Prepare, show up and feel free to freak out a little if necessary.
Gay uncles
I'm not going to pretend I'm essential. But there's one thing gay uncles can offer.
Being agnostic
To say you're agnostic feels like a cop-out, but I'm a spiritual fence-sitter.
What life has taught me about women
Women: I'm not one of you. But I share your annoyance.
I protest
What protesting gives you is reassurance: you are not insane.
Naked art
ASK YOURSELF: when was the last time you were naked that didn't involve showering, sleeping or having sex?
Chinese astrology
In today's Chinese zodiac, a female tiger represents something quite different compared to the past.
Selling the family home
I've never committed arson, but nothing makes you dream about burning down a house and everything in it more than clearing out your childhood home.
Muay Thai
Fun-wise, this combat sport packs some serious punch. Just don't forget the shin pads.
DNA testing
Where do I come from? Who am I? What is going on?
Coming out
Coming out, I've learnt, isn't a single moment.
Better read
Book clubs are a way to engage in everyone's favourite 21st-century pastime.
Home cooking
There are advantages in dating someone who loathes cooking.
Live aid
Most of us don't know how we'll react in a crisis until it happens.
Combing attractions
I take my haircuts seriously. It's taken trial and error, but here's what I've found.
Benjamin Law: The question on race that has never failed to stump me
At writers' festivals, one question never failed to stump me.
What I've learnt from being forgetful
Being forgetful has taught me valuable lessons.
Benjamin Law on learning to meditate
I have reservations about meditation. Will I just fall asleep?
Stroke victim: learning to swim all over again
As a kid, my freestyle technique involved pretending I was a terrified windmill and crying.
On the write path
Time management is less about achieving everything you want and more like triage.
Adult Education: colour TV
if spotting non-white, non-heterosexual or non-able-bodied people on Australian TV was a drinking game, everyone would stay sober.
Surf's up
Asians and surfing didn't mix, I'd decided in year 12. But now I'm based in Sydney...
Public property
Asking about real estate is often code for, "How do you survive here?"
A sorry situation
We can say, "Sorry, my house is a mess" – but can't apologise for stuff that matters.
Sew, so tricky
For most of my life, no clothes have fit me. It'd help if I knew how to do my own alterations.
The New Commandments of communication
Anyone who breaks these laws should be barred from their smartphones and having hands in general.
Why skipping Game of Thrones doesn't make you cool
It's not a moral virtue to dismiss something just because the masses enjoy it.