August, 2010
Crikey Says: That other former Labor leader…
He’s feisty, he’s a pugilist, a former Labor leader and he lives, mainly, in his own political past. The most exciting ex-leader in Australia is Paul Keating, and he’s at it again today.
Why America hasn’t connected with green energy
There are plenty of ideas floating around about sustainable energy solutions, but the bald truth is that only 7% of energy currently consumed in America is powered by renewable sources. Stephanie Powers explains why.
great read 
INTERACTIVE: Hurricane Katrina, five years on
Five years ago New Orleans was rocked by Hurricane Katrina. Check out USA Today’s superb multimedia site, outlining what happened in the storm, the immediate after effects and the rebuilding of a destroyed city.
Shareholders snag more rights in America
Under new rules passed this week by America’s Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders now have increased ability to nominate company directors. The business lobby is reportedly scrutinizing the new rules for possible weaknesses.
How many camels for the Independent bride?
This deal-making with Tony, Julia and the Independents is like organising a dowry for an arranged marriage, with the added sideshow of sporting achievements and Bob Katter’s Akubra, writes Samantha Maiden.
Paul Keating: Bugger Don Watson, Redfern was my speech
Stop giving Don Watson all the credit for the famous Redfern speech, they were my thoughts and my sentiments and I dictated them to Watson, declares former PM Paul Keating.
What might a Coalition government mean for health reform?
There is a distinct possibility that a huge amount of effort and resources invested in health care reform will end up in the dustbin under a Coalition government. Croakey compiles a list of what we can expect to be ditched.
The black hole of 20-somethings
It’s the classic Gen Y problem: they won’t grow up, move out of home, hold down steady jobs or take on responsibility. But why can’t this anxious group of 20-somethings get their act together?
Russian blogger are sad and cranky naysayers
The political blogosphere in Russia is a burgeoning sphere of vitriol and nastiness. Russian bloggers are quick to turn on anybody and the public would be well advised to stay away and stick with good old fashioned newspapers, writes Victor Davidoff.
Facebook death list leads to real life murders
A series of murders in a Columbian city appear to have been motivated by a Facebook ‘death list’ comprised of 69 names of adolescents who were warned to leave town, or die. Police say they don’t know who created the list or why.
How to turn savers into spenders
China has a serious economic issue: its citizens prefer to save their pennies rather than splash them about. They are just not reaching “their shopping potential”, says the WSJ.
Synchronized insurgents strike Iraq
Yesterday insurgents in Iraq launched a devastating string of coordinated attacks in 13 separate locations across the country. This new wave of violence arrives in the midst of America’s resolve to scale back its involvement and, by next year, end combat operations.
Shanahan: Back, back, back to the polls again
The prospect of either major party forming a stable minority government are getting increasingly slim. It is getting to the point at which Australia should decide by venturing back to the ballot box, writes Dennis Shanahan.
Abbott declines request for costings
Daily Media Wrap: The national sideshow starring Australia’s three amigo independents continues, with the trio of potential deal-makers requesting to scrutinize Treasury costings of both major parties. But Tony Abbott refused point black to comply. Has he got something to hide?
Sarah the Good Witch of the North
All of Sarah Palin’s supported political candidates had big wins at the US primaries overnight. Palin has a special brand of magic that the Republican Party would be stupid to ignore, says John Dickerson.
Meet Anne, the Vampire Weekend slayer
Vampire Weekend’s sophomore album Contra caused quite a stir upon its release, thanks in no small part to the striking blonde featured on the album cover. But did the band steal the iconic image? Jessica Flint investigates.
The St. George Dragons’ curse of Canberra
The Dragons just cannot beat the Raiders, writes Nick Tedeschi, and as they have not won in Canberra since 2000 the question must be asked: are they cursed?
Assange and the WikiLeaks fallout
The timing of the accusations against WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange are curious, to say the least, even if one hesitates short of any conspiracy line.
Independents’ day makes life difficult
The press gallery is desperately trying to predict the winner from the hung Parliament. It might be better off trying to work out why voters delivered it in the first place.
Monash student politicians turn feral over dirty tactics
The Monash Student Association (MSA) is in meltdown after members of its ruling clique sidelined rivals from running in forthcoming elections while paying a factional associate and adviser to Senator Gavin Marshall $32,000 to oversee its student elections.
Possum Comitatus: analysing the informal vote
Over the last 30 years or so, probably longer, the size and distribution of the informal vote that we see at every election can be largely explained by a handful of variables – with the election on Saturday being no exception.
Crikey Clarifier: Crikey Clarifier: the history of the informal vote in Australia
Crikey intern Jasmin Pfefferkorn unravels the history and use of the informal vote.
