Bring handkerchiefs. Stock up on Kleenex. Supplies of tissues to wipe away tears, to blow noses or dab at tearful eyes may be in short supply out on Long Island.
June, 2009
Brown braces for Blair’s battle blunders
Gordon Brown has promised an “unprecedented” inquiry into the invasion of Iraq… to be held behind closed doors.
The woman behind Tom Ripley
Patricia Highsmith’s hypersensitive protagonists, “logically, inexorably, spiral downhill from ordinary anxiety to murderous rage and madness,” says Michael Dirda And we’re perversely entertained.
Banks still profiting as economy struggles
Australian banks increased their interest margin by an average of 9 basis points during the peak of the GFC according to an RBA report. It explains why they have limited profit declines, says Michael Janda.
Iran’s protests turn from green to black
Gone were the faux Hermès headscarves of Tehran’s fashionistas, writes Ella Flaye. Amid 100,000 Iranians marching across Tehran, the women wore black to mark the seven young men killed on Monday night.
Murdoch sells Standard to another rich conservative
Rupert Murdoch has sold the Weekly Standard magazine to Philip Anschutz, owner of the Examiner papers.
Obama backs Chicago Olympics 2016
U.S. President Barack Obama announced the creation of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport on Tuesday, which could provide a boost to Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Games.
Why I hate social media
Ad-man Matt Jones sticks his neck out and announces he hates social media, claiming it’s “the old marketing industry’s latest excuse to waste more money on bad ideas and lazy thinking.”
Monocle‘s 25 most livable cities
Monocle announce their 2009 list of the world’s most liveable cities with this lovely video. Melbourne and Sydney both make the cut — but where? And which is higher?
Why Europe’s car market could stall
The European Union have decided to end the incentives scheme that saw a major boost in car sales and demand last year. Auto makers say they knew this day was coming, but aren’t sure they’re ready to go it alone just yet.
Police shine light on cocaine abuse
Police in England have started testing “cocaine torches” that use ultra-violet light to show up even minute traces of the illegal substance up people’s noses and on their clothes.
Lessons in History: What Iran can teach us about church and state
The nation we know today as Iran arose out of squabbling Aryan tribespeople (hence the name, ‘Iran’), into a series of empires and regimes, writes Mike Stuchbery.
Crikey Clarifier: How do Tasers work?
A Taser gun fires a pair of barbed spikes into the flesh attached by wires to the gun’s battery pack which delivers a 50,000 volt kick to immobilise a person, explains Lionel Elmore.
Quacks, charlatans and witch doctors
Loretta Marron reports on the dangers of unregulated cancer treatment.
Two schools and a clear felling: Question Time fails to inspire
Three Question Times so far this week, and a grand total of eight questions from the Opposition about actual economic matters. Bernard Keane is unimpressed.
Tips and rumours: Memo to lobbyists: update your details please
In today’s Crikey tips and rumours, a request for lobbyists to update their details and NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal tries to avoid “dirty dancing” incident.
Has the Teflon Knight finally lost his lustre?
The likely decision to walk away from the ANZ chairmanship, one of the most sought-after boardroom roles, may signal the end for Eddington.
Tim Cahill kicks a goal against News Limited too
Last time I checked, getting drunk was not a crime, writes Anthony Stavrinos.
Is it a bird? No, it’s a space station
The International Space Station is now so large it is visible in broad daylight as a white moving dot in a clear sky.
Wong’s cynical renewable energy play
The Government is happy to sacrifice its Renewable Energy Target for political expediency.
Love’s letter lost: Malcolm Turnbull’s dead cat scrawl unearthed
I have a copy of the letter that young Malcolm Turnbull wrote to his ex-girlfriends cat, reports The Justinian’s Richard Ackland.
Faces you won’t see in the Archibald
SMART artZ gallery showcases some of the portraits that didn’t make it to the finals of the Archibald Prize.
Dog gives birth to human-like creature
If you squint really hard…
Gold to go!
In uncertain financial times, investors seek refuge in gold. Thomas Geissler has seized on this, inventing a vending machine that dispenses tiny nuggets of gold.
