How smartphones can become superphonesAt the launch of Google’s Nexus One mobile phone earlier this year, the company coined the term “superphone.” But what does that mean? For starters: better hardware, larger screens and multiple microphones, writes Jolie O’Dell.
July, 2010
McCain’s transformation from rabble rouser to party hack
John McCain used to be something of a free spirit, speaking out against his party on issues of conscience. But in the last few months the former “maverick” has pathetically toed the party line, writes Jacob Weisberg.
How Obama has let down the left
Despite introducing universal health care and liberal-slanted stimulus spending many American progressives have deemed Obama’s presidency a flop. But why? The answer goes beyond filibusters, writes Peter Beinart.
Is Gillard Australia’s first bogan Prime Minister?
Forget about Julia Gillard being our first female PM, an unmarried atheist or a feisty red-head. Most importantly Julia aka Jool-ya from Melbourne’s western suburbs may be our first purebred bogan Prime Minister.
Henderson: Gillard should check the rear-view mirror
Julia Gillard’s boat people speech last week may have been titled ‘Moving Australia Forward’ but now is a good time to look back on the asylum seekers debate and sort out the facts, writes Gerard Henderson.
Will there be an East Timor Solution or not?
Daily Media Wrap: The above question is a simple one, perhaps, but not one the government appears to be capable of answering.
Studying the world’s oldest profession
Amsterdam’s Red Light district may be a cheesy tourist destination, but the Dutch sex industry is being rocked by allegations of under-age prostitutes being controlled by pimps known as “loverboys”.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn to ‘crowd funding’
Despite developing a cult following over the years, David Lynch still can’t get backing for his new documentary. Never mind, the weirdest man in Hollywood is turning to “crowd funding” in order to get his latest project made.
The future of objective journalism
Should journos still adhere to the traditional constraints of objectivity? Jay Rosen and David Weigel — who recently quit WashPo after his personal emails were leaked — chat about the difficulties.
Fee fi fo fum: the internet’s up-and-coming giants
You may not have heard of companies such as DST, Naspers and Tencent, but their track record of making big investments in emerging online companies is paying serious dividends and setting a new precedent for internet financiers.
Sotomayor’s first term: how’s she doing?
It’s been a year since the high profile appointing of the first Latina US Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. Her report card so far? Works very hard but occasionally talks too much in class.
Genius radio, what a Nerve
Why was Paul McCartney’s Yesterday special? Why do mothers sing to their babies? In a higher voice? Do babies make us sing to them? One simple ABC podcast teaches W H Chong so much.
Google — putting geopolitical disputes on the map
Google — everyone’s favourite ‘frenemy’ — are stirring up trouble again. This time they have embroiled themselves in a long-running geopolitical dispute between India and China. John Gravois investigates.
South African plonk nothing to whine about
While the World Cup has been winning plaudits for bringing a divided nation closer together, South Africa’s wine industry is also beginning to overcome its colonial heritage after enduring years of apartheid trade restrictions.
High customers in line for low prices
Californian marijuana smokers may be passing substantially discounted dutchies to the left hand side if Proposition 19 comes into effect. Seeking to legalise marijuana, researchers claim it will virtually guarantee slashed pot prices.
Antidepressants threaten to upset ecosystem life
New research reveals humans aren’t the only species affected by antidepressants. Rising levels of the antidepressant fluoxetine can drastically alter the behavior of shrimp and in turn threaten the food-chain.
Crikey Says: Telling the truth on Afghanistan
As casualty numbers go up, and community support goes down, it’s worth reminding ourselves again why Australia is losing lives and spending billions in a far-away-land called Afghanistan …
A climate storm for investors
A moment is approaching when science and markets will collide, but then merge, with chilling consequences for investors who miss the moment and great excitement for those who are well prepared, writes Paul Gilding.
Twain: Journalistic interviews are like a cyclone — they blow
During the course of Mark Twain’s career, he was interviewed frequently by reporters. Here, in a newly published essay, the celebrated author reveals his true feelings on the journalistic interview.
Special investigation: Who profits from our foreign aid?, Essential on Labor’s lead, Yo soy espanol!
Possum: Gillard factor means polls doing the splits down gender lines
The Coalition is much stronger with males while the ALP is much stronger with females — a complete reversal of the 2007 election result.
Essential: Labor opens a lead again, asylum seeker approach popular
According to the latest Essential Research poll Labor continues to move ahead of the Coalition and has now accumulated a handy lead. Voters also approve of Julia Gillard’s shifts on the RSPT and asylum seekers.
World Cup: Yo soy español! A patriotic media celebrates the Cup
In Madrid’s wide boulevards they’re celebrating a World Cup win. And local media is enraptured, as it tweets, blogs and photographs the fiesta madness, writes Elisabeth Lopez.
Mountains hammer Armstrong: new rumours may repeat the dose
“Some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the nail,” Lance Armstrong said after a grueling Tour de France ride. Doping allegations are continuing to hammer the champion, says Bob Gosford.
