Nick Xenophon’s attack on the tax free status Church of Scientology last night was laudable, and long overdue, but did not go nearly far enough, writes Jane Shaw.
November, 2009
Any sport in a storm: Coates and Co cop a reality check
At a moment when we’ve just emerged from recession, when childhood obesity in Australia is at an all-time high and when some state schools have little or no sporting equipment — let alone PE teachers — David Crawford’s report into Olympic funding couldn’t have come at a better time.
If we are what we drive, we’re changing gear
Australians are rapidly embracing motorbikes (especially scooters) and diesel-powered cars, according to the latest Motor Vehicle Census from the ABC.
Why we need an R18+ classification for video games
Australia remains one of the few first world countries to lack an 18+ classification for video games. By restricting a large portion of the gaming market, we become victims of media censorship, says Joel Vaughan.
Bank exec bonuses helped by Rudd’s rules
Kevin Rudd may publicly deride extreme capitalism — but, fortunately for our bankers, the Federal Government’s policies appear to be aiding and abetting it.
Political snippets: Paying for a selection mistake
When a government asks a group largely representative of major team sports to determine where the emphasis of sporting policy should be put, that government should not be surprised that major team sports get the favoured nod.
Olympic establishment mobilises to shout down Crawford Report
It didn’t take long for the Olympic establishment to respond to the clear and present threat posed by yesterday’s Crawford Report. Behold the fury of a parasitic industry facing the threat that taxpayers might stop handing them money.
Either way, Turnbull’s on eggshells
Malcolm Turnbull is caught in a pincer movement between Liberal conservatives and Kevin Rudd — and both appear determined to destroy him.
Violent plunges of QF72 remain a mystery
Heads hit the roof when a Qantas A300 dipped and dived off Western Australia last year. But a second interim report released today holds no certain answers.
The coal industry wants your cash to save them
The coal industry realises that without massive public funding, carbon capture is dead. Without it, the coal industry and power companies locked into coal-fired power stations will, at best, be on life support, writes Bob Burton.
Meet the man who killed the letter
In 1971, engineer Ray Tomlinson was asked to find something interesting to do with the newly created ARPANET computer network. So he invented email, inadvertently changing human communication forever.
How Australia’s economy is kicking America’s arse
Australia’s natural resources, healthy banking sector and equity culture has seen the country virtually skip out on recession while the US struggles to keep its head above water. Elliot Gue casts a jealous eye over Australia’s recent economic performance.
Video of the Day: Mobile phone evolution: from brick to slick
The evolution of the mobile phone, as demonstrated through the highly under-used medium of babushka doll.
ABC to unleash a new opinion site
ABC Online is set to relaunch its Unleashed section as part of a new commentary and analysis site that will aggregate ABC commentary content alongside original material, and “compete” directly with The Punch and The National Times.
Newsweek go rogue with Palin cover
Newsweek has caused a big stir this week by running a cover photo of Sarah Palin — clad in rather tight running gear — taken from a Runner’s World photoshoot. Palin herself has labelled the move “sexist”. Is it fair to use editorial photos out of context?
The Crawford Review: Have your say
Is the Crawford Review a refreshing change in thinking from the relentless and costly pursuit of Olympic gold, or is international sporting success a vital part of our national identity? Have your say on our Crikey Sports blog.
Meet the Repulicans’ Next Big Thing
Meet the Republican Party’s great hope for 2012: South Dakota Senator John Thune — a fundraising heavyweight with a crack team of advisers who many are predicting could reinvigorate the embattled party.
CNN journalist: Detained in China over Obama tshirt
CNN correspondent Emily Chang tells of being detained for two hours by Chinese police after she bought a souvenir tshirt featuring Barack Obama in a Red Army uniform.
The crash of the Brad and Britney economy
The price paid for paparazzi photos by US glossies has plummeting by 31%, according to a survey by The Daily Beast. Has the recession caused the celebrity media bubble to burst, or have celebrities just become more boring?
Why wine critics are just taking the piss
The ratings and medals meted out to fine wines aren’t worth the fancy-pants label-paper they’re printed on, according to scientists. In blind tests, critics regularly give the same wine completely different reviews.
49 million Americans go hungry
A new report from the US Department of Agriculture has found that one in six Americans went hungry last year — the highest number on record — as the country’s recession took its toll.
Australia grows sceptical about global warming
A new Morgan poll has found a growing level of scepticism towards global warming by Australians over the past 12 months, says Possum Comitatus — especially amongst regional and rural voters.
Goodbye from Rocky & Gawenda
Michael Gawenda and his dog Rocky say goodbye to their blog… for now.
Crabb: Combet turns comedian while the Coalition clowns around
Greg Combet isn’t usually Parliament’s resident comedian, says Annabel Crabb, but he had them rolling in the aisles yesterday. Punchlines are a-dime-a-dozen with the Coalition’s climate sceptics around.
