Nick Petroulias
@nickpetroulias.bsky.social
Writer of fiction
Melbourne Australia
Author of Man Alone
https://www.asterismbooks.com/product/man-alone
Incessant chatter on social media does my head in.
Melbourne Australia
Author of Man Alone
https://www.asterismbooks.com/product/man-alone
Incessant chatter on social media does my head in.
Pinned
'Enshittafication': the feeling that everything on the internet is becoming progressively worse. Macquarie dictionary's new word of the year.
Malinauskus is sooo good at narrative he should’ve had his own AWW slot
He’s telling us that the board asked for his advice. Could the board members confirm that. And this Friedman fellow keeps popping up as the lie that tries to prove itself otherwise…
www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in...
He’s telling us that the board asked for his advice. Could the board members confirm that. And this Friedman fellow keeps popping up as the lie that tries to prove itself otherwise…
www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in...
Premier's letter to SA Muslim community over Writers' Week saga - News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has responded to a letter of concern from the state's Muslim community about the Writers' Week controversy.
www.indailysa.com.au
January 21, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Malinauskus is sooo good at narrative he should’ve had his own AWW slot
He’s telling us that the board asked for his advice. Could the board members confirm that. And this Friedman fellow keeps popping up as the lie that tries to prove itself otherwise…
www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in...
He’s telling us that the board asked for his advice. Could the board members confirm that. And this Friedman fellow keeps popping up as the lie that tries to prove itself otherwise…
www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in...
The only way forward for cultural expression and freedom is for artists to divorce themselves from the institutions that will silenced them and control them. Universities, arts councils, local governments, festivals are overrun by yes people working for power.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Australians must demand that their cultural custodians uphold freedom of speech | Margaret Simons
As we have seen after Adelaide writers’ week, defending the right of people to speak, even when we deeply disagree with them, is very, very difficult
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The only way forward for cultural expression and freedom is for artists to divorce themselves from the institutions that will silenced them and control them. Universities, arts councils, local governments, festivals are overrun by yes people working for power.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week over at AEON two of my favourite subjects in one collection - an essay on time AND my favourite thinker, David Hume
How did the picture of time as a line come to be so entrenched in Western thought, and what effect does it have on how we experience reality? This Essay by professor of philosophy Emily Thomas takes us on a jaunt through history to find out more
When we turned time into a line, we reimagined past and future | Aeon Essays
In the 19th century, the linear idea of time became dominant – with profound implications for how we experience the world
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 9:52 PM
This week over at AEON two of my favourite subjects in one collection - an essay on time AND my favourite thinker, David Hume
Nice summary of Malinauskas as a labor version of the Abbott class nihilist politician. Both think it’s better to destroy the very democracy that gives you a job and a life. What a prick.
Why is a Labor Premier silencing a writer? theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Why is a Labor Premier silencing a writer? theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Why is a Labor Premier silencing a writer? - The Shot
For many Adelaideans, Adelaide Writers’ Week (AWW) is the highlight of their year. A glorious six days when the Pioneer...
theshot.net.au
January 13, 2026 at 4:30 AM
Nice summary of Malinauskas as a labor version of the Abbott class nihilist politician. Both think it’s better to destroy the very democracy that gives you a job and a life. What a prick.
Why is a Labor Premier silencing a writer? theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Why is a Labor Premier silencing a writer? theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Well played, Louise.
Your silence allowed others to speak and be seen.
A tale of two silences. The other - a power play to silence one voice.
Now we have multitudes
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Your silence allowed others to speak and be seen.
A tale of two silences. The other - a power play to silence one voice.
Now we have multitudes
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I cannot be party to silencing writers, which is why I am resigning as director of Adelaide Writers’ Week | Louise Adler
Cancelling the Australian Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah weakens freedom of speech and is the harbinger of a less free nation
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Well played, Louise.
Your silence allowed others to speak and be seen.
A tale of two silences. The other - a power play to silence one voice.
Now we have multitudes
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Your silence allowed others to speak and be seen.
A tale of two silences. The other - a power play to silence one voice.
Now we have multitudes
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Louise Adler is among the bravest in this country right now. Hold firm, we’re behind you.
Whoever the journalist toe rag who brown nosed their way to write this is, you aren’t worth reading unlike the writers who stood up for your freedom to write this shite.
Whoever the journalist toe rag who brown nosed their way to write this is, you aren’t worth reading unlike the writers who stood up for your freedom to write this shite.
January 12, 2026 at 1:53 AM
Louise Adler is among the bravest in this country right now. Hold firm, we’re behind you.
Whoever the journalist toe rag who brown nosed their way to write this is, you aren’t worth reading unlike the writers who stood up for your freedom to write this shite.
Whoever the journalist toe rag who brown nosed their way to write this is, you aren’t worth reading unlike the writers who stood up for your freedom to write this shite.
Percival Everett, one of the cancelling authors, may like to write a novel about the recent Adelaide Festival events. The subject matter perfectly expresses his themes.
January 11, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Percival Everett, one of the cancelling authors, may like to write a novel about the recent Adelaide Festival events. The subject matter perfectly expresses his themes.
Due to political interference at Kennedy centre the opera is leaving and setting itself up as an independent trust. Perhaps the arts community minus the interfering bodies can do same with literary festivals
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/a...
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/a...
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:53 AM
Due to political interference at Kennedy centre the opera is leaving and setting itself up as an independent trust. Perhaps the arts community minus the interfering bodies can do same with literary festivals
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/a...
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/a...
Dear guardian editors
Do you want people to stop subscribing to your service? You’re dependant on subscribers given your mission. But this obsequious pap will get you less. Ley is pure opportunism.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Do you want people to stop subscribing to your service? You’re dependant on subscribers given your mission. But this obsequious pap will get you less. Ley is pure opportunism.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sussan Ley won the royal commission argument. For the sake of unity, will she lower the temperature?
The opposition isn’t obliged to give the government a free pass – but it’s time to let the inquiry and criminal court proceedings do their work
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Dear guardian editors
Do you want people to stop subscribing to your service? You’re dependant on subscribers given your mission. But this obsequious pap will get you less. Ley is pure opportunism.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Do you want people to stop subscribing to your service? You’re dependant on subscribers given your mission. But this obsequious pap will get you less. Ley is pure opportunism.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Percival Everett would be the perfect festival panellist to explain the AWW moment - how it’s only racist if white people tell us it is. In lieu of his absence read his novel Erasure. Explains it all.
January 9, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Percival Everett would be the perfect festival panellist to explain the AWW moment - how it’s only racist if white people tell us it is. In lieu of his absence read his novel Erasure. Explains it all.
Happy to host an event free with an alternative program for our international guests. Here in inner north of Melbourne close to transport, reasonable parking. Considering catering or maybe BYO.
January 9, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Happy to host an event free with an alternative program for our international guests. Here in inner north of Melbourne close to transport, reasonable parking. Considering catering or maybe BYO.
So it’s begun. The power to control our lives through the abuse of essential technology - culprits International banks, Amazon, Credit Agencies, Uber, just for doing your job as an international judge.
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘It’s surreal’: US sanctions lock International Criminal Court judge out of daily life
Canadian judge Kimberly Prost is unable to use credit cards, transfer money or book everyday services in what she calls an attack on the independence of the judiciary
www.irishtimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM
So it’s begun. The power to control our lives through the abuse of essential technology - culprits International banks, Amazon, Credit Agencies, Uber, just for doing your job as an international judge.
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
Surely I wasn't the only one who notice Maduro's moustache. I mean, how similar is it to Sadaam Hussain's moustache. There's something in that. Although, it's also very similar, identical maybe, to Gabriel Garcia Marquez' moustache. But he was Colombian.
January 7, 2026 at 10:52 PM
Surely I wasn't the only one who notice Maduro's moustache. I mean, how similar is it to Sadaam Hussain's moustache. There's something in that. Although, it's also very similar, identical maybe, to Gabriel Garcia Marquez' moustache. But he was Colombian.
OK, so Sussan’s definition includes Christian Nazis Jewish Nazis Islamic Nazis Dancing Nazis catholic Nazis Presbyterian Nazis Buddhist Nazis Neon Nazis Pink Nazis… I could go on but I’m bored of such stupidity
Pressed on why she described far-right neo-Nazis as “far-left”, Sussan Ley says these are just “political concepts” and can be framed however you like. 🤔
I don’t think so, Sussan. Left neo-Nazis?
#auspol
I don’t think so, Sussan. Left neo-Nazis?
#auspol
January 7, 2026 at 6:24 AM
OK, so Sussan’s definition includes Christian Nazis Jewish Nazis Islamic Nazis Dancing Nazis catholic Nazis Presbyterian Nazis Buddhist Nazis Neon Nazis Pink Nazis… I could go on but I’m bored of such stupidity
Keeping the tomato plants chill in 42•C heat today in Melbourne
No ripe fruit yet but getting closer after another terrible November. But they’re healthy if the heat doesn’t get them today.
No ripe fruit yet but getting closer after another terrible November. But they’re healthy if the heat doesn’t get them today.
January 7, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Keeping the tomato plants chill in 42•C heat today in Melbourne
No ripe fruit yet but getting closer after another terrible November. But they’re healthy if the heat doesn’t get them today.
No ripe fruit yet but getting closer after another terrible November. But they’re healthy if the heat doesn’t get them today.
Quick politics lesson for Sussan, whose political dial is spinning like a Catherine Wheel- the left has always opposed and fought against nazis and their cousins the fascists. Polar opposites. And it’s the Christian and sovereign citizen Nazis who kill police.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Australia news live: Sussan Ley clarifies claim about ‘far-left neo-Nazis’; Pauline Hanson asks PM to overturn Senate suspension
Follow live
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:31 AM
Quick politics lesson for Sussan, whose political dial is spinning like a Catherine Wheel- the left has always opposed and fought against nazis and their cousins the fascists. Polar opposites. And it’s the Christian and sovereign citizen Nazis who kill police.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sure, why not see if our intelligence operators can protect its citizens. But the failures run deep. Before Bondi four police have been murdered by Christians or sovereign citizens. That makes it three radical groups we need to worry about. I also fear IDF trainers.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
PM doesn't rule out royal commission into Bondi terror attack
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese does not rule out calling a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, but says his immediate priority is the review of intelligence and security agencies.
www.abc.net.au
January 6, 2026 at 5:37 AM
Sure, why not see if our intelligence operators can protect its citizens. But the failures run deep. Before Bondi four police have been murdered by Christians or sovereign citizens. That makes it three radical groups we need to worry about. I also fear IDF trainers.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
The exceptional editorial nous of the Aeon people has produced a another insightful collection of essays. Read and give a little to the cause. They’re unlike anyone else in this dark world. I’m always illuminated.
To understand how the brain functions, we need to shift away from thinking in terms of individual brain regions and instead consider how they might work together as neuronal ensembles
How the human brain is like a murmuration of starlings | Aeon Essays
The brain is much less like a machine than it is like the murmurations of a flock of starlings or an orchestral symphony
buff.ly
January 3, 2026 at 1:26 AM
The exceptional editorial nous of the Aeon people has produced a another insightful collection of essays. Read and give a little to the cause. They’re unlike anyone else in this dark world. I’m always illuminated.
If Kerry Packer thinks it’s a good idea and the Catholic Church an RC sounds dodgy
Maybe a RC into gambling would be money better spent.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Maybe a RC into gambling would be money better spent.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Business leaders and Catholic bishops join call for royal commission after Bondi attack
Signatories to open letter include former Reserve Bank of Australia governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens and billionaire James Packer
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:44 PM
If Kerry Packer thinks it’s a good idea and the Catholic Church an RC sounds dodgy
Maybe a RC into gambling would be money better spent.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Maybe a RC into gambling would be money better spent.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The reasons as to why my Jewish friends become less safe increases. The plight of Gazans gets worse in this ZERO SUM game.
December 30, 2025 at 10:56 PM
The reasons as to why my Jewish friends become less safe increases. The plight of Gazans gets worse in this ZERO SUM game.
Old enough to remember the feeling of dread and awe the original photograph inspired.
It’s not just a meme, it’s happening
It’s not just a meme, it’s happening
December 30, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Old enough to remember the feeling of dread and awe the original photograph inspired.
It’s not just a meme, it’s happening
It’s not just a meme, it’s happening
The problem if faith. Marjorie has no rational or reasonable side. Just faith. So whatever she puts her faith into is good and it’s amplified- QAnon, Trump, religion, Antisemitism, Islamophobia- it’s all the same. Claiming naïveté is just a media stunt.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Marjorie Taylor Greene says she was ‘naive’ for believing Trump is man of the people
Greene gives lengthy interview with New York Times days before stepping down as congresswoman for Georgia
www.theguardian.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The problem if faith. Marjorie has no rational or reasonable side. Just faith. So whatever she puts her faith into is good and it’s amplified- QAnon, Trump, religion, Antisemitism, Islamophobia- it’s all the same. Claiming naïveté is just a media stunt.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Right wing
Nazi
Neo Nazi
Right wing Thug
Fascist
These are all the same thing interchangeable. There are right wing fascist nazi influencers trying to tell us there were only German Nazis in the 20th C that’s because they don’t want to be associated but still be Nazis fascists right wing thugs
Nazi
Neo Nazi
Right wing Thug
Fascist
These are all the same thing interchangeable. There are right wing fascist nazi influencers trying to tell us there were only German Nazis in the 20th C that’s because they don’t want to be associated but still be Nazis fascists right wing thugs
December 29, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Right wing
Nazi
Neo Nazi
Right wing Thug
Fascist
These are all the same thing interchangeable. There are right wing fascist nazi influencers trying to tell us there were only German Nazis in the 20th C that’s because they don’t want to be associated but still be Nazis fascists right wing thugs
Nazi
Neo Nazi
Right wing Thug
Fascist
These are all the same thing interchangeable. There are right wing fascist nazi influencers trying to tell us there were only German Nazis in the 20th C that’s because they don’t want to be associated but still be Nazis fascists right wing thugs
The relationship between Gina and the US right wing needs investigating for foreign interference in Australian politics. Pauline is a stooge but both are UNAustralian. More immigrants than than these two espouse Australian values.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Pauline Hanson travelled to US on Gina Rinehart’s private jet to attend CPAC
Exclusive: One Nation senator travelled on mining magnate’s Gulfstream 700 in October and is yet to declare it on parliamentary register
www.theguardian.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:13 PM
The relationship between Gina and the US right wing needs investigating for foreign interference in Australian politics. Pauline is a stooge but both are UNAustralian. More immigrants than than these two espouse Australian values.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Dog whistling relies on conflation. See Sussan Ley’s tossing Penny Wong in with the Bondi murders in order to appeal to a right wing anti immigration element in Australia. Penny is a regular and ready made far right target due to her background. Asians and terrorists in together = conflation.
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Dog whistling relies on conflation. See Sussan Ley’s tossing Penny Wong in with the Bondi murders in order to appeal to a right wing anti immigration element in Australia. Penny is a regular and ready made far right target due to her background. Asians and terrorists in together = conflation.