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Archive
Posts from 2004 to 2017. This was a personal blog during a fairly chaotic decade in independent publishing — some of it tech commentary, some of it Australia, some of it ephemera. It’s kept here in full for anyone who arrives via an old link.
Current writing lives at SiliconANGLE.
A little ABC/ Australia Network/ AFL conspiracy theory
Australia Network was supposed to close down 18 September 2014. SMH back in June. I started seeing ads on Australia Network saying they’re going to cover every part of the AFL finals series. But wait, the Grand Final is 27 September 2014. Turns out magically that the Australia Network will now close September 29. […]
RIP Rick Mayall 1958-2014
A man who inspired a generation of kids with your comedy.
Why the Australian Government Should Keep Funding The Australia Network
It has been reported in the news today that the Australian Government is going to get rid of The Australian Network in next weeks budget. I actually don’t believe that they should… and yes, those who know me may find that surprising. The contract under the Gillard Government was a joke; Sky News won it […]
Anzac Day 2014
Australia takes her pen in hand, To write a line to you, To let you fellows understand, How proud we are of you. From shearing shed and cattle run, From Broome to Hobsons Bay, Each native-born Australian son, Stands straighter up today. The man who used to “hump his drum”, On far-out Queensland runs, Is […]
Protesters
Dick Smith Kitsch Banned…Wrongly
I’m the first to admit that I don’t have a lot of time for Dick Smith…I mean he’s not Gerrard Harvey (of Harvey Norman) bad but he tends on the xenophobic anti-internet side at times. That said free speech should be extended to all, and despite only very tame innuendo’s in this video, it’s been […]
What Do Prices “Know” That You Don’t?
Great clip from Duke University explaining how market pricing mechanisms work for the greater good. (via Catallaxyfiles)
Traides life
There’s a Coles supermarket and small shopping centre being built not far from where I live. There has been absolutely no one onsite for the construction since before Christmas…its now January 11. I can’t help but think this.
Chris Berg on Voluntary Voting
The IPA’s Chris Berg puts up a solid argument in favour of voluntary voting on The Panel. The only argument he missed is the most obvious one: if we are a free and democratic society, shouldn’t our democracy give us the freedom to choose not to vote?
The “Baby Milk Scam” that isn’t a scam unless you write for News Ltd
News Ltd papers have been running a number of stories in the last week claiming that there is a huge “baby milk scam” involving Chinese nationals buying baby formula in Australia, shipping it back to China, and selling it for a profit. Here’s one recent article Chinese milk it in baby formula scam (News.com.au 5/1/13) […]
Helen Perris: Australia’s Next Great Singer
Someone who I’m happy to call a friend, Helen Perris, who has been a long time actor and music instructor in Australia, has finally decided to stop sharing her amazing voice with few, and share with many. Helen is touring Australia, and I’ve already booked tickets to her Melbourne gig. Her details and booking stuff […]
Today Tonight Appearance 9 Aug 2011
My hair looks shocking! 🙂 Thx to Creeky as always for having me on.
So peaceful….
I’m not completely justifying what the Israel Government did. But likewise, the anti-Israeli media coverage is just beyond amazing. Where is the coverage of the above video on News.com.au or the Fairfax sites? The truth is always some where in the middle. I suspect it is here, but you wouldn’t know it from the Australian […]
The Left May Well Implode
The debate about saving the environment and rapid population growth/ immigration are intrinsically linked. You can’t seriously have both. So how is it possible that groups like GetUp are both running open door immigration campaigns and save the environment campaigns? You can’t rapidly increase population without the services to support the population. That means further […]
The Nanny State Goes After Something Called “Raunch Cuture”
Did someone say theocracy? 🙂 SMH: ‘Raunch culture’ worries government The federal government says young people need to be more vigilant when it comes to sharing raunchy images of themselves. Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek says there’s a lot happening in the youth culture that “completely passes adults by”. She is especially […]
Anzac Day 2010
My young son asks me… My young son asks me: Must I learn mathematics? What is the use, I feel like saying. That two pieces Of bread are more than one’s about all you’ll end up with. My young son asks me: Must I learn French? What is the use, I feel like saying. This […]
There’s Always Something To Complain About
The Age: India warns on student attacks INDIA has warned the Brumby government over continued attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, complaining about a lack of official data on the nature of the violence. The Human Resource Development Minister, Kapil Sibal [said]..”Though the incidents have been on the decline, they still continue to happen, and […]
Some One Is Taking The Piss
The Age: Put soft porn out of view: experts MORE than 30 of Australia’s leading child experts are calling for an unprecedented ban on the sale of adult magazines such as Playboy and Penthouse and other ”soft porn” material from newsagents, milk bars, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations. Lets ignore the implications for the […]
The Nanny State Targets Codine
ABC: The Federal Government is set to introduce changes to the way painkillers containing codeine are sold over the counter. 1 in 10,000 people probably shouldn’t drive cars (in particular, anyone who lives in Balwyn) but the Government doesn’t check their names when they leave their driveways to see if they’re abusing the road or […]
This Speaks For Itself
vs Both shots taken at the same time 24 March 2010.