The Lunarticks are a group of men in the Austinville Valley and its environs who meet once a month for a meal and a talk by the host on a topic of his choice. This is a talk that I gave in July 2024.
'The evening was convivial and enjoyable. Dave led a discussion about the 'Politics of Discontinuity' and added in some items relevant to a forthcoming trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Here are some of the slides shown.
The discussion segued into a consideration of the effect of boundaries and frontiers on different countries. Britain, New Zealand, and Australia are all fortunate to have national boundaries defined by unambiguous shorelines. The expression 'Girt by Sea' is mocked by some Australians, but the concept is profoundly valuable to national security.
Some parts of Central Europe and Ukraine suffer from boundaries open to dispute and attempts at invasion. With Dave and George planning to visit the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary shortly, the discussion moved to the history of the Habsburg Empire.
Some extras.
The history of Ukraine and Russia 1917-2022.
André Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra playing "The Beautiful Blue Danube" by composer Johann Strauss II. Recorded live at Empress Sisi's castle; Schönbrunn Palace Vienna, Austria
Tom Lehrer's 'Alma's Song'
