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The occasion was less a celebration of tradition than a moment of cross-continental bonding, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection. By Michele Frankeni

Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo has introduced 'Kletskassa' or 'chat checkouts' for customers who want a little conversation with the cashier. In today's automated world, where human interactions are increasingly impersonal, small moments of human connection can make a big difference in combatting loneliness in our communities. By Michele Frankeni

Parks are gifts, not only of nature but of people who have recognised how important they are for good human living and have guarded them. Recent generations have been less generous in providing parks and in protecting them from encroachment. At a time when the survival of the earth as we know it hangs on treasuring the beauty and delicacy of the natural world, such neglect is disrespectful. By Andrew Hamilton

'It seems that, despite efforts of people behind the scenes to focus attention solely on the pitch, humanity is on full display at this World Cup.' By Michael McVeigh

A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPM’s Morning Memo. A DC lawyer emailed me shortly after the 11th Circuit panel handed down its…

Does it matter that the Midsomer episode that has me so exercised didn’t mention attempted rape? After all, the guy was charged with murder — perhaps a more serious charge? And it is only a TV program for heaven’s sake. By Michele Frankeni

If democracy relies on a shared commitment to reaching consensus, to making accommodations even as, and precisely because, I hold things dearly, sacredly, then contempt necessarily corrodes democracy. Others stop being moral agents whom I must value and seek to share public space with. How do we overcome this corrosive element in our common life? By Julian Butler

How much financial strain can a system tolerate? With families simultaneously staring down the four horsemen of wage stagnation, higher prices of goods, higher bills, and higher mortgage repayments, something’s got to give. By David Halliday

I have a soft spot for the Melbourne Cup, perhaps because so many battlers find employment and joy around horses. Can you help me by finding any good argument why it should continue? By Andrew Hamilton