The story about violence and racism against Indian students in Melbourne isn’t going anywhere, but the real issue is our reliance on international students to fund our universities, writes Michael R. James.
February, 2010
Letter from...: Letter from…Rio de Janeiro: a streetcar named Desire
The bright lights of Rio make it feel like you’re living in a permanent fast lane with no drop-off zone in sight, writes Grant Doyle.
Daily Proposition: A gift shop that makes an impression
Looking for a lovely way to pass an afternoon in our nation’s capital? May I suggest a sojourn to the “Masterpieces from Paris” exhibition. And if the queues are too long, there’s always the gift shop.
Video of the Day: Jon Stewart battles Bill O’Reilly
The much anticipated appearance of Jon Stewart on The O’Reilly Factor. Watch as the funny man of the “liberal” media crosses swords with Fox’s favourite conservative.
Tips and rumours: Tips and rumours: NSW Police have banned access to Crikey
NSW Police have banned access to Crikey from its computers. Bureaucrats, police officers and even the media unit are required to fill in a special “request” form for access.
The very expensive risks of free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi networks at cafes may save you a few bucks, but they open your computer up to attackers and hijackers. When they say your java is “poisoned”, they’re not just talking about Starbucks’ coffee.
“Retardgate”: Palin sparks another media flame war
Sarah Palin has started another media storm by slamming Obama’s Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, for using the phrase “f-cking retarded”. Now the Special Olympics and Tea Party movement are involved.
Film review: Precious: outstanding feats of acting
Precious is not easy viewing, but people interested in acting as a craft will be impressed by some extraordinary performances driven by courage and conviction, says Luke Buckmaster.
Are Australians racist? The view from India
The local press has been full of “Are Australians racist?” op-eds over the past few weeks, and the issue is just as popular amongst pundits in India. A look at what the country’s commentators have been saying.
Marr: Highlights from the Parliamentary dog house
Federal Parliament is just like the dog pound, says David Marr: barking, growling and the looming threat of being put down.
Bishop: Let’s send India a peace offering — uranium
Deputy Opposition leader Julie Bishop has a novel idea for how Australia can repair its relationship with India over that whole “beating up Indian students” thing: agree to start selling the nuclear state uranium again.
A shopping trip with Abbott and Hockey
Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey were out on the hustings in enemy territory yesterday: Ainslie IGA in Canberra (think Northcote or Newtown). Hilarity ensued.
Taking a punt on the polls
Crikey’s Pollytics blog launches a new weekly feature: Betting Market Friday, doing nerdy number things with the federal election prices from Centrebet, IASbet, Sportingbet and Betfair.
iiNet and why ISPs can’t be content cops
Yesterday’s big win by internet service provider iiNet — clearing the company of responsibility for its users’ illegal online downloading — outlined exactly why ISPs can’t easily or effectively police their customers’ activities, explains Techdirt.
Toyota knew about dodgy Prius brakes
Toyota is recalling about 270,000 Prius cars in the US and Japan due to dodgy brakes — and Australia could be next. But here’s the kicker: according to CNN, the company knew as far back as January, and said nothing, putting thousands of lives at risk.
Former VP: How Microsoft lost its cool
Microsoft has truckloads of cash, employs some of the smartest people on Earth, and, until recently, completely dominated the computer industry. So how come it didn’t invent the iPad, iPod, BlackBerry or Kindle? Former VP Dick Brass explains.
Are film writers just frustrated film makers?
Like how all literary critics must be frustrated authors, is the myth that all film writers really want to be film makers actually true? Film writer Luke Buckmaster explains his story as he examines his vile hate mail.
The end of Uncle Sam’s reliance on the dragon?
Economic relations between the US and China have always been a successful “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” relationship. But with China in a tizz over the US weapons deal with Taiwan, who needs whom more now?
Tell it to them straight: you’re not conservative, mum, just homophobic
It’s all well and good for gay people to fight for gay rights, but let’s face it: they are in the minority. It’s time for straight people to fight homophobia in the home, not just go dancing at Mardi Gras, writes Katrina Fox.
Henry Kissinger: Obama needs to do more in Iraq than just leave
When it comes to Iraq, Barack Obama needs to focus on more than just withdrawing US troops. The war is shifting the whole geopolitics of the region and the future of radical Islam, writes former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Crikey Says: Rupert says content is king. It’s a clothes call
Rupert Murdoch has declared that “Content is not just king, it is the emperor of all things electronic”. Speaking of “emporers”…
Aussie bankers doing fee-nominally well
Executives at our biggest banks continue to enjoy a myriad benefits, the Big Four being among the most generous remunerators of executives in business. But lower-paid workers have not been so lucky.
How many jobs will Barnaby cost Australia?
Barnaby Joyce’s buffoonery is given a free pass by the media, where other politicians would be skewered. But eventually his antics will start to have real-world consequences.
