Gentlefolk,
This post describes our main activities during the month of February 2026.
The contents of this post are in the following sequence:
Photos of our activities during February 2026.
News items which caught my eye in February 2026.
Some key actions by President Trump during February 2026 (from MS NOW Project 47) and a summary of his "State of the Union" address to Congress on 17 February.
Highlights of February 2026
The highlight of the month, for me, was the wake for John Boland. I grew up with the Boland boys (Peter, Michael and John - they also had 2 sisters, Mary and Elizabeth) in Cooma in the 1950s and 1960s. Michael was in the same class as me, so I was closest to him. John was the youngest of the three. He had an interesting life - difficult to summarise because it was so varied. He had a law degree, owned a large gym & pool complex, coached the para-olympic swim team, etc, etc. John fought multiple cancers late in life, but was always positive and cheerful. A fighter. May he Rest in Peace.
We watched a lot of sport in February: The Winter Oympics in Italy. the finals of the Australian Tennis Open; The Super Bowl. Just wonderful to see these top athletes perform. It's a pity that there have to be winners and losers - in many events the margins were measured in seconds, or even parts of a second. Some of our favourite events were: figure skating, dual moguls, free style big air, downhill, slalom, speed skating, relays, cross country. Congratulations to all the participants!
The Brumbies (Canberra's Rugby Union team) started the 2026 Super Rugby season with two big wins, against the Force and the Crusaders - let's hope they can keep it up. The 2026 NRL (Rugby League) season starts this weekend - go the Canberra Raiders!
We had a flat tyre - the first in 10 years!
We saw two concerts at the Caloundra Events Center: heavy metal and Motown - very different.
Herewith photos of some of our activities in February 2026:
The Australian Tennis Open was held in Melbourne 18 January to 1 February (prize money totalled A$111 million). Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to win the Women's Singels. Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win the Men's Singles. Marvellous tennis.
We attended the wake for John Boland on Bribie Island where John and Maria had retired. John died after a long battle with cancer. He was a fighter! I went to primary school with the Boland boys in Cooma in the 1950s. Emotional speeches by Maria and their children. It was good to catch up with Peter & Bambi at the wake.
The 2026 Winter Olympics were held at Milano-Cortina in Italy 6 - 22 February 2026. Norway topped the medal count with 41, followed by USA 33, Italy 30, Germany 26 and Japan 24. Australians won 6 medals, our best effort. We watched a lot of the Winter Olympics - wonderful skiing and skating, etc. Norwegian Johannes Klaebo won 6 gold medals - what a champion!
Lots of great perfomances at the Winter Olympics. World champion downhill skier American Linsday Vonn (41) was valiant, but crashed and was badly injured.
The closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
Nikki and Charles spent a weekend with us.
We celebrated the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) with Henny & Julius and Nikki & Charles at the Chinese Holiday restaurant.
Nikki and Charles came to this concert with us. Orchestra from England. Heavy metal - loud and brash with amazing graphics.
The theatre was full for the Rock Orchestra concert.
The following week Nikki and Charles invited us to their home in Brisbane to meet a family visiting from Qingdao. We had a flat tyre (our first in 10 years) and fortunately Charles was able to put the spare wheel on. Thanks, Charles!!!
The family visiting from Qingdao: Sun Gang Yun, Liu Li Na, and their daughters Sun Xiao Qi and Sun Zhi Xian. Li Na was in charge of Foreign Teachers when we were teachers at the China University of Petroleum (2009 - 16). It was great to catch up with Li Na and her family.
Li Na was an excellent boss!
Another concert at the Caloundra Events Centre.
All the Motown hits, from The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5 etc.
We caught up with Laura, Oda's granddaughter living and working at Noosa.
We had lunch at a Japanese Restaurant in Mooloolabah, then a nature walk in Buderim, and finally coffee & cake at the Coolum Surf Club. It was a lovely warm summer's afternoon.
Iem and Colin visited us from Brisbane. We had lunch at home, and then coffee at Kings Beach. Colin's family used to vacation in Caloundra when he was a lad.
......
Caz & Andrew took the kids to Marrakech (Morocco) for 5 days during the term break. It has been a very busy few months settling in to London, so this was a welcome break.
Camel ride.
They did an excursion to the Atlas Mountains outside Marrakesh.
......
Jen & Tom's youngest son, Sid, is in his final year at Marist College Ashgrove. He took Daisy to his "Formal". Our little grandson is little no more!
Sid's classmates and partners at the "Formal". The next generation. Don't they look great???
......
News items which caught my eye in February 2026.
($ are US dollars unless otherwise shown)
Global
Tennis: Australian Open
in Melbourne. Record crowds. Prize money A$111M. Men’s singles champ Carlos
Alcaraz; women’s singles Elena Rybakina.
Iran: Some student protests
again. USA military buildup. Trump wants a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear program;
negotiations in Geneva.
Gaza: Israel partially
opened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. About 600 killed in Gaza since
the ceasefire in October 2025.
Winter Olympics: held in
Milano-Cortina 6 – 22 February. Top 3 medal winners: Norway, USA, Italy.
Pakistan: a terrorist bomb
in Islamabad killed 31, injured 169. Border clashes with Afghanistan.
Japan: PM Takaichi’s LDP
had a big win in the general elections.
Israel: new legislation tightened
its control over the West Bank. The prospects of a "Two State Solution" are fading.
Canada: Shooting at BC’s
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School by 18 year old Jesse van Roostselaar killed 8,
injured 25.
Lunar New Year started 17
February. Year of the fire Horse.
Ukraine/Russia: 4th
anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Talks in Geneva.
UK: Former Prince Andrew
and Lord Mandelson questioned by police re connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mexico: widespread
violence following the killing of drug lord.
USA
The US Supreme Court 6-3
declared that President Trump had exceeded the authority to impose tariffs
under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump
immediately declared a universal import tariff of 15%, under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade
Act (he will have to get Congress approval after 150 days). It is unclear if
the estimated $150B raised so far will be returned to importers.
The Republican Party has a “war
chest” of $483M; the Democratic Party has $167m.
SpaceX (Elon Musk) applied to
launch 1M satellites to power AI.
President Trump announced that
Kevin Warsh will be the new head of the Federal Reserve in May.
700 ICE agents were withdrawn
from Minnesota following public protests.
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks beat
NE Patriots 29-13. MVP running back Kenneth Walker. Aussie punter Michael Dickson
is the second Australian to win a Super Bowl (Jordan Mailata with the Philadelphia
Eagles last year).
Aussie Cameron Myers, 19, won
the Wanamaker Mile in NYC in 3m 47s.
Actor Robert Duvall (The
Godfather etc) died aged 95.
US Civil Rights leader Jesse
James died aged 84.
Mayor of NYC Mamdani said city
has a budget deficit of $13B.
Australia
PM Albanese visited Jakarta to
sign an updated security pact with Indonesian President Prabowo Sugianto.
In response to continuing high
inflation, the Reserve Bank (RBA) increased interest rates by 0.25% to 3.85%.
The President of Israel Isaac
Herzog visited Australia to show support for the Jewish community following
the Bondi shootings. But there were big Pro Palestine demonstrations in
several cities.
Federal Politics: the Lib/Nat
Coalition split, then reformed. Angus Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as leader of the Liberal
Party, and Leader of the Opposition.
Commonwealth Bank net profit for
last 6 months A$5.4B.
Barbeques Galore (68 coy stores
+ 27 franchise) declared bankruptcy.
Discounting process used by
Coles Supermarkets under scrutiny.
The Brumbies beat the Crusaders 50-24
in Christchurch; first win there in 26 years. Charlie Cale MVP.
The Royal Commission on
Anti-Semitism headed by Virginia Bell started work; must report by 14
December 2026.
Trump’s
key actions
From: MS
NOW Project 47
Week
ending 4 February 2026
Nominated the son-in-law of a longtime billionaire donor as
the next chair of the Federal Reserve
Sued the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion over a
leak of his federal income tax returns in 2017
Nominated a federal prosecutor to a newly created role of
“fraud investigator” to work out of the White House
Said, “I don’t want to drive housing prices down, I want to
drive housing prices up for people that own their home” at a Cabinet meeting
Week
ending 11 February 2026
Shared, then removed, a video depicting former President
Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, as primates in a jungle
Criticized a woman reporter who asked about Jeffrey Epstein,
complaining that she “never smiles”
Invited only Republicans to an annual meeting of governors
at the White House, in a break with tradition
Told Democrats in Congress he would release spending for the
Gateway tunnel if they rename Penn Station and Dulles Airport for him.
Week
ending 18 February 2026
Claimed, falsely, that he has been “100% exonerated” in the
Jeffrey Epstein scandal
Held an event that was similar to a political rally at a
military base in North Carolina, criticizing the leading Democratic Senate
candidate
Harshly criticized the president of Israel for not pardoning
Benjamin Netanyahu in a long-running corruption trial
Threatened to block the opening of a bridge between Detroit
and Windsor, Ontario until Canada treats the U.S. better
Week
ending 27 February 2026
Claimed, falsely, that the Pentagon was sending a hospital
ship to Greenland after Denmark evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine who
needed medical attention
Demanded, on social media, that Netflix fire former U.N.
ambassador Susan Rice from its board of directors
Claimed executive privilege, through the Director of
National Intelligence’s office, on a whistleblower complaint
Filed, through the Trump Organization, a trademark
application for “President Donald J. Trump International Airport”
I asked
Chat GPT for a summary of President Trump’s “State of the Union” address to
Congress on 17 February. His speech was the longest on record. This is the summary.
Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to
present a strongly partisan and campaign-style vision of the country’s
direction, emphasizing economic growth, border security, energy independence,
and a robust foreign policy posture. Speaking before the United States
Congress, he highlighted what he described as achievements under his
leadership—such as job creation, stock market performance, tax cuts, and
deregulation—while arguing that his policies had restored American strength and
global standing. Immigration enforcement and border wall funding featured
prominently, framed as essential to national security and public safety. He
also stressed “America First” trade policies, support for law enforcement,
military funding increases, and opposition to what he characterized as radical
or socialist policy proposals.
The tone was assertive and combative, with applause from
Republican lawmakers and visible resistance from many Democrats. Trump often
used individual guest stories to underscore themes of patriotism,
entrepreneurship, and law enforcement support, a traditional element of the
address but delivered in his characteristically direct rhetorical style. He
contrasted his administration’s agenda with that of his political opponents,
sharpening partisan divides rather than seeking broad bipartisan consensus.
Critics responded sharply. Democratic lawmakers and many
political commentators argued that the speech overstated economic successes,
downplayed ongoing challenges, and sidestepped controversies surrounding
governance, institutional norms, and social divisions. Some fact-checkers
challenged specific claims about job growth, immigration trends, and budget
impacts. Others criticized the confrontational tone, saying it deepened
polarization rather than fostering unity. Supporters, by contrast, praised the speech
as confident and clear-eyed, arguing it reflected strong leadership and a focus
on national priorities. Overall, reactions largely tracked partisan lines,
underscoring the highly divided political climate in which the address was
delivered.
......
Our Subaru Forester has been great, but it is now 10 years old and we are wondering if it is time for a change - maybe electric?
It looks as if President Trump is getting ready to bomb Iran - let's hope not.
That's it for this post.
Stay safe and healthy and keep smiling!
Vera & Alex OlahCaloundra, Australia
Saturday, 28 February 2026
Global
Tennis: Australian Open
in Melbourne. Record crowds. Prize money A$111M. Men’s singles champ Carlos
Alcaraz; women’s singles Elena Rybakina.
Iran: Some student protests
again. USA military buildup. Trump wants a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear program;
negotiations in Geneva.
Gaza: Israel partially
opened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. About 600 killed in Gaza since
the ceasefire in October 2025.
Winter Olympics: held in
Milano-Cortina 6 – 22 February. Top 3 medal winners: Norway, USA, Italy.
Pakistan: a terrorist bomb
in Islamabad killed 31, injured 169. Border clashes with Afghanistan.
Japan: PM Takaichi’s LDP
had a big win in the general elections.
Israel: new legislation tightened
its control over the West Bank. The prospects of a "Two State Solution" are fading.
Canada: Shooting at BC’s
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School by 18 year old Jesse van Roostselaar killed 8,
injured 25.
Lunar New Year started 17
February. Year of the fire Horse.
Ukraine/Russia: 4th
anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Talks in Geneva.
UK: Former Prince Andrew
and Lord Mandelson questioned by police re connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mexico: widespread
violence following the killing of drug lord.
USA
The US Supreme Court 6-3
declared that President Trump had exceeded the authority to impose tariffs
under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump
immediately declared a universal import tariff of 15%, under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade
Act (he will have to get Congress approval after 150 days). It is unclear if
the estimated $150B raised so far will be returned to importers.
The Republican Party has a “war
chest” of $483M; the Democratic Party has $167m.
SpaceX (Elon Musk) applied to
launch 1M satellites to power AI.
President Trump announced that
Kevin Warsh will be the new head of the Federal Reserve in May.
700 ICE agents were withdrawn
from Minnesota following public protests.
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks beat
NE Patriots 29-13. MVP running back Kenneth Walker. Aussie punter Michael Dickson
is the second Australian to win a Super Bowl (Jordan Mailata with the Philadelphia
Eagles last year).
Aussie Cameron Myers, 19, won
the Wanamaker Mile in NYC in 3m 47s.
Actor Robert Duvall (The
Godfather etc) died aged 95.
US Civil Rights leader Jesse
James died aged 84.
Mayor of NYC Mamdani said city
has a budget deficit of $13B.
Australia
PM Albanese visited Jakarta to
sign an updated security pact with Indonesian President Prabowo Sugianto.
In response to continuing high
inflation, the Reserve Bank (RBA) increased interest rates by 0.25% to 3.85%.
The President of Israel Isaac
Herzog visited Australia to show support for the Jewish community following
the Bondi shootings. But there were big Pro Palestine demonstrations in
several cities.
Federal Politics: the Lib/Nat
Coalition split, then reformed. Angus Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as leader of the Liberal
Party, and Leader of the Opposition.
Commonwealth Bank net profit for
last 6 months A$5.4B.
Barbeques Galore (68 coy stores
+ 27 franchise) declared bankruptcy.
Discounting process used by
Coles Supermarkets under scrutiny.
The Brumbies beat the Crusaders 50-24
in Christchurch; first win there in 26 years. Charlie Cale MVP.
The Royal Commission on
Anti-Semitism headed by Virginia Bell started work; must report by 14
December 2026.
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