How the Euro was built on a lieThe Euro is fundamentally flawed, says Der Spiegel: built on broken promises, fudged figures and dodgy deals. An excellent analysis on everything that’s wrong with Europe’s currency — and how it might be fixed.
March, 2010
Yudhoyono: Prepare for the Asian century
Indonesia is “more than a beach playground with coconut trees” or a “hotbed of Islamic extremism”. Australia needs to ditch the stereotypes, said Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a speech to parliament.
Queer eye for the straight Abbott
Tony Abbott wants to appeal to women? Well, paid parental leave is nice and everything, but Abbott really needs an image makeover. Stick to the boardies and wax that hairy chest, suggests Barry Doyle.
Just how big is the Facebook economy?
Investors are putting more and more money into businesses building Facebook games, apps and services, and the Guardian wants to know just how much: is Facebook the next big economy, or a bubble waiting to burst? Help them find out.
Sheridan: Nice neighbourly visit but no substance
The visit by Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been a positive love fest for all involved, writes Greg Sheridan. But Tony Abbott has been outshining our wannabe statesmen PM.
How Australia can save billions in health costs
Centre for Policy Development Board Director John Menadue and health economist Ian McAuley explain how billions could be trimmed from health budgets.
Grattan: Abbott will have to cave SA election minus nine days
With just over a week to go until the SA election, William Bowe wraps the biggest election news of the week, from polling results to how preferences will play out.
The annual Anzac Day debate misses the point. Again.
Every year as April 25 approaches, the nation descends into squabbling over the significance of Anzac Day. But re-read your history books, says Erdem Koc: it was an empire-led invasion that had very little to do with us as a nation or the freedoms we enjoy today.
The quake that moved a city
Last week’s Chilean earthquake was so powerful that the city of Concepción moved three metres to the west. This will be one of the most studied and important earthquakes of all time, says scientists.
Why vegetarians should be weary of wine
Not all wines are necessarily suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans, since a large range of wineries use animal-based products in the ‘fining’ process of their wines, including crab shells and animal bones.
No such thing as freedom of tweet
Yes, logically you know that everything on Twitter is public, but since no one usually picks up your witty little remarks, it’s always a surprise when one day you cross the line and the media is reporting your tweets. Don’t let it be.
Interview with author Peter Goldsworthy
Angela Meyer talks to Peter Goldsworthy about his new book Gravel — a collection of amusing and moving short stories — and how to maintain a “perfect balance” in life for crafting good writing.
Govt throws grenade at Senate blockade
A team of Rudd Government ministers has attacked Tony Abbott and the Coalition over the blockage of the Government’s bills in the Senate. But is it really obstructionism, or is the Government simply not very good at negotiating with the minor parties? asks Bernard Keane.
‘Threatened’ Tony has opportunity to repent — in budgies
Tony Abbott’s comments on homosexuality — saying he felt “threatened” by gays — have been roundly attacked as homophobic. Now Tony has a chance to repent, resplendent in the latest designer speedos. Will he accept?
Video of the Day: And now for some witty filler
The problem with 24 hour news channels is that there constantly needs to be something (anything!) happening just to fill up the air time. Luckily, notes The Onion, there is always some bullshit happening somewhere.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Abbott’s tax fraught with problems
Crikey readers weigh in on paid maternity leave — opportunistic by Abbott to the extreme, says onw commenter. Plus, The Monthly and fat families do not equal fat dogs!
Joye: RBA wakes up to the fact affordability battle won on supply side
The housing cost problems faced by Australians can be resolved mostly by elastifying the supply side — building more homes. The Reserve Bank is now waking up to the fact, writes Christopher Joye.
Warning: RBA to crunch housing boom to save economy from overheating
The current housing boom risks ending in tears with the Reserve Bank forced to crunch it to save the rest of the economy from overheating.
Business As Usual: Murdoch has wind … while son James goes ‘very BBC’ … China car sales drop down a cog …
After a rebuf from China, Rupert Murdoch is busy telling the Middle East what to do … just as clone son James will be doing (probably BBC style). Plus: New Year celebrations slowed car sales in China, the gulf between US and Australia widens and more business news.
DiMattina gets a lesson in rebranding
The Melbourne cafe at the centre of a bullying controversy is facing a tough journey back to profitability as it struggles to separate itself from the tragic suicide of 19-year-old waitress Brodie Panlock.
Cricket Australia to go after big bucks with the Big Bash
Stung into action by the astonishing popularity of Twenty20, Cricket Australia is looking at restructuring its summer program to take advantage of the pulling power of the 20-over game., writes Jon Pierik
