September, 2010
Taking care of business and strippers
It’s relatively common in old boy style businesses — ie. at Goldman Sachs in the US — for events to be held at upscale strip clubs or for sexy dancers to appear. But why do we tolerate this sexism in the office? asks Tracy Clark-Flory.
Film review: I’m Still Here — a wild ride
The big question hanging over Casey Affleck’s “meldown-umentary” about two-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix is whether or not it is one gigantic ruse. But this raw, awful, terrific film somehow renders that question irrelevant, writes Luke Buckmaster.
Did anyone listen to Latham’s how-to-vote advice?
Prior to the latest federal election, 60 Minutes “journalist” Mark Latham pleaded with Australians to leave the ballot paper blank for an informal vote. Then there was a rise of 5.6% of informal votes, writes Peter Brent.
Ant’s Analysis: NRL predictions finals week two
What a cracking start to the finals in 2010. The Sea Eagles got the boot they deserved, while the Warriors’ season probably ended a little prematurely, but that’s how we role in the McIntyre System, writes Ant Halstead.
infographic 
Putting the market value of Facebook into perspective
Recent estimates have given Facebook a valuation of around US$33 billion. What could you do with that sort of money? For starters, you could buy Yahoo! and AOL and still have US$12 billion to spare.
All my best relatives are gay
The sister of newest Republican senator nominee for Delaware, the ultra-conservative Tea Party supported Christine O’Donnell, is an out-and-proud lesbian. She’s the latest in a long line of gay family members of homophobic politicians.
The wealthy are invincible? That’s a bit rich
Conventional wisdom may suggest that the upper class are more or less impervious to the effects of economic recession, but two American economists argue the opposite is true, with the richest people feeling the effects of economic downturn more than any other income group.
Why outdated browsers are holding back the internet
The next time a box appears on your screen asking whether you want to update your browser, be sure to click “yes.” Chris Wilson believes old web browsers are limiting the capabilities of the internet. Here’s why.
What to do when your eyeball pops out of its socket
Need advice on what to do in case one of your teeth gets punched out or you accidentally cut off a finger? CNN provides a handy (if somewhat gruesome) how-to guide. Tip: don’t put a cut finger directly on ice, it’ll get freezer burn.
World’s weirdest pets
The latest Guinness World Records edition is out, including a bumper 10 pages on pets. Here’s some highlights, including the “longest jump by a rabbit” record and the “most prolific chicken.”
Still no peace in sight for Israel-Palestine
Only a fortnight remains of Israel’s settlement freeze, but despite days of intense peace talks brokered by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, no resolution was reached.
Grattan: Keeping a lid on Rudd and Turnbull
The circumstances that led to Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull falling from power are eerily similar, and now their respective leaders must confront the challenge of how to manage then, writes Michelle Grattan.
My Cup Of Tea: Real cultural policy change comes down to Conroy
Policy that talks only of ‘the arts’ misses huge swathes of Australian cultural activity. That’s why the real action won’t be under the new Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean but in Conroy’s portfolio of Communications.
great read 
Blogging Mexico’s messy drug war
Written by an anonymous twentysomething student, Blog De Narco chronicles the brutal violent drug wars underway in Mexico, including photos of bloody assassinated bodies and gold saint-encrusted guns. Boing Boing interviews the creator.
The media and the “riots” in Yuendumu
At around 4pm yesterday Northern Territory police mentioned “disturbances” at Yuendumu and by 6pm TV networks were reporting a “riot.” That description is simplistic and wrong, writes Frank Baarda.
interactive map 
Afghanistan election polling density
Consult this map of Afghanistan for a representation of residents per polling centre.
Kevin Rudd was the big winner in the election campaign
After being knifed as leader Kevin Rudd sought two contradictory aims: for Labor to lose the election and for him to be appointed as Foreign Minister. Miraculously he achieved both, writes Joe Hildebrand.
Greens sandwiched between ideology and realism
The Greens have never had to be economically credible but now, thrust into a pivotal role in Labor’s minority government, the time has come for them to rejig their policies and find a responsible middle ground between ideology and reality, says Paul Murray.
Morocco: where the days are hot, and the camels delicious
Some insist that the only way to truly experience a country is to organise yourself a homestay. We can all agree that this idea is unadulterated horseshit, says Kevin O’Faircheallaigh. That is, unless you’re talking about a Moroccan riad.
Abu Dhabi’s twin solar powered crystalline towers
Currently under construction, Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters will be quite a sight to see: twin solar powered towers featuring a “honeycomb facade,” sky gardens and a plantation of palm trees.
graph pr0n Where does Australia’s arts funding go?
Last year Opera Australia received more funding than all the 781 other arts boards and projects combined. Marcus Westbury breaks down the Australia Council arts funding fiasco.
OPI chief accuses the Oz of intimidation over Stewart case
The director of the Victorian Office of Police Integrity, Michael Strong, has accused The Australian of conducting a campaign designed to intimidate him and his staff during the OPI’s investigation of reporter Cameron Stewart.
Fresh documents reveal full extent of The Age’s circulation strategy
Confidential Age circulation data shows Fairfax Media bulk-distributed more than 47,000 weekday copies of the newspaper to schools and universities in 2007, despite reporting just 1,640 education copies to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.
Despite Centro crash, directors continue to collect
Corporate Australia tends to have a short memory when it comes to company directors’ pay.
