Mace
The staff (Black Rod) that is borne and placed on the parliamentary table when the House sits. As opposed to the mace borne by Bronwyn Bishop in her handbag wherever she sits. God only knows why.
Machiavellian
The act of placing expediency over political morality (you don't often see those two words in the same sentence!) - it is using craft, cunning and deceit to achieve or retain power. I am currently studying this phenomenon and am grateful to have had Machiavellian mentors in Messrs Keating and Howard.
Madwoman
This is a colloquial term to describe outrageous or eccentric behaviour - e.g. "all over the place like a madwoman's breakfast/knitting/washing/custard or lunchbox". (see Garrett, Peter)
Magpie
A common black & white Australian bird. Also a term for one who collects ideas from various sources and presents them as his/her original work. (see Bishop, Julie and Jones, Alan)
Mah-jong
A game of Chinese origin and one I can understand because I speak fluent Mandarin. Do not be alarmed, I am a self-confessed political conservative.
Manchuria
The historical name given to a vast area in North-East China. A Fu Manchu moustache is one that extends down the lips on either side of the chin and, following my unexpected success at growing sideburns I have been sorely tempted. Do not be alarmed, I am a self-confessed political conservative.
Mandarin
Formerly a member of any of the nine ranks of public officials in the Chinese Empire (distinguished by a designated cap button) but these days Mandarin is the language of Northern China (especially Beijing) and, coincidentally, is a language I speak fluently. Kung Hei Fat Choy. Do not be alarmed, I am a self-confessed political conservative. A mandarin is also a small citrus fruit that can be difficult to eat fluently because of the number of pips.
Maoism
The principles of communism as expounded by Chinese Statesman Chairman Mao Zedung (1893 - 1976). Do not be alarmed, I am a self-confessed political conservative.
March, Long
A military retreat led by Mao Zedung (1934/36) covering 12,500 kilometres over difficult terrain. Do not be alarmed, I am a self-confessed political conservative. In Australia we also have a Long March because it has 31 days.
Margot at the Wedding
This 2007 movie starring Nicole Kidman as Margot is as dark as co-star Jack Black but, needless to say, it is our Nic continuing to conquer Hollywood on her own terms.
Marsupials
Marsupials are non-placental mammals that have a 'marsupium' (mammary glands in a pouch - and not a bad design really to allow them to breastfeed in public without guilt or trepidation). Australian marsupials include kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums. The Chinese Panda is a placental mammal and not closely related.
Matinee
An afternoon entertainment or performance (particularly plays or films) but is also apparently an Aussie term for having sex in the afternoon, an act hard to imagine in daylight hours, surely?
McMahon, Sir William
"Billy" McMahon was the 20th Prime Minister of Australia although he is better known for having sired the Aussie/Hollywood actor Julian McMahon. Julian is indeed fortunate he got Sonia's ears, height, general good looks and personality.
Media Moment
This is a term coined by my advisors to be aware of camera opportunities (Carpe Murdoch - 'seize the headline'). One should be aware that 'media moments' can be positive (see Babies, kissing) or negative. (see Earwax)
Melbourne
Melbourne is the southern capital of Victoria and arguably Australia's most sophisticated city. In fact, if you picked it up and plonked it in Europe it would feel very much at home and if such relocation were possible, I would certainly visit.
Melbourne Cup
This is the Race That Stops A Nation, held on the first Tuesday in November. The day entails a Prime Ministerial tradition of attending a licensed establishment (preferably blue-collar), placing a bet, drinking a glass of beer and hoping for a Media Moment.
Mendicant
One who survives by begging for handouts. (see State Governments)
Menzies, Sir Robert Gordon
The 16th (and 21st and longest serving) Prime Minister of Australia, also known as 'Pig Iron Bob' and 'Ming the Merciless' (a Chinese reference there, and I know that because I speak fluent Mandarin). Sir RGM is the only Prime Minister thus far to leave office at his own chosen time (January 1966) and who is a role model for us all. I plan to follow in his footsteps and retire at a time of my choosing, in 2025.
Moleskins
These are trousers made from napped, twilled cotton fabric and are an essential part of dress code if one is to appeal to disgruntled National Party voters. I have three pairs (as well as R.M. Williams riding boots).
Mormon
A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When door-knocking at election time I have been mistaken for a Mormon. I think it may be the tie.
Morning Glory
Climbing plants of the family Convolvlaceae and a colloquial term for sexual intercourse upon waking. As if that's ever going to happen!
Morning Sickness
Nausea can occur during the first few months of pregnancy and I found that the seasickness tablets Kwells helped me get through this trying time.
Motorhomes
I am yet to experience one of these but I understand that the pensioner constituency ('grey-haired nomads') have embraced them with a passion and I encourage them to consider a postal vote on their travels and be aware that Labor will deliver cheaper fuel prices and Liberal has delivered a fellow traveller. (see Howard, John)
Moulin Rouge
"No laws. No limits. One Rule. Never Fall In Love." What a movie! Two Oscars! Our Baz, Our Kylie, Our David, Our Christine and OUR NIC as Satine!! Be still my beating heart...
Museums
Wonderful places, steeped in history, memorabilia and importance, and great places to run away to if you don't want to be disturbed by teenagers.
Museum Piece
Anything old-fashioned that has outlived its usefulness. (see Howard, John)
Music
My personal tastes in music are, to say the least, eclectic. They range from the 'mild' (Bing Crosby at Christmas) to the 'wild' (The Bangles at birthdays) and in between you may find such popsters as The Seekers, Simon and Garfunkel, Julie Anthony, the Hollies, early Beatles and Andy Lau who has charted in both Mandarin and Cantonese whose hits include Forget Love Potion and Love You For 10,000 Years.
My Life
Ignore the morbid theme of the terminally ill Bob Jones (Michael Keaton) preparing for his death and just marvel at how his wife Gail Jones (our Nicole Kidman) copes. Brilliantly.
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M
Mace
Machiavellian
Madwoman
Magpie
Mah-jong
Manchuria
Mandarin
Maoism
March, Long
Margot at the Wedding
Marsupials
Matinee
McMahon, Sir William
Media Moment
Melbourne
Melbourne Cup
Mendicant
Menzies, Sir Robert Gordon
Moleskins
Mormon
Morning Glory
Morning Sickness
Motorhomes
Moulin Rouge
Museums
Museum Piece
Music
My Life
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