Canberra’s Camelot: take the Lodge tourGet ready for some political voyeurism as Thérèse Rein opens the doors of the prime ministerial residence to a TV show. But can we really pretend that the Lodge has the same mystique as the White House? asks Mel Campbell.
February, 2010
Greek bailout offers ouzo many problems
It now seems very likely that France and Germany will lead the EU to bail out the struggling Greek economy. Does this attempt to save the euro simply highlight the fragility of a single European currency?
This week in political polling…
With two polls out this week, Labor is coming in with a two party preferred of 55.4%, while the phone pollster trend has broke below the 54% barrier for the first time under the Rudd. Possum Comitatus crunches the figures.
Google continues its world domination, this time with faster internet
How does ultra high speed fibre optic internet sound? While we wait patiently for the National Broadband Network, Google announces its move to fibre optic networks. Can it really make the internet “better and faster for everyone”?
David Marr: Climate change has been chucked into the too hard basket
Climate change? That was so last year, laments David Marr. Canberra has grown tired of it because it’s all too complicated, and it’s far more interesting to see Tony Abbott dance around and make a fool of himself.
Sex, lies and video tape: my life as a John Edwards’ staffer
With the sex scandal, love child, lies and cancer stricken wife, it mustn’t have been easy to work on the failed John Edwards presidential campaign. Former staffer Wendy Button explains life in the middle of the mess.
Jetstar now on collision course with Vietjet
Scarcely a month after entering a low cost carrier alliance with Air Asia, Jetstar’s battered Vietnam ambitions now face competition from a joint venture in the form of Vietjet Air Asia.
Crikey Roadtest: Miracle Fruit tablets
It’s a party in our mouths, and everyone’s invited! The Crikey Team goes “flavour tripping” with Miracle Fruit tablets, the little purple pills that play havoc with your tastebuds.
The pursuit of Peter peters out — but more berating of Barnaby to come
Peter Garrett was spared a grilling over his bungling of the Green Loans and foil insulation program today, with all eyes were fixed firmly on Barnaby Joyce, waiting to see if he stumbles again, says Bernard Keane.
Why we need to kill the cul-de-sac
Living in a cul-de-sac might be great for street cricket, but they are a giant fail when it comes green urban planning. Cul-de-sacs use too much land and breed a population reliant on driving. The tranquillity isn’t worth the trouble.
RIP John Murta: an unethical, corrupt pork-barreler
A look back on the life of the longest serving member of the US house John Murtha shows a politician “corrupt in a completely, traditionally American way”, writes Jenn Kepka.
Press pack turns on Kev
Is the honeymoon finally over for Mr 70%? The pundits are increasingly laying into Kevin Rudd, with his appearance on the ABC’s Q&A on Monday coming under particular scrutiny this morning.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Laughing at the Men at Work vs. Kookaburra case
Crikey readers weigh in on the Men at Work vs. Kookaburra copyright case. What kind of culture do we live in where a few notes can land you in a courtroom? asks one reader. Plus, safety issues for coal miners.
Macquarie’s missing millions leave shareholders guessing
What has happened to the A$500 million that Macquarie gouged from its former stable of listed infrastructure funds since September? asks Karen Maley.
Business As Usual: Here we go again, BHP the bank?
It’s smiles all around at the RBA, the CBA’s earnings are up 54%, Standard & Poor has warned it may cut the credit of Citigroup and Bank of America, China continues to be the world’s biggest car market, and more business briefs.
Prius debacle drives hole through the Camry
Toyota launched Australia’s first locally-produced hybrid on Monday, but the event has been smothered by the latest recall to hit the battered carmaker, writes James Stanford.
How corporate elections work: Rio Tinto case study
We should celebrate the fact that Rio Tinto is belatedly getting on with the job of board room renewal and accountability — albeit without fixing the glaring lack of Australian directors at a company that generates a majority of its profit from Australia.
Morning Market Report: Market up as results season continues
Good session on Wall Street overnight finishing up 150. The Dow was up 231 at best. The reason for the rise was the suggestion that the Germans will lead an EU bailout of Greece.
Hyundai employees blast their boss on Twitter
Employees of the Hyundai have unleashed a barrage of gripes on Twitter, complaining of a stressful work environment and a preferential treatment for Korean employees, reports Crikey intern Tristan Price.
Media briefs: Only private schools at AFR, NT News highlights
The NT News has a double whammy with the perfect front cover and the perfect story. Plus, The Oz slams TV fee returns, big names devoured BBC’s talent spending and other media news from today.
A drought affected farmer goes to Canberra
Farmer Rob Lennon went to Canberra to talk to Agriculture Minister Tony Burke about how the drought is affecting his farm.
Big Ted steps into the race debate
Victoria’s opposition leader Ted Baillieu has accused the Brumby government of being “in denial” over violence against Indians in Melbourne. It’s garnered him some headlines, but how will it play with the electorate?
