The use of national literacy and numeracy tests to create league tables for Australian schools is dividing educators and the nation. Crikey wraps this morning’s media coverage.
January, 2010
Could GM corn be deadly?
A recent study found links between agri-giant Monsanto’s genetically modified corn and organ failure in lab rats. Nevertheless, Australia has given it the OK for import. So is it still safe to show down on a cob?
How the US military funds the Taliban
Afghanistan is beset by immense corruption, with US contracts going to Afghan subcontractors, whom then have to give cash to the Taliban in extortion fees. Douglas Wissing explains the futile political attempts to stop it.
No dignity for the dead in Haiti
In a country where funerals are the most sacred ceremonies and vodoo beliefs demand a strong connection with the dead, Haitians are no longer counting or burying the thousands of corpses left after the earthquake.
Film review: In the Loop — a bitterly hilarious war of words
Political wonks rejoice. In the Loop is a film stuffed to the gills with words – mean, pointy, slashing words — used in the brittle back rooms of power machinations and PR spin during a time of war, explains Luke Buckmaster.
Jetstar undercuts Qantas which upper cuts Jetstar who then kick Qantas in the… you get the idea
Qantas is engaged in a heated discount fare battle with… itself, with its own low-cost carrier Jetstar undercutting it on Melbourne to Bangkok flights, says Ben Sandilands.
The death of the Washington Post
The once great Washington Post is crumbling: plagued by ethics scandals, dwindling finances and lacking any strong identity, the paper is scrambling for a way forward. The New Republic chronicles its demise.
The old woman who lived in her shoes
Ladies, be warned. We work and earn less than men, yet are more likely to spend our incomes on frivolous items. Meaning, we have less savings and less financial independence. It’s a trend that has to end, says Jen Vuk.
How The Wiggles took over the world
The Wiggles aren’t just four dorks in coloured skivvies: they’re four very powerful, very rich dorks in skivvies. The band’s members explain how they turned a dancing dinosaur and big red car into a multi-million-dollar empire.
Did Kosky deserve the criticism?
Troubled Victorian transport minister Lynne Kosky quit this week, giving Premier John Brumby a get-out-of-jail-free card for the portfolio plagued with major public transport issues. But how much was Kosky to blame?
How Kraft gobbled up Cadbury
The Kraft snack food empire just got even more monolithic, finally succeeding in its bid to take over British chocolate giant Cadbury in a £11.9bn (about AU$21bn) takeover deal. The Guardian has a taste of how the deal went down.
Peter Cosgrove: Assimilation is not a dirty word
From the Cronulla riots to the violence against Indian students, there is obviously an undercurrent of racism in Australia, says General Peter Cosgrove. But we shouldn’t panic and change our immigration laws because of it.
Another best job in the world
Remember the infamous ‘best job in the world’, where Ben Southall beat 34,000 candidates to be a ‘caretaker’ on Hamilton Island? There’s a multitude of similar jobs out there, but would you even want one? asks Amber Jamieson.
Australians cool on global warming
A new Morgan poll has found an increasing number of Australians think concerns over global warming and exaggerated, and an increasing partisan divide on the CPRS legislation. Possum Comitatus crunches the numbers.
Bartlett: Public housing prejudices live on
It is refreshing to see outraged newspaper columns attacking hatred towards fellow residents and their snobbish, intolerant views against public housing, rather than feeding it, writes Andrew Bartlett.
Celebrities in trackies: a trend that must end
Sean Macaulay has noticed a disturbing increase in the number of celebrities wearing tracksuit pants in public — and he doesn’t like it.
Dump Internet Explorer? Stay alert but not alarmed
In the wake of cyber attacks on Google, media outlets are relaying recommendations from government information security agencies to stop using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. So do you really need to break up with your browser?
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Crikey on the money about Rann’s Lance Armstrong spend
Public money comes with a level of public exposure and accountability, writes one Crikey reader, as they weigh in on Mike Rann, Lance Armstrong and the Tour Down Under debacle.
Media wrap: Is it time to ditch Internet Explorer?
The French and German governments are both publicly calling on their citizens to stop using Microsoft’s default Internet Explorer web browser, prompting just news outlets world-wide to weigh-in on whether or not readers should give IE the flick.
Brumby falling on his sword over liquor laws
The controversial one-size-fits-all approach to Victoria’s liquor licensing laws is again under fire after a Queen Vic Market wine shop was classified as a “high risk” venue in the same league as a 1,000-capacity South Melbourne superclub.
Media briefs: Saudi Prince discusses News Corp alliance …War over Matt’s Brown underpants
Saudi Prince Alwalleeed bin Talal is in discussion with Rupert Murdoch over a possible alliance, The Daily Tele and Illawarra Mercury go tail to tail over Matt Brown’s underpants and other media land news.
Crikey Says: Find Wills a missus? Now that’s a blue from the Bolt
Does anyone in Australia actually give a flying fig about Prince William? Yes, if you believe the David Flints of the world: a group of people whose entire support for the monarchy seems more like something out of a trashy romance novel.
