Photographer James Reynolds documents Death Row prisoners’ requests for their last meal before being executed — from a single olive to four icecreams to a pack of smokes.
December, 2009
VIDEO: The terror-fying new bowel cancer ad
A new ad to raise awareness of bowel cancer from the Gut Foundation features a very realistic looking terrorist attack on Sydney. It’s bound to get lots of people talking — but will it be for the right reasons?
Rolling Stone‘s top 25 albums of 2009
The endless lists of “top albums/movies/dog breeds of the year” continue, with Rolling Stone weighing in on 2009’s best albums. U2, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan? Wait, what year is it again?
Download the First Dog on the Moon nativity scene
Click below to download your very own First Dog on the Moon nativity scene… unless you’re not a subscriber, in which case you can’t have one! Fortunately, you can sign up for a FREE 21-day trial subscription below. It’s a Christmas miracle! Subscribers, Download your nativity scene here [pdf] Right click and “save as”
revealed 
How Tiger squashed the sex scandal in 2007
The truth may have finally caught up with him, but Tiger Woods kept his private life private for many years, cutting a deal with Men’s Health in 2007 to cover up some saucy pictures.
Download Paul Carr’s True Confessions Of A New Media Whore free
Online journalist Paul Carr has made the controversial move of releasing the entire text of his popular 2008 book, Bringing Nothing To The Party: True Confessions Of A New Media Whore free online. Read his justification — and the book — here.
Nuclear weapons, war and China: the biggest problems of the year ahead
2010 is already shaping up to be a troublesome year in world politics, writes Daniel Flitton. Think the threat of nuclear weapons in Iran, the US military messes of Iraq and Afghanistan and the burgeoning power of China.
ACMA’s Christmas present to commercial TV
ACMA has tried to sneak in its new commercial TV code of practice in under the Christmas radar, with a lovely secret santa to broadcasters: they can now run as many 10-second ads as they want, back to back, provided they dress them up as show promos.
The worst ideas of the decade
What were we thinking? The Washington Post names some of the dumbest decisions of the 2000s, from broadcasting reality TV dancing competitions, to letting Osama escape in the battle of Tora Bora.
Tight arses unite for a merry homebrand Christmas
Branded grocery item prices are soaring while homebrand versions are dropping in price. Start buying no name to reign those greedy big brands in, says the government. But should we blame brands or the supermarkets?
Why Murdoch and Google are fighting on the same side
Contrary to popular belief, Rupert Murdoch and Google aren’t at odds over their visions for the future of the news, says Mark Day: both know a big game changer is looming in the near future, and it’s called the e-Reader.
Inside the lions’ den
Learn the true truth about king of the jungle from the world’s foremost lion expert in this colourful and comprehensive look at life inside the lion pack.
Mavericks are not messiahs
A warning to Tony Abbott: Barnaby Joyce on the front bench will do more harm than good, says Peter van Onselen. Having an independent thinker is a disaster when it comes to controlling a group. Is Joyce being promoted beyond his own competence?
The Osama bungle: time to pass the impassable
For a country who prides itself on dominance and power, why can’t the US just catch Osama Bin Laden? Eight years after Tora Bora, it’s time to head into Pakistan and stop this embarrassing stain on US military history, writes Maureen Dowd.
2009: a dangerous year to be a journo
The number of journalists killed in the line of duty hit a record high of 68 in 2009, thanks to the recent slaughter of 30 reporters in the Philippines, as well as conflict in Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan. Things still looking relatively safe from Crikey’s 7th floor city office, thankfully.
How Michelle became the popular Obama
During the 2008 presidential campaign, many voters were unimpressed with the strong and feisty Michelle Obama. How did she change her image to smiley and popular Mom-in-Chief? Thank Bo and the vegie garden.
Kelly: The power behind Julia, the people’s princess
Deputy PM Julia Gillard’s image has moved from leftie Work Choice demolisher to capable and popular Acting PM. Can her so-called Education Revolution work to solidify her policy making skills? asks Paul Kelly.
Saab is dead
Unable to find a buyer for the brand, General Motors is killing off Saab after 62 years of production, sending it to join Saturn, Pontiac and Oldsmobile in the big GM caryard in the sky.
Green shoots, Octomom and Aporkalypse: the biggest buzzwords of ’09
The NYT wraps all the stupid words and catch-phrases we over-used in 2009 and hope to never hear again in 2010: sexting, birthers, I’mma let you finish, death panels and more.
The dream and the dragon: the two world powers
If Copenhagen has taught us anything, it’s not to underestimate the power of the US and China. While the US is getting much of the blame for Copenhagen failures, if China wants to be a superpower it needs to face its climate responsibilities.
Vic Newspoll: 57-43 to Labor
The latest Victorian state Newspoll finds the ALP’s two-party lead unchanged on 57-43, despite their primary vote dropping two points to 41%, while the Coalition remains steady on 35%, reports William Bowe.
The real story behind Obama’s Copenhagen deal
Why was Barack Obama announcing a “first step” deal in Copenhagen, while the leader of the G77 claimed no deal was made? Mother Jones reveals how the US walked over Europe and developing nations to broker a deal no one actually wanted.
Kohler: Copenhagen kills Rudd’s ETS
The failure of Copenhagen leaves Kevin Rudd with two choices, writes Alan Kohler: call a double dissolution election then force the CPRS through a joint sitting of parliament, or wait until after the next climate change conference in Mexico and hope for the best.
