Philip Paige, a real estate broker from Madrid, St. Lawrence County, stands atop the splintered stump of a white pine in the Adirondacks that was thought to be one of New York state's tallest trees.

There are yardsticks (unwritten) that a majority of people expect anybody with the prefix ‘Dr’, ‘Eng’ or ‘Prof’ before his or her name to meet. Such people are presumed to be highly intelligent.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

It’s the time of year when we get outside and curse at weeds. Yes, it’s spring, which means I’ll be refusing garden gloves in favor of the feeling of dark, rich terra firma underneath my fingernails.

Your home of Australian stories, conversations and events that shape our nation. More from ABC We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional ...