By any measure, the 'European Project' has failed. Except to employ Eurocrats and ensure Germany's economic colossus by an artificially weak currency.

Demographics determine political outcomes. Tsar Putin has had to raise Russia's retirement age. Men will retire at 65. But their life expectancy is 66. One year to enjoy the Stolly.

Italian politicians are to be admired for their amazing success in elevating self-interest. Liberal Party federal members are great students of Apennine failure.

CBA has shown innovative in fee-gouging. Royal Commission news this week was CBA taking advice fees from dead clients. Really, this is world leading stuff.

In a four-day masterclass of excoriation, NAB's representative and its QC-ennobled barrister suffered death-by-a-thousand cuts at the Banking Royal Commission.

It may be difficult to believe that a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1997 is now worth one trillion US dollars.