Happy BirthdayJohn!

Words can be funny when there is no explanation about how they are being used. For example in this headline from the ABC:

"Howard resists calls to declare hand on leadership"

By Alexandra Kirk for PM

You will note that the words 'declare hand" are the sort of words that are used in playing cards. So the reader gets a chance to equate what is happening to the leadership of the country with a card game. I am not sure whether to take this even further by suggesting that the only time that someone is unwilling to declare a hand is when that someone is not sure of winning.

Then of course we have Alexandra Kirk having her radio program described by the use of Italic capitals (ie "PM")

No doubt this is to prevent the reader from being confused by the fact that the next thing we see is the PM (note no italics here) actually doing something with his hands.

Far be it from Alexandra to be thought of as a spokesperson of the PM (or Prime Minister) after all she is an ABC staffer!

John Howard mingled with well-wishers during the morning walk on his 67th birthday. (ABC TV)