New art is not just challenging — it’s also very popular. Crikey arts correspondent Ben Eltham fought through the crowds at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art to find a vibrant and pleasing exhibition demonstrating what contemporary art should be.
April, 2011
Why Fox dumped Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck’s show on Fox News generated healthy ratings, so why did the network decide to axe it? Probably because Beck is regarded as a loose cannon, writes Matt Lewis.
US Republicans have upper hand in pushing boundaries
Three of the largest states in the US have the most interesting redistricting processes taking place now.
Why mainstream media are failing to report on climate change
The media’s fascination with conflict and debate crudely simplifies complex scientific subjects such as climate change. Media outlets need to sacrifice a punchy headline for nuanced evidence-based analysis, writes Brian McNair.
Why act on Libya and not climate change?
Emergencies such as the conflict in Libya have generated quick and decisive responses from governments around the world. So why aren’t we acting on the greatest emergency of them all: climate change? asks The Independent.
theatre reviews 
Shared Frequencies — Sydney Theatre
Two brave new works make up the Sydney Dance Company’s latest production. During these compelling shows, one is constantly reminded of just how superlative a troupe of dancers the SDC have, writes Lloyd Bradford Skye.
Little Johnny movie review (MICF) — hopelessly unfunny
Screening as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Little Johnny is a bright and glossy animated feature that looks great. Trouble is, its clunky screenplay appears to have been written by a group of drunk geezers, writes Luke Buckmaster.
Security madness at Melbourne airport
The idiotic evacuation of the Qantas/Jetstar domestic terminal at Melbourne airport is a clear reminder of how stupid Australia is when it comes to airport security, writes Ben Sandilands.
A little bit of good news for the starving
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index has dropped for the first time after eight months of continuous price spikes, reports Richard Farmer.
The ONE HD Rebrand
Conceptually One HD was the smartest of the FTA digital channels. It will will be relaunched on 8 May with aspirations of a 2.5% audience share, writes Dan Barrett.
Bolt on trial: Herald Sun wants to publish the lot
The Herald Sun has launched an unprecedented bid to publish the totality of “proceedings, argument and evidence” in the Andrew Bolt racial discrimination case, sparking fears of a massive media campaign to bag the trial in the eyes of the public.
Health funding faces the chop but has Carr saved science?
Budget cut speculation is centring on the Health portfolio, with big cuts rumoured for medical research. But other areas look safer.
Roads, rates, rubbish … foreign policy? Recreating local government
Local government is about more than roads, rates and rubbish. But it’s not about international diplomacy, one Sydney mayor and president of the local government alliance insists. So what good is a new-age council?
Video of the Day: Morgan Spurlock on brand marketing and sponsorship
Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, who shot to international fame after making the fast food doco Super Size Me, discusses brand marketing and sponsorship in a speech for TED. To prove a point — we’re not sure which — Spurlock went onto eBay before his address and auctioned the title of his speech.
Tips and rumours: Tips and rumours
Queensland political moves? Corridor whispers in Queensland say action may be on before the end of next week… Drinks with the Labor heavies. Spotted enjoying many bevvies at Portia’s Place Chinese restaurant in Canberra on Monday night: AWU national secretary Paul Howes, ALP NSW general secretary Sam Dastyari and Wayne Swan’s chief of staff Jim […]
Crikey Says: Of plot points, polls and (no) policies
Campbell Newman’s political masterstroke/death wish is all very entertaining. But as Benjamin Law points out in Crikey today, there’s one minor matter: the LNP currently has no policies.
Political snippets: Richard Farmer’s chunky bits: Ordinary folk ignored by foreign affairs
Australians think that the government paid too little attention to the opinions of ordinary people when making foreign policy, according to the last annual Lowy Institute survey.
Morning Market Report: Portugal applies for bailout
Portugal said that it will apply for bailout funds. There is a threat of a US government shutdown on Friday if leaders cannot agree on the budget – it was last shutdown in 1995.
Media briefs: Curly issues for The Age … bye bye Beck …
Paul Austin’s appointment as The Age’s opinion and analysis editor has sparked major conflict of interest concerns as his wife, Josephine Cafagna, cranks up Victorian premier Ted Baillieu’s media strategy as its chief spin doctor. Plus, other media news.
Chewing up the Greens — the Israel boycott backlash
The Greens have been labelled, in media and political discourse, as “extremists” for the NSW arm’s position on BDS. But how reasonable and representative is the mainstream debate on this issue, asks Associate Professor Jake Lynch?
Benjamin Law: the Passion of the Campbell
Campbell Newman has become the phantom menace of Queensland parliament, says Benjamin Law, the unseen Sith Lord pulling the strings from behind the curtain. He’s already riding high in the polls, but the policy cupboard is bare.
NSW Labor’s parting gift — a rise in unemployment
Big falls in unemployment in Victoria and South Australia have helped drive the national unemployment rate below 5% in March.
A new desert storm on the line in Syria
An unseasonal chill has settled over much of Syria, bringing the balmy spring temperatures down by half in many places, writes a Crikey reader from Damascus.
